We needed "man-power" for our May 2008 trip. We had land filling to do, drains to build, etc., so I set out in search for "victims" amongst my friends to get them to come help us out. I had expected loads of resistance, but was pleasantly "shocked" by their willingness to aid.
During a gathering at the Harley dealership, I sat across from Colin, noticed his muscles and was thinking to myself, "umm we could use his help, but chances of him coming would be slim" Without much enthusiasm or my normal "sales pitch", I casually told him that I was going to Rempang to help with a children's home that needed a drainage system cause it floods the home when it rains heavily. "Sure" came the steady reply. "Let me know the details". I was taken aback. I stupidly replied, "err....you'd have to pay for your own fare and lodging..is that o.k?" He smiled and said "Yup, sure...you've got my email address right?"
All I can say now is WOW. It was so easy for him to say "Yes", it took me ages to mull over whether I could make it, should make it or even for that matter wanted to make it for the trip. I wonder if he knew how his answer impacted me. We are so often called, but how often do we give a simple "Yes" Yes, I will be there, yes, what do you want me to do.
My second "victim" or should I say volunteer was found at the oddest place one would think of. A funeral. I had just been introduced to Mark and we started talking and I was telling him of my involvement with OLPS MOT. It was just about a week before the trip, and I figured, maybe I could get him interested in the next trip that we make. He was in the midst of his exams at SMU and said that he would consider it. I smiled. Yes, that was me a few years back. I understood, we all needed time to be "touched" to do mission.
A couple of days later, I received his details to confirm that he would be making the trip. Well, there was no backing out from it now. I had considered not going for this trip, my funds as well as my spirits were low, but I guess looking back now, God works in mysterious ways and He always has a plan for us.
Early Labour Day morning at 5.30am!!!!! (sorry just had to emphasize), I had a pleasant wake-up call from my cousin Denise, telling me to "rise and shine" and if I wanted to come over for bacon and eggs she was cooking for her mom, my Aunt Thelma who was going for the trip with me. I thanked her but declined, quickly getting ready and headed down stairs for my much needed caffeine fix.
I was greeted like a celebrity by the hawkers. They all readily cheered "Good Morning!!!" grinning from ear to ear. Obviously, this would be the first time they've seen me before noon. I managed to get my Kopi 'O' and 6 small cheese buns for $3.20, chuckling to myself, that when I was younger, I could have gotten 2 roti pratas and my coffee for under a dollar (roti prata with egg, if I had brought my own egg). As my fellow "knights" drove their chariot to pick me up, it was soon off to do our MISSION.
I dreaded the ferry ride to Batam, recalling the countless times my sea-sickness made me so violently ill. But lo and behold...the trip turned out to be smooth sailing all the way. I made it ashore without ever feeling the slightest bit off. Thank you God! You have no idea how grateful I am!
There were 34 of us who were to stay throughout the 4 days and 19 medical personnel only for the day. The medical personnel would have to see an estimated 130 odd children in less than half a day. There was a flood drain to be dug up and bricked, a landfill to be taken care of, a reinforcement of the riverbank to be done, the river to be cleared (based on past experience, not an easy task), dormitories had to be cleaned, beds to be aired, health talks to be given, 130 odd children to be de-loused. The enormous workload ahead of us seemed insurmountable.
As the first bus rolled into the compound, the crew so hyped-up and ready, rolled up their sleeves and attacked the "mountain" head on. By lunch time, the majority of the children had been seen by the medical group and were awaiting for the pharmacist for their prescription. The majority of the children, had the de-lousing solution in their heads, waiting for the next day where their hairs would be combed through. Each and every carefully laid-out plan that our "fearless leaders" had, was executed with gusto by the crew.
Soon day 1 was over. The medical crew headed home while, the other weary bodies headed back to the hotel for some much needed rest.
The next morning, after mass, with a re-newed spirit, we tackled that "mountain" once again. The intense heat from the sun burnt down upon us, causing fatigue to set in early, but with team spirit and a joy that came from within, while we worked hand-in-hand with the villagers who had come together as a community, we were able to surmount the insurmountable!
On the last day, as we strolled around to look at what was accomplished, we were filled with a sense of awe and gratitude ;
a) the flood drain was up - most parts of the way
b) the back drainage done up, worked well
c) the well area cemented
d) river cleared
e) fruit trees planted
f) tapioca plants planted
g) pond nets erected
h) fishes rearing
i) dormitories cleaned and smelling fresh
Highlights of the trip included
i) celebrating Fr Henri's 80th birthday!
ii) children remembering some of us and talking more readily
iii) children looking healthier and happier
iv) everyone in the team getting to know each other better
v) laughter and cheers throughout the days we were there
vi) the community working together as one unit
As I am writing this, I am asking myself, what did I take back from this experience? I have taken back so much from this trip that I cannot adequately convey.
Just for starters, the comforting knowledge that God knows me all too well. He knew I needed this trip to re-evaluate my growing closer to Him and not wandering too far off.
The support of those who did not come for this trip. Denise who woke up so early to prepare breakfast for her mom, Jill who stayed up all night so she could see me off, the prayers and well wishes of the various groups.
The indescribable feeling of the children and the villagers asking after the volunteers who had come before, that they remember us and appreciate us.
It is beyond my comprehension, the ways that I as one person was able to touch not only the lives of the children and villagers there, but also the people who I sought out to help us on this trip, the people who were with me on this trip and vice versa. How all of these people have touched my life and transformed me as a person. The wonder of the Holy Spirit flowing amongst us!
I am in awe!
