Monday, February 06, 2006

Closure.

The past week left me feeling very disillusioned. I was barely out of the CNY mood when work struck me hard. It was the last days of my office term and I was frantically preparing for camp and AGM, so much so that I've been either too tired or too busy to "officially" step down. Or, in my words - To have closure.

Nevertheless, the weekend came and left. Although I often spoke about how I've been waiting for this day to arrive, it was rather difficult leaving behind something which I've put my heart and soul into the past three years. The weekend was an emotional time for me. I may not have shown it but a part of me was eating itself up slowly. I'm already beginning to miss it. Somebody pls shoot me. Shucks.

It truly is a very bitter-sweet feeling. As I look back on the past three years, so much has happened and so many things I wish didn't happen. So much I look upon with pride and so much I wish I could rewind and start over.

Oh well, enough said. This entry will be my closure as I look forward to a new chapter in my life. And what better way to end it off then to share with you my closing address which was prepared for the AGM (This is the uncut version. I had to shorten due to time constraints.)

So, here's me, the ex-president of the youth council, signing off for now.
_________________________________________________________

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Joann and I am the president of the youth council...The outgoing president. That is probably the last time I'm going to introduce myself that way because today, you will be electing your new president.

For starters, let me tell you a joke. Make sure you laugh...Why did the chicken cross the road? (Get some answers from audience). Ok, the chicken crossed the road because it was on its way to the AGM. (Laughs). So welcome everyone to the Youth Annual General Meeting 2006!

Before I continue any further, let me introduce to you two very special and important groups of people. The first is the outgoing batch of YC leaders. (Get them to stand. Clap.) These are your leaders whom I've been working with for the past two or three years. The people I've journeyed with and fought with. Some of them I know, have put in their heart into this movement. And today, we want to pay tribute to them and remind them that their reward is great in heaven.

The second group of people I'd like to introduce are all the "energy bunnies". They just came back from camp and are all passionate and eager to lead this movement. Can I invite all the XPLC leaders to stand. (Get them to stand. Clap.) Don't worry, everyone will get a chance to meet the nominees who are standing for elections when they give their presentation later on. And in case you don't get to meet them upclose and personal, there will be a photo-taking and meet-the-cabinet ministers downstairs later. (Laughs) I've been told to add in some jokes to calm the nerves of the nominees.

Anyway, on to something a little more serious. I remember the day I was elected as Vice-president of YC three years old. There was a little ceremony here in the attic and our then Spiritual Director Fr Andrew, came around to light the candles of the office bearers. That was a special moment for me because at that moment, I felt God's call to be the light of the world. I still have that tall white candle at home, sitting in the middle of my little altar. This morning, as I was doing my last minute preparations, I opened my journal and found a small blotch of wax on one of the pages. And underneath the wax, there was a scribbly note written by myself which says, "Lord, let this be my commitment to love and serve you faithfully." I'm glad I kept my promise to Him. And today, I'm really glad to be passing this light to the next generation of youth leaders. Seeing them at the XPLC camp has reassured me of God's presence in this movement.

If you ask me what is my biggest contribution in the YC? Frankly, I'd say nothing much. Apart from the usual activities and events, I really don't think I've done enough. But there is one thing which I'm glad I did - I put my entire heart and soul into this movement. There were nights when I would go to bed, crying myself to sleep. Some nights, I would be so angry that I'll sleep with a belly of frustrations. But of course, there were nights when I was so happy that I'll be praising God in my sleep. I know that some of the outgoing leaders will share my sentiments because I've seen the efforts that they have put in. So my dear brothers and sisters, if you should learn anything from us, pls learn to give it all. Give all your heart because you'll have nothing much to lose.

As I conclude, I would like to share a bible passage with you. I know that some of you may have heard this a gazillion times, but pls allow me to share this with you, for the last time. This passage has guided me through the ups and downs in the past three years. It has given me strength to continue and through this, I know that God has been with me all the way.

"Be shepherds over the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it as God does: Don't do it because you have to, but because you want to. Don't do it out of greed, but out of a desire to serve. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will be given the unfading crown of glory." 1Peter5:2-4

Thank you all for your support, guidance and prayers in the past three years. I pray that you'll continue to support the new batch of youth leaders.

Thank you.

Posted by Jo at 11:06 PM