Grace Said.: Church Camp 2009 (Day 1)

This year, my church's annual church camp was held at Batam - Planet Holiday Batam. It was a change from the usual church camps held in Malaysia because we had to travel by ferry from Singapore to Batam.

Well, the traveling distance was certainly much shorter, in fact it was about 1 and a half hours ferry ride instead of a 5 hour bus ride to Kuala Lumpur for our church camp last year. I was glad, because I hate long traveling hours and let's just say that ferry rides don't give me motion sickness as easily when compared with bus or car rides.

Unfortunately, dear wasn't able to go because of his exams on Monday.

At 11 plus, our church gathered at Harbourfront Centre in wait to check in and get our documents (boarding pass, passport, white card etc..) ready.

The youths were split into 2 groups, led by Bernard and Esther respectively. This helped to ease confusion because it there were so many people waiting to board various cruises and ferries, so getting lost was something we'd all like to avoid.

After checking in, we had to wait at the waiting area to board the ferry to Batam. As you can see, the crowd was rather big.

Getting aboard the ferry was tough too because there were just too many people.

On the ferry, the youths had to seat on the second deck (with no air-con) because the first deck was full.

The second deck was pretty full too. Unfortunately, there was no air-conditioning. Only fans.

The view of the first deck from the back. Guess everyone's comfortable here.

Pastor Rupert (Left) and Pastor Bryan (Right) who were our Youth Speaker and English Speaker respectively.

Our youths having fun chatting and talking, whilst enjoying the sea breeze and sunshine.

I love this photo and this cute little girl! She is ssssoooooooooo adorable!

After alighting from the ferry in Batam, we had to take a short bus ride in a mini van to the hotel. Though the youths were cramped like sardines in a can, everyone still posed for a fun shot!

Finally, we arrived at the Hotel and my my, the lobby looked grand with those huge pillars and golden chandelier.

We had to gather in one of the ballrooms for further briefing, prayer and a short time of praise and worship.

After which, the youths had their activities which included a few Icebreaker games.

Not sure what this game is about because I was busy setting up the instruments. But it sure does look interesting!

Youths waiting for further instructions. Took this shot while I was waiting for the sound technician to come.

Ahhh. I was so glad when I finally got the keys to my room! My roomie was a darling, and let me have the bigger bed which was nearer to the windows.

From my balcony, I could see the swimming pool nice and clear..

.. As well as Nagoya City. It was nice to catch the sunset over the city.

After settling down and unpacking, it was time for dinner. The venue was held in one of the ballrooms and it was certainly a good time of fellowship and over the dinner table.