The world of Tzu Chi February 2021(Vol.131)

TZU CHI 131 41 Everything will get better The man of the house comforted his wife and son: “We can always find a new house. Let’s face it bravely. There is no difficulty that cannot be overcome.” By Tan Kim Hion Translated by Erika Siah Photograph by Yong Mun Fei “W e lost our home and still cannot find a new one. Mum is very sad. She would cry every time we talked about the house.” Nineteen-year-old Athisilan (left) told the volunteers of his mother’s worries, as she kept weeping when they received the blessing package from Tzu Chi. The family of six had lived in the rented wooden house for five years. Although old, it was their safe haven. However, they could only evacuate to higher ground when the flood hit on January 3, and look helplessly as gushing floodwaters rose rapidly, submerging the whole house. They returned to their house post-flood only to find it leaning against a big tree. Athisilan wanted to salvage some important documents and items in the house, but the tree fell. He heard some cracking noises from the house before it collapsed into rubbles. Athisilan was grateful for the close call, but felt sad looking at the ruins. He informed that his grandmother’s house caught fire a few months ago, and her family has been staying at a friend’s house. Now, with Athisilan’s family moving into the same house, it feels cramped. Hence, they urgently need to find a place. Volunteers promised to help them with that and comforted them by saying that the most important thing was that they were safe and well. Athisilan nodded in agreement because, at least, his family managed to escape the flood safely. He said, “My dad is a rubber tapper, while I work in a car workshop. We still have jobs and can support ourselves.” At this moment, Athisilan’s father returned on his motorbike. He thanked the volunteers with a smile on his face and consoled his wife and son: “We can always find a new house. Let’s face it bravely. There is no difficulty that cannot be overcome.” Upon hearing that, volunteers encouraged Athisilan to be optimistic, just like his father, as his mother needs them. Athisilan nodded his head and said, “I believe in what you have said. Everything will get better.” Immediate Relief Aid for Deluged Pahang