Upon returning home from the Good Shepherd Partnership Gathering in Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia on 2nd and 3rd June, the core team members immediately set forth to plan and organise an echo session for fellow teachers of Mariaville Kindergarten in Ipoh. The echo session was held on 20th June 2012.

Members of the core team – Christina Noel, Yeong Chee Keong, Hannah Chan, Amy Foo, Catherine Lim, Parames and Angie with Sr Dorothy Khaw.

The session began with Amy giving a short introduction of the core team’s experience in KL. Sr. Dorothy was then invited to light the candle which we had brought back from KL. The Good Shepherd Partnership song was sung as we viewed a powerpoint presentation of events held in the school during the past few months.

Sr. Dorothy shared briefly on Good Shepherd Partnership in Mission especially for those who are new to our organization. Amy followed with an explanation of Good Shepherd Mission, using the 3 layered tea as an illustration. Mr. Yeong then demonstrated the making of the 3 layered tea. He shared his personal feelings of how he had been living Good Shepherd Mission when he reflected on his experience doing this activity at the gathering in KL. He felt that he needed to look more deeply into his spiritual life as he realized that the God-consciousness is also an important component.

The teahers were divided into small groups for each one to make her own 3 layered tea. They were asked to share on the following questions

1. What was significant for you as you did this activity?

2. What was stirring within you?

3. Can you draw any parallels between your experience in this activity with how you are living out the Good Shepherd Mission/Values in Mariaville Kindergarten?

The Plenary session began with Angie sharing her reflections on the weekend. She also likened the three layered tea as the Management, the Staff and the parents all blending together to work for the betterment of the children.

Reports from the small group discussions:

Question 1:

> Focused on making their tea neat and truly three layered.

> Patience.

> Ensure the correct proportion of each component so that the mixture tastes good and just right.

Question 2:

> Uneasiness as it was more difficult to stir the sugar from the bottom. Most shared that this reflects on situations in their life.

> Disappointment that the tea did not turn out as they wanted it. They experienced a lot of worry and anxiety on the outcome of their tea. Some feld it would be good to be patient in whatever we do.

> Others were very careful with their mixtures and were happy with the taste of their tea.

Question 3:

> As we concentrate on wanting to make a good cup of 3 layered tea, we need to focus on our mission in Mariaville.

> Life is like an echo; we get out of life what we ourselves make of it.

> The experience brought to mind the importance of teamwork, reconciliation and appreciation.|/p>

> We have to be open to change. If at first we don’t succeed, we have to keep trying. Practice makes perfect.

> It is important for us to be open to suggestions, to try new things.

> There has to be a balance in life in everything we do.

Sr. Dorothy then summed up all the sharings and reflections and helped to show connectio. the symbol of the 3 layered tea and the living out of Good Shepherd mission as staff of Mariaville.

The group then shared briefly on “How do we as leaders live out the Good Shepher Mission?”

Christina Noel explained that each one of us is a leader in our own way. Whether as a teacher, cleaner, security guard or gardener, we are leaders for the children in our care. She said that we have to constantly remind ourselves of our Good Shepherd Mission and Values and to keep ourselves on track in whatever we do.

The staff felt they have to set a good example for each other and for the children. The children are constantly observing and looking for guidance from them. Some also felt that it is very important to show a lot of love to the children.

The echo session ended with a powerpoint presentation on “Go Light Your World.”