I just came back from "mountain climbing" last week. It was my school's combined UG (uniform groups) Mt Ophir Expedition. For those who don't know, Mt Ophir is a mountain in Malaysia.
It was indeed tough and tiring... but it was quite fun while it lasted. Initially, I was complaining and lamenting and regretting going. Being a pampered Singaporean youth, a little 'hardship' will yak and yak, lamenting away. But I totally enjoyed this trip, a lot...
1 important lesson that I learnt was not to take things for granted but to be appreciative. My eyes opened during this trip as I hiked up the 'mountain'. I started to be very grateful, especially to my parents, who in their concern and worry, prepared me for this trip which I initially did not see the importance... snacks that are strictly reserved for eating while trekking, simple medication and first aid, a good camera with a large memory space, etc.
Actually, my dad said that I was not supposed to share the 3 Mars bars, but to eat them every 2 hour interval. Along with that, my mom also gave me a 'tube' of Oreo biscuits (which I shared around and in the end never did get to try it =( ...) and some sweets, all of which I shared. I even got scolded by dad when he realised that I only ate 1/2 a Mars Bar when I was supposed to eat all 3. =P
Anyway, it is good to share, especially to others who may need it more. For me, I personally did not mind eating less, as long as some others are happier. *shrug* And the medicine/1st aid came to good use... esp the 'brown tape plaster', medicated oil, and the zam buk. I think others use my parents blessings more than I did, but it doesn't matter. I am glad to offer my service to others.
The thing I enjoyed most was the fellowship. As it is a combined UG, I got to know and made friends with some of my peers from other UGs, especially the girls. For those whom I known, through this trip, we fostered better and closer relationship, getting to know each other better, and depending on each other. This does not only stop at my fellow peers, but also fellowship with the sec 4 seniors, the teachers, the CIs of other UGs, and our guide that followed us from Singapore.
It was so nice to see the unity, friendship, help, teamwork, encouragement, etc. given on this trip... as strangers/acquaintances help and encourage each other on. I felt very glad and privileged to know this group of people, as well as to together conquer Mt Ophir. Though we were not perfect, and some of us were a little mischievous and unthoughtful, I still enjoyed the company very very very much.
On the whole, I would like to thank God for several things:
*That none of us really got lost
*That no one got seriously hurt
*That the weather was very good, though it started to rain on the way down. But at least it did not start to rain earlier.
*For protecting us and giving each and every one of us the strength and courage to conquer the summit
*That I had a great and enjoyable time
*For my parents who gave me snacks, medication, 1st aid that came to very good use during the trip
*For granting us His favour
*For TREES and their roots, as they helped us as we climb up and down the mountain... without them I would have slipped and fall much more times =O OUCH!
*For the Malaysian guides who patiently waited and guided us both up and down the mountain.
*For our Singaporean guide who took the courage and faith to guide and help us, ensuring that we have/get everything we needed... for she had a speech difficulty, yet took the courage to try to communicate with us and bear no grudges against the negative remarks foolishly made.
*For the CIs who helped to organise and assist the teachers
*For our 4 wonderful teachers, who made this trip possible, who had courage and faith in their students, who encouraged us even in their enthusiasm and otherwise.
*MOST IMPORTANTLY, all thanks and praise be to the Lord God, the Jehovah... who made this trip possible, memorable... who led me through the decision of going, whose hand was always covering us and protecting us from all harm.
I really totally enjoyed myself lotz... at first I was saying, "I would never come to Mt Ophir again, not even if u pay me a thousand dollars, not even for any badge..." But it was indeed a achievement, and I may consider going again if the opportunity arises, though once I start climbing I would probably complain again. XD
The fellowship was indeed Great! I may have said that I regretted going, at the beginning of the climb... but I know for sure that I totally enjoyed myself on the whole and have no regrets going. No journey is too tough to go through if you persists and try, and with God by your side.
I TOTALLY LOVED THIS MT OPHIR TRIP!!!!!
PS. The photo links... for those who went and want to see the photos:
To View:
http://s55.photobucket.com/albums/g121/Love_MtOphir2006/
For easier download of photo files:
http://www.filefactory.com/get/v3/f2.php?f=540897
http://www.filefactory.com/get/v3/f2.php?f=9af4e3
http://www.filefactory.com/get/v3/f2.php?f=aa5002
http://www.filefactory.com/get/v3/f2.php?f=ee509a
For File Factory... go to the sites... the click "Don't want a premium download? Click here to access our free download links"
Sorry for the inconvenience, cant find any better sites... any recommendations, do email me or leave a comment or a tag. =) Happy Viewing!!!
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