XPDC '07 rolls out..

To commemorate the opening of our Youth Hub, Youth at Kassim organised a night cycling event, XPDC 2007, on the night itself. In conjunction with the period of Is’ra Mi’raj, the event gains more significance as the participants can experience travelling by night and at the same time contemplate upon the beauty and wonders of creation. The volunteers, amounting to more than forty people, were the backbone of XPDC 2007 as they helped organise and execute the plans for the events. With more sixty participants, there was roughly a hundred people involved in the event and all thanks to Allah it was a resounding success. Of course, success is measured in many different ways. Looking at how the volunteers worked seamlessly carrying out theirs tasks as station masters, facilitators, marshals and especially the unsung ‘logistics’ heroes labouring through the night, it was magical. The way everyone worked together towards a common goal, without pride, without personal aims and just wanting the event to go on smoothly, Masyallah it was a blessing by it itself. It showed that anything was possible if we put our minds and hands together.

Of course, some things did not go as planned. We had to cut short the route to allow more time for the participants to come back to Kassim Mosque in time. With the ages ranging from 15 to 55, it was obvious that we could not cater to everyone’s needs. But I believe there was much wisdom learnt from that experience. As much as some of the groups were exploding with enthusiasm to carry on cycling, they had to wait for the rest of the participants. The long wait wore their patience and zeal down, some got frustrated, some were relieved. To reflect, it gave an invaluable insight on what it takes to be in a group and to work together as a group. There will always be times where we would not get what we want, but we always have to think in the interest of others, evaluate the circumstances and at times, come out with painful decisions. The decision to cut short the route was definitely painful but it was taken after much careful thought and in the interest of the majority, Allahu’alam. The experience was a great learning lesson, which we were thankful for.