Pondok Buku - Accomplished!

Started work early morning....

September month is always the significant month each year as the days edge closer towards the end of the year. It is the month of missing a loved one ( my dad ) and a day of celebration. (my birthday) This year, September seemed extra special as I recalled the days I've gone through. I am glad that I had gone through the missing of my late Dad rather well as each day of that month (10th September ) I would feel down. But somehow, this time I had managed to get through the day without a sad feeling as I had something important to do that day.

It was the day, I had spent every available ounce of energy I had in this thick frame of mine ( learn to use positive words instead of "fat"! ) to finish the building of the Pondok Buku for the OA community at a place I shall leave unnamed. 

Working hard to finished the windows....

I remembered having travelled the night before it with fellow friends to this special OA kampung as we had yet to finish the building of the Pondok Buku. This project started about some 3 months ago under the stewardship of Bro. Edwin and Sis.Lorna with the co-operation and support from Pastor Joanne and the elders of CCC Melaka. As the volunteers are generally working individuals with a string of work and responsibilities , it took some time to finish the project but what a project indeed!

I must say that the ground work was the most difficult as one would have to toil hard and bore a tanned skin under the energy sapping blistering sun. There are some days that cool breeze does blow our way but majority of the time, it was sweltering & blistering hot sun. 

Works on the prima board walls...

We ( the building team ) are thankful though that we had managed to complete the building of a Pondok Buku for this OA community. With the building of this Pondok Buku, many more OA children would have assess to books and knowledge  which is important for the growth of literacy among the OA people. For far too long, these beautiful children had been deprived of such joy of reading and enjoying the habit of reading. Yes, many, many more children would stand to benefit from the building and equipping of the Pondok Buku.

Working through the night....Edwin & Daniel for tiling work.

I must say convey my thanks to the team that made it happen. Whatever help given, whether small or big sacrifices, the Lord sees and knows. I am just glad that the CCC members are supportive and worked hand in hand to ensure that each section of the building was done well. I am proud to say that the team did their best. All monies spent, all works done and all arrangements were made with full accountability, responsible and with great integrity. All glory to God! 

The beauty of it all is that despite our short comings, our imperfections and mistakes, the spirit of goodwill and love prevailed. I believe that it is important when working as a team in a project such as this. I could never be able to describe to you how tired I was at the end of each day work but the joy at the end of the day is simply too marvelous and too enormous of a joy.  I am so thankful and amazed that every one gave a little of their talent  while in areas where we aren't good, we compliment each other is doing the best we know how. Guess, that really made this project such a special one. 

Stopped work for sumptuous lunch prepared by the women folk

Suffice to say that I am thankful to many people who are far more talented and skillful than I am and they are the real heroes. Of course, the womenfolk helped a lot in making our work and stay such a sweet one especially the preparation of food and drinks. Not forgetting, their helping hand and great advice during construction helped a lot in ensuring that everything is in order too. Thanks for the support, ladies! 

That evening as we sat down to look at our finished work, alas, it is an inspirational building as we know many more children are going to be blessed. Many more lives are going to be touched and encouraged. Hallelujah God!

Completed! The Pondok Buku for the OA community......

Every tile laid, every prima board wall put up, every layer of roofing fixed, every lighting switch and power point fixed, every sliding bar, naco windows and glass pane fixed and every door being put up, someone's life is being touched and encouraged. I am so blessed and encouraged seeing how these volunteers work and their great enthusiasm. I pray that many more OA children will get their lives blessed as the books kept rolling into their Pondok Buku. What a nice feeling! What a wonderful feeling!