To Judge, Or Not To Judge....

Last Sunday, April 16th was another opportunity to adjudicate a speech competition.

Not to Judge?

I was feeling terribly under the weather as I seemed to be having a stomach flu.

Not feeling up to it, but not wanting to disappoint anyone, I dragged myself out of bed, took some medication and called for a taxi.

It took me all the energy I had for that day, but I'm so glad I got to see the wonderful talents displayed, in English as well as Putonghua and Cantonese.

There is always at least one very enthusiastic child or parent., and this usually results in extra photo-taking, or lively conversation.

To Judge!

And that's all I needed that day. That lovely, bright girl who, after the ceremony, ran up to me while I was still seated and asked if she might recite a story she'd been practicing for a while.

With sparkling eyes, perfect facial expressions, and excellent intonation she brought the otherwise plain text to life like no-one else.

Invigorated.

The day was over, but where I'd felt lethargic before, I was now fully charged and invigorated by this beyond-standard performance.

I thanked the sprout wholeheartedly and left the premises with a grin which didn't go unnoticed...