[Alec] Having just returned to Brunei yesterday afternoon, after spending a wonderful weekend in S'pore, I'm still trying to sort out the swirling miasma of my thoughts, in the wake of my debut appearance, at my inaugural MAW event; namely, MAWkids5!

I wasn't altogether too sure, as to what to expect there. Was it going to be like an orientation/initiation, where I'm expected to come forth and introduce myself, in front of an audience of friends- to-be? Or would I be left to "fend for myself", holding a barely- sipped plastic cup, after the initial obligatory introduction, to the organisers/regulars?

Suffice to say, it was none of the above, as it turned out to be a laidback informal gathering, where I felt at ease, just to plonk myself down anywhere, where there's available floorspace and good company! ;)

There was a plethora of characters from all over. New faces, from as far afield as Japan, and familiar ones, from neighbouring Kuala Lumpur. And I certainly didn't expect to find another from Brunei (Ryan), who's now based in S'pore. So many people, sharing so many things.... I even gained some valuable insight, into the world of our hearing-impaired brothers, into how they perceived us: the "sign- impaired"; to the point where I felt at a disadvantage, where my oft- taken for granted capacity to "hear", steadfastly anchoring me to my ignorance...

The name-tags we were required to pin on, were very useful icebreakers, as to acknowledge someone's name, is the first step to familiarity. Especially since "approaching" someone, can truly be a traumatic experience for some. The nametags themselves, inviting conversation, due to the "strategic" placement of some, that were in close proximity to (shall we say) "uncharted waters".... to this wayward sailor, anyway ;P

And I must say, that it was very courageous, on the part of Shenzi/Calvin, to invite strangers (literally) into their home. Such commitment to the ideals of MAW, deserves recognition, appreciation and the support of their "charges". Would you have been so bold, to do the same; time and time again?

I think the event was a resounding success, as my fellow MAWers managed to pursuade me to join them for my earlier-than-anticipated 2nd MAW event i.e. "fun in the sun" at Sentosa beach the following morning, in spite of my strong reservations. I'm not exactly, what you call a "morning person", when I'm on holiday, nor do I look forward to getting roasted alive, under the blazing tropical sun. No small thanks indeed, to John, who implanted the idea of kayaking with him (amongst other things) in my head; Kopi, as the head of the wake- up team, that blew me out of my much needed slumber, and even waited for me, while I forced down breakfast, so early in the day (not to mention, graciously responsible for my carriage, back and forth from Sentosa) and finally Calvin, who seemed to be perpetually on call, when I needed a receptive ear (Shenzi is a lucky man indeed!) ;)

Hmmmm... there's actually more, but I don't think those thoughts are coherent enough, as of yet, for me to put them down on paper. So in closing, I'd like to convey my heartfelt gratitude, to all my fellow MAWers, in graciously welcoming me, into your fold. And I wish you all the best of luck, in all your endeavours. God Bless!!

p.s. Hope to see you all again, soon! ;)