And then there were the newbies. Those who are completely clueless about their surroundings. That is when they are the most vulnerable.
And ICF steps in. And catches the prey. Muahaha.
Nah. That's not how it works.
Orientation was tiring, hard work, lots of planning, and lots of worrying. But at the end of the day, the memories, the new friends, the strenghtening of existing relationships made it all worthwhile. I was at the booth for most of the week, just talking to people. Most of the time ICF comes into the picture, and we try our best to spark interests in people. But we know that what matters is not whether we get new members, but the impact that we have on each individual. There are people who have signed up but will not come for ICF on a regular basis, and there lies the opportunities for friendship evangelism: viewing them through the eyes of Jesus. I've met most of my JPA juniors, and it was a joy to help them. I remember that not so long ago, I was as clueless as them. And it was through the help of those before me, that I managed to find my footing in unfamiliar grounds. I've also met some people who have lots of potential. I hope that the new friendships I've made will last, and the friendships that I have will last longer.
I just came back from drag-netting. Although we have a smaller turn out this year, the fun wasn't any less. I've got to bond with some of the people who joined, and it was very interesting to know them. The weather was good, the haul was impressive, and many have sacrificed to make this event work. It has been a great day, and in the midst of my tiredness and the sickness that I get from too much planning, I know it was all worth it. It was never for my sake in the first place. It was for them. For God.
I have taken lots of photos. It was a new year resolution. Katarina and I were having a conversation regarding this during the ride home: people take home for granted, knowing that they'll see home again. But when you're in a place only for a limited amount of time, you want to do everything, try everything, see everything, and take photos of everything.
Memorable: Kirstie told me how happy she was when she received a red packet. She is from Hong Kong. She hasn't celebrated Chinese New Year for two years.
