An Outing of Smiles

The raucous calls of cockatoos and unique bleating of penguins heralded the first community outing organized by HVMC since the COVID pandemic started. 15 community friends with ages ranging from 3 to 70 years, gathered with six eager befrienders from our Church, for an outing to the Jurong Bird Park on 18 June 2022.

For most of our community friends, it was their very first visit to the Bird Park. The beautiful colours of the macaws and the striking flamingoes with their brilliant pink plumage and long legs drew gasps, and a comment was made that only God could have created such beauty.

Pastor Jeremy joined the happy group and then it was off to the bird shows. The King of the Skies show enthralled with the size and swooping of the birds of prey and we all could not stop laughing at the head swinging, body-rolling vultures, as they made their way around on the ground.

Walking around for hours, tired legs were given a rest on the Bird Park tram. This was to prove a boon for Mr Azlan who walks with a limp, and who welcomed the chance to move around and see as much as he did.

And what better way to end an enjoyable outing than with an ice cream treat for all, before returning to the ACS (International) school canteen for a KFC lunch.

As families walked back to their nearby homes, it was very clear: this was an outing of happy smiles. Just what everyone needed - planned and prepared by the Outreach and Social Concerns Ministry… just for love.* 

* “Just for love” is the slogan adopted by the HVMC Outreach & Social Concerns committee for its community support activities.

Lee Tang Yin