Hope Camp Snippets

Back from the camp now, feeling refreshed mentally, emotionally and spiritually, though tired physically. It has been a very enjoyable camp. I was just testifying to everyone that this camp was somehow different from the previous camps. Think it was partly due to the relaxed pace, with lots of free time. The pleasant environment helped too, with good food (except for our final lunch) and service.

I am grateful for the time of silent retreat. We were guided on how to spend our time with God, and many of us experienced God in a very real and personal way. On Sat night, Pastor allocated time for prayer and altar ministry. At first, everyone seemed shy to respond. However, with the Holy Spirit's gentle tugging, one by one, we ventured up to be prayed for. In the end, according to J, all except 4 received prayer and ministry! For me, the experience of going up to be prayed for was an act of faith and a step across my psychological barrier/fear. Even after the session, I was perturbed about some doubts I had and I just off load to WB and J. Glad that they listened and provided some words of encouragement and wisdom =)

After returning to our suite, J and I continued to talk with V. And boy, we talked for a long time, about the ministry time, about our silent retreat, about our struggles with God etc... We listened to each other and encouraged each other with our own experiences. I thoroughly enjoyed the time together, and I thank God for being with us through it all. After all the talking, we felt hungry and ordered room service and shared a plate of char kuay teow... So it was a satisfying night =P

Then there were the team building games and ice breakers conducted by Pat on the first day. Good to see everyone work together, and displaying team spirit and unity. Though a few of the games left us scratching our heads (weird verse structures & "wildcard" concept for the hammering game), we took them in good spirits, and everyone was a winner, given the many chocolate prizes that were distributed! Oh, we also had an impromptu game this morning before Sunday service for those who arrived early, something about moving as human traffic on chairs from one end to the other. The game served well to warm us up for worship and many people joined in the fun by playing or watching. What a brilliant idea by Will!

We played a lot with the kids who came, and during this camp, we see Alicia warming up to us. Hee, many of us managed to carry her or play with her. J and I re-lived our Perth trip days when we shared the apartment with A, V and Vicky. Waking up in the morning to Vicky's voice and her questionings. Nice.

We had another slot of free time after lunch today and before leaving for the ferry terminal at 3pm. So various ones played different games together in the games lounge (pool, table tennis, bridge, can't remember if there were any other games). Of course, I played with the bridge "ka-kis". Halfway through, Nic joined us, and we discovered that he possessed a very "lucky" streak as a newcomer to the group. He had such good cards every round, and it was fun partnering him in the games.

On the ferry ride back, chit-chatted a while with Ai, Jen, V and J about experiences of an only child. Many of us succumbed to tiredness and dozed off on board...

Ok, it has been a long weekend. Gonna take my physical rest now!