Today I received news that I’ve been quietly hoping for a while. However, it was not a frantic ‘If-I-don’t-get-it-I’ll-die’ kinda waiting… I’ve come to a place of surrender… leaving the whole issue to Him, knowing that He knows what’s best for me.

Yes, I’ve been hoping that this current in-camp training with my army unit, would be my last one. And today, we looked at the MR list and there was a ‘Yes’ next to my name! I couldn’t believe it first… Anyway, MR basically means that we go into Mindef Reserve (in layman terms, it simply means we no longer have the yearly in-camp trainings obligation anymore!)

For most (if not all) men in Singapore, these are the letters they most wish to hear…during their NS days… beside ROD or ORD! =) For me, it’s been long time coming… I’m almost hitting 40, and I’m only just finishing my commitment to National Service. Most of my platoon mates are only about 30, and they’re done!
(This is mostly due to the fact that I deferred quite a number of times, plus I was studying abroad a good 4 years)

Then in the evening another pleasant surprise. I received my long-service award- which bascially honor servicmen for 10 years of faithful service to the nation. In a nice red box, was a beautiful gold-plated medal, plus a nice Hamilton watch, and little SAF tie pin. I’m no SAF fan per se, but I felt good… and appreciated to receive this gift from them.

Somehow, there’s bittersweet feelings… Somehow I felt ‘sad’ that this could very well be my last time wearing the army uniforms, firing the SAR21 (rifle), going out into the jungle etc. At the same time I’m glad it’s all ‘over’. Unless there’s a real war, those who MR will prob be just civilians from now on…

So this is my last in-camp training.. and quite a relax one at that.
Today is Day 2, and even though I failed my 2.4k run (by only 3 seconds), my spirits are high.
It was cool also to be able to re-connect with some friends, and trust God for PDA encounters. I’m praying for more of those…