Wawa’s Ride: Discovering Strength, Family, and a Bigger World

Hello, my name is Wawa. I am 16 years old.

Before the trip started, when I found out I would get to join the bike ride, I felt very excited because I had waited for this moment for a long time. But I also felt a little worried.

I was scared to talk with the foreign riders because I thought I might not understand them. But when I tried talking and playing with everyone, I stopped feeling worried. Everyone tried to speak and explain in simple words so I could understand.

At that moment, I believed that I could do it. I had seen older kids ride before and thought it would be easy. But the truth is, it was not easy at all.

On the first day, the ride was very long, with many sharp turns and very steep hills. There were a lot of slopes. I felt tired and a little discouraged, but I got through it.

I made it!

Before I succeeded, I want to thank the RED23 riders team and all the staff who took care of me and others. I also want to thank everyone at PAMA HOUSE for their encouragement. I always felt happy when I thought about their support and when they told me to keep fighting and finish the ride.

While riding, the riders often asked me questions and talked with me. They told me funny stories. I remember those feelings clearly, and they never went away. Those happy moments gave me the strength to keep going.

I felt very proud of myself on the first day because I was able to get through the steep hills and sharp turns. Sometimes I rode my bike, sometimes I had to push it, and walk.

I also learned about teamwork — how everyone supports each other and no one is left behind. That impressed me a lot, and I felt like we were one big family because everyone helped and cared for each other so well.

Riding the bike without knowing when I would arrive, and seeing the nature, the local people, and the buildings made me realize the world is much bigger than I thought.
There was a moment when I almost gave up. I fell and got slightly hurt. It hurt a little, but I saw everyone worried about me and encouraging me to keep going to reach the goal. After I got up, the pain went away. I didn’t want to disappoint everyone. Their care touched my heart deeply.
I got to know myself better after I finished the ride. I couldn’t believe I could do it because it took a lot of effort, determination, and patience. I also became braver in speaking English — I’m not as shy as before.
When we were close to the goal, I felt my heart drop. I was both happy and sad. I felt very close to everyone I spent the week with. The time passed so fast, it felt like a lie. I wished time could stop, but I knew everyone had responsibilities to go back to.

When I parted from everyone and got on the bus to go home, tears came to my eyes and I cried quietly. I didn’t want anyone to worry about me. Even as I’m writing this down now, I’m crying because I miss all the riders so much. We were such a great team!
When I returned to PAMA HOUSE, I hugged everyone tightly because I missed them a lot. The younger kids kept cheering me on all the time.

Setting a goal doesn’t mean we have to be perfect. For me, setting a goal means trying my best. Even if it’s hard sometimes, we can do it. It’s like unlocking a new skill, and I feel very proud to have achieved what I hoped.

From seeing everyone’s strong determination, I know they all want to help children be happy. Even though everyone was tired, I never heard them say the word "tired." They are very strong.
This RED23 ride changed how I see life completely. Everyone did it without expecting anything in return. It made me very grateful.

When I grow up, I want to do the same — to give and help others like they did, because I have received so much from them. I want to pass this kindness on to the younger kids when I grow up.

I want to tell kids who will join the next bike ride that courage is what helps us overcome fear. It helps us think and do more bravely, like doing what we love and telling others what we like. Don’t hesitate to do it. I believe everyone can do it because we all have determination. Success and the future are waiting for us. Keep fighting! I support all the kids who will join the next bike riding experience.

Finally, I want to thank Hands Across the Water for giving me this wonderful opportunity. I did things I never did before because I have lived at PAMA HOUSE for almost 10 years since I was a child. The word “thank you” is not enough for what I feel. It is more than words. It is so much I cannot explain. Thank you for always supporting me and for all your hard work to help kids live happily. Thank you very much.