The world of Tzu Chi Sep-Oct 2022 (Vol.143)

2022 • 10 42 eople priority in life. She does not think about herself. Her direction is firm. The things she did and said touched me, inspired me and spurred me on to get certified. She is a role model of Tzu Chi volunteers.” Yoke Teng, who drove See Chim to attend Tzu Chi events and charity home visits, recalled that when she told See Chim she could not write a home visit report as she was not good at writing, See Chim kindly responded, “It is okay. I will write it. We will do it together.” Initially, See Chim would complete home visit reports, and arrange and solve care recipients’ affairs alone. In 2016, See Chim was forced to put her Tzu Chi work on hold due to bladder cancer. Yoke Teng took over to do home visits along with Mi Dee and 78-year-old Ai Ching, and prepared reports. From being afraid and resistant to writing reports, Yoke Teng learnt to write with the help of the dictionary. She described the life of a care recipient in detail, for fear of missing key points that may affect timely assistance. “I am not as careful and attentive as Sister See Chim, but she encouraged me to write all that I saw. I do my best and learn from experience, hoping it will be of help to the care recipients.” See Chim believes that little help and care for the care recipients could be crucial in their lives. Even a phone call to greet them could become a pillar of support for them. “It does not take a lot of effort or money to do this. As long as we put ourselves in others’ shoes, we will naturally give the most needed care and assistance.” After See Chim’s recovery, Yoke Teng led a group of volunteers on home visits, while See Chim and Mi Dee visited other care recipients, essentially doubling the visiting route. Moved by See Chim’s selfless attitude and spirit in charitable work, Mi Dee and Ai Ching also began learning to prepare case reports. Stay on the path, achieve goals together Ai Ching thankfully said, “In the past when my children went to work, I would be home alone staring at the walls. For Sister See Chim, she worked six days a week and spent the rest of her time doing Tzu Chi work. Although busy, she was happy. In comparison, I had lots of time but the days were difficult to pass. Now, I am very happy doing Tzu Chi work, and naturally, I smile more. I told my kids that I can organize my own life now so they do not have to worry. Thank you to the volunteers’ companionship, which makes Tzu Chi work possible for me.” See Chim smiled, “Sister Ai Ching looked strict. In the early days, she would do recycling workwith a straight face. However, nowyou can see that she is always smiling. It is different!” Ai Ching was not good at communicating, but after participating in Tzu Chi activities, she gradually learnt to interact with others. Coupled with See Chim’s company and encouragement, she discovered her own value. Originally, her life was all about waiting for her kids to finish work. Now, she has a social life of her own, turning the difficult days into one of happiness and energy. Ai Ching understood See Chim’s feelings, especially how the latter chooses to continue doing Tzu Chi work despite being ill. Ah Choo, who lives around See Chim’s home, used to spend her days crying since her child’s demise. At the volunteers’ invitation, she devoted herself to recycling, slowly turning her home into a collection point for her neighbours. See Chim has been by her side all the way, caring for her. Ah Choo is now training to be a certified volunteer. Ai Ching was certified in 2018, while Mi Dee andYoke Teng in 2020, and