Friday, February 1, 2008

Relocation (18/12)

Went to the deaf association today and helped them in shifting the furniture. The journey from my house took me about an hour. I was alone as my friends chose the next day. It wasn’t too bad as I got to know some of the seniors. The first thing we did was to shift computer tables to the second floor. Then, we went to arrange the books and games into the shelves allocated for each subject. The books were so heavy that the shelves bend. We went to set up computers and after that went for lunch. After lunch, the guys carried tables and chairs and the girls helped to clean it. After that, we set up the classroom for them. The arrangement was kind of strange as it is of a shape of U. I learn how to communicate with the deaf. At first, the sign language seems a little difficult to understand. But slowly everyone understood what they were trying to tell us. Before we left, they even taught us some sign language.

Flag Day (5/1)

My friends and I went to Bugis to do our Flag Day. It was a Saturday and we expected to meet a lot of kind hearted people. We are raising funds for the deaf association. Our starting point was at Bugis. Then we slowly walk to Marina Square. On the way, we also ask for donations. Some were polite enough to stop and gave us some coins. But there are some who will just ignore us and walk away. I can think that maybe they have something urgent to deal with. At city hall, there was a guy who approach me and wanted to view my licence. After viewing it, he gave me a $10 note. Wow. First time doing Flag Day would I met someone so generous. Standing at the escalator, smiling and asking people to donate was not easy. But it is worth it when the public smile at you and started digging for their wallet. Second person that gave me a $10 note. Was overjoyed and this built up my confident that there are many kind souls out there. We had to end everything before 5pm and head back to school for our preparation camp.

Preparation Camp (5/1 – 6/1)

By the time we went back to school, we were already 20 min late. And the punishment was paying $4 as a fine. The first programme was a meeting carried out by Mr Ho in addressing us some rules and programmes that will be happening in Thailand. After that, we had dinner and were asked to choose which committee we wanted to help out in. After everyone had chosen, we had ice-breaking games where everyone gets to know each other. It was fun and I m sure that everyone had enjoyed. Then, went for a captain ball competition. Although my group lost, we were glad for the other group and we had enjoyed the game. After an hour of bathing, our committee groups were revealed to us. I was in the Language Group. We called ourselves the library geeks. We had to carry out our own meeting and decide what we want to do and carry out during our 21 days in Chengmai. After that, we had a discussion on the T-shirt designs. And finally the day ended at 2am.
The next day, everyone woke up with half-opened eyes. Had morning exercise and then went for breakfast. After breakfast, we went to the workshop room to sort out all the soft toys and books. Then, each work groups are allowed to choose their toys they wanted to use as prizes for their games. Next, we had a game where we are divided into four teams and we are suppose to protect our base by not allowing our pail to collect water. The team with the most water in the pail, loses. Only 20 water bombs were given and the rest we need to buy from the black market. My team got the most water bombs and also we have a teammate called Terence. He was the most wanted and causing other group to attack our group. The other 3 groups alliance together and trying to eliminate us. But sad to say, in the end we did not lose. The group that wanted to sabo us loses. Through this game, we get to know one another better. Then we had lunch at food heaven. After the buffet, we had a last meeting where each work group are to present the things that they are going to do in Thailand. After that, we break camp.

- Alex

Labels: Reflections

"LOL-ers" blogged at 9:41 AM