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

TZU CHI 137 15 children to join me in volunteering there, so that they would understand what I was doing instead of worrying about me. Thankfully, the experience had indeed enlightened them about my mission and responsibility. Not only did they transform their worries into blessings, but they had also become more thoughtful. Every morning, they would fill up my water bottle and prepare a set of uniform for me to change into, so I could just grab my bag and head out right after washing up. Before I got home, they would place a disinfectant spray at the door for me to disinfect my whole body, and a clean set of clothes in the bathroom so I could take my shower and change in double time without touching anything unnecessarily. Not only that, a cup of warm tea would be served after my shower. I am really grateful that the vaccination centre had given them a chance to give and grow. When the news broke out that over 200 workers at the IDCC vaccination centre were tested positive for Covid-19, my youngest daughter was so worried for me that she hid and cried. I felt so sorry for her fear and moved by her love at the same time. To her, she only had a mother and she did not want to lose me. I convinced her, “You have served at the vaccination centre together with Mummy, so don’t worry, we need to keep up the positive energy. It is such a blessing that Mummy can do something for the medical frontliners. Bless Mummy, alright?” One challenge after another That was not the only challenge I faced. In early July, we learnt that a Covid-19 patient had come for vaccination at the MIECC vaccination centre. Honestly, I was stunned, but as a core person of the team, I told myself that I had to be a good role model and give off more positive energy to our team members, who were distressed. I comforted them that we did not need to worry too much so long as we had taken proper precautions. I was relieved that everyone was rewarded with joy as they gave of themselves. A new volunteer shared with me that it was tiring standing all day. However, one day, a Malay vaccinee came forward and said with tears in her eyes, “I am very thankful to you guys. You make me feel at ease.” That instant, her exhaustion disappeared. I was also touched from hearing that. In fact, volunteers would always serve with a smile no matter how tired they are, and their dedication impressed the new volunteers. Some volunteers described me as a tumbler toy full of positive energy and said that the sight of me made them feel happy. For me, my role as a coordinator is to set an example to the rest and to give a little more love and energy to all around me. The Master has mentioned that we must be righteous, positive and sincere, so that we can create a force field of positive energy around us and be protected from evil. Indeed, positivity keeps evil at bay. I believe the value of life does not lie in how much one obtains, but how much one gives. Give with effort when society needs us and do things that are meaningful to life. That is the true value of life. Jing Si Hall Vaccination Centre