When Ms Betty informed us about the mission trip to Kota Kinabalu (KK), there was no second thought. I knew my heart desired to serve the teenagers at KK and looked forward to interacting with them and the staff in the village, Pukak. Thus, we planned and organised a Fun English Camp for the teenagers in Pukak village to build up their confidence in speaking English.

As Sr. Jossie fetched four of us from the airport where dark clouds were looming, we had to rush back to our destination, Walai Good Shepherd, with our 80kg of baggage packed in the back of the Hilux car. Thanks be to God, we managed to reach before the rain started, thus saving our cardboard boxes of goods from the rain. The warm hospitality provided by Sr. Jossie & Sr. Kelly was literally filling our stomachs with delicious kueh, fish crackers & young coconuts.

The next morning at 5.30, Sr Jossie drove us to Pukak Village, about 50km away. We were thrilled to see Mount Kinabalu on our winding road up to the village and small padi fields by the roadside as well. When we arrived at Asrama Desa Pukak (ADP), a teenage girls’ hostel managed by Good Shepherd Services, the teenagers were waiting at the entrance, welcoming us with their bright friendly smiles, punctuated with a tinge of shyness for some. They also helped us to unload our luggage. I saw innocent faces with traits of obedience and good character. Behind it all, I sensed that the staff at ADP had established a safe place for their growth.  There were no barriers in how I communicated with the children even though most of them could not communicate well in English. Instead, I could feel their hearts’ desire for our presence and our teachings.

Life in the small village, was different from our modern Singapore. It was simpler and I experienced taking a bath for the first time by scooping water from a big pail, like my parents and grandparents used to do. Nature triggered me in a good way. Looking out, I could see the lush greenery with never-ending trees, surrounded by hills, birds chirping their greetings and the unforgetable bumpy roads, bridges and muddy looking gushing River Pukak.

After breakfast the next morning, we followed the teenagers and staff to hike up a forest trail to a small humble St John Vianney Church nearby. We were panting when we finally reached the top, in contrast to the sure footed, fast and steady teenagers. We attended the Sunday mass and gave thanks to our Lord for making this mission trip possible, for our safe journeys despite the wet weather and the enriching experiences. One of the residents was so caring, by offering to change seat with me so that I could be under the ceiling fan. I was touched by her beautiful, kind gesture as she knew I perspired after a short hike up to the Church. While walking out of the church after the mass, I noticed an anxious look on another resident’s face, so I checked in with her. She told me that she left her hair ‘claw’ clip in the Church; I assured her that I would accompany her to look for her claw clip while the rest waited nearby. I remembered the expressions on her face brightened up after she retrieved her clip. She was delighted and relieved! On our way back, we stopped by a mini store, and decided to treat the girls to ice-creams.  Everyone was delighted especially when we had to walk back in this hot weather. On our way back, the resident taught me few Malay words and joked with me. All these little moments brought up the gratitude in me and reminded me to stay in the present moment. Thanking God that I was with them, experiencing bliss and instilling joy in my heart.

I would like to thank Marymount Centre, Good Shepherd Services and my wonderful team-mates, Ms. Agnes, Michelle & Karen for the amazing opportunity to experience life in Pukak together.

Contributed by: Natalie Vincent,

Social Service Associate,

Ahuva Good Shepherd Children’s Home

Marymount Centre

Singapore