Camp Reflections

Its been such a long time since I last blogged, that I actually forgot about this platform to provide an update on my life… i.e. till I was reminded by Jing during cell!

I returned from Camp Ohana last Wed evening. It was a very enjoyable camp. Basically, Hope pp were grouped in the same tribe with Will as our Tribe Leader. So we were very much in our comfort zone, despite the total camp size of 830 campers! Though it was a logistical nightmare, I thought that the committee and helpers did a great job. The program was run smoothly, with many people helping out behind the scene. I am so impressed by the 10 or so BB boys who came specially to help out at the entire camp. They were very much at work while we had our sessions and workshops and other activities. Another group that I am thankful for is the children program helpers. Many of them had been involved in the planning and discharge of the various children programs catered to different age groups, much like having a Sunday School each day of the camp. Amazing love and sacrifice!

Upon arrival at the hotel in KL on the first afternoon, the rooms were not yet ready, so we hung around at the common areas for a pretty long time. I took the opportunity to walk around the premises praying and singing to God, kinda settling my heart for the camp and to meet with God.

I enjoyed most of the worship sessions, as I felt free to worship uninhibited. Awesome. Learnt much from the teaching sessions by Pastor P Koh and the workshop by Pastor KL. Though many of the points raised are rather common sense, it was good that they are pointed out explicitly to serve as reminders to us. I especially liked the teaching on the 5 Laws of Relationships. Though much of the illustrations are relating to married couples, the laws apply to other forms of relationships too. Pastor KL’s workshop on “chua bo – finding a spouse” was very interesting, even fun! Pastor was very candid in sharing his knowledge and experience in this aspect. There was even a Q&A session for this!

Other enjoyable times are the simple things in life – on the first afternoon, we enjoyed a tea snack at the hotel café for 6 persons costing just RM72! We were amazed at the deal as there was such a spread! We just sat there chatting while waiting for our rooms to be available, and for dinner to be ready. We got to know Francis’ nephew, Shawn, a little better. He is a 13-year-old boy who is so very sensible and mature. We were comfortable interacting with him, and he with us. Hope that he’ll be able to join us in church sometime.

During this camp, I felt a strong desire to relax and pamper myself. And what better way than to go for a spa! AH and I found a couple package at a promotion price, so we were game to try it. It included massage, essential oil bath, ear candle treatment and aroma eye pillow treatment. I rarely go for spa, so this was indeed a moment to cherish!

While we were at the spa, the other Hope folks took the evening to visit a nearby shopping mall. AH and I ended up spending the evening in deeper sharing. So very therapeutic. Haha, and Dawn joined us subsequently. We talked till 1am!! Guess we were kinda knocked out the next day, and we opted to turn in early the next night. Hee.

On the final morning of the camp, we had a time of testimony sharing. For an entire hour, people stood up, one by one, to share and give thanks for their experiences/lessons. Listening to each testimony just fills my heart with such joy and gratitude that I can be part of the camp. Praise God for the time of rest and rejuvenation at the camp!