The world of Tzu Chi Nov-Dec 2021 (Vol.138)

TZU CHI 138 25 Malaysia ten years ago, and is currently living with her 19-year-old son, Ali (pseudonym). They lost their source of financial support more than two years ago, when her husband, who worked as a car mechanic in Langkawi Island, suddenly lost contact with them. Shamjedah suffers from high blood pressure and heart disease. She also often experiences body aches, which she would relieve with over-the-counter painkillers when the pain gets too intense. As she is plagued by illnesses, she is unable to work. She had been relying on her son to pay rent and buy food and her medications, with his monthly income of RM700 to RM800 from house cleaning jobs. Although life was difficult, they could still feed themselves. However, in June this year, Ali lost his job following the movement control order. Not only did they owe three months of rental, but they also had to go without rice on some days in order to save money. “For the past two months, I could only buy a bit of food ingredients and cook only one meal in every two days. We relied on this one meal and ate a little bit every day to relieve our hunger. We never felt full…” Shamjedah’s helplessness and sorrow could be heard through her voice. The volunteers felt sorry for her, and understood why she would cry carrying the rice. While the volunteers helped Shamjedah carry the supplies home, they bumped into Ali’s friend. Shamjedah asked the latter to take over the supplies from the volunteers and expressed her deepest gratitude towards the volunteers. Having adequate food again In the evening, Kok Cha called Shamjedah to see if she was doing alright. It was Ali who answered the call. Although they had never met before, Ali repeatedly thanked Tzu Chi for the assistance. He also revealed that his mother had been living in despair and in tears for the past two months. Fortunately, with the cash vouchers, she could buy some rice and eggs. Both of them just had rice with fried eggs. Ali also shared that his former employer had informed him to start work the following week. Kok Cha was happy for him and encouraged him to work hard and not to let his mother worry. When Shamjedah took over the call, she thanked Kok Cha once again and said, “We finally have enough food to fill our stomachs tonight. We have not eaten so much rice for a long time. Thank you!” Her sense of contentment and gratitude dawned on Kok Cha that we could bring happiness to those who suffer with just a bowl of rice. Kok Cha was glad that they had delivered the cash vouchers to Shamjedah and her son in time, for otherwise, they would have to endure hunger for a longer time. These food supplies might not mean much to Kok Cha, but to Shamjedah, they were life-saving! “Master Cheng Yen said, ‘Do not wait to do good deeds and fulfil filial duties.’ I am very grateful for the opportunity to give back to society. It has made my National Day more meaningful.” Kok Cha aspires to seize every opportunity to do good, and do so promptly, so that people who are suffering could have food for their stomachs and feel the warmth in their hearts. Let Everyone Be Free from Hunger