EVENTS | LUMEN
17
Facing page : A breather during the 26km route
This page ( top ): Kayaking while appreciating God ' s beautiful portrait
This page ( 2nd ): Relieving sore muscles
This page ( 3rd ): Reuven and Hoo Jihn Hao ( Class of 434 2012 ) picking up sign language
This page ( bottom ): SJI and Bohol Deaf Academy students we were perfectly fine with coping with the embarrassment , the way we always do .
Day 4 : Fun , fun , fun
Today we spent most of the day in BDA . We played games , learning more about each other , and more phrases and words . There was also a gift exchange but it was not the usual key chains or school badges . Armed with the knowledge of their interests and hobbies , we had gone to the mall in Tagbilaran to splurge the bulk of our allowance on gifts for our buddies .
Day 5 : Apprehension once again
It was performance time but only seven of us were actively contributing the moves to various songs . Eventually we managed some dance moves from Saturday Night Fever , LA Walk , and Bhangra . Thankfully the crowd was very teachable and the dance-along session was a success with Van Halen ’ s ‘ Jump ’ booming in the background to provide a strong bass that the BDA children could hear .
Beyond the fun , we created posters to promote protection of the environment , which was one of the main objectives of the whole visit . In helping to inculcate BDA children with the values of environmental protection , we learnt too , by planting new shrubs , and starting a compost system in their garden .
All too soon , it was time to part ways . As we waved from the bus , we sat in silence . Who would ’ ve known we would grow so attached to our BDA buddies ?
The mood lightened when we finally reached the white sandy beach . However we did not relax under the sun , we went canoeing for six hours till 7:30 pm . The highlight was when we were led down the river ; for lurking in the darkness of the summer night were thousands of fireflies making the whole experience magical . We were in awe .
Day 6 : Are we insane ?
We paddled 25 km . That is more than what a canoeist would paddle in one training . Though enervated , we still played with sand as we rested . Some boys who were unwell discontinued paddling and were taken aboard the safety boat . The rest of us continued to brave the sea on our way to our second destination where we retired for the night
Day 7 : Perseverance all the way
What is 11km compared to 25km that we did yesterday ? Paddling in the open sea to the Virgin Islands – a stretch of sand , in the centre of the ocean – would be easy . Or so we thought . The island was in sight , but every time we inched towards our destination we were pushed back by half a stroke . The waves were a thorn in our sides . Finally we reached the island . Reprieve at last .
“ Gentlemen , we now have to make our way to the other side of the island . And we have to set off from this coast , which has vicious immense waves crashing into it .” There goes our breather ! However , what met our eyes on the other side of the island was the most welcoming sight to date — a resort complete with a pool and actual rooms . Though they were mere dormitories , we delighted in the fact we could enjoy a nice long bath .
Our final night ended with a barbecue where laughter abounded and memories were shared .
Day 8 : Going Home
All packed for our day-long journey home , we appreciated the lessons from another culture , leaving our comfort zones , and pushing our bodies beyond what we thought was physically possible . Indeed , this was a trip to remember .