When we talk about hands, what comes to mind? Shaking hands when meeting someone? Holding hands with loved ones? Giving someone a helping hand? As I reflect on my third week in Medellín, I have come to see hands as not just physical tools but as powerful symbols of connection, support, and transformation. They have become the thread weaving through my experiences, each moment defined by the touch, guidance, and creation that hands enable.

Reflecting and Planning

The week began, as always, on Monday with reflections on the past and plans for the days ahead. These sessions have become the foundation of our work, where our hands are busy not just with writing, but with crafting our collective vision. The act of writing, of putting pen to paper, is not just about recording thoughts—it is about manifesting ideas into reality. Our hands make our plans tangible, turning abstract ideas into actionable steps. As we prepared for Tuesday’s collage, there were moments when a hug or a reassuring touch was the only way to express the mutual support we needed, especially after last week’s burnout. In these moments, our hands became a conduit for empathy, offering comfort without words. This week, the lessons of balance and pacing resonated deeply, as we realised that the journey we are on is not a sprint, but a marathon. The gentle touch of a hand on a shoulder or the simple act of writing down a shared goal reinforced the idea that we are not alone—we are in this together, hand in hand.

Deep Conversations and Constructive Disagreements

Tuesday brought a check-in with make_sense about our progress, a conversation that quickly evolved into a deeper discussion about how tasks were divided. The initial frustrations that surfaced were a sign that we had perhaps been too hesitant to use our voices, too reluctant to extend a hand in honesty. I regretted not initiating this conversation earlier, as it became clear that we had been carrying unspoken burdens. Different personalities emerged more clearly—some of us were more vocal, others more reflective—but it was the act of reaching out, both verbally and non-verbally, that began to bridge these differences. In this conversation, hands took on a new role—not just in gestures of agreement or disagreement, but in the way they symbolised our willingness to reach out and connect. By opening up and expressing our vulnerabilities, we were extending a hand of trust, building a foundation for stronger collaboration. The hands that might have once pointed in accusation or defence instead became tools of reconciliation, shaping our collective path forward with care and intention.

Creative Expression and Reflection

On Wednesday, our visit to Casa Tres Patios (C3P) provided a unique opportunity for introspection and creative expression. Scholars were invited to write down a question that weighed on their minds and answer others’ questions with three keywords, using either artwork or words. My question was, "Where can I do the most good with passion?" and I received the question, "Do my body and mind feel good?" Here, our hands became instruments of creation and connection, as we crafted responses that were both personal and universally resonant. Creating something meaningful for someone else—whether through a drawing, a written phrase, or a piece of advice—became an act of generosity, where our hands translated thoughts into forms that could touch others’ hearts. The keywords I received—"magic," "future," and "nature"—guided me to reflect on the natural world’s power to heal and inspire. I drew an image of sitting under a tree, where the magic of time and reflection can help solve even the most pressing worries. In this setting, hands became a bridge between inner reflection and outer expression, turning abstract ideas into symbols of comfort and guidance. The process underscored how hands, when guided by thoughtfulness and care, can create connections that transcend spoken language, offering solace and insight through the power of art.

Building Connections Over Tacos

Later that night, we met with the volunteers again at a local spot to share tacos. This gathering was more than just a meal; it was an opportunity to deepen our connections, share stories, and build a stronger team. As we enjoyed the delicious tacos, the casual conversation flowed easily, revealing more about each other than we had previously known. In an unexpected twist, we even recruited a new volunteer from the group at C3P—a delightful surprise that I had never anticipated. Despite my exhaustion, the experience reinforced my belief in the importance of getting to know the volunteers and the team on a personal level. This investment in relationships proved invaluable in the activities we had planned for Thursday, as it smoothed the process and fostered a more cohesive and supportive environment. Hands were once again at the centre of these interactions, not just in the act of eating but in the way they facilitated the building of trust and camaraderie among the group.

Launching Our Project

Thursday marked a significant milestone as we launched our upcycling project, transforming water bottles into plant pots. The scene was anything but orderly—children spilt paint, fought over brushes, and created a mess—but during the chaos, something beautiful emerged. The volunteers, who spoke Spanish and understood the children’s needs, played a crucial role. Their hands guided the children, helping them draw cute strawberries on the bottles, turning the chaos into a collaborative effort of creativity. These small, seemingly insignificant gestures—like drawing strawberries together—were acts of creation and support, where hands became the medium through which ideas and skills were shared. In the simple act of guiding a child’s hand, the volunteers were not just helping with a craft—they were fostering a connection, teaching patience, and instilling confidence. The transformation of ordinary bottles into vibrant plant pots mirrored the transformation of our interactions—from mere coordination of tasks to nurturing creativity and growth. In this process, hands were the agents of change, demonstrating that even in the most chaotic environments, they can bring forth beauty and order when guided by care and collaboration. The workshop became a microcosm of our larger mission—demonstrating that when we work hand in hand, we can transform not only materials but also relationships and communities.

Foodie Friday and Deeper Conversations

As the week wound down, we gathered for Foodie Friday at a vegan restaurant—a welcome retreat for both body and soul. After weeks of unfamiliar food, finding tofu, a staple of Chinese cuisine, was a moment of pure joy for me. This simple act of eating, of nourishing our bodies, took on a new significance as we reflected on the week’s events. The dinner table became a space where hands moved not just to feed ourselves but to engage in gestures of conversation—gesturing as we spoke and reaching out to emphasise a point. The discussions flowed naturally, like hands passing thoughts back and forth across the table, each person contributing to a shared understanding. These hands, though busy with the act of eating, were also engaged in the deeper work of building connections, of bridging gaps between different perspectives and experiences. The diverse backgrounds and perspectives of my fellow scholars added richness to these conversations, challenging me to think more deeply about my own beliefs and assumptions. The dinner also served as a celebration for Michelle’s birthday, an opportunity to come together in joy and camaraderie. This gathering was not just about the food; it was about the connections we were building, the ideas we were exploring together, and the sense of community that was growing stronger with each shared meal. In these moments, hands were the unseen force that wove together the threads of our conversations, binding us closer in understanding and shared purpose.

Weekend Adventures and Teamwork

We extended Michelle’s birthday celebration with a weekend trip to Guatapé, a town renowned for its vibrant buildings and the towering El Peñol rock. The colourful streets and the breathtaking views of the Thousand Islands reminded me of the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir in Hong Kong, stirring a sense of homesickness. Yet, this homesickness was tempered by the warmth of the company I was in, as we navigated the town together, hand in hand, exploring its beauty and sharing our thoughts along the way. The act of exploring a new place together, with hands guiding us through unfamiliar streets, became a metaphor for the journey we are on—one where the support of others makes even the most foreign experiences feel like home.

The weekend also included a canoeing adventure. My previous canoeing experiences had been on calm waters, so seeing speedboats and yachts create waves was daunting. Michelle and I shared a canoe, and I quickly realised that success depended on our ability to synchronise our efforts. We had to work together to steer the canoe, adjusting our rhythm to match the flow of the water. It was a lesson in harmony, knowing when to lead and when to follow, and how to move in sync with another. The physical effort, the coordination of our movements, felt like a dance—a silent agreement to trust and support each other. Our hands, gripping the paddles and working in unison, became the embodiment of teamwork, illustrating that progress is made not by one person’s strength but by the shared effort of many. Despite the challenges, we managed to return safely, reinforcing the lesson that teamwork involves shared effort and resilience. The experience was a vivid reminder that, in life as in canoeing, progress is made hand in hand, with each person contributing to the shared goal.

I rounded off the weekend with a jet skiing experience, racing across the lake and taking in the breathtaking scenery. The rush of the wind and the spray of the water brought back memories of similar adventures in Pattaya and Bali. This exhilarating ride, where I felt free and connected to the elements, served as the perfect end to a week full of discovery and shared moments. It was a reminder that even in moments of individual joy, we are often connected to others by the experiences we share and the memories we create together.

Conclusion

As I reflect on this week, I am struck by how much was communicated through simple gestures and shared actions. Whether in creating art, supporting each other in conversations, or working together on a project, these experiences were woven together by the quiet power of hands—guiding, creating, and connecting us all in ways words sometimes cannot express. Each moment, each touch, each effort was a reminder that our greatest strengths lie in the connections we build, hand in hand, with those around us. Hands, often overlooked in their simplicity, are the conduits through which we shape our world, one small action at a time.