The world of Tzu Chi September-October 2021 (Vol.137)

TZU CHI 137 13 frontline service. I could empathize that many people did not understand the duties of the volunteers, which was the reason why they were “uncooperative” and “distrustful”. Faced with his accusation, I tried to put myself in his shoes. I would be as anxious if someone else forbade me from getting vaccinated. Therefore, I patiently calmed him down and reassured him that he could proceed with his vaccination as long as he had an appointment. Later, he was successfully vaccinated. According to the other volunteers on-site, his attitude changed dramatically and he kept thanking the volunteers when he left the Jing Si Hall. At that instant, I was deeply grateful that I was given an opportunity to cultivate my patience at Tzu Chi, because in normal circumstances, no one would dare to talk to me like he did. I am the boss of a company and the head of the family, but when I volunteer at Tzu Chi, I learn to swallow my pride and serve others. Due to the worsening pandemic, everyone wishes to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Hence, I can sympathize when others are uncooperative or lose their cool. I would communicate with them calmly and believe that they can be reasoned with. A simple joy No matter how the weather changed, we remained on duty outdoors near the Jing Si Hall entrance. On sunny days, we were drenched in sweat; on rainy days, we got wet by rain. Often, after a long ten-hour shift, I would feel more exhausted than my day job! Having said that, working and volunteering are separate matters. Work is stressful and comes with worries, while voluntary services bring the joy of giving and helping others. More importantly, one learns to humble oneself and embrace new lessons. Therefore, in addition to volunteering at the Jing Si Hall vaccination centre, my wife and I also volunteered every Tuesday at the Meru Health Clinic, which also provided vaccination services. Wherever we served, a “thank you” was always enough to offset the physical fatigue. This was especially so when some Tzu Chi’s aid recipients of other ethnicities came forward to express their gratitude, recognizing our uniforms. Somehow, a simple “thank you” from them felt extra meaningful to me. Occasionally, there were situations beyond our capabilities. For example, a single mother had come to request for walk-in vaccination. She said in tears that she had to go out to work despite the surging Covid-19 cases, and she was worried that she would catch the virus and affect her children. I could feel her anxiety, but there was nothing we could do except to watch her leave and silently wished that she would obtain her vaccination appointment soon. Sometimes, we may not have the opportunity to help although we want to. Hence, I must grasp opportunities to serve and cultivate diligently, as the Master has constantly advised. Although there were some risks volunteering at the vaccination centre, my eldest daughter was proud of us; and instead of worrying, she has learnt to remind us, “Please follow the SOPs and take proper precautions.” Jing Si Hall Vaccination Centre