history speaks for itself: September 2014

12-14 September 2014

Radiant Retreats, Janda Baik, Pahang.

Introduction

A 3 days 2 nights camp to remember for me. I was selected for the camp out of 100+ applications. All of the participants were required to meet up at the LRT Universiti station near to Universiti Malaya (UM). I was alone because two of my friends couldn't make it last minute.

Firdaus

Not long after we boarded a bus to the venue, I encountered one of the participants named Firdaus. We had a very long chat along the journey. He is a Youth Coordinator for a local NGO. He has been travelling around ASEAN for quite sometimes, raising awareness about sex education among youth. Also, he has a good taste of music. He listens to the Muse, VAMP from Japan among others.

Personality Test

While on the bus, we were introduced to a personality test by Archana (https://www.facebook.com/archana.divi.vanilla?fref=ts), the Camp Emcee. The result was not surprising. You can check the test here (http://personality-testing.info/tests/4T.php) for more details. I am a Choleric person. How about you?

Radiant Retreats

This place is one of its kind. The food was delicious and there were cute, tame cats who love to play around while we were enjoying our meals. There was a hilltop bungalow where we had most of our activities. Click here (http://www.radiant-retreats.com/AboutRadiantRetreats.html) for more details.

Videos: Faith in humanity restored

We were lucky to be introduced to these two videos. One of the videos almost made me cry. Watch here: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vH5P694XH0) and here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaWA2GbcnJU).

Rafting

We were divided into three groups to make a raft to be completed for a race on a lake nearby. We managed to build a near-perfect raft with helps from some instructors. Before the race started, we were asked to change our own raft with another group. Most of us were frustrated at first, but remained optimistic for the race. Eventually, we lost the race, but the best part was when our friends from the other group helped us to reach the finish line.

Phil

On the final night, we had a heart to heart session. I managed to hear a very saddening story from Phil, a Nigerian who still studying at Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University College (KLMUC). I wish to share his stories here, but it is way too personal. Else, he is the president and founder of the KLMUC debate club.

Eco Farm

We ran into an Uncle named Awaluddin, an ex-naval captain who already retired from the Royal Malaysian Navy. At present, he is working on his farm called Fitrah Farm @ Atuk’s Farm. He presented us an old technique termed Natural Farming. Interestingly enough, we learned a lot from him through observations and hands-on experiences. Click here (https://www.facebook.com/radiant.retreats/posts/275966735915930) for more details.

Conclusion

Throughout the camp, I met friends with different nationalities. I have never been to a camp where there are more than 10 nationalities, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Czech Republic, Poland among others. I would love to participate in future events organized by GPV.

Be the Change You want to see in this World. – Mahatma Gandhi.

One Family under God.