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Tuesday, December 30, 2008 You are more than enough for me

Juniors Camp 08



So I didn't go to the Australian summer school for many crucial reasons! Chief among which, I would have missed a retrolicious camp @ FairyPoint Bungalow. Seriously, it was a great camp at the campsite of the first ever Juniors camp I've ever attended.. way back in the very retro 2003! The first time I saw what it meant to go into the courts of the King with praise and thanksgiving. The first time I experienced fellowship with so many different people. This time, it was a more subdued affair. I've grown much older since that very young 16 (THAT is Jo's age now. Oh the little pup has grown!). I've been in camp committee, organized Seniors games, been Camp Mama, saw my very own sister become a comm member, group leader... and this year, I was brimming with excitement. I scared myself really because even Jo wasn't as jumpy as I was. I couldn't sleep the night before. Haha. There weren't any lows during the camp except maybe the pressure of taking charge of the Seniors game and the lack of alone time. I was hoping to spend more time in solitude and reflection. Not exactly a doable expectation since it IS a camp of 50odd people and I admit, I have a very flighty mind. But in God's providence, Bintan more than made up for that.



The 2008 camp was inspiring. I think lots of us older people can attest to that. The sheer growth of Juniors and the enthusiasm of the young 'uns in service are unbelievable. The boys were so united in their jamming, Leroy myth-making and keenness to do the dirty work. SO proud of the Sec 3s especially. I cannot believe they were once in my SS class and I was so fierce with them. The lovely Pork and Nico are also rising up to the difficult task of leading Juniors. And I'm ashamed of my own impatience when I look at Yingxuan and Ah Sao. The two of them were so steadfast in the way they dealt with cleaning up, with talking to younger kids, in showing love la basically. Sheesh I feel this warm gooey surge of somenicefeeling.


Speaker sessions were fresh for its theological emphasis. I don't recall ever discussing so much after the sessions have ended in any other Christian camps. Even last year's Lectio Divinia, though helpful, was less stimulating.The whole angle of whether Christ would have come if there was no original sin is well thought-out. Ng, Delia and I were discussing about glory above love vs. love above glory on the first night after the session. I still think that it is for love that God had this blueprint of creation, fall, prophets and law, and finally salvation. The final session on each of us being part of this blueprint; part of the divine temple of God was the hardest hitting. It's not easy to always remember that even the smallest service (perhaps helping to wash dishes and cups after mealtime fellowship) is inserted as a beautiful piece into this temple.


Finally, I'm ever thankful for us seniors. I know we aren't close like how Jo, Marcus, RachW and their class are. But it's so good to be able to talk about issues close to our hearts and to play like the big kids we still are. The daily talks with Ng which continued after camp during our various suppers (I CAN'T WAIT TO STAYOVER AGAIN TONIGHT! I love our talks and sometimes, our fights). The night at the kelong and our prior experience of squatting on the roadside waiting for dear Ah Ma. Emily and AGL!!!!!!! (Sorry Em but I've to put this down for keepsakes. We'll still talk about this twenty years on you can bet on that). Sara Chan, Hannah and Melody are at last initiated in the Great Seniors Experience. I enjoyed Chanchan's nonsense alot too..her "you touched my golden calf" comment for the win. I really liked planning the game with them and Leroy the "Kao Lark!" It was a small group but good memories man. The jamming with Nat and Leroy on the last night! Chris's priceless expressions and imitations. And honourable mention to Joshua Seet: You are puzzling. Among other things: Why the endless treatment of my hair as a toilet flush? Chanchan calls it hay but you tug on it so much, I think I can put partial blame of its lifeless and crappy state on you. See you in court, Attorney.

Exhibit A:

Which brings us to Juniors Christmas Party

I love the simplicity of the skit. I was melting at the finale song I'll Make My Heart a Bethlehem. Even with the slightly corny hand gestures, it is so moving. I remember six years ago, I wrote in my diary that I wish to spend the Christmas season in a more meaningful way instead of slacking the whole day. God answered when Ng brought me to PLCMC. And as I stood there and watch the Nativity scene play out, I remember His faithfulness. I remember most of all that He is the God of impossibles.


I don't have to fear that all the upbeat feelings and glow are solely because of festivities. Christmas is not confined to the 25th of December and then gloom starts to drench our lives until the next holiday again.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lovely hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance incorruptibe, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1Peter 1: 3-5

We are all in this inheritance when we call Christ our Lord, God our Father and the Spirit our Counsellor. He keeps it for us, safe and secure. He keeps us. He in his unfathomable power causes us to persevere in the faith, that we are called saints because He is our Saviour. Therefore, really, neither power, nor any dominion, nor any principalities can take away this inheritance of love from us. This was a most gripping message which I received while on vacation.

Never underestimate the potential of a beach vacation.

Sunny days at Bintan


I went with Chips and her motley crew, who have held me up during the tumultonous period before exams to right after. Thanks Mel and Liping aka NipS :) We had good conversations and the girls got great tans. Mel even made us do gym circuit training!


Although Bintan is a commercialized little getaway island targetted at Singaporeans who don't know any better, the beach and all-day blue skies + 24/7 breeze were just the thing the doctor ordered. I felt uplifted everytime I walk on the surf. There weren't that many people on the beach too which made it even nicer to leap and spin around on the soft white sand. Everyday began with a lazy buffet breakfast, some time for devotion, lazing at the pool and beach and finally grabbing lunch/dinner at 4plus.


We did dune bikes riding, visited the Pasar, got henna tattoos, ate seafood, played silly games and went fireflies hunting in the mangrove on the last night. Sitting in that tiny motorboat, looking into the inmitable dark night sky with the brilliant stars, I really couldn't help but sing.

These people were a riot to vacation with and I'm glad to have known them. Beginnings of new friendships and adventures!

What an epic post. A celebration of all that has been restful, fantastic and totally unexpected this December :)