From 10-12 June 2013, 4th Advocates had a 3-day local CIP which was filled with meaningful activities including cleaning the school and elderly home as well as serving at Willing Hearts. At first, we were disappointed with the cancellation of our OCIP. However, people usually say that it is really no point if you serve strangers but you have no heart for your own community. With that in mind, the local CIP ended with great joy and fulfillment as we can pay back to the society where we currently live in.
Serving, no matter where you are, always gives you the same feeling: Peace and love.
Local CIP was an exhausting yet enriching experience. On the first day, I was given the responsibility to lead the Advocates to clean the school. Honestly, it was quite difficult to estimate how long it would take to clean each venue (CC, LTs, chemistry labs). At first, I thought it would not take so long to clean the area and thought that we might be able to finish our duty ahead of schedule. However, it turned out that cleaning the school was laborious and we did not manage to clean some rooms (AVA and furniture store), partly because many Advocates did not turn up on the day itself. As I cleaned the chemistry labs, I realised there were only 3-4 staffs in charge of cleaning all the chemistry labs. The labs were dirty and there were bits and pieces of broken glasses scattered on the floor. This was because many students irresponsibly swept the glass pieces under the tables when they broke some apparatus instead of throwing them to the proper dustbin. Therefore, from this experience, I have learned to be more responsible and considerate towards the cleaning staffs. I promise myself to pick up litters if I see any in school. When doing experiments in science labs, I would clean the tables/floor properly if I spill any chemicals or break any apparatus. Lastly, I would also greet any of the staffs when I see them as I realised that simple acts of acknowledgement could motivate them and brighten their day.
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On the second day, I was really glad that I finally had the opportunity to clean someone’s house and chat with him/her. I was even more glad to know that the auntie whose house my group cleaned could speak English fluently. This allowed me to get to know her, despite some difficulties to keep the conversation going. From the conversation, I came to realise that many elderly here are indeed lonely. It is really a pity to see that they have to live independently at such a fragile age. Coming from a country where ageing population is not a huge threat, I could not imagine myself having to live alone when I grow old. Therefore, I promise to be more enthusiastic in doing the Big Sweep project, despite the exhaustion after long hours in school. I realised my presence could really bring her joy and ease her loneliness, at least for a day. I will also try to think of what questions to ask before visiting the auntie to keep the conversation going.
-Bonaventura Kevin, 4th Saints Advocate
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| Our 4th Saints Advocate serving and learning together at Willing Hearts |
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Day three was the walk in Pulau Ubin. It was my first time getting my feet on that little green island and I had no idea what to expect. Minutes into the trip I was greeted by a bite by a mosquito and a fright from a stray dog. It was both tiring yet enchanting to walk 3.3km and admire the wilderness. I was glad that such a place still existed in Singapore amongst our concrete jungles as it enabled me to appreciate nature and bask in the atmosphere of the early Kampong days. It reminded me of the heartwarming Kampong spirit!
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| Appreciating nature and spending time together as an Advocate family in Pulau Ubin :) |
-Lim Yen Theme, 4th Saints Advocate
