Sisters' Island Part 2

Soon after settling in our new campsite, I set up the fire for our BBQ. It was very windy, almost impossible to start a fire in that condition. Victor and Jeffrey offer their help to shield the fire from the wind using groundsheet. The great thing about the wind is that after the charcoal got light up by the fire-starter, I can leave it to the winds to fan the fire.

I like to start fire, but without interference from others. The strange thing about setting up fire is that almost everyone has their own method to start a BBQ fire, but I like my way. So far, it's been working well.

Meanwhile, Xiao Ling got company. They were happily strolling around.

In 20mins time, our glorious fire is ready to turn anything on the grill into mouthwatering temptation. Anna was brilliant in turning the Pandan leaves into brushes for the cook to apply margarine on the grill. I love those brushes, they are so environmentally friendly and gives out fragrant.

Since I was solely in charge of all logistic, I have no one to blame except myself. I didn't bring enough charcoal. For now we try to do with what we have. Later, we resort to illegal alternative fuel to sustain our fire

Batches after batches of delicious food where churned out from our outdoor kitchen. In order to supplement the fire, I set up the stove. The heat from the stove is a little too strong, so we have to alternative the cooking between the low and slow heat from the burning charcoal and the intense heat from the stove.

There is a sense of fulfillment when the food you prepared turns out to be popular. Thanks to my mom secret recipe, most of us love the chicken wings.HC was fired up to indulge in unlimited supply of Chicken Wing.

"It's world-famous!!!"

"It's better than KFC!!!"

I sure hope it's true.

Regarding potatoes, I've yet to successfully cook them well. Unless someone has tips to share, I think I will omit potatoes altogether next time. The corn are always great, especially when they are coated well with margarine.


Sparklers time!!!

I am tempted to use fireworks for easy understanding. However, how can I justify a small stick that gives out tiny sparks as fireworks. I shall stick to the word sparklers.

We have alot of them. Anna and Yuping both brought some. The fun part came when Frederick started taking photos of us. We realised we can create a lot of effect with the sparklers. And so we try creating shapes and pattern. Then we found out we can do more and starting writing words like "I Love U" "GOD" "LOVE". Someone really has an interesting way of interpreting some words. I'd take a lot of imagination to fit the character to what you see.

The night return it it's former silence when we ran out of sparklers.

The women are sitting down and chatting. Guess what the men are doing?

It is evident that they are haven't had enough of taking pictures and creating all the night effects. Substituting the sparkler, they used torch to create the effect they want. The women look at the brothers in amusement. How come they can so good and self entertaining?


Although it's only 9pm, some of us are feeling tired. I think it's the effect of the dark. Our human body response to light more than we realise it. In the city, everywhere we go and even at home, it is well lit. Now on the island, we have no street light. The only light are the distant container tankers and the little torch we hold in our hands (that's for those who brought theirs).


Washing up time.

Although there is a well-maintained and surprising clean toilet, there is no electricity nor light. I am not complaining. It's an interested experience to be showering with just our torch light at 930pm. After washing all the dirt and oil off my body, I felt like the happiest and cleanest person on the island. I stepped out of the toilet feeling so confident and so proud of myself. I know Frederick shares my sentiment.


V Nite

Usually we associate V for victory. But the new men says V stands for venerability. I know it's quite a mouthful, you'll get it after some practice.

It takes a strong men to tell another men his weakness. That is what the V-Nite is all about. Like iron sharpens like, this is a place to talk about things in our heart. We talk in detail on how we really feel about each other, all in a constructive, respectful and all in the hope that we can coming a better man.


We have only 1 tent for the men. Those who can't sleep in warm and confine space took up the shelter. Hancong and Victor are prone to catch a cold, so they share the tent.. I prefer hammock. Ever since I was introduce to it during my poly days, I bring them whenever I can. It's prefect for beach in Singapore.

I usually have hard time getting to sleep and tonight is no surprise. To help me filter out sounds from the tankers and other human sound, I plugged in my earpiece and select my playlist under "sleep". It helps a little.

For the next 7 hours, I woke up uncountable times. It goes like this-

zzz...I woke up, everyone seems asleep...I doze off...I woke up, Stanley sitting up but eyes seems closed....I doze off...I woke up...Stanley still in same position...I doze off...I woke up...Stanley lies back, seems to be sleeping...I doze off

zzz..I woke up, Jeffrey sitting on the beach, head lean on his hands....I doze off...I woke up...Jeffrey still in same position...I doze off...I woke up...Jeffrey lies back on bench, seems to be sleeping...I doze off

zzz...I woke up, Frederick sitting up and looking into my direction, I thought he was staring at me!!! but he's eyes are closed...I doze off...I woke up...Frederick still in same position, still thought he's staring at me but he's not...I doze off...I woke up...Frederick lies back, seems to be sleeping...I doze off


zzz...I woke up, Frederick is not here at the shelter...

From this part on, I'm not sure I'm dreaming or not.
 
zzz...I woke up, Frederick is back...

..............................................................................................................

I woke up and I saw this. I almost cried. It's so beautiful, what a beautiful painting. I have to get up.

IMG_5809, originally uploaded by biu_biu79.

Romancing the Lord

How do I response to such a beautiful painting from God? We sang songs to Him. He wooed us with his mighty creation, we response with words of praise.

I missed the heart-shaped cloud but I know the rest caught it.

We broke up into pairs to pray. I was praying with Frederick and his camera. His camera wants to hear our conversation with our Father.


Break Camp and Breakfast

This is a highly efficient group of campers, by 0830hrs most of the tents and bags are packed.

I wanted to start preparing breakfast but was aware of a possible monkey attack. Stanley was our defender IC. While we prepare breakfast, Stanley's job is just to defend us from possible attack. The other brothers also join the defense force.

Just like our previous day lunch, I have to compliment Ching Eu and Fang for their work for churning out scramble egg in super quick time. The egg goes fast, needless to say, we have to reserve some for the cook. I also like the Gardenia fruit and nut bread.

Farewell

I felt a need to say goodbye to Sisters' Island. She has been wonderful host to us. Together with Frederick, we went for a walk before our ferry comes at 1030hrs. I found a spot where I can "take it in". I spend 15mins sitting there, just enjoying the moment.

One last group shot with the city skyline before we depart.

I was comfortable sitting at the deck when the captain walk towards me. For a moment, I thought that ferry also got autopilot mode? Then the captain point to me the new captain- Captain Anna. The ride was ...er...ok.

Back at the pier, we say goodbye. Then at the bus stop, we goodbye again. Alighting from the bus, we goodbye again. Then after lunch at Amara, we goodbye finally for the last time.

Getting there:
Sisters' Island is only accessible by charterred ferry from MARINA SOUTH PIER (20mins ride). Each ferry is normally cap at 12 person.
Prior permission is required for overnight camping. Visit Sentosa website for more details.

Disclaimer:
All photos are use with permission. biu_biu79

Sisters' Island Part 1

IMG_5940, originally uploaded by biu_biu79.

I thought I would be first to arrive at Marina South Pier but I was wrong. My super punctual and polite members of the group were there 10mins before the agreed time. I am both relieved and thankful.

Most of us are carrying a small backpack, since there's not much to bring for a overnight trip at Sisters' Island. Upon closer look, I spot something outstanding. Ching Eu brought her luggage, the type where you tow in hand.

Most of us have enter or depart Singapore by air or by land to Malaysia. But I must say, taking a ferry down south to the islands or Indonesia is an experience not to be missed. As the ferry head south west, the impressive Singapore skyline takes shape. Then comes  Sentosa and Sentosa Cove-Singapore's high end private apartment. Those houses has an unobstructed view of the sea, must be quite a view. Our ferry has to pass St John's Island, Kusu Island and Lazarus Island. 15mins later, Sisters' Island is straight ahead of us. You can tell the big sister island apart from the small sister island. According to legend, they are Mina and Lina.

We chose to go to Big Sisters' Island. Our captain informed us that Small Sisters' Island is popular with anglers. We want to be away from the crowd, that's the whole ideal of retreating to an island.

Nothing much has change since my last visit 3 years ago. The rows of coconut trees, the pavilion, the lagoon and the beach. We went to the same campsite. We like the island and the exclusivity of it. Though we are not the only one on the island, we felt like the whole island belongs to us, as least for now.

There were permanent residence on the island, they are the monkeys. I tell you, I've never met monkey as aggressive as these. Soon after we arrive, they came over in a horde, probably to warn us they are the lord of this land. From now on, we know we have to guard anything that is edible from these creatures. I don't want to elaborate more except to say they the island would be perfect without them. For now, we shall settle for almost perfect.


Day Time Sparklers

Our tent manager Fang took over and set up the tent. We sat down under the coconut tree in a group. Yuping had earlier suggested to set a time especially to celebrate Ching Eu's birthday. Nowadays we don't use cake, we got creative and healthy, and in this case, festive. Last week at Jeffrey's birthday, we light up candles on a water melon and use it as a cake to sing birthday song. Today, we have cupcake (was suppose to be mooncake) and light up a sparkler. This is the first time I see a day time sparkler. Some of us took the opportunity to share good things about Ching Eu.

There was no itinerary, no deadline, no schedule. The only itinerary we have is to be with one another. And that's what we did. Some of us took a nap under the coconut tree. I was chatting with others while wading in the water. Frederick probably went to take photo.

Approaching noon, I took out my stuff to prepare for lunch. I love my camping gears- the Primus omnifuel stove, my cooking set and etc. Lunch menu was stir fried instant noodle with luncheon meat and scramble egg. I cook the noodles, others slice the luncheon meat into smaller piece. Ching Eu and Fang make a great team, they were so good at churning out delicious looking scramble egg. Who say camping food are horrible?

I really believe it's the company, lunching together in the outdoor is such a great experience. We finished up every bit of the food. Then I boil water for making hot beverage before the rain comes.

God is so gracious, he kept the rain until we are done boiling the water. We stay outdoor for awhile until the rain got heavy, then we moved to the pavilion.

Can you imagine having a hot cup of coffee/tea in your hand, sitting under a pavilion, enjoying the wind, and sheltered from the rain. We can turn bad weather into great experience!!! We started playing the "never never" game followed by "ever ever" game. It's interesting to know that some of us has never swam in the sea before!!! Unbelievable!!!

The brothers started a game of Frisbee. Without coordinating, only the brothers are playing Frisbee. The sisters are chatting and listening to mp3. It's not that we don't like each other, it's just take place naturally.

We were quite serious about the game although we're having fun too. So we challenge ourselves to count to 10 successful throw-and-catch. Once we achieve that, we set our target to 15 and so on.

Then some of the sisters 'gave in' and join us. We had enough players to play "monkey". We like the game, and it's good work out too. We gave our best to run and chase the Frisbee. One time I was given "red" card for being too violence in a attempt to snatch the Frisbee from Stanley. Ok, now I know how the soccers player felt on the field. I really thought I was innocent.

Water Crisis



1 group of ang mo started packing and left around 5pm. I spoke to one of them in the toilet and found out he's from Ukraine and has been living in Singapore for awhile. We also got 2 bottle of water from them, after stanley and Victor requested from them.

After they left, we thought we want to shift from our current location to their campsite. Main reason being the monkey. I seems like we're camping at the headquarter of the pirate monkeys. We felt harassed. So we went moved.

Our new campsite was better. Since it's enclosed, we don't feel like we're totally expose to the monkey attack. But we have new friends. 1 or 2 monitor lizard was spotted. We are fine with their presence, since they don't bother us. I call her Xiao Ling.


To be continue.
More to come. Hear about our BBQ, fun with sparklers, morning devotion and more


Disclaimer:
All photos are use with permission. biu_biu79.

Single retreat "FLY"

Tomorrow is the Single’s Retreat at Batam. I am quite sore that I can’t be there with the singles ministry as most of my good friends will be there. I told God in my morning prayer.

An hour later, I was preparing for my flight. I notice that I have a new msg. It was from Stanley. I couldn’t believe that he’s asking me if I wanna join him at the retreat. A brother is giving up his place due to work commitment over the retreat weekend. I couldn’t say no. This offer is surely from God.

I find it amazing that this is my first time to Batam and 2^nd time visiting Indonesia despite the proximity. On Fri 0800hrs, I met up with Eric at Bukit Batok and ride down to Harbourfront MRT station where we’re meeting the rest at the Singapore Cruise Centre at 0915hrs. Eric and I manage to find a spot to pray together.

It’s just exciting to see so many familiar faces. Over breakfast, the conversation revolves around Chinese history and the cross strait relation with Taiwan. I was in favour of Taiwan’s independent. The other brother was rather for unification. Men like to talk about world affairs, as though our opinions can change the world.

The ferry journey is approximately 1 hour. Factor in 1 more hour for embarking and disembarking, and also factor in 30mins for transportation to our accommodation at Holiday Inn Resort. I set foot at the lobby before 1200hrs Batam time. (1 hour behind Singapore)

After briefing and lunch, my roommate Justin Ho handed the room key to me. I was pleasantly surprise by the comfort and size of my room. 1 living room complete with sofa set and TV, and also 1 bedroom with 2 single-size bed. The bathroom is under-utilized by 2 guest who are hardly in the room.

Movie Therapy on Loneliness

Most of us did a survey on loneliness and we are aware of our own state of loneliness based on the survey. John gave us a statistic. About 15% of singles across all age group are not lonely.

I learned that we need to bust this myth that going into a dating relation or being married will lift us out from loneliness. One can be lonely as a single or married. Good news for me as a single. The solution to loneliness is irrespective of my status as a single. Later on in the movie therapy, I learn that combating loneliness starts by having deep and meaningful relationship. It’s about making a connection with people. For we were all created as social creature.

Often, the problem of loneliness seems to grow exponentially with age. But once this myth is busted, it is easier to deal with the anxiety of being single.

Because of the time difference, sunset is around 6pm. Zach and I manage to squeeze in 1 hour to enjoy the pool. We had a bonding time talking about the lesson we learnt from John. Although at this point both of us are short of having 7 best friends as recommended, we were hopeful that we can work towards that.

Across the road from the resort is like a small town. There are restaurants, coffeeshops, pubs and all sorts of shops. Zach and I saw at a distance a restaurant that is crowded. It is not difficult to know that those are disciples by the level of noise they created.

I saw my room mate Justin Ho after dinner. I thought it would be a good idea to make new friends. So we went to a nearby pub and chatted over Heineken and Bintang beer. Later on we found out the bill came to SGD 3.50. (Really cheap). Justin and I knew each other by face way back 10 years. Amazingly our lives did not cross path until today. He shared with conviction how the past 1-2 years have been live changing for him. Prior to that, he has left the church but got restored 2 years ago. We share how the lesson has help us. I find comfort to know how we can be quick friends in the kingdom of God. We actually have a lot in common than we thought.

This evening was supposed to be free and easy. The Crystal Ballroom was open for us to play boardgames. Zach and the crooners are found in the KTV room belting out All By Myself, though they are far from being by themselves. I was drawn to the fellowship with Ching Eu, Joanne, Josephine, Berlin and Damon over the dining area. I had my cravings for Bang! and introduced the game to them. At the 2^nd game, some of them looks as though they were drank. And so we ended the game and retire to our room.

Morning run

I woke up at 0600hrs to go for what I call “Exploratory” run. I want to know the area around the resort. Well, I “discovery” that the seafood restaurant area where I had my dinner was not that big. It takes 4 mins to complete a round. 2^nd discovery was that the ferry terminal is just right next to it. A walk from the resort to the ferry terminal would not take more than 15mins. After 40 mins of going round and round, I headed back to the gym in the resort.

The Beaches

The morning opened as Karen Louis (Yes, John Louis’ Wife) did a duet with Celine, singing the song Wind Beneath my Wings by Bette Midley. I was touched that Karen did that simply because she love us (the single ministry).

After more movie therapy, John wanted us to watch the full movie, The Beaches, Starring Bette Midley and her hit from the 80’s Wind Beneath my Wings.

Most of us knows Bette Midley as a great singer, she also very good as an actress. I didn’t recognize her until I saw the end credits that she is playing the lead actress CC Bloom.

I was moved by the story of a long standing friendship between 2 childhood friend. Deep inside me, the passion and longing for friendship was re-ignite. Life-lessons taught us that friendship is not worth pursuing and persevering. Think about all the negative experience you have had- hurt, betrayal, humiliation, breaking of trust, superficiality. Maybe all friendships are temporary, even the best of friends grow apart.

When they were young and didn’t have a lot materially, life in New York city was simpler. They could find contentment in one another.

Later on fame, wealth and men came between the 2 best friends, CC Bloom and Hillary Whitney. And a cat fight between them broke up at the mall. CC thought hard and deep: “What would life be without a best friend (Hillary)”. She was deeply affected.

Later on Hillary’s dad died and she inherit his property. She moved out of the apartment in NY. Over the years, CC writes to her, trying to reconnect with her. Hillary never opened any of the letters but returns them to CC.

Fast forward.

Later on, Hillary looks up CC in NY and they make up. Her husband strayed and they divorce, she was already pregnant when it happened. CC and Hillary raise the girl together.

Then Hillary contracted a heart condition and it makes her tired most of the time. In her last few moments, she wanted to spend the time with her daughter Victoria and CC at the summer beach resort.

It’s sad to see Hillary go. And I know that a lot of disciples in the room were moved to tears. As for me, I am convinced that friendship is so important in our lives. It is not fame, wealth and material possession. There was an urge to go up to my best friend and gave them a big bear hug, telling them how much I love them.

I am hopeful that we all can find a soulmate in our live.