VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE Volume 5.4 May 2017 | Page 19

Highlights Splendors beyond Salatiga There is no greater accomplishment than being part of God’s plan of restoring His broken creation. By Amanda Angeles Releasing baby - Only 7 days old, these baby turtles were the highlight of the trip for many: everyone shared some “aww’s” and great cheers while seeing them slowly inch into the big blue sea. “It was pure worship...” teary-eyed Mrs. Martin, one of the chaperones, exclaimed as she reflected on what transpired just a few minutes before sunset in that island Planting corals — Coral planting was exciting and everyone couldn’t wait to start working. On top of that, the marine national guys lectured about the man made threats to the coral reef and the ecological benefits of corals, adding more wonder into how beautiful God’s creation is. Planting mangroves — Planting mangroves not only distracted the students from the exhaustion of the long travel to the island, but proved it was worth the exhaustion. It’s also amazing to get lectured about mangroves’ ecological roles while in the mangrove swamp! Snorkeling — Apart from witnessing the sunset and burying your toes under the cool sand, looking at the corals and fishes was one of the many wondrous parts of the trip. Awakening our senses and reminding us of the truth that this awesome wonder can only exist because of a supreme intelligent designer, our great Creator God! “It was a trip filled a sweet camaraderie and God’s presence.” - Yu Chan Jeong “Through this trip I was ale to learn more about God’s creation and spend a memorable time with my friends.” - Jessica Hong “I liked the grass and some of the animals were interesting but the amusement park was the best because all my friends were screaming.” Simon Harms The Most Boisterous Voyage Indeed The Biology 1 class had a convivial time in Jogja By Sneha Kumar T he 9th grade Biology class went on a class trip to Jogja on the 26th of April to research for their project and to have some recreational time as well. The first place they went to was Gembira Loka Zoo, where they observed and studied the animal species for their Biology project. After that, some students chose to roam around the zoo and interact with some of the animals, while others went on a boat or an ATV ride. Tired and hungry from the hot scorching sun, they stopped at Ambarrukmo mall for lunch. After fueling themselves up, they went to the Kusuma Edupark, an amusement park. First as a whole class, they watched a horror 8D film, which was creepy for some while hilarious to others. Then, they rode on a Ferris wheel, flying chairs, air bicycles, rotary cupcakes, the House of Terror and bumper cars. For most of the people, the bumper cars were the highlight of the trip. After going on the other rides once, almost everyone stood in line for the bumper cars; they were eager to ride them again. Some teachers, including Mrs. Angeles, joined them for at least 3 rounds. The next morning, they felt bumper car bruises all over their bodies; but still, the fun most thought the fun was worth it. During the long bus rides, some guys played Telephone and Spyfall, while others listened to music or slept. All the students also had devotional, prayer and worship times. This trip was a great time to take a break from school and hang out with friends while at the same time learn about God’s creation. In the zoo, there were hundreds of different species, each of them unique in their own way, which displayed God’s awesome power and Creation. Moreover, the devotional times helped students reflect on their lives’ desires. Layout by Amanda Angeles 18