Things I never experienced!

It have been 2 weeks after the International University Student Assembly (IUSA) and Global Peace Festival (GPF) Malaysia but there are still things that I couldn't forget. How I met with all the international students, how I get to know them, how I communicate with them, how I joined the traditional performances, how I tell them about Malaysia, how we did the Service for Peace and Unity, etc.

It all came like a video is playing in my mind now and almost everyday in my life after the event. Never forget that the first day (16th October 2008) when I was there alone participate with all the program going on. Although my elder brother is there, but he doesn't help me much and he was too busy with his responsibility as a member of the technical team. So, he just left me with the international students and the volunteers from local universities and colleges.

The first thing I learn there was "Hello & Hi" game. When the emcee says the word "Hello", we have to reply "Hi". If the emcee says "Hi", we reply "Hello". It is a very simple game bu yet very difficult to get all the "Hello" and "Hi" correct. I played this game once when I was in my National Service last year but the one I played here was really fun.

We watched a video about the main event which will be held on 19th October 2008 (which already past). After that, we had ice-breaking session to get along with everyone. My group consist of Thailand student, Hong Kong student and Malaysia student (although only 2 of us but still go well). After ice-breaking, we had this "Power" game which leads me to never give up spirit, strength and trust. Because of this 3 reason, I get to know that without this 3 element in me, I won't able to stand by myself. Although the moral of the game is not about this 3 element, I realized it and learned it in me.

The next day (17th October 2008), we had the opening ceremony for IUSA at University Malaya in the morning. After lunch, we head back to hotel and get ready for culture exchange program. Here is where I learn the Cambodian dance, Malaysia's ethnic dances and the traditional costumes from their countries (Japan, Brunei, Hong Kong, Thailand, Germany, Cambodia, Nepal, Malaysia). How I learn? They actually demonstrate and suddenly they pull me into their dance and Yes! I did dance with them. It was fun actually. Although it is very tired dancing one song after another from different country + culture especially Malaysia. Malaysia is the host and of course we had a lot of dances from different ethnics. Malaysia truly Asia!! At the night, we had this "lecture" from our sister Amala who told them she was late for 30 years to visit Malaysia. Never mind, we won't put that in our heart because you've came.

Service for Peace and Unity had finally came on the morning which the sun shines brightly on a Saturday morning (18th October 2008) at Taman Bukit Angkasa, Kg. Kerinchi. I entered group 15 among 60 groups there and be in the group with strangers again. All alone again. But I can get friends anywhere I went and everyone will remember me. Group 14 + 15 +16 = Block 17. All of us have to clean up Block 17 and paint the walls + pillars. I think I did many things there until everyone in these 3 groups know me. I went to 1st floor to clear the rust on the stairs, then I went painting on the wall behind the building. I actually start talking with those don't know me and their friends eventually thought that I am their friend's friend. Haha. After the job done, I went inside (between 2 building in block 17) and started to paint again. This time, I paint from the front to the back and to the front again. Later on, I went to sell the old newspapers with Nisa (my roommate from Brunei) and 2 new friend and earned RM 8. We use that money to buy some treats for the children there. Then, I went back to Block 17 and start painting the pillar into blue.

After everything done, all of us get back to the community hall and had lunch. While waiting for the event to start, we had dancing (Xi Shua Shua and Chicken Dance) and song singing (Where Peace Begins by Jacqueline Victor and Daniel Lee). First of all, I went up the stage and sang "Where Peace Begins". Just to lead the others how to sing it. But then, all my friends came to the stage and we sang the song together. My friend was shocked when they saw me standing in front of everyone singing. So, they came to me. ^^Then, our emcee starts to do what they suppose and the VIP came. Wow!! It is the best 'lecture' I ever heard from anyone but here. Furthermore, the 'lecture' was by Dr. Hyun Jin Moon. Day 3 done like that? No. We had our dinner at the field / garden near our hotel.

Day 4 (19th October 2008). Our main event in Bukit Jalil. Nothing much to talk about it because I sat there in the stadium to see the performances. I was amazed with the performances. I think I will never get the chance to see the same performance anywhere I go if I missed this. After the main event, we went back to hotel and my brother called and inform everyone that Nicholas had us a barbecue at National Training Center which is a walking distance from our hotel. So, most of us are actually very tired but we still go join the fun there. Few of us sat together in group and sang songs in the house while some heading back to the hotel to pack their stuffs and some still enjoying their meal.

Day 5 (20th October 2008). Supposedly I have to go back on Sunday night but I decided to stay a while more and spend my time with my friends. So, we joined the group to Putrajaya early in the morning around 4 a.m. we have to gather at the lobby. Yes. A very very early in morning. Nicholas booked 2 buses for us to go there to listen to the closing by Dr. Hyun Jin. ^^

3 days for some people but 5 days for me. IUSA and GPF is a great event / program I'd ever joined. I wish to join it again. Not only GPF in Malaysia but in other country. 5 days might be long to everyone but not to me. In this 5 days, I had great experiences. In 5 days, I found the friendship that I might not able to find it anywhere else. In 5 days, I am so close to them. After these 5 days, I still manage to keep in touch with them. We are really One Family Under God. AJU!!

Looking forward for the next Global Peace Festival!!