OC8

Awkward thoughts from Kalumpang, in rhyming couplets.
Though the waters are clear as flowing springs 
And swirl in euphony, with gentle music rings,
     The bed of the brook - that murmuring gush - 
     Hides pits and abysses beneath their pleasant rush.
     They dip and swallow such unsuspecting ones
     In the invisible maelstrom that beneath clear waters runs;
     Subjected are they to tumult and torment
Until the waters are at peace, and the waters are dormant.

But he who walks steadily, upon that rocky bed,
By grace, by the currents, gently he is led; 
     Careful is he as he curbs such traps,
     Graceful and placid as the clear water laps.
     Though he may slip and fall hard in a hole,
     Help comes - so divinely - in the strongest shoal;
As he is carried back upon the rock so secure,
His faith is grounded, no longer obscure. 
His faith, from then, endures. 

4 September - 6 September, 2015 | Refreshing Springs Resort, Kalumpang
Camping isn't always intents. (but it was still intensely gratifying)
There's nothing like meeting new people and knowing that for the next over-a-dozen months or so, you'll be seeing their faces nearly everyday and grounding friendships stronger and deeper and more special with them.

Getting muddy with everyone else, bathing in pelting rainfall and protecting such immensely precious balloons with them amounted to a relieving getaway from studies and tests. Nonetheless, although snapping back to reality could have felt like being shoved back to the middle of an F1 circuit, it didn't feel that way because of the pictures and badges (tangible keepsakes), as well as the bonds and stories (intangible keepsakes) that occupy such a happy place in our 18-month college adventure album.



And, I got to see my first leech. Yes - a bloodsucking free-loader that attaches itself wherever possible. I didn't get bitten hehe. But someone else did. And it was pretty cool save her consequent pain + itchiness. But it's one of those first-time experiences that I hope 'llI get one day (yay!). 

I think the highlights of the camp were:

Meeting new people - Not only within my group (MERCEDES BENZ!!) but also elsewhere from other cohorts and courses. I have so many things to look forward to with these great people, among which are getting fitter and collecting medals + jerseys with my fellow small-sized person Yasmeen. YES. All you 10k events: We coming. We coming.

Grounding friendships - It simply took hot springs, dorms, chicken chops, Fuzzy Wuzzy and showering queues to bring friendship closer to sisterhood. Learning new things about each other, getting lost looking for hot springs (hahahahaha) and telling new/old stories form those camp memories that are now our treasured possessions. 

Thank you everyone for making OC8 something we definitely won't forget. 

"Friends to friends." 
"Aren't you guys supposed to move around or something...?"
Oh Heertana. //laughcries//

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