Bonding Moment at Bukit Cahaya

Just a brief post here about my (Hannah’s) short trip to Taman Pertanian Bukit Cahaya on the 22nd-23rd January 2010. Organised by our Christian Fellowship seniors, the main objective of this trip was to foster close relationship between committee members of our CF.

The place was in Shah Alam and we went there in our trusty church van. There were 16 juniors and 5 seniors. Obviously, there were also more girls than boys. Our lodging place was known as “Kampung Idaman”, haha, cool huh? And our chalets were Pak Alang Negeri Perak for the girls and Pak *whoops…forgot* Negeri Terengganu for the boys. The exquisite architecture designs are based on real traditional houses of each state in Malaysia. Sadly, I hadn’t been able to see either Sabah or Sarawak chalets.

Pic below (from left): The boys chalet (less spacious than girls’), and the living room (the girls’ chalet)

We started off with prayer and the fun began. We were led into a series of icebreaking games in which my group managed to escape punishment in the form of lipstick doodles on the face. But I guess it would be fun to get our faces decorated once in a while. Next, we broke into 2 groups and were given tasks to do. A lighted candle and balloons tied to our ankles were placed under our care.

1. Build a drinking straws tower which reaches a specified height without talking with group members. Our mouths were sealed with masking tape. But because  of all the sweat and saliva, it didn’t adhere properly. Hehe…

2. Members tie themselves facing outwards to a piece of newspaper with balloons placed atop. Balloons must not fall off. Meanwhile, there were keys and hangers scattered all about. Hangers were for attacking enemies while keys were to open the locks later.

Obviously, we were having A BLAST!!!!

Unfortunately, we became too preoccupied with attacking each other till we forgot our main goal, not to open the locks but to keep the newspaper intact and balloons safe. Hmm, lesson learnt. Just like serving God, we should always come back to our main purpose---glorifying His name and not be distracted by all the things we thought was important around us.

That night was supposed to be barbecue night. Unfortunately, it rained like cats and dogs. In spite of that, the boys insisted lighting up the grill and they sang in the rain. In the end, food was barbecued on the stove instead. (Note: the chicken wings and drumsticks were marinated by Jan, Cecilia, Yee Farn and me on Thursday 10pm-11pm, tiring work!)

After the sumptuous meal, we had a brief meeting. Then, we began the Smugglers’ Night, prepared by the seniors. The game started at 12am exactly so eerie atmosphere blanketed us as we await at the game site (the boys’ chalet). We were told that there will be guards with torches in the house who could catch us by shining on us. Our goal was to deliver a note to the Collector hidden inside. There might also be a Deceiver disguised as the Collector. By the way, it will be pitch dark in there with obstacles laid on the floor. We were only allowed to enter one at a time. Noise and sound will attract the Guards. If team members were caught, we had to choose to save him or to find the Collector. Most of us chose to save our friends from the dungeon (the toilet).

Thank God I managed to grope my way around and as I am of small build, I easily slipped away from the Guards and came out alive. Haha!!! Funny and scary the way the Guards say: “I hear sooommmeeeoneee….” or “Someone’s in my Hoouussseee….”. ESPECIALLY when it’s already past midnight. Below shows our expressions when we knew what lies ahead.

  That night (or rather, morning), I slept little because of aggressive group of mosquitoes feeding on my legs, back and face! I slathered on Tiger Balm, a thick layer of it, on my whole body, including on my pants and socks but to no avail. Hence, I spent the whole dawn scratching, covering, and applying medicine to ease the itch.

Daylight finally came, and I along with 3 other friends went for a refreshing morning walk. God showed His majesty in nature. Really was refreshing to see the breathtaking pictures God paints using sunlight and trees.

 

Later part of the day was spent wandering around the Taman Pertanian with main stop at Four Season. A place which showcases plants and real atmosphere of the four season. Around this time, we got the chance to experience the freezing cold winter, temperature of –2degree C! However, the feeling was just like being in a freezer. Trees and plants were dormant so it looked quite deserted and dead.

Pic below clockwise: Just outside Winter area (Frm left: Jan, Grace, me, Yen Mei, Sarah), Snowman and igloo, frozen roots, sleeping trees (real ones!)

   

 

Below are sceneries taken (clockwise from 1st pic on left): Lake on the way to Four Season(x2), morning scenery, shafts of light through the trees, exploring the place together.