Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Blessed are we... II!

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And most of all, our leader, Serene... who is too modest to name herself below!

Serene is the visionary behind Expedition Agape... the lady with a big huge heart who first dreamt about bringing at-risk youths in Singapore to an Expedition overseas way back in 2006. This exceptional young lady turned the dream into reality first in 2008, bringing 10 youths to Cambodia as part of a life-changing 6 month journey. She now continues leading our team in 2010 in her warm, gentle, caring, inspiring way... continually daring the team to dream bigger and to reach for the highest in making Expedition Agape happen for the blessed youths chosen to join the team. Constantly giving her best and utmost to the highest of ideals, Serene teaches through example that nothing is impossible if you believe enough and are willing to give your all for a cause. Serene, thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve, to grow, to learn, to live for a dream. We are reaching higher heights than we ever dreamed possible in Expedition Agape 2010. You are beautiful, inspirational and exceptional, and we love you!

Ping's (one of the three founders of CampVision) tribute:
Serene, thank you for making this dream of mine come true too! I am sitting here away in UK, reading about CV Expedition and grateful that someone as inspiring, powerful, loving, passionate, empowering, determined, compassionate and selfless is leading the way and bringing CampVision overseas again! I am so excited and can't wait to be part of Team Agape one day, I promise!

Blessed are we...

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July 18 was our first volunteers' meeting. Then, it was a group of some-strangers, some-acquaintances coming together. Most were not sure what they were in for; bonded only by a common desire to volunteer for an overseas expedition -- to see the youths grow, to see ourselves enriched, and to make a difference to others around us.

Now, one and a half months and 5 meetings later, I can only say that I am amazed. Amazed, grateful and blessed. Each and every member of the team brings their unique talents, skills, personality and energy to the group, with so much passion and enthusiasm, and nothing short of excellence and perfection in all that they do to make this journey a reality for the youths who will soon be joining us, and for ourselves. All working adults, all from diverse fields, all working towards a common goal and for a common cause.

Big-hearted Thomas
Loving, giving and compassionate. A man with a big heart, who is passionate about saving the Earth, and being environmentally friendly. His presence reminds us never to waste or throw away our plastic mineral water bottle! Having joined us for the last expedition to Cambodia, survived, and seen firsthand for himself how much hard work and 'heart' work there is in this journey, the fact that he is still back, speaks the depth of his love and giving nature. Thank you for being someone that we can depend, trust and count on!

Warm and Enthusiastic Fern
Warm and enthusiastic Fern
Quirky, fun-loving and adventurous, Fern brings so much joy to the team with her infectious laughter and unfailing optimism. She always sees the bright side of things, perhaps guided by her deep faith in God, that she makes you believe anything is possible :) We love her minutes that document our meetings so well -- full of her personality and observant but funny comments. Sporty, she plays all sports, and she loves to dance too. Such a embracer of life, volunteering for the children's group in her church and many many other commitments. I'm grateful to have you in the team!

Steadfast Lin Lin
Lin Lin is a steadfast giver, determined to challenge herself in life and live to the fullest. An avid scuba diver and volunteer who has volunteered in many organisations, and organised several Home Stay programmes in Japan for those who love cultural exchange and immersion! She is also departing soon for the 12 days recce trip to Sikkim on 10th Sept! Thank you for being the person we know we can trust, for doing so much for the team, and for always willing to take up the baton to do more! Truly blessed to have you onboard.
Sunny Nicholas

Sunny Nicholas
The ever ready young man, full of zest for life, to do, experience and live. I don't think I've ever heard him say 'No' to anything... he is Mr Possible, and never seems to get tired or fatigued. He barely joined CampVision 2 months ago, and is now not only joining the Expedition, but has willingly volunteered to go for the recce trip to Sikkim with Lin Lin! I don't know how we could be so lucky that he has found it meaningful to give his time, effort and energy to the CampVision cause, but he has. He does so much behind the scenes, checking out campsites, checking out adventure shops, and the list goes on. Thank you Nick!

Giving Gillian
Gillian is a giver, in and out. She gives so much of herself, always more than 100% to anything she devotes to. She amazes me. She is the only one in the team who has to travel 6 hours here and 6 hours back just to attend meetings, because she stays in Kuala Lumpur... But without fail, she will do it every time we have meetings, with only positivity, and no complaints. She has her eye on the big picture. She will be leading the local activities for the Malaysian youths in 2011 when they join us for the overseas expedition 2011. What a big dream, and one that I know will be actualised with her passion and unwavering contribution.

Confident and Outgoing Sophia 
Confident and Outgoing Sophia
Outdoorsy Scorpio lady who self-proclaims to carry a sting, Sophia is the taskmaster in our group, meticulous and sees all the potential pitfalls. What will we do without her??? :) I love that she dares to ask the hard questions, to get us thinking about how we can raise money and ensure that our events turn out successful! She's an awesome project manager, dedicated and assertive, someone we can trust to get things done to pure perfection (Sophia will say "realistic", no such thing as perfection haha). Thank you for your passion, authenticity and courage to keep us to task!

Energizer Shufen
Another Scorpio in the team, could almost be Sophia's identical twin! She's someone who always go, go, going, doing a million and one things at the same time. Tons of commitments, including her Ballet exam, and an avid volunteer with the Paya Lebar Kovan Community Club Youth Group for the past 5 years! Not to mention the numerous community service and humanitarian trips she has participated in before to Cambodia, Northern Thailand and India. Sociable and outgoing, she loves to laugh and to dance! We definitely miss your laughter when you are not around... an instant sound lighting up the room haha... Thank you for adding another thing to your busy schedule and still finding the commitment to give to Expedition Agape, dear gal! You rock.
Spontaneous David

Spontaneous David
Garang (meaning fearless and courageous!) is the word to describe David. He just chiongs in what he does, serious and fully committed when working, but also going all out when playing. He is someone who plays many roles... A humble and patient facilitator who serves others in their learning, a fun-loving, down-to-earth person who jokes and friendly to be around, a adventurous guy who just dares to try and wants to explore! I'm awed by David's dedication, though he says he might not be able to join us for the Expedition, he is more than willing to develop and facilitate all our local programmes for the youths. David, I believe in the possibility that you can join us too! ;)

Gentle Artist - Firdaus
Fir is the big teddy bear in our team, warm, gentle and laidback in his soul, and an avid artist who loves expressing himself through various art forms. He believes in the power of art to heal and as therapy. He also enjoys cooking and can whip up a culinary feast any time! A noble and inspiring dream that he has is to own his very own art school one day. Grateful to have him on the team, someone who brings a sense of calm to everyone!

Caring Nina
Caring Nina
A caring woman, Nina has made it her profession to heal others through physiotherapy and guide others to inner and outer well-being through pilates. Though she can't join us on the Expedition (awwwws!!! we are all hoping that by a miracle of God, that she can!!!), she has given her time and effort to the Expedition, sharing the dream with others, and raising funds through her friends.

Loving Angel
She is as angelic as her name, gentle in her demenanour but with a core of determination and strength within her. She has said that due to work, she can't join us for the Expedition... but she is still willing to give and she still wants to contribute... especially with her baking talents! Baked 2 lovely cakes for us at our last meeting on 29 Aug Sunday which filled our stomachs and hearts, and will be baking more and more Angel's cookies to help us organise a fundraising bake sale. Blessed to have you onboard the team, Angel! *hugs*! Your presence inspires all of us and makes us feel all fuzzy wuzzy inside. :)
Committed Calvin

Committed Calvin
Last but definitely not least, the pillar and co-leader of the team, Calvin. He is the one who made this Expedition possible in the first place, with his strength of belief and taking initiative to get everyone together. Unwavering commitment, he is always clear and observant, and knows just what needs to be done and what needs to be said at the right times. A do-er who gives, gives and gives, he has an unending well of energy that he draws from. Thank you Calvin, my partner in life, and in this Expedition journey!

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And that's the team, the wonderful individuals that have come together to create a 6 months journey together and who have made a stand for the youths who will be joining us soon (we are meeting them this coming Sunday!). Thank you all... you make me feel blessed from the bottom of my heart, that even with your busy schedules and life, you have found time to make a difference in the world, to make someone else smile, and to make someone else's life better. You guys are the Changemakers who inspire me with your heart and passion. Looking forward to the journey ahead!