Back from a week-long marathon of events - possibly the most exhausting week I've ever experienced. It was a fun and fulfilling kind of tiring though, and I'm really glad I went through all of it.

Camp Simba
I was the guardian of 2 adorable 9 year old girls who are so sweet, and who are typical girls getting squirmy at dirt and sand and insects. I really felt like a mummy during the camp, ensuring the girls had enough food and water, making sure they didn't run off or injure themselves. There were points in time where I had to remind myself to be patient and understanding, because after all they were just kids and they can't help feeling tired easily and sometimes they can't understand what is reasonable and what is not. I can't imagine how hard it must have been for the other facils who were taking care of much more boisterous boys, and I really respect them for it!
Having said that, I really miss the kids, it felt weird not having to hold 2 hands all the time, calling out the names of kids when they ran too far away, tucking them in when they went to bed and leaving the lights on because they were scared of the dark.
I really enjoyed my time with the kids and I think they've taught me a lot as well. I learnt a great deal of patience, how to look out for others, appreciation for my own parents, and how to be a kid all over again (not that it was very difficult haha). Their innocence and lovely smiles really warmed my heart (:

Bintan
After many adjustments and an amusing grocery shopping trip for instant noodles and snacks, my CG made a super last minute trip to Bintan. In all honesty, there is nothing to do there because you're practically isolated within the resort and there are very limited activities. But the company made it fun all the same! I'm glad we got to know each other slightly better over the kayaking and banana boating, the cooking, the instant noodle dinners and the lepak nights playing monopoly deal haha :)

21st
I headed down to a planned family chalet after a 4 hour long PHS meeting to a surprise birthday party complete with party hats and balloons.
It was a hilarious one, with cake smashing, silly talk and a lot of fun, and I'ld like to thank everyone for making my 21st so special :) Thanks guys, I really appreciate all of it and I'm so so thankful for all of you in my life <3

MDAS Camp
It was a short 2D1N camp, but it was really inspiring and fulfilling. I've never had any encounters with muscular dystrophy children before, and this camp showed me that they need alot of care and encouragement, especially because most of them are rather introverted and take a long time to open up to others.
There was this hyperactive young boy whom you literally have to chase around to ensure he doesn't crash into anything or get lost somewhere. He made many demands which might sound unreasonable, but after hearing his family situation, I understood alot more about why he was behaving that way.
Many of these kids have Duchenne's. They grow up not being able to walk, spending their lives on a motorized wheelchair, and some of them are too weak to even lift their arms to feed themselves. They're entirely dependent on their caretakers and I can only imagine the impact that this condition has on their lives and that of their families.
Despite all of that, they're ever so cheerful and optimistic towards life, and they're appreciative of every thing that you do for them. Such big hearts.
Our considerations are so parochial next to all these children, and I think that their determination and positivity is so admirable.

I was talking to Ms Oon and Hon Sum today about JC life and scholarship applications, and we got to the topic of how experiences shape a person. Even the worst ones do. I distinctly remember the panic, the chaos and the frustration we faced during YFC and ExCo, but I'ld like to believe that we've all come out stronger and better leaders. Similarly, I'm very thankful for the experiences I've had this week because I've learnt so much from them (:

So, year 3 starts tomorrow. Knowingly or unknowingly, we're almost reaching the halfway mark of medical school. I'm preparing myself for the onslaught of crazy hours in the words, and lots of hard work. Even so, I start year 3 with the hope that everyday, I will be inspired. And convinced that this profession is worth the hard work and sacrifices (: