Johnny was one of our newbie guides for this year's just-concluded awesome China Excursion. These are his diary entries that we salvaged from his cloud drive. (The chatbots ate the rest of his homework.) The experience changed him.

Day 1

Wake up around 7 am and immediately help Peter and Henry, Dato' Joey Yap's PAs, handle some Dato'-related tasks. This means looking into all the small details, like changing students' walkie-talkie batteries, so they can focus on enjoying the best trip of their lives. Done.

Meet students at the lobby after 8 am breakfast. Honestly, I'm nervous. I only talk to random people if they're friends of friends. But I'm co-leader for Bus D, so I must step up. I introduce myself to the students who are so warm and friendly, it really helps me to open up. This feels like talking to friends!

Our first stop is Wutaishan. I can already sense the cool air. When I was there earlier with the recce team, I had already fallen in love with it. The energy here felt strong, and while others felt its warmth, I felt cool, like something unique was speaking to me.

I guide the students with me to the main cave. Surprise! Many students are already inside. They invite me to join them in their manifestation. I feel like I'm part of their journey, which makes me really happy. Exploring the temple is a big breakthrough for me. I'm talking, helping, and connecting with students easily. Am I really an introvert?

But lunchtime is scary for me. I don't want to sit with students right away, so I act busy outside until the last seat is left (haha!). But Eddy Yap (Dato's bro) sees me and calls me over so I end up sitting with him and all the students.

I feel shy, but since I already know some of them from earlier, it seems easier. The waiters bring us rice while we wait for our dishes – and I wallop a whole bowl for myself right in front of the students! They are shocked. Eddy has the video evidence. I guess I'm not shy when I'm hungry.

We're at the second temple. It's huge, so tall. I invite a few students to climb with me. We chat about BaZi, QiMen, and I ask them why they've come for the excursion. Their answers are sincere and touching: most of them just want to manifest with Dato' and enjoy the journey.

We're halfway up when a few students ask to take pictures with me. I feel shy (especially since Dato' is watching!) but also proud because I didn't expect this. We get to the top together, manifest, and explore the temple grounds.

Everyone is exhausted. We freshen up at the hotel before heading out again for dinner. I'm still nervous about sitting with the students, so I do my usual “act busy” moves outside. Luckily, one of the students I know invites me to join him. It's cold outside!

We eat, drink, and listen to one another's stories. Some share how Dato' completely changed their lives from struggle to success. It gives me goosebumps. Dato' happens to be my uncle, but it still surprises me how deeply he has impacted others. (Note from Dato': You don't get paid extra for saying this.) It makes me proud and thankful for my unforgettable start to this journey. I'm learning I can help people too.