The world of Tzu Chi December 2024 (Vol.152)

TZU CHI 152 21 “Many of us here suffer from eye problems. As a village head, I deeply appreciate your help.” “Yesterday, my vision was still a bit blurry post-surgery, but today it is clearer. Being able to see clearly has been our greatest wish.” It was most rewarding to witness how patients’ initial anxieties upon arrival disappeared and transformed into bright smiles when they left. Reflecting on the team’s efforts, Dr. Goh expressed, “Every surgery we complete means one more patient can regain their vision, lead a productive life, and care for their families. This is incredibly gratifying.” Beyond spoken words With multinational medical professionals, effective communication was crucial to the mission’s success. Local residents fluent in Mandarin or English stepped forward to serve as interpreters. Among them, Taing Va, a septuagenarian principal of Lian Hua Chinese School in Battambang rallied six other elderly people and 41 teachers and students to assist. Taing Va’s connection with Tzu Chi began in late 1994, during Cambodia’s post- disaster recovery. Touched by the volunteers’ relief efforts, she offered her language skills and roped in her school community to serve as interpreters. Now, three decades later, she and many of her peers have become grandmothers, yet they continue to respond whenever duty calls. “Interpretation is no longer just about spoken words; it has become a legacy of love,” she said. This selfless love has taken root within the community and is passed down through generations. “Though we have grown older, we remain steadfast on this path of helping others.” TCM practitioner Yeh Ming Shien lauded these “grandmother interpreters” for their dedication. He remarked, “Without them, I would be left guessing patients’ symptoms through gestures, which would consume precious time.” He aspires to emulate these remarkable grandmothers when he reaches their age, that is, able to continue living a purposeful life like theirs. Among the younger volunteer interpreters was Karona, a third-year dental student at the University of Puthisastra. In addition to her interpreting duties, she assisted with patient reception and care. For her, the experience felt like a journey into the lives of others. She shared, “I have never been this tired, but I am truly happy! Being able to lend a hand makes all the effort worthwhile.” Every Tzu Chi medical outreach is a mission to safeguard lives with love. Medical professionals and volunteers alike unite under a common goal: to provide not only physical healing but also emotional warmth, ensuring every patient leaves not just with restored health but also with renewed hope. The first eye clinic conducted by Tzu Chi KL & Selangor in a medical outreach concluded successfully, inspiring the team to continue their efforts in the future. [Photo by Lee Kwee Yap]