I went with my mates from church and it was really interesting to see so many nationalities coming together to go have some fun and at the same time be a blessing to these guys in Reibby. It was a really long drive(1.5 to 2 hrs) up from Sydney city to Campbelltown. I took Brian's car with Debra behind and I think we were all about to fall asleep when we finally reached the place.
We had a game or two with the high school age boys. I am really amazed at these boys. Yea, they are people who broke the law but I see how they are quite shy when talking to us. In fact, the guys are really polite and they will really gentlemen. I never play touch footy before in my entire life but they didnt really mind. Some of them even asked their friends to pass the ball to the girls so we can have a run to score a try.
Although it was only 2 shorts hours and we did not really do much talking, but being with them just opened my eyes to the inside world of a juvenile centre and it really started making me think what could have caused them to commit crimes when they really seem harmful people.
Some of the guys were really apprehensive in talkin to us- maybe as much as the society is afraid of them, they are too afraid of us. The lady chaplain, Lee, told us that many of them are really fearful of returning back to the community, so much so that they did not want to leave. These boys doesn't have visitors and I think when I made a choice to go there, I would most probably be the few people they know from the outside community besides the wardens and their teachers. How can you not be fearful when that's all you know about the outside world? They have televisions and games, classes..but that's not all about it. The people out there, might be the greatest hurdle they will meet when they leave the centre. I was really touched when they gave me the ball and ask me to run for the try. Trust me, all of them can run so fast you can't even smell the whiff of their fart..LOL. just kidd~I suppose that they will want us to give them a chance as well, just as much as they have given us on the field.
Many of them did not choose to be born into the families they grew up in, the community that they live in. It's ironic that how much the society has progressed yet relegated/forgotten about the many poor families that these children come from-perhaps we should do our part instead of blaming their community and parents. And when are you too consumed with the worries of your life, think again. I know I have God with me but these guys, many of them don't even know where they are heading after they leave the centre- are you just like them, aimless about the days ahead of you?
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