Jemara Summary

A summarized of the most impactful things =)

The trip was far more rewarding than what I expected. Exposed to many new things and experiences. I got to experience a simpler life. One that does not have the sophisticated technologies; One where enjoyment comes from things that are created by the hands of God (the scenery, the fishes, the stars, the breeze).

I was most involved in the kid's programmes. It was my first experience with this. Furthermore, we did not have most of the details and we had to do plenty of improvising and changing of plans during the trip itself.

Through the times of improvising and changing of plans, I really experience what it is like to serve with a simple heart of just giving whatever little that I have. During the first few days, I could only see the kids getting rowdier and more out of control. I really couldn't see how our plans will ever work. However, focusing on God, believing that God who has started His work and we have come here to be part of this work, I just needed to give all that I have. Holding on to this, we evaluated and came out with new plans to help the situation.

However, I am very glad that towards the end of the trip, we managed to hold the class in an orderly manner and certain values such as courtesy and cleanliness were instilled to the children. I am very thankful that for some other reason, I had taken Malay Level 1 this semester. It turned out to be pretty helpful for this trip. I could converse simple sentences with the children, and also help out a bit while teaching the English to the English teachers over there.

During this trip, I learned that missions require sustained hard work, continuous focus on God and His people. Own needs should really be lifted to God. However, God always blesses the heart that is willing to do His work.

Finally, this trip helped me to be exposed to a different culture, different living conditions. I sense the burden for the people over there and perhaps many other places as well. They are people who are very thirsty, so thirsty that they will drink whatever you give them. Pure water and not pure water. They will take both. If they get the good water, they will have a good life in future. If not pure water, they will either continue to thirst and it may even destroy their life. Thus it is important for people like us to go to where they are and blessed them with good, pure water, like how we have received from out God.