Batam Retreat "FLY" Part 2

We have 3hours of free time before the party at 7pm. I was hoping to organize a waterpolo game. Later did I found out that most ppl are engage in rehearsal for performance at the party. I joined Justin's group, we did the Cowboy Theme dance to the tune of Jay Chow's 牛仔很忙.

A had a couple of hours to spare. So I head back to my room for a nap. I got up before 6pm. I think I better get change. Maybe I can go look up Zach and his group practicing in their room. True enough, they are still practicing and making the props. Zach is probably the brainchild of the skit. Natalie on the other hand is very good with art and craft. Raymond, Melissa, Jeffrey and Kong Hong are very spontaneous. You can tell that they are having a great time. They were so engrossed in the practice; we were late for the party at 7pm.

Kung Fu Fighting

There were 10 performances in all. My group's performance is the 8th and Zach is the 10th. Everyone put in effort to make it great but the one that caught my attention is really Zach's. They were a 6-men crew while the other teams have 10-20 members. However, the entertainment factor and creativity surpasses almost all the others. Everything was executed well except the Akuma's special move "天”. Out of 150-180 votes, Zach's team garnered 50 acknowledgements. That is a pretty good statement. I was so happy and proud of them.

At 10pm, prize was given to the winning team. We took a photo of the singles ministry. It was a huge ministry and very encouraging indeed. Marvin took over the night as the DJ. I join in for 30mins and decided to go for a drink.

Bonding over Heineken and Bintang

This is our last night together at the retreat. I am happy that I feel sad that we're leaving tomorrow. It goes to show how much we enjoy ourselves at the retreat. Jeffrey did not order beer, but he tries to impress us by his concoct of Sprit and Redbull that looks like the color of beer.

I am glad I can spend the precious few hours with good friends like Zach, Arie, Hancong, Jeffrey, Kong Hong, Stanley, Ching Eu and Damon. Over a table of Heinelen and Bintang, we put into practice the lesson we learn by being opened and vulnerable. Once the floodgate of invulnerable is open, the rest of the sharing poured in. Ching Eu was the only sister there, she describe her experience as “It was as though I was in a sister D-group”. Good to know that, I think the brothers are learning fast.

It is time to go back to our room to get some rest. We walked in a row, arms around one another.

Morning Devotion

I looked out of the window, Stanley and Ching Eu were already here for the devotion. I found out that they got their time mixed up.

After singing a few songs lead by Ching Eu, the sisters went on their own for prayers.

Sunday Service ended before 1030hrs. There were a couple of admin stuff to be done like for e.g., collecting our passport and to check out by 1230hrs. There were 7 brothers in my group, but we’re scattered in 4 different blocks and units. So it was decided that we all check out first and gather at Victor, Arie and Hancong rooms. While we’re waiting for Stanley, who is probably sorting out admin stuff for the group, we started on a game of BANG!

We had lunch at the seafood restaurant across the hotel while waiting for our ferry to depart at 1630hrs. The ferry arrived at Singapore Cruise Centre at 1900hrs. It took another painful 30mins to get past the custom. There is this aunty behind me who is so anxious AKA Kaisu. She was literally sticking behind my back. I had to tell her to back off and give me some space. Not surprisely, she was unhappy and complains in dialect to her friend beside her. I could understand every single word she said. I just don’t understand how in the world she can get the queue moving by sticking so close to me? Be civilize and patient, aunty. Not one likes to be stuck in a line with strangers but that is the way it is.

At Harbourfront, Stanley, Eric and I went off to spent time at Ya Kun. By 9pm, we’re exhausted and head to the MRT station.

Lessons from the retreat

Bust the myth- Loneliness can affect anyone regardless of marital status. If you are thinking marriage can kill loneliness, you are in for a rough relation.

Friendship forever- Find a soulmate, he/she is out there. Invest in relation today and reap the blessings in years to come. Friendship is one of the greatest blessing from God.

Don’t let fame, wealth and success get in the way, they come and go.

Friendship with sisters- Love a sister-in-Christ like your own sibling. God has given me 4 beautiful sisters to practice that, so I think I am doing OK in this area.

There are occasion when I reach out to sisters, thinking that they could be my potential girlfriend. Now I think this is rather superficial and immature. If God wants bless me with a girlfriend, there is not stopping.

Revive stagnant relationship- A brother whom I know for more that 11 years told me some real stuff on how he feels about me and our friendship. I’d made a decision to revive our stagnant friendship. We could have been best buddy, considering the no. of years we know each other.