A Weekend of Fellowship and Triumph: BBQ and Badminton Adventures

Last weekend was an exhilarating blend of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and unexpected victories, making it an unforgettable experience. The events of Saturday night and Sunday morning-afternoon were packed with excitement and joy, leaving a lasting mark in my heart.

Saturday Night BBQ Extravaganza

As the sun began to set on Saturday evening, I joined the enthusiastic young adults from our church for a delightful BBQ event at another Adventist church. The gathering was orchestrated by our dear friends, Pastor Shin and his wife, Xinyi. Anticipation filled the air as we prepared for the event, looking forward to meeting new people and relishing the delicious BBQ. Although I expected a good turnout, the number of attendees exceeded my expectations, amplifying my happiness.

Despite the challenge of igniting the BBQ coals, which took us more than an hour, the moments spent with these wonderful people were simply priceless. Laughter, shared stories, and the joy of fellowship made the evening truly special—a memory I will cherish.

Sunday Badminton Challenge

The following day was a thrilling badminton competition, a day where nervousness and excitement danced hand in hand within me. As the matches commenced, I faced mixed outcomes. While I encountered defeat in my first two games and our team lost to the initial opponent, the determination to perform better fueled my spirit.

During the second round, tension escalated as our team stood at the brink of elimination. We emerged victorious in the first game against our opponents, but a twist of fate unfolded during the second game when a player from the opposing team sustained an injury. Despite the pause, the game resumed with new players. The stakes were high, and the pressure was palpable. Thoughts raced in my mind, urging us to secure the victory.

In a nail-biting contest, with a score of 21/20, my teammate Kelly and I emerged triumphant. We advanced to the next round, guided by our unwavering determination. Our journey continued, and though we faced further defeats, we persevered, ultimately clinching the third place—a remarkable achievement we hadn't anticipated, especially considering the formidable competition.

A Heartfelt Gratitude

Reflecting on this whirlwind weekend, I'm profoundly grateful to God for this enriching experience and for the incredible support from my family and friends, including Phi Neung, who cheered us on from a distance. His encouragement was a source of strength throughout our journey. Also, I am thankful to Jansen, for sure I wouldn't have joined if it were just me.

In the end, we returned home not just with a medal and a sense of accomplishment, but with hearts full of joy, knowing that our dedication and hard work from the past weeks had truly paid off (Me and Jansen practiced a lot because we really want to improve). Above all, we're thankful that all members of our team remained unharmed, making this weekend a true testament to the power of teamwork, determination, and the joy of fellowship.

By Ruchel Gagarin Oasan (歐善璐)