The world of Tzu Chi April 2021 (Vol.133)

2021 • 04 18 eature local families badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. She recounted, “I remember on the day of the home visit, we declined the applicant’s invitation to go inside the house, considering the seriousness of the pandemic. We suggested to have the interview conducted outside the house. However, our suggestion, out of good intention, offended the applicant. The applicant turned around and asked us to leave, before closing the door…” Although the volunteers were helpless, it was only wise to protect everyone when trying to help at this precautious time caused by the pandemic. Lee Poh has no social work background, but is driven by her pure intention to help others. “I feel that this work is very meaningful as I can always apply Master Cheng Yen’s teachings in the process. Whenever I encounter a difficult applicant, I would always recall Master’s philosophy that ‘There is no one in this world that I do not love, do not trust and cannot forgive.’ Moreover, we need to train ourselves to have the ability to solve problems, learn from the experience of others and learn to look at problems from different perspectives. Additionally, we must be resourceful by making full use of available resources. In this way, we will be much more efficient in our work.” Volunteer Lee Cheng Soo noted how Lee Poh deals with people and matters. At 74, Cheng Soo is older than Lee Poh, but has always been humble, learning from Lee Poh while volunteering together over the past decade. She said, “I always joke with Sister Lee Poh that had she not brought me along for charitable activities, I would just be hanging around at home…” Cheng Soo saw that Lee Poh was always patient and able to accommodate people. Be it a new applicant or one who is already under Tzu Chi’s care, Lee Poh would always patiently explain, ask and listen. Cheng Soo shared, “In order to help applicants, Sister Lee Poh always takes the trouble to get the necessary information and understand the details, so that we can give them real help. In the process, I have also learnt from her patience, and with patience, we can do better.” The domestic violence case mentioned earlier left a deep impression in Cheng Soo. She remarked delightedly, “Sister Lee Poh has cared for this family for several years. Knowing their habits and characteristics, she was able to skilfully guide them. Other than sharing Master’s teachings, she got the volunteers to talk to the couple separately to mediate their conflict. In the end, the couple apologized to each other and made up, instead of seeking for a divorce or committing suicide. Now, the family is doing quite well.” Hearing the positive comments, Lee Poh responded, “After so many years, I am still enthusiastic about charitable work. I firmly believe that only when we agree with something and accept it as our calling, will we go all out to do it. When we deal with care recipients, we must put ourselves in their shoes, because we come from different backgrounds and our life experiences and way of thinking are different. We must therefore be mindful of our body language, always looking from their point of view to provide the most appropriate assistance.” Through their work, the volunteers cultivate their wisdom and ability. This is perhaps the greatest reward for their tireless efforts in helping others.