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

2021 • 12 28 powder for her daughter. The more she shared, the more desperate she became, with suicidal thoughts forming. Due to the urgent situation, the team discussed and agreed that Samira would be prioritized to receive cash relief on July 17. As Poh Wee was worried that Samira might have run out of food supplies, she contacted other volunteers to bring Samira and the baby diapers, masks and food from their homes. Although there were not much, Samira burst out in tears when she saw the volunteers unloading bags of food and supplies. Poh Wee handed the cash vouchers to Samira respectfully. She also removed two cans of milk powder and handed them over to Samira, explaining that the nutritious organic milk powder donated by a kind soul was suitable for newborn babies and up to one-year-olds. Despite that being their first meeting, Samira did not hide her emotions, pouring out her worries and concerns to the volunteers in her quavering voice. Samira came to Malaysia 13 years ago. As an ex-freshman university student in Yangon pursuing Economics, she spoke good English. After coming to Malaysia, she found a sales position at a boutique, earning enough to support herself. Samira and her husband, also a Myanmarese, had three children. The eldest daughter, who now lost contact, had returned to Myanmar many years ago to live with Samira’s parents at the border. The second child, a son, is eight whilst the youngest, a daughter, has just turned one. With the couple’s income affected by the pandemic, Samira had to turn to UNHCR for help. Soon after, she received a call from the volunteers and, there, she met Poh Wee. When the volunteers introduced Tzu Chi to Samira, she asked, surprised, “Are you Tzu Chi volunteers? I know Tzu Chi, I go to the doctors at Tzu-Chi Free Clinic.” As it turned out, after Samira delivered her youngest, she had gone to clean her infected caesarean wound at the Tzu-Chi Free Clinic. The treatment was good and the wound healed quickly. Since then, she had taken her son there for a tooth extraction and her daughter for newborn vaccines. Poh Wee encouraged Samira, “Cheer up! Do not be pessimistic. Your family needs you. The worst moment will pass and good luck will await you. Do not give up. Hang in there.” Samira promised that she would think of the bright side for the sake of the children. Luck came knocking “I thought about it. You are right. I am indeed lucky. I received assistance from UNHCR and Tzu Chi, but it did not stop there. ovid-19 Relief Upon receiving the cash vouchers, Samira turned to the mini-market right away to pick up milk powder, diapers and other supplies.