It is a story of struggle and endurance. Oh not quite, but almost that bad.
……………………
OK that’s just to capture your attention. Worked didn’t it? Haha…
Anyway, the day really started off with obstacles.
We were scheduled to leave the orphanages by a certain time, but one couldn’t leave as planned due to schedulling conflicts.
Bus drivers were certainly not happy with the delay, as they needed to be at some other places for another job.
We waited, scared and anxious that our whole plan is ruined.
But thankfully we reached the destination almost on time, albeit slightly delayed and we were bracing ourselves for a fun and joyful rollar coaster ride!
We started off with a dark ride, anticipating the unknown, and landed in a land that promises endless fun and suprises. We breezed through the dinosaur periods (roar), then exploration of chemicals before we reached a helicopter simulator.
Kids were running everywhere. Oh no, we needed to control the crowd.
That’s when we set checkpoints. First up, the exit to the helicopter simulator.
All kids still here. Phew. Into the helicopter we went!! We flew across the South China Sea and landed at the oil platform.
Then we proceeded to the F1 car simulator, where everyone learned about the ins and outs of car racing, and went down the sliding tube (weeeee~).
We were getting mentally tired but the kids were still as excited as ever, and they were enthusiastic with everything they see.
Checkpoint 2 – Science Station 3, and the kids learned about basic principles of sciences (inertia, gravity, etc.. ) before they proceeded to the next station via a single pathway.
Then, photo sessions available for print! Boy the kids were surely having a blast, even with the mirrors. Everyone took photos despite the long queue since one of the machines broke down (yes, yet another obstacle).
Checkpoint 3 – before the exit through the dark ride.
Oh thank god it’s finished. But wait, the buses weren’t here!!!
So we stalled, and stalled. And then we received news that the Agathians hafta be back by 7pm for a performance.
Time was running short, and when we were out, because of the regulations inside Petrosains, we realized that we did not have any pictures taken (gasp!!). The only camera we had died on us, and Alie was the only one who had something that takes pictures.
Pictures turned out horrendous anyway because of the lighting.
Well but, by the end of the day, we saw the kids smiling and skipping two steps at a time while they walked, and thought that with all the setbacks and hollas it was all worth it.
A day well spent, with everyone satisfied with the outcome. It was an opportunity to have fun with Science, an exploration into one’s personal interests.
We hope to be looking at future astrologists, biotechnologists, pharmacists and researchers among these 71 children. Anything to do with science!
It’s been a challenging task to have a trip with 71 children, but a more challenging task to end it beautifully.
Credits to AIESEC UM for funding the tickets. Thank you also to Lay Geen, Robin, Feli, Rita, Kevin, Meng Lin, Rohene, and to all the caretakers of Agathians Shelter, Trinity Children Centre, and Assunta Children’s Society for helping out on that day. We would have died without you guys. Haha…
It was an exhausting day for us, but memorable nonetheless.
=)
Note: If you still wanna see those handful of horrendous pictures we took that day, brace yourself, and click here. You have been forewarned.
team members: we want name tags too!!! hehe
