Monday, October 31, 2011

A Lesser-Known Orphanage in Seremban


8 July 2011 - Responding to another of Hajjah Ainie’s call to look for an Indian orphanage for her Sponsor’s Back-To-School Program 2012, brought us to Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Nanthisar (also known as Nanthisar Home) in Seremban, an orphanage which currently houses 27 kids, 2 babies and 5 single mothers, all Indians.  We heard about this Home from a social worker friend who regularly contributes grocery there.
When we arrived at the Home, we were informed that Madam Latha was out soliciting donations from nearby shops, a regular activity she had to resort to in order to upkeep this Home.  We took this opportunity to look around the place and what we saw tugs at our heartstrings.  This rented single-storey corner unit has only three bedrooms which are occupied by Madam Latha, the single mothers and old ladies.  Worn-out mattresses are laid out in the living and dining area each night for the kids.  We took a peek at the kitchen and the condition there does not leave much to one’s imagination.  We did not notice any bags of rice or other grocery stocked up anywhereabout and the vegetables in the fridge does not look fresh.  The only other electrical appliance in the Home is a TV which is switched on during weekends only. The dining area is bare except for an old kitchen cabinet which the cups and plates are kept.  A Hindu Altar and few book racks occupy the small living room.
The kids seem friendly but shy and trying to engage them in conversation proves to be a challenge due to their poor command and understanding of the English and Malay language.  We noticed that their school bags, mostly hand-me-downs that has seen better days, piled up in a corner of the dining area as there are no proper racks to place them.  They do their studying and homework on a big table in the porch area. 
When Madam Latha returned a short while later, she gave us a briefing of the Home and its history.  Madam Latha informed that she and her husband, Thiagu, started this Home in 2007 with only four kids which has increased substantially in 4 years. Their application to Welfare Department is still pending, so they rely solely on contributions from kind donors but these contributions do not come in regularly, especially of late. We were told that initially, MIC and its members do help them out regularly but these help seem to have dwindled lately. In order to make ends meet every month, Madam Latha and a few single mothers will go out on weekly basis to solicit donations from the public but the amount is not much.  We were verbally told that the Home’s monthly expenditure is around RM5000 per month.  As the Home does not have its own vehicle, they rely on a school bus operator who charges them RM50 per head to transport the kids to school and back.  With 26 kids out of 27 schooling,  preparation for the kids’ new school year is definitely a time to be dthey look forward to. New school uniforms, new shoes, stationery, school fees etc… all this spells “MONEY”.  If the uniform sponsorship is approved, then Project MADE’s timely aid this year will provide a great relief to Madam Latha.  She handed us the list of the kids’ name and age, which she had prepared earlier when informed of the purpose of our visit and of Project MADE’s intention to sponsor school uniforms.  Hopefully, on our next visit we can bring them some good news.
On a more negative note, we find this Home not as well-managed as others, especially in terms of administration.  There are so much more which could be done for both the Home and the kids.  However, despite the Home's shortcomings, we respect Madam Latha for providing these kids with a decent roof over their heads and food to fill their hungry stomachs.  This Home may lack proper furniture and other comfort items, but it certainly does not lack warmth and laughter from the kids.  It is heartwarming to see the way they look out for each other and take care of the younger ones.
Soon, it was time to leave this Home… a Home with an uncertain future, a Home whose only light comes from the kids’ bright smiles.






Bringing Good News....

On the third day of Raya, a big Raya gift meant for a Chinese orphanage was dropped on our laps and we were honoured to be the bearer of this good news.  We received a call from Hajjah Ainie of Project MADE informing that their Sponsor is seeking a Chinese orphanage for which to sponsor school uniforms under their Back-To-School Program 2012. She asked if we know of any which may be in need of this and immediately the Padmasambhava Children Loving Association in Klang sprang into mind as we were there just a few months ago. After giving Hajjah Ainie a brief description of the Home, she is satisfied that it meets her Sponsor’s criteria and agreed to include them in.
Hubby dropped by PCLA the same evening to obtain the information required, such as names of the kids, their school year level for 2012 and their respective uniform, socks and shoe sizes.  He spoke to Miss Angel Kok, one of the volunteer-in-charge and after conveying the good news to her, Hubby was updated on the Home’s latest additions, a total number of 13 babies and toddlers. Some of them abandoned orphans, while some are voluntarily given up by single mothers who are unable to cope with caring for them.  In fact, PCLA turned down a few others due to the Home’s limited space and resources.  It is a sad situation, but we try to look on the bright side and be thankful for the 13 young ones who are fortunate enough to end up in PCLA. We know that they are in good hands there and will be brought up with much love and care.
Hubby's smile says it all...
Dear Hubby always had a soft spot for babies, so it was no surprise when he committed to return on the coming Sunday with 3 units of baby cradle, critically needed by the newcomers.  That night, we decided to share this with our friend, Chew and invited him to join in on our next visit. Bless his good heart, not only was he agreeable to go along but he, through 1Month 1Charity, will also be contributing groceries, milk powder and diapers for the babies. With this arrangement, we decided to meet up at Klang Parade to purchase the said items before proceeding to PCLA.
Contribution from 1Month 1Charity, Project MADE and Hubby

So, on Sunday morning, we collected the Milo drinks from Hajjah Ainie’s place before meeting up with Chew and family and another 1M1C member and proceeded to PCLA.  Miss Angel was already waiting for us and after unloading the stuff we brought, we chatted with her on the Home’s current developments, needs and other issues.  We found out that with the additional number of babies and toddlers, the Home is in critical need of milk powder and diapers, which are quite costly items and a heavy burden on the Home’s limited finance.  Another area she brought up is the kids’ educational needs such as stationeries, transport fees and tuition fees.  Thanks to Project MADE for getting them a sponsor for the school uniforms, therefore their burden in this area is lightened considerably this year.  Hubby’s kind colleague had also committed to sponsor new school bags for the kids and we will be getting them exercise books and other stationery items.  Chew also expressed interest in getting 1M1C to sponsor some stationery.  Tentatively, we plan for delivery of these items in early December.
Angels do exist around us, only in different forms… and we are blessed that two of them are our good friends, Hajjah Ainie and Chew. We truly respect Ainie’s selfless commitment in making a difference everywhere, regardless of race and religion. Chew’s charitable spirit and enthusiasm in responding to the cry of these orphans is also commendable.  Thank you guys for making a difference in this Home.



Sunday, October 30, 2011

Another Visit To Klang Handicapped & Disabled Home

On 23 July 2011, we had a date with Chew of 1Month 1Charity to check out a Soup Kitchen in Seksyen 16, Shah Alam. As we had some time on hand before our meeting,  we decided to drop by Pusat Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Klang again with some grocery and for some bonding time with the residents.  A few of the kids we usually mingle with were not there to greet us as they had gone for the weekly training in preparation for their upcoming climb up Mount Kinabalu in October.  They were part of the “OKUs” group chosen for the “A Climb Beyond Disabilities” fundraising climb up Mount Kinabalu in October.  This event is jointly organised by the Rotary Club of Bandar Utama and USJ.  
Usually, lunchtime is a routine which the staff will try to adhere to punctually as these special people, kids and adults alike, do not take well to hunger. If feeding time is delayed, the younger kids will start making a fuss and cry and the older ones will keep complaining that they are hungry.  That particular day was one of those days lunch is delayed and the reason is because the caterer was late.  A kind donor had arranged lunch for them that day as a remembrance service for his late father.  Luckily, they were not kept waiting for too long.  Seeing that there are only six staff to take care of so many hungry tummies, we decided to try our hands at feeding a few of them. It was a truly enriching and satisfying experience for us.  Our kids also chipped in and helped to serve plates of rice and drinks for the rest of the disabled who are capable of feeding themselves.
After lunch, it was “playtime” with the kids. Watching dear Hubby with the kids never fail to make my heart swell with pride.
Moments like this brings out the tender side of Hubby

 
One of Hubby and son's favourite, fondly known as Ah Fen


Hubby attentively learning a new game

The peaceful afternoon atmosphere was soon interrupted when the rest who went for the training arrived home.  Upon seeing us, they immediately greeted us with warm hugs, one of their endearing traits.  A few of them excitedly filled us in on their outing.  Even the mute tried to convey to us their excitement through sign language, a skill Hubby is working on acquiring.
As we had to meet up with Chew and proceed to our next destination, we ended our visit with the usual heavy heart, assuring them that we will visit again, a promise which we know we will keep…

Friday, October 28, 2011

Another Side of Kuala Selangor

Saturday 16 July 2011, a memorable day for me and my family,  the day we were introduced to another side of world, the poverty world of the hardcore poor in society, one often read about but rarely ventured into. My interest in this area first sparked when I came upon the noble works done by Project MADE, an NGO founded and lead by a dynamic lady Hajjah Ainie Sahnam. Even back then, I find her enthusiasm and selfless commitment truly awe-inspiring and hope that someday I can have the chance to personally meet this Angel. God must have heard my wish and sent an another angel in the form of 1Month 1Charity’s organiser, Chew, to make my wish possible.
When we came to know that 1Month 1Charity will team up with Project MADE for their Feeding Program in Kuala Selangor, I immediately knew that I will not forgo this chance to learn and experience this wing of charity from the experienced people. However, dear Hubby was a bit apprehensive at first, due to his concern on my health. After some assurance and also due to his own compassionate nature, I managed to secure his support on attending this event.
As we are residing quite a distance away from Kuala Selangor, we bundled up our sleepy kids and our portion of the feeding packs consisting of rice, flour, meehoon, salt, sugar, sardine and soap bar in the car and started our journey before sunrise, hoping to reach there before the designated time. The journey was blissfully smooth until we encountered heavy lorries and for awhile were quite worried if we were able to make it on time.
The group of us, comprising of Hajjah Ainie and the soon-to-be Pastor Joseph from Project MADE’s team, 1Month 1Charity’s organiser Chew, regular members Jacinta and Tony, my husband Ong, my 2 kids, myself and joining us for the first time are four students from Sunway College, all gathered at a Mamak Restaurant opposite IPD Kuala Selangor and had an informal get-to-know each other session over breakfast before organising ourselves into a convoy of 4 cars. Today’s Feeding Program’s distribution list has 40 families spread out over Kuala Selangor, Tanjung Karang, Batang Berjuntai and Ijok, which we target to finish distribution by 2pm.  We started out at 9am with our first distribution in Tanjong Karang area. It was both a saddening and enriching experience to see the recipients faces and being briefed on their condition by Project MADE team as we go round carrying out our distribution tasks. On our part, seeing these people’s pitiful living condition enforces in ourselves our personal believe all this while, which is to live our life in a simple manner so that we can use our blessings to help others. True to the saying “Many hands make light work”, by 10am we already covered up to 6 homes and proceeded  to our next destination  Kg Koboi, where we distributed our feeding packs to another 7 families before proceeding to Kg Sg Yu and Teluk Piah where another 5 homes are located. Most of these houses have one thing in common, their condition is run-down and the inside is usually quite bare of furniture, with just a decent couch or chairs and racks for storing things.
By 11.30am, we were on our way to Ijok area where our distribution were to some homes located within the plantation estate. Same atmosphere greeted us wherever we went, children joyfully running out to receive bread and biscuits and adults thanking us profusely for our contribution, showing their appreciation to our presence. Along the way, we notice that Hajjah Ainie and Joseph never failed to enquire these families on the welfare and needs, and their genuine interest clearly endears them to the hearts of these people. My respect and admiration for these two with big hearts has grown much by the end of this trip. Our last leg of the journey brought us to Kg Api-Api, which we found out was the place where Joseph grew up in. The last two families’ living condition is truly pitiful. One home we went to belongs to an old lady whose husband had passed away and left her with a daughter and a son. The daughter has married and moved away but leave her children there to be cared by the old lady while she works. The son who is living with her barely earns enough to support himself and spents it all on alcohol, relying on his old mother to provide him his meals. The old lady was crying as she relates her story to us.
By the time we completed our distribution, it was close to 3pm. We said our goodbyes to Hajjah Ainie and Joseph, agreeing to keep in touch with sincere hope that we may meet again in this noble path.  Our student friends from Sunway also made their departure, leaving the rest of us contemplating where to fill our stomach. Following Chew’s lead, we arrived at a riverside seafood restaurant where he graciously “feed” us with a sumptuous late lunch as reward for our work done in feeding the poor.
We parted ways after that and while Chew, Jacinta and Tony headed for home, husband and myself lingered on a little while longer, driving around, taking in the scenery, talking over the day’s event. We plan to come back again sometime soon…


The Disabled And The Old

Beautiful Gate Foundation For The Disabled (Klang)

10 July 2011, a Sunday where we find ourselves once again joining our new friends from the 1Month 1Charity Group in their visit to the Beautiful Gate Foundation For The Disabled in Klang.

We met up with Chew, who brought along his adorable son, and the rest of the Group at Tesco Klang around noon to purchase some groceries and other necessities. Chew has thoughtfully enquired their needs from them beforehand and generously fulfiiled them. Apart from this, we also added a microwave oven to our contribution, upon hearing that they are in need of one after their existing one broke down beyond repair. On this same shopping trip, we also purchased some groceries to be delivered to Persatuan Warga Emas, an old folks home located in the same vicinity.
Our first destination, the Beautiful Gate Foundation For The Disabled in Klang, is one of the six Beautiful Gate Centres throughout Malaysia which provides different services to disabled community locally. Upon reaching the Centre we were warmly greeted by Mr Lee Yew Hoe who is the coordinator there. Shortly after unloading the groceries and other stuff, we were joined by Miss Esther Ng (General Affair Secretary) who gave us a briefing on their Centre, their mission and the noble works they do for the local community there.  This Centre is housed in a double-storey corner house with five bedrooms, located in a relatively busy part of Taman Chi Liung, with restaurants, minimarts and other shops within walking distance. The Centre can house up to 15 people and accommodate 30 people for daytime training programmes, including computer skills training. Within its compound, there are two Recycle Bins, which the residents nearby and other visitors regularly drop in their recyclable items.  The small area adjacent to the house is converted into a mini-workshop for the use of some of the disabled residents with skills in repairing electrical equipment and even computers. These appliances collected via their recycling lorry or drop-ins from their recycle bins are then repaired and sold to generate income.  Miss Esther further briefed us that the Centre’s primary aim is to teach some skills to each and every of their resident or trainee there based on the condition of their disability, with hope that someday they can be self-reliant and be able live a normal life as others in the society. In line with the other Beautiful Gate Centres’ objectives, this Centre also provides training in surviving skills and self-development skills for the disabled.
The Centre currently has two vans, one donated by a nearby minimart and another purchased through donations from kind benefactors. Both vans have been modified and fitted with hydraulic lift to enable easy loading and unloading of wheelchairs.  Esther informed that these vans are also utilised to transport some invalid or disabled people from nearby neighbourhood to nearby hospitals for their regular checkups or even for short outings. Their act is truly exemplary and a shining example of sharing of blessings with others.
As Esther was briefing us, we were shyly joined by a few of the residents with various disabilities, some were born with it, some acquired it through accidents or illness. From their smiles and beaming disposition, you can see that they accept their disabilities well and learn to cope with them the best they can.  Esther said that the residents there are very independent and even look out for each other, a common trait which I notice in most of the Homes and Centres. The camaraderie among them is truly to be respected. The greatest testimony of this Centre’s good work and effort in ensuring its residents welfare can be seen in some of the residents’s unwillingness to go home during weekends or festivals. The few residents which were there with us all nodded their heads in agreement when Esther jokingly complained that she has to coax them to go home and spend some time with their families so she can have some rest.
After thanking Esther and Lee for their time, we made a move to our next destination.

Persatuan Warga Emas
Our second destination for the day... Persatuan Warga Emas, a sanctuary for the abandoned old run by an elderly Indian lady and her family.  Located within the peaceful housing area of Solok Tamarind, this corner house is home to about 30 old folks, made up of Indians and Chinese.  As we reached there quite late in the afternoon, we just stayed long enough to drop off the groceries we bought and exchanged some pleasantries with the friendly Indian Lady Caretaker. Most of the residents were seen resting around the Home compound, some asleep, some indulging in idle chat, some in faraway thoughts, reminiscing about the past perhaps…
It was apparent that Chew was no newcomer to this Home as he and Lady Caretaker chatted away like old friends.  However, there was a moment of melancholy when she enquired about Chew's teammate, Lai who had passed away about 9 months ago. These 2 young guys must have endeared themselves to this elderly lady for her to remember them well even after long months of absence. Found out that Lai had a soft spot for this Home and had regularly drop by with food assistance. Sadly, with his untimely departure, this Home had lost a Friend. 


There Is Hope After All ....



19 June 2011 is Father’s Day and we decided to break away from the norm and do something different and meaningful. So, we joined 1Month 1Charity in their visit to BOAS Home, a drug rehabilitation centre situated in Klang. This is our first outing with them and we believe is the start of many more to come, as we find this group of young people’s noble mission in helping the less fortunate truly inspiring.
We arrived at the designated place on time and was warmly greeted by their Organiser, Chew, a friendly young guy who made us feel welcomed instantly. The eight of us, including my 2 kids, had a quick bite at the mamak restaurant nearby before proceeding to purchase some groceries for the Centre.
On arrival, we were led into their cafeteria to drop off our groceries and wandered around on our own while waiting for Pastor Nathan. This place is rented at RM1800 per month and its funding comes from the church and other generous donors. We were told that some from the residents’ families do make small monetary contribution but it is not obligatory. This Centre only accepts non-Muslim drug addicts for their 2-year Rehabilitation Program. Some of them are referred by Agensi Anti-Dadah Kebangsaan (AADK), some are admitted by their families, while there are also some individuals who goes there voluntarily to seek help in kicking their habit.
Pastor Nathan briefed us on how the Centre is run and the method they adopt to help the addicts overcome their addiction.  He explained why he is not in favour of the replacement drug therapy in this Centre but instead opt for the conventional “cold turkey” method. With this method and enforcement of strict regime within the Centre, along with counselling and care, the success rate is quite good. The pride in Pastor Nathan’s face is evident as he recalled some of his “success” cases, among them, two has followed in his footsteps and joined the ministry to become pastors as well.
The residents are required to attend classes held in the small Chapel within the Centre, which are equipped with books and also musical instruments. As this is a Christian-based centre, sermons are also conducted, either by Pastor Nathan himself or via inspirational movies. Daily routine chores such as sweeping, washing, cooking etc. are shared among them. We were given a tour around the Centre which brings us to a small plot of vegetable garden which are tended to by the residents themselves. At the back, we were shown a shed and a coop which houses goats and chicken respectively. There is even a small concrete pool where they rear fish. This is a good activity to occupy the residents' free time. 
We were later ushered into Pastor Nathan’s office where he shared with us information on the various kinds of drugs available, their respective addictive and destructive level  and also their availability in the market. Some of these drugs, especially those psychotropic pills, which are costly but easily available, are extremely dangerous and can cause life-long damage to the brain. Surprisingly, even normal and unseemly dangerous things such as glue, gasoline and marker pens can be abused and turn into a form of addiction.  Sniffing glue, gasoline and marker pens can put one in an intoxicated state or more commonly known as “high” feeling. Long term indulgence in these habits will eventually damage the nasal respiratory system.
The Centre’s success speaks for itself, judging from the number of registrants on the waiting list, some which Pastor Nathan has to turn away with regret due to lack of space to accommodate them. To overcome this, Pastor has plans to extend and renovate the existing building so that more can undergo and benefit from their Rehabilitation Program. For this purpose, a charity bazaar will be held on the upcoming weekend at their premise to raise the funds.
To the general public, BOAS Home rehabilitates addicts but to the addicts themselves, BOAS Home offers much more.  It not only cures them of their addiction, but also restore their dignity, their hope in life and gives them the much-needed confidence and encouragement to go back into society.  Their care and concern does not stop upon completion of the Rehabilitation Program but they continue to provide the ex-addicts with counselling and assistance in securing a job, as they slowly ease back into society to start afresh. This may be the positive factor whichs make this Centre different from the rest.
After spending almost 2 hours there, we left BOAS Home behind, but bringing back with us another valuable experience and insight into the world of this group of people shunned by society.  It is normal for human to err, especially the young ones. Without proper guidance, they are influenced by the wrong people, they take the wrong step and fall to temptation. However, it is good to know that it is not the end for them as there are places like BOAS Home and people like Pastor Nathan who can offer them another chance to kick their addiction and start life anew.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Selva’s Home For the Special Ones


Due to dear Hubby’s work commitment and son’s school activities, we were only able to visit another Home on 11 June 2011. This time, our trip brought us down south, to Selva Rumah Prihatin dan Bimbingan also known as Selva’s Home For the Special Ones, a home in Segamat catering to 20-odd physically and mentally-disabled kids and old folks. We found out about this Home through Hubby’s friend in his hometown.  So, we called up Madam Melissa, the Home’s caretaker and made a date to drop by for a visit.  We brought with us the things that they desperately needed such as diapers, toiletries and detergents.
Both Melissa and her husband, Selvarajah, used to work as volunteers for such homes in Terengganu, before deciding to return to Segamat, which is Selva’s hometown and set up this Home from their savings. We were told that they applied assistance from the Welfare Department three years ago and is still waiting for approval, despite several visits and assurances from the Welfare Officers.  It is also saddening to hear that this Home hardly get visitors or contributions from their own neighbourhood. There are some regular contributors from nearby businesses but the amount received is hardly enough to cover their monthly expenditure which runs up to RM4k per month.  For the upkeep of this Home, they have been relying on their slowly-depleting savings and the generosity of some regular contributors, but then how long can their savings last them? This couple’s love for the special kids and old folks here are clearly evident in the way they are being treated, each individual loved and cared for as if own family.  Melissa personally cooks for them, wash their clothes and cleans up the house, as they cannot afford a maid. When we arrived, she was in the midst of mopping the extended portion of the back area which the residents use for their recreational activities, such as colouring, playing simple board games or even just relaxing in a lazy chair for the older folks.  Two big baskets of clothes are waiting to be hung out and another load drumming away in the washing machine.  The residents are unable to help out with the housework due to their physically-handicapped condition.
It was no easy task upkeeping this Home all this years but yet both Melissa and Selva held on, all for the love for these special people whom they regard as family. However, their perserverance are soon tested as they face a bigger obstacle… the threat of losing this rented premise.  This house was put up for auction by the Bank in September last year when the owner passed away without settling the loan.  In order to save this Home, Selva bidded for this property and managed to secure it temporary with a 10% deposit.  They have since been sourcing for financial assistance to settle the balance and even applied for a bank loan.  But the odds seem to be against them…
We did not stay long as Melissa needs to start cooking lunch. So, after taking a group photo with them, we bid them farewell with heavy hearts.  As our car moved away, we turned our heads to see them still happily waving to us, oblivious to their fate and future… a scene which brings a lump to my throat.

A Day With Special Friends

With Wesak Day being a sacred day where Buddhist reaffirm their faith in Buddha, renew their vow to live a noble life and radiate loving-kindness, we decided to spend this day with our special friends from Pusat Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Klang.  This time we brought with us sausage rolls which we pre-ordered from a Bakery in Setia Alam just the day before. Not only was this Bakery willing to accommodate our request for 100 sausage rolls on a day’s short notice, but the Owner also gave us a special discount upon learning that those rolls are meant for the handicapped centre nearby. This may be just a small gesture for them but nevertheless meaningful.  I was wondering, how many business owners are willing to emulate this Bakery and forgo a little profit?
My question was answered shortly after when we went to a Stationery shop not far from there to purchase a Carrom Board for PPKCK. From our last visit, we noted that their existing one is cracked, but yet they continued using it cause it is the only one they have. After exchanging the usual pleasantries with the Owner, he was also generous enough to sell it to us at near-cost price when he learned where the Carrom board will go to. Bless both their good hearts. It’s truly heartening when you meet good people like them.
We arrived after lunch time, so the sausage rolls were kept for teatime. The kids were delighted with their new Carrom board. In fact, they were doubly delighted cause we also brought our sons' seldom-played Carrom board for them. We spent our time playing with the kids as usual, obliging their requests and being entertained by their antics.  However, at one moment, my joy was replaced by sadness when a little girl with Down Syndrome sat down in front of me, rested her head on my lap for a few seconds before looking up at me sadly and said “My mother did not come to see me…”.  Later, we found out that her mother abandoned her shortly after placing her there, never to return… She is just one of the typical cases at this Home.  Most who place their handicapped kids there, will initially visit them on weekly basis, the visits gradually turn to monthly visits and after some time no visits at all. Attempts to contact them will be futile as contact numbers would no longer be in service.  There is a mentally-retarded lady who is her 30’s now, left there when she was barely a teenager because the father was ashamed to have a retarded daughter in the family. Some were even dumped by their parents in the hospital after they were born. I guess it's not easy to accept that your child is "different" and the thought of taking care of a special child may overwhelmed them, that's why they made that decision... but is that a right decision?

However, not all will place their special kids in a Home as in this case of an old lady in her 80's, who had been taking care of her 40-plus year old mentally-challenged son all this years. We made our acquaintance with them on that day when they came to visit him. We were told by the niece that he just checked-in 3 days ago and the reason they placed him there was because his mother, the old lady, is gradually succumbing to old age and illness and unable to care for him anymore. His other siblings, who have families of their own to tend to, finds it a daunting task to take him in and care for him.  Therefore, sending him to a Home seem to be the only option. The old lady was seen wiping her eyes every now and then, her grief and helplessness apparent in her wrinkled face…
As evening draws near, we bid farewell to our special friends and as usual, this always bring a tinge of sadness to our hearts.  We have grown so fond of them….

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Happy Paradise 快乐天堂

During one of dear Hubby’s evening drive to familiarise himself with his new work area, he decided to drop by this Home in Klang with some cash donation.  The signboard outside this Home says “Padmasambhava Children Loving Association” (PCLA), but it should be aptly named “Happy Paradise” for the orphans residing there.
Set up and managed by a Buddhist nun, Sister Ani, with the help of her mother, brother and other volunteer single mothers, this Home houses around 37 kids, mainly Chinese and a few Indians. Most of them are orphans, some are just abandoned by their parents due to hardship and other reasons. PCLA takes them all in, with open arms, open hearts and care for them with love, providing them a homely atmosphere instead of imposing a strict regime on them. They are allowed to grow up as other kids, doing things in their own time and pace, the younger kids enjoying their childhood freedom, the older kids being taught to help out with the housework and cooking. The only rule which they must adhere to strictly is bedtime, all must be in bed by 10pm.
On arrival, Hubby was greeted by Sister Ani’s mother, who insisted on being called “Popo” (grandmother in Chinese), a jovial lady who chatted with Hubby like old friends. After handing over the donation to Popo, Hubby expressed his intention to bring us over to visit the Home with KFC treat for the kids. Popo promptly suggested the coming Saturday and further informed Hubby of the kids’ liking for whipped potatoes and also a few kids’ allergy to chicken.
So, on the following Saturday, armed with KFC Barrels, Nuggets, lots of whipped potatoes and Alaskan Fish Burgers (for the kids with allergic condition), which we pre-ordered from KFC Setia Alam, we headed to PCLA with both our sons and arrived before lunch. The KFC treats were “co-sponsored” by three generous boys, my sons, who each contributed RM50 out of their savings for this. When we arrived, some of the kids were having late breakfast, another of their favourite, nasi lemak. PCLA is fortunate to be situated in a community where compassion dwells. Kind-hearted hawkers nearby tend to bring over their surplus food.  Bread and cakes for breakfast are also sent over by other donors quite regularly.
The younger kids were playing in groups, some doing colouring, some watching TV, some just running around. The school-going kids were busy washing their school shoes.
This time we were given a more thorough introduction on PCLA and its other activities by Miss Angel, a full-time volunteer at this Home.  We were informed that due to the generosity of donors within the community and surrounding areas, PCLA received more than adequate groceries such as rice, oil, biscuits etc, which they will in turn channel the surplus to the poor and needy through their monthly Feeding Program which is held every 3rd Saturday of the month at their premise. They have a list of recipients which is vetted through stringently and monitored regularly to ensure that there is no abuse of their program which could deprive others who are genuinely in need. On that particular Saturday, PCLA will also cook and provide vegetarian meals to the recipients when they come to collect their food parcel.
However, the abundance only applies to dry grocery mentioned above whereas fresh grocery such as vegetables, poultry and fish are sadly lacking. Therefore, they buy the vegetables on their own from the nearby market but due to cost constraint, they can only splurge on fish and chicken occasionally. Other items constantly needed by PCLA are the stationery items, especially exercise books, which we plan to fulfill on our next visit.
We bid farewell soon after lunch, our hearts carrying mixed emotions…sadness at these kids’ plight for ending up in a Home, but looking further, compared to those kids abandoned out on the streets or living in poor condition, these kids at PCLA (or any other Homes) are by far much luckier. At least they have a decent roof over their heads, decents meals to satisfy their hunger, opportunity to go to school and well looked after when they are sick. We are glad that PCLA is doing a great job in fulfilling this and much more. PCLA not only provides them with a place to call Home, but also a Family with a loving Mother (Sister Ani), a doting Grandmother (Popo), Aunties (volunteers) and Siblings. To these fortunate kids, PCLA is their own Happy Paradise…

A Meaningful Family Outing @ Pusat Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Klang

Our second visit to Pusat Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Klang (PPKCK) occurred on the following Saturday, 7 May 2011, slightly less than a week later. On this visit we brought along disposable diapers in various sizes, which we found out to be one of the items heavily utilised in handicapped centres but the least received in contribution, maybe due to ignorance or cost.
There were few memorable and heartwarming moments on this visit which made my heart swell with pride for my dearest husband. One of it, watching the Big Guy play and sing to a kid who is unable to sit up due to a weak muscle condition.  There are few other kids with similar condition, all kept inside the house, lovingly and patiently cared by three female Indonesian staff.  Husband with teary-eyed told me that he especially feel for this kids and unable to hold back tears when talking to them.  He tells me that, despite not being able to move or talk, he feels that these kids can hear and understand. Another heartwarming scene is that of my lovable husband giving piggy-back rides to two of the kids with Down Syndrome. His warmth and affection are infectious and soon one by one approached him requesting for a ride on his back, which he patiently obliged, no matter how heavy they are.
My pride for my three boys is no less either, cause they have no qualms or reservation in interacting with these kids and were playing with them without discrimination. Bless their hearts, they even allow some of these kids to bully them, something which they would not compromise with their own brothers. Our eldest son also took well to these kids despite this being his first visit. It warmed my heart to watch him tirelessly pushing one disabled kid on wheelchair all over the place.   
Time really seem to fly when we were there and we soon realised that we had spent several hours there already and even missed lunch… So with heavy hearts, we bid farewell to these kids whom we grow more and more fonder of with each visit. We were each rewarded with big warm hugs from them as their way of showing appreciation to us for spending time with them.

The Turning Point ...

Not knowing where to start, I took to browsing the Internet randomly and chanced upon a blog called “Sanctuary of Hope” owned by Jenny Yap, a lady with a big heart of gold, which I fondly dubbed as the first Angel I met. Coincidentally, at that time Jenny and her husband, were in the midst of organising a Charity Drive to the Pusat Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Klang (PPKCK), a centre for handicapped and disabled kids situated in Kg Raja Uda, Port Klang on 1 May 2011. Without hesitation, I dropped her an email to find out if we could join them and almost immediately received a positive reply. From her blog and emails, her goodness and kindness can be felt even then, thus meeting this Angel in person is truly a blessed experience.
As arranged, we joined the convoy of over 20 cars at Sg Rasau toll at 10am and proceeded to PPKCK. We were greeted by the Home’s President, Mr Morgun, who gave a brief introduction before bringing us on a tour around the Home. We were shown Jenny and her friends’ “fruits of labour”;  newly installed wardrobes, a TV set, a DVD player and a refridgerator, all this made possible through months of planning and fund-raising.  The kids entertained us with their dance and in turn they were entertained by Mr Clown and later treated to a “Beary Meal” from A&W.
Jenny and group left shortly after lunch but we decided to stay back. After the air of gaeity had died down, the stark reality of these kids’ sad plight shows its face. Underneath their handicap and disability, lies a child that is no different from others. They too crave attention, hugs and soft words, something which their minders are unable to give them due to their workload. Visitors often come and go, but how many will stay and interact with them? Is it because of fear, prejudice or lack of understanding? I recall a young guy timidly reaching out to touch my hand and how his faced beamed when instead of pushing him away, I held his hands in mine. I recall a young boy with outstretched arms requesting to be carried which I obliged and the sweet guy rested his head on my shoulders. I also recall reaching out to touch the face of another boy to comfort him and he just nuzzled into my hands. Priceless moments worth their weight in gold…
Our visit to PPKKCK truly touched and changed our life. The experience here has shown us beauty beyond handicap, strength beyond disability and taught us how truly special these kids are.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Within the Lotus, there is the Jewel
Within each of Us, there is Goodness




When I gave up working life more than a year ago, little did I expect that I will embark on a journey which opened up my eyes and heart to a whole new world, a world of the underprivileged and less fortunate, often heard of and read about, but have never really venture into due to ignorance, limitations and even objections.

However, with the free time I have on hand, I did some deep soul-searching and realise that there is more to life than this. It dawned heavily on me that all this years I have been taking so many things in life for granted, exhausting the blessings, never taking the step to reach out to those less fortunate. Charity to me at that time was confined to giving donations whenever the occasion calls for it. Even though I have been regularly contributing money to charity organisations but regrettably did not involve myself in other ways. There have been times I wanted to visit Charity Homes or help out in Charity events, but this were always met with discouragement from family and friends alike.

I'm glad to say that all is not lost as I finally found the path I want to pursue in life. With dear husband's support, we took our first step and joined in a charity visit to a Handicapped Centre in Klang. That visit left a deep impression on us and became the turning point in our lives.

Subsequently, there were more visits to such homes and other charity outings, which gave us further insight into the meaning of poverty, hardship and suffering. Along the way, we made new friends, people with the same passion, who inspired us greatly with their noble works and taught us the true meaning of Charity. Charity is an act of giving that comes from the heart, one that is selfless and without expectation of any return. We learned to value the simple things in life, to appreciate the things we are blessed with, and to share our blessings with others. Charity not only makes a difference in lives of those in need, but also changes and enriches the lives of those who gives.

We hope that in our own small way we can make a difference in the lives of the people we help. With our limitation, we may not be able to do great things but we do it with a big heart.