Memories made in the rain (Part I)

I have always wanted to take my kids to Chek Jawa.  I have spoke about it in class, and got the students to read up and write about the place.  The only thing left for me to do was actually to be there physically. 

If there was anything I learnt this holidays, it was that if I wanted something badly: - just do it.  Do not wait for reasons, or make up excuses not do so.  I had to wait for Zaf's return for I need a guide, but I was sure Evi and Erico would  love to join me.  Somehow, Faz also got wind that I was going, and so got all excited about it.

The plan was to look at the weather in the morning before deciding to go.  But that's it...no excuses for it had rained incessantly since 6.30am.  By the time we boarded the bus to Changi Village, the skies were thickly grey, and we were pelted down by the drops that fell from the heavens above.

We decided to fill our stomachs with yummy nasi lemak and teh tarik.  I am not much of a rice person, so I had mee rebus and teh-O.  While the rain fell steadily, we got into animated conversations that ranged from photography to shopping malls to almost anything under the sun for almost an hour.

With no indication of a letup in the weather, we decided to make a move to Changi Jetty.  Of course, it was a calculated risk to board a bumboat in rainy weather, for the water would have been very choppy.  They were benefits though for the rain washed away all the smell of diesel.

Anyway, our adventures began on the island itself.  Since we were already wet, there was no need to hire the van.  It would been more fun cycling to the wetlands itself. We donned pink ponchos (I had a yellow one which made me look like Winnie the Pooh), and at some point, I was reminded of a scene in ET the movie where the boys were frantically cycling before they flew into the sky.

Boy, did the rain pour then.  Part of me wished I had winshield wipers over my eyes to wipe away the droplets. We had 4 energetic teens who had to patiently wait for the 40 going on 14 -year-old 'aunties' whose creaking joints could not paddle as fast as them.

But for me, the bicyle ride was an instant reminder of my growing up years.
There was something so thrilling to be soaked to the bone by the rain, without the worries of falling sick.
The muddy, oft-beaten tracks were lined with dense foliage, but how wonderful it was to breathe clean, pure oxygen.
I had to quell a sudden urge to jump into the puddles of water and do a little dance of joy.

It was therapeutic...as if the rain was also cleansing the mind and spirit.
We stopped to gaze at the flora and fauna...simply to appreciate God's creations.  I saw trees which seemed to be calling out to me to climb them.  In my mind, I was the little girl again, at Wak Menah's kampung ...enjoying the simple things that life has to offer.
Most of the time, we cycled in single files, but the young men would often stop and wait to ensure that the ladies were not left behind. 

That's the first part...I'll continue maybe for the next entry.

Dear God,
Today, everything that I saw and experienced, reminded me of Your greatness and benevolence.
You are the Al-Mighty, the All-Knowing.
I am humbled.
And thank you for the rain...for we  had the best time of time. Alhamdulillah
Ameen