Back from conference!

*
Yea. For those of you who have been questioning my disappearance, i apologize because i was at a

YOUTH CHURCH CONFERENCE!

*Basically, it's different from a camp because you get to go home after you accomplished your project.*

I didn't go home though, i applied for lodging in a host's house. Tim Koh was my host and i really want to thank him for the hospitality.

The theme for this year's conference was Greater Things.

John 14:12-14 

¹² Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 

(New International Version, ©2010)

So here are a short video on what we're doing.

These are the projects involved:

Taking place : December 16 to 19

Where             : FGA KL

Interested in joining? Well, there's always next year.

If you really watch the video, you will realise that this project has been running for two years! And there are many projects involved in this conference. I chose to go to "Graceful Oaks" project at first, but because the project was full, i was transferred to "Special Needs Ministry" instead.

I work with the people with disabilities and i have to say it was the greatest experience ever. One note though, the people my team are working with are actually teenagers. If you had not ask some of them their age, you might just mistake them as children or early teenagers, but they're actually around 15 or so.

They look absolutely normal to anyone, and will most likely be treated that way by everybody. But deep inside, they actually learn things slightly slower than the rest of us. Therefore, it is only fair that we be patient whenever dealing with people with special needs. 

Here are some members I listed . on the left are YC campers (my team mates) , and the right are their buddies, and a little description of them.

• Joanne    - Irene > indulges in everything PINK! She has pink accessories form head to toe, and it's easy to guess her favorite colour.

• Angeline   - Kelly > The elder twin sister.

• duckieb3s - Karoline > YOU'VE GUESSED IT! twins!

• Justin        - Celess  > She is a hyperactive teenager, which sometimes can get you on your nerves, but you learn to tolerate because you know she's just innocent and can't help it.

• Ainsley      - Fong Yin > was quite reserved at first, but later warmed up and participated!

• Sue          - Sean   > I have to say Sean's condition is really special, and i don't really know the right terms of his disability, but he can actually sleep in the middle of the pavement while sitting up if he's tired..and he sort of lives in his own world. 

• Xin Yu       - Simon > He's really cool, and has a slight problem with speech, otherwise, normal.

• Chow Xin  - Lucas  > Lucas was the only Indian in the group, and we really appreciate his enthusiasm.

First Day

Aim: get to know each other.

 ~it was really games and ice breakers, but the interesting activity we had was the second day.

Second Day

Aim: 1. go to Mid Valley Mall in public transport.

        2. Help our buddies to learn how to order their meals at Mc.D's.

        3. Go bowling in Cosmic Bowl

Miracles:

Miracle NO. 1

I'm pretty sure Malaysians are familiar with the Rapid KL public transport. What happened was that all YC (youth church) Campers brought their buddies to a nearby bus stop, for a ride to Mid Valley. The odd thing was the first bus left right after we arrived at the bus stop, and it was jammed packed due to the peak time, around 12pm afternoon.

We were stuck, I mean, how are we going to get a bus at this point of time for so many people? We all had to go in the same bus, for goodness sake! Just as the first bus left, another bus arrived. This time, I was shocked that the bus was only occupied with 5 passengers! Coincidence...perhaps not, after you hear the next miracle.

Miracle NO. 2

Okay. So we reached there about lunch time, and obviously famished. We stopped at the entrance, and i can't bear to look at the queues at the counters. There won't be any seats left at this time now. As we started to panic...*taa da* One of the managers in charge told us that our seats have been reserved. What!!!!??

We were surprised, as far as we know, we did not expect them to reserve seats for us because the Aunty that brought us there just casually informed the restaurant manager that we're having a crowd dropping by.

Miracle...not coincidence. God prepared our needs. it was unbelievable.

Miracle NO.3

Welcome to Cosmic Bowl of Mid Valley, famous for practically having to make multiple bookings before you want to have a game. Without bookings, the people who frequent there will guarantee that you will NOT get to have your game, regardless if you cry and beg at the counters..okay, i am exaggerating a little, just a little. But guess what, we got four lanes free waiting for us without booking! 

FOUR LANES! 

That is enough for all our members, more than enough since even the Aunts who took care of us join in a game or two! Miracle again. It was at a peak time. Friday. Lots of lepak-ing teens. And we got lanes more than enough.

Tell me it's coincidence and i will prove to you that it's not.

Lessons Learnt:

1. God cares for those who are in need. And Your cries are heard, regardless of who you are, you just have to believe that He'll answer.

2. Never take things for granted. I'm not saying this because i think that I'm of higher standards than the teens i hanged out with that day. I'm saying that often we forget the simple things in life that can make us happy.

 Example : It was really heartwarming to see them enjoy washing hands in the drizzle. These simple joys are gifts form God.

3. Remember the last time you just had to show plastic love? Means love or affection which is not genuine? Well, i learn that these special people treat you with genuine heart no matter what. And it's far more than of what the current society is buzzing about --- fakers.

*P.s.
I really will miss Joanne and Natalie as they return to Sabah. They are my roommates in Tim's house. miss my girl time with them.

*P.p.s
To Joanne, i remember your promise to bring me for good seafood! XD