Sunday, 20 May 2007 After weeks of preparation and many telephone calls, the day had finally come for RCIA 16 to visit the Infant Jesus Convent & Orphanage. Set within the serene surroundings of the Convent Bukit Nanas Girls' School and its beautifully landscaped compound, the orphanage is surprisingly well kept and very clean. Many of the newly baptised arrived as early as 2.00pm for our 3.00pm date with the residents. Perhaps that was the first and clearest indicator of their sincere enthusiasm for this project. They were really looking forward to spending a couple of hours with the residents there.

We were warmly greeted by Sister Stephanie on arrival and quickly ushered to the hall where some of the residents were already assembled. Although managed only by 4 sisters and 6 paid helpers, the orphanage is spotlessly clean without the trademark "strange odours" that come to be associated with other orphanages and old-folks' homes. After introducing ourselves to them, many of the neophytes sat down and began chatting with the 40 residents. Many of them had varying degrees of disability and were already into the twilight of their lives. The oldest resident was 86 years old. She was brought there as a baby like most of the other residents, and spent her entire life with the sisters who loved and cared for her. We were also introduced to two others who were in a separate room because both are bed-ridden and could not join in the fun.

The day's event started with a brief welcome speech by Sister Stephanie. After that, the whole group broke into song. Ably lead by James and supported by Ted on the keyboard, we got the residents to warm up to us. By the third song, Trevlyn had the orphans on their feet and dancing to the music. From then on, there was no stopping them! We boogied down for a good 20 minutes before proceeding to play party games that were thoughtfully organized by brother Richard Gabriel. Prizes were given out in return for various tasks performed by the orphans. Most of them were really "good sports" and danced or sang for us. It was heart warming to see their spirit and zest for life.

Every resident (including the sisters and staff) were then presented with a token of our appreciation for spending an unforgettable afternoon with us. This was in the form of 50 toiletries gift-packs, one for each of them. Our heartfelt appreciation to brother Malcolm and sister Leanne for sponsoring, as well as meticulously sourcing and packing all the items.

Breaking for tea in the Dining Hall, we were treated to delicious sandwiches and muffins that were sponsored by our sisters in faith Melanie & Mathilda. We managed to squeeze in another 30 minutes of chatting with the orphans and had our pictures taken with them. While the older ones enjoyed their tea, we could see some of the younger and more mobile residents chipping in to clear the hall and carried out washing duties. It was the way things had always been and they seemed more than happy to do their part. There was certainly a lesson to be learnt here!

Alas, tea time was over and our visit was coming to an end. We said our goodbyes as the orphans trooped off one by one, leaving us with Sister Stephanie. The good sister then gave us a quick brief of the history behind the orphanage. It did indeed have a long and colourful history!

All in all, it was an enriching experience for the whole group. It was sad to think of those beautiful souls being abandoned by their own parents as babies and spending their whole lives there. Yet, it was wonderful to see the love and care given to each of them by the sisters, as well as among themselves. The look on their faces as they lit up during the dance and while playing games was indescribable. Their joy became our happiness, and all feelings of sadness immediately disappeared. We were just glad to be able to share in that joy, and can't help but praise God for the wonderful things that he does. It was a lesson in humility, caring, sharing, service and most of all...... LOVE!

Douglas Phang

RCIA 16

Photos are here.