GEMS 5: CAVING 27 July 2019
Challenge Cubes at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok

The Survivors

We all came with no expectations but with many questions, fears and uncertainties. It was something unknown even to me. The last i did something like this was 24yrs ago in OBS. I have dealt with darkness and is comfortable with solitute but not yet in confined spaces. I wont say im claustrophobic, i just dont like being in a room without windows. But we brought them today to try, to see, to learn… Together.

A million things went through our minds as we manoeuvre the tunnels in total darkness with no clue where to go and what lies ahead. All we had was each other and faith in His guidance . We had to listen, give clear instructions and stay calm amidst the uncertain darkness. We had to learn to use our other senses and heighten our sense of awareness as we keep tabs of each other, overcome obstacles and find our way through.

I have to admit that there were moments of panic when the sudden silence and stillness engulfed me, when i couldnt feel the person behind and at the front. I imagined the blind and how it was for the Thailand boys. I imagined that would probably be how it feels like at our final destination in this life. Alone, in the darkness, below the ground… As we hear the last footsteps leave and then the impending silence before THEY come… I was ready to crumble.. And then someone speaks “I found a way!” Awoken from that short scary reverie with a sound of hope, I knew i had to stay composed to play my part in this team. We were in a situatuon where we cannot control any of the elements except ourselves. We were all forced to lead at some point and i am proud that everyone led well. Like life itself. We sometimes find ourselves in a position to lead amidst chaos. How will we fare?

The light at the end of the tunnel….
Omgeee there was never another time where we were so glad to see light! Like finally! At the end of the day, we learnt to appreciate more and be grateful for every single thing we took for granted… Light, air, space.. 30mins without these was an enough wake up call esp for ADHD me! We grasped new respect for those who embraced what we took for granted. We learnt how important it is to stay calm in any situation, be alert, listen and give clear instructions.

Finally… Team 1 cleared

Team 2 reaches the Light

Awesome effort by Team 3+4

Not all of us completed the mission sadly but they are determined to try again!

I felt like crying… I was so scared! It was dark, I can’t see my hands and it was too squeezy. I started to feel breatheless but hearing the sound of my teams’ voices and their guiding hands puts me at ease. Their calmness helped me regained my composure and I told myself to be brave and complete this mission. Although i was very tired, I tried my best. Im so grateful that I didn’tgive up – Sumi

A powerful reflection from our participants was that we all will go through darkness and difficulty at some point of our lives… Know that with faith in Him, sincere effort and determination, He will guide us to the light and bless us with helping hands and the means to overcome the challenges. Nothing last forever because that is the nature of this life.

Love

Efah