Child of God

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We are AMO
a fun-loving cheerful group of L9s
from the Church of Holy Spirit
a Catholic parish in Singapore
This blog journals our mission trip
to Bicol in the Philippines

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6:23 PM



Uncle Al writes:

The L908 mission (Alpha Mission Omega) returned safely to Singapore early this morning just minutes before 1 am, but not before an hour's delay in Manila's super cold Terminal 3. After a fun three and a half hour flight aboard Cebu Pacific, we landed in Singapore, and were met at the Budget Terminal by parents, friends and relatives. I couldn't help the sense of joy and relief among those who met us at the airport. After all, we're home, safe and sound, never mind if it's at that unholy hour.

For those of us who took a leap of faith and heeded God's call, this mission trip will be a momentous event that we will cherish all our lives.

As mission leader, I would like to thank the adults who joined us in this mission: Sr Angeline Lim, our spiritual director who always calmed us and made us aware of God's providence whenever we were down and troubled; Amy Lim, head of the faith formation ministries who was an able whipmaster whenever I am unable to do so; parents Richard Seow, Juliana Tan and David Koh for their invaluable assistance in keeping us well-fed and happy throughout; Jamie Bong, an RCIY catechist and one of the stewards of the junior catechist ministry, whose dedication and servant-attitude should be a role model for everyone; and Anthony Tann, whose presence and contributions made a lot of difference in looking after the well-being of the group.

I would also like to give this affirmation to all our youths who participated in this mission. You wholehearted participation was commendable, and your parents and our parish priest should be proud of you. But let me mention a few names for their exemplary conduct and leadership qualities, their dedication to the tasks assigned to them, their willingness to serve and not to be served: Glen Koh, Mark Lee, Timothy Low, Brian Chin, Jonathan Chng, Nicholas Neo, Samantha Chia, Kelly Tseng.
I would also like to thank the parents and friends who kept our spirits up by posting positive messages and affirmations in this blog throughout the mission trip. Those meant a great deal to us here while we were away, and we thank you for that.

To everyone in Bicol who helped us, and everyone everywhere who prayed for our well-being of the success of our mission trip - thank you, and may God bless you abundantly.

Thanks everyone, for the opportunity. It was a privilege serving you. And thanks Bicol for being there. It was a joy being there, too.

What exactly did we bring to Bicol? Yes, we brought supplies, books etc etc. But what really was important for the children there was our presence in the mission areas, our smiles, and our time spent with them. So, to our teens: never mind if you drew that line off centre. Never mind that you painted the wall a shade darker than required. Never mind if you forgot to bring extra Milos and biscuits. Never mind that you sang that song dissonantly. Never mind if you spoke so fast like a the MRT that the local kids didn't understand you or the local kids thought you were an idiot. Never mind if you woke up late, or clogged the toilets, or wore the wrong t-shirt. Or you came up late for prayers and meals. Or you made a nuisance of yourselves, whether at the dorm, at the mission areas, or at the airports. Never mind if we were off-key a little bit during the Mass on Dec 14. Never mind.

For from the classrooms of the town, to the little houses of Tagaytay, to the devastated landscape of Masarawag to the far-flung hills and vales of Dona Mercedes, you made the children smile and laugh and feel loved by a people from another part of the world. You brought joy to them, even for a moment. You saw how they welcomed you, and valued your company. And they saw the love and mercy and compassion of God in you.

We painted and sort of refurbished the Dona Mercedes chapel in 3 days. Jesus died and was resurrected after 3 days. Remember his promise that he would build God's temple in three days?

This has been a post-confirmation mission trip that will be etched in our memories forever, not just because of what we have experienced, but also because of the circumstances that surrounded it, and the blessings that God has bestowed upon it.

To God be the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
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