June in Zhejiang brings the persistent embrace of the plum rain season, a time when the skies weave a dense, unending web of showers. Yet, the rain did not deter the spirited team from Kelaidecking. Undaunted, they embarked on a team-building journey into the mountains, eager to harvest the season’s purple-red bayberries. While the bayberry yield proved sparse amidst the relentless downpours, the mountain forest generously offered a different kind of bounty: branches laden with plump, juicy peaches. More importantly, the muddy trails and pouring rain forged within the team a unity as strong and interconnected as the flesh of the peaches themselves.
The mountain paths twisted through the drizzle. In the bayberry groves, many ripened fruits had already been knocked to the ground by the rain, while those remaining on the branches were largely unripe. Though a hint of disappointment was palpable, there were no complaints or retreats. Eyes remained bright beneath raincoats, scanning the foliage diligently. Just as the team prepared to regroup, an excited shout rang out from a nearby slope: “Look! So many peaches over here!” Hidden beside the bayberry trees stood several peach trees. Rain-washed peaches, glowing with a deep red blush, hung heavy and full from the branches like clusters of expectant hearts, instantly rekindling the group’s enthusiasm.
The rain-soaked earth was treacherously muddy, and the branches slippery and hard to climb. Picking the fruit was no easy feat. Yet, the Kelaidecking team quickly coalesced into a resilient unit: the more agile members volunteered to climb the higher branches, carefully harvesting the plumpest peaches overhead. Those below steadied ladders, stretched to catch the passed-down fruit, or gently placed the peaches into baskets. When a basket grew heavy, strong arms would silently take over the sweet burden.
As we finally began our descent with dozens of pounds of fresh peaches, the woven baskets overflowed with bright fruit, reflecting the slightly weary but beaming faces of the team. Though the expected bayberries were scarce, this unexpected harvest of “peaches” tasted exceptionally sweet – nurtured by the shared sweat of teamwork. The rugged mountain paths and driving rain had demanded mutual support and steadfast encouragement, allowing us to tread steadily through the mud. What began as a planned fruit-picking outing transformed into a profound bonding of spirits.
Storms may come, but the seamless strength of a united team endures. At Kelaidecking, we understand that the path forward doesn’t always yield the fruit we initially seek. Yet, standing shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, we can discover abundance in any circumstance and lift unexpected harvests together through the rain. What did we truly bring back from this trip? More than just fresh peaches. We brought back a team spirit forged through shared challenges – a spirit more resilient than the fruit and more enduring than its sweetness. This spirit will become the deep-seated confidence that fuels our future endeavors, empowering us to overcome obstacles and scale new heights. When the bayberries ripen again next year, we will gladly return to the mountains, our hearts bound even closer.
Thank you to every Kelaidecking member who journeyed through the rain without hesitation. Your actions proved that unity is the most precious harvest of all!
