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	Friday, February 22 Do you think you can survive without food for 30 hours? My Expectations It was back in late 2004 when I joined World Vision 30 hour Famine Camp held at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. What got me started was my sister. I was asked to replace a friend of my sister’s who was unfortunately down with chicken pox. Yes, I was just a substitute then. Well, a volunteer facilitator substitution I guess. I agreed to offer help after much coaxing from my sister. Day 1 Registering at the counter, we were given a log book, our 2 facilitator T-shirts in black, an ugly and plain name tag and told which out of 8 different 3rd world countries that we would be assigned to. Cambodia was my country. I was tense and cannot help but to worry because I really felt intimidated. The people around me, my fellow facilitators, were either in their early 20s to late 30s. I was just tiny winy 16 year old girl who have yet to even receive her N-Level result! To make it worst, the crowd I took was 10 HCJC students. . the group of facilitators Cambodia Grp Do they talk in perfect English complete sentences like; “Hi, how do you do? My name is Wilson. Nice to meet you.” That was freaky, I thought. I took plenty of deep breaths to compose myself. I counseled myself that maybe after 2 days of camp, I hope to learn some principles and values in life and to obtain priceless experiences. What mattered most during that time was the fact that I got to be away from home. Of course, the anticipating fun too. the stopwatch . At 2.30pm sharp, we started the 30 hour famine. After the opening speeches from the organisers and few rounds of ice breaking, I lead my group to the next activity, the games. Highlights & Challenges We had to gain points from the games played in order to trade in eg. for a can of sweet drink, a bar of chocolate, this is to be shared among the 11 of us. There was always a free flow of plain water, thankfully, to always keep us hydrated. There were many series of structured scenarios based on conditions and struggles faced by the people from the 3rd world countries. There were some activities that we are not able to complete due to the time constrain. Some of us were almost to giving up but we constantly encouraged each other. The group cheers never fail to lighten us up. Yet, there was 1 game which has left a big impact on me till today. The game was called C.O.W. (Children On War/Work). The purpose of the game was to experience the suffering of the children that need to work in order to live for a day regardless of them being handicapped. So some of us were blindfolded and our mouth taped while others were left untouched, to give directions. I was chosen to be the blind and mute child. I felt insecure. I do not understand some commands given. I was irritated because I was not able to see. I was frustrated that I was voiceless. I could only listen and obey to every instruction given. I was asked to crawl, climb, hide and run away from potential enemies. It was very physical. Lessons Learnt I have learnt that good communication skill was such a necessity. Trust in your team members is also vital. I had some bruises and little scratches after the game but it was all worth while. I was delighted that my group was able to complete the game safe and sound from any potential disasters/enemies throughout the game. Thus we were rewarded with a bar of chocolate. That was the first time chocolate was like rice. . . The activities at night were more of evaluative and reflective kind. We had talks on HIV/AIDS & poverty. We also had a sharing session. Everyone got quite emotional then. The talks were mostly about statistical facts and a candlelight session with candles representing lives that died every few minutes. Lights were out at 1 am. Day 2 . . We spend one entire afternoon collecting newspaper in Tampines. It was my first time collecting newspaper! Some residents there were as if expecting us and they were considerate enough to bundle all those stuff neatly for collection. This was not an easy task, given that we would have gone without food for close to 20 hours by then. However, I believe we will be able to carry out this task well and with conviction, because we know that we will be contributing to a greater cause. Our group was fast as we completed 5 blocks of flat in 2 hours' time. We waited for the truck to load all the stuff before heading back to Ngee Ann Polytechnic. . . We got back to NP at about 4pm and rotted (as in sat in the hall and waited) till about 5pm.Everyone was tired and many were resting not forgetting HUNGRY. We were brought into the auditorium for a famine concert. There, I met Ms Elim Chew, managing director of the popular retail chain, 77th street (sponsor for the t-shirt). . . Furthermore, I was very honoured to be the only 3 Malays involved in the camp. Reporters are everywhere especially Channel News Asia. We were interviewed by Berita Harian and our stories were on the 2nd page of the paper the very next day. It was the sweetest memory. My face (although I looked a little retarded) was in a newspaper! . . The crowd went ecstatic in the last few minutes of countdown, it was much like the New Year countdown celebration. People were literally screaming their lungs out in the final 10 seconds. . . Yes! We did it! It was incredible to share that sense of achievement with a hall of people. All then burst out of the auditorium to enjoy the sponsored burger, Burger King. Honestly, that was the most horrible but yet edible chicken burger ever. When you are hungry, anything is tasty, I suppose, that's why I finished it somehow. The hungry ghost festival descends early! My Reflection Through the newspaper collection, I did my bit for charity and contribute to the needy in the community. As I go for 30 hours without food, I had also learnt through reflection and experiential activities, about hunger, the ills of extreme poverty and the devastating effects of global diseases like HIV/AIDS on people and the countries affected. Life lessons that I have learnt is that we cannot claim ignorance of the suffering of the poverty-stricken. I have become more conscious of the harsh challenges faced by those living in poverty-stricken and vulnerable communities. I also adored and enjoyed the games. It really relates how much suffering people in the 3rd world country are facing: hunger, poverty, aids and discrimination. With this experience, it have affected my future goals as I hope one day I can participate in educating and organising health check-ups for free in any of the 3rd world countries. If I were given this opportunity, I will be able expand my experiences and skills in my nursing care. I have become a stronger and better person in a way that I no longer waste food and practices recycling of things. I believed that there are many other unfortunate people if u think you are one unlucky person. Although I participated as a facilitator, I still proudly say that I have ''graduated'' from the Camp with a stronger conviction to do more for the needy and less advantaged people outside my own comfort zone . 0 comments