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

2021 • 04 46 at Wui Choong’s home, volunteers carried a large bucket of water from the lower floor a day earlier, for dishwashing purpose. As the ceiling light was not working, they also installed two fluorescent tubes on the wall. However, the lighting was still too dim to light up the entire space. After discussing with the family, a decision was made to open the window in the room to allow for natural light and fresh air into the home. When everything was ready, volunteers began the cleaning—washing the cookware, removing the cobwebs on the ceilings, wiping the fans, radio and other electrical appliances, and so on. The recyclables were also sorted out accordingly and brought onto the truck to be sent to the recycling centre. Working in a stuffy and dim space while having their masks on the whole time was a true test of the volunteers’ endurance. Nevertheless, everyone persevered to complete the mission. Volunteers would also seek the couple’s approval before rearranging or discarding any items. The couple, who are deaf, would discuss with each other using sign language, while Siew Choo relayed the volunteers’ messages using a blackboard and a chalk. After a few rounds of communication, Siew Choo learnt to be more mindful of her words so as not to offend the couple’s feelings. When the space was finally clean and tidy, they discussed arrangements for the bed and furniture. Volunteers then moved the heavy furniture to the upper floor. The room looked much more comfortable and cosier with the bed in place. Wui Choong could not contain his joy and gave the volunteers a thumbs up, while his wife, Chua Siew Moi, smiled with satisfaction. Extending a hand with empathy Chan Yok Mooi, who lives nearby and runs a hair salon, visited the couple to show her concern after Siew Moi gave birth. It was then that she realized their living environment was messy. Hence, when she saw Tzu Chi volunteers promoting the Covid-19 relief programme, she approached them to report on the couple’s predicament. She said, “Their child is also deaf. The hearing aid, which costs about RM7,500, was sponsored by some kind-hearted customers and the supplier.” Yok Mooi takes care of the couple’s 11-month-old baby like a nanny. She would bring the baby to the general hospital for routine check-ups twice a month, and to Seremban Hospital for hearing tests as required. She further explained, “Frequent follow-ups and a surgery in the future will effectively improve the child’s hearing ability.” Yok Mooi’s youngest daughter is also having hearing problem. As she was inexperienced in the past, she was unable to deal with her daughter’s needs in a timely manner; she was filled with remorse as a result. So, when she saw the couple’s plight, she was empathetic and offered them help. She also brought them electrical appliances, crutch, baby supplies, and so on. She praised the volunteers for their efforts and was relieved that the family finally has a clean home. Priceless reward of joy Volunteer Ng Chee Yong, who had met the couple earlier during recycling activity, felt it was meaningful to spend his weekend lending a helping hand to others. He helped with the cleaning of the cobwebs and moving the furniture from the truck to the upper floor.