Dec 6-7

Good luck to those who are required to write in Chinese.
And so it began.
On 6 Dec, some 10 youth trooped down to PHS at or around 1pm. Some came alone, some in pairs, some in groups.
Brief walkthrough of the day, we played some icebreakers, got to know some people. Formed up into groups, played some form of running man hosted by AMK Presbyterian and Pastor Clement. Games were good, they were quite fun, lots of effort into the planning and execution. Certainly. In the end, it ramped up in physical intensity to the 3rd stage, had running, jumping and wrestling. A little drama here and there, with diplomacy and whatnot strategy. Winners were declared and everyone was happy.
We then went down to Glory Pres, had dinner, some worship then admin matters, grabbing of appointments then board games. Some a little intellectual, some less so. A couple of rounds of werewolf/murderer/polar bear. Then everyone went to sleep at or around 0030 071213. Notable was the bathing experience, kinda army-like, nothing new for me but perhaps for the others.
Next morning, reveille at 0830, had some short morning devotions. Ephs 2, lead by Pastor Gideon. Covered on the- saved by faith through grace alone and complete 'depravation', something that I believe will become a recurring theme. Was kinda intense for morning devotion. Then we left for breakfast at the food center nearby then homed.
There was clearly a sense of trepidation and apprehension, no one knew much about what to expect, and excitement too, at the unknown potential this program held.
I for one, came alone so there was also a slide issue about knowing people, and fitting in socially and whatnot.
But I must say that the people were nice and sensible. We were able to gel quite quickly, at least on the superficial level to get things done, especially in the games. That was some high-order teamwork.
The setting of expectations and running through of the program was a little dull, and seemed kinda patchy at times, lots of unknowns still. Even though there were highlights such as the visits, homework schedules .etc.
Games at night were fun too. Pity that only 10 of us were there and not the full 17 though.
Even though there was no sermon within this orientation camp, the morning devotion gave some decent spiritual food. We covered differences in versions of the bible, translations that are based on word-by-word e.g KJV, NIV, ESV versus those meaning by meaning such as the message, NLT, Good news .etc. Just as well, those meaning by meaning versions already seem to be providing a mini-commentary. Good information for us all to know. We also touched on the basic tenets of Presbyterian faith. The issue of free will. The discussion was also fruitful, I trust most people took away something.
Even though the program looks packed, I do believe that we will have sufficient time, to ourselves .etc. At least it is not 8-5 like work or stay-in-camp like army. The homework looks doable, I mean, the books look really thin.
Anyway, since we are at the start, lets hope to do well, work well, learn well and subsequently lead well. And, god willing, this internship program will be a great success and we will come out with changed lives and not only just head knowledge.

Nicholas
111213 2317
Oh look, nice date.