The World Of Tzu Chi March 2024 (Vol.149)

TZU CHI 149 27 that they would one day appear before him, not only improving his living conditions, but also assisting him in applying for living assistance from Tzu Chi and the Social Welfare Department, ensuring that he had at least, enough funds for meals. To him, it felt like a dream. Grandpa Yap was most grateful for the opportunity to tag along his then-housemate to serve at the recycling centre regularly. Now, even though his housemate had passed away and he has relocated to another place, he continues to serve at different recycling centres five days a week. He candidly admitted, “If it weren’t for Tzu Chi, I would be idling my time away, having no fixed place to stay, and living in anxiety. Now, through my recycling work, my life has found its anchor.” In fact, initially, Grandpa Yap’s foray into recycling activities was merely a way to pass the time. However, as he spent more time at the recycling centre, he found purpose and discovered the joy of giving. Beyond recycling work, he stepped up to assist in other ways, like providing transportation assistance to care recipients and delivering vegetarian lunch boxes in conjunction with the volunteers’ effort to promote vegetarianism. He shared passionately, “It is not enough to only engage in recycling activities. If Tzu Chi does not mind my age, I will continue to serve.” He urged everyone to join him in conserving the Earth while they still have good health. Grandpa Yap’s journey, though delayed, blossomed like a late spring. He declared publicly, “I hope to return to Taiwan to meet Master Cheng Yen and become her disciple.” Grandpa Yap serves at the recycling centre five days a week, reciprocating Tzu Chi’s love while safeguarding the Earth. [Photo by Lim Chin Shein]