The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.107)

41 TZU CHI 107 survivors who lost their entire family of loved ones; professionals and business leaders who lost their wealth and recognition, and became nobody in a foreign land; young innocent children with incomplete family; and scores of those who were physically injured, ill, and emotionally scarred. I was no longer just a spectator viewing from the screen and hearing stories second- or third-hand. Theywere there in the flesh, real people that I faced, touched and hugged who were robbed of their dignity, went through extreme pain and sufferings, still plagued by memories of the painful past, have no identity except being classified as refugees, and are now facing a future of uphill battle. I was emotionally drained and challenged during the three days that we were in Istanbul. There was a mixture of anger for those responsible, sorry and pain for those who suffered, sense of helplessness and uncertainty not knowing where to start and how to end their sufferings. I was humbled by what I saw and learnt, a live lesson on karma, afflictions and impermanence. During a short break before the next batch of care recipients arrive, I told myself I was again thinking too much, letting the cognitive side of my brain doing all the thinking and talking. Instead I should be present and let my heart lead. With a mindset change, the noises in my head kind of settled. Then I realized feeling sorry will not help and pity was not what these care recipients wanted. More importantly, it is our presence that matters most. Many of them travelled from afar and walked the distance in thick cold air, not just for the cash cards but the warm reception, emotional support and the spirit of comradery. Some just wanted simply to be hugged, to feel the human touch and to be reassured. Many children came up for a cuddle. That was very little that they asked for and something that we can all give. I sensed that many of our brothers and sisters shared my emotion and as time passed, the initial tentative hugs and handshakes became warmer and longer. Though we could not communicate in words but the eye contact and warmth from the human touch said it all with ceaseless exchanges of “Shukran”. Tzu Chi’s operation in Istanbul is managed by Brother Faisal Hu and his wife, Sister Nadya Chou, and Brother David Yu with the help of Professor Cuma and support from many Syrian volunteers. Tirelessly and selflessly they carry out home visits to those in need and respond to calls for help. There are currently some 7,000 Syrian refugee families that receive cash aids monthly or bi-monthly fully funded by Tzu Chi Taiwan. A heavy financial burden to bear but nonetheless one that Master has agreed to shoulder for her love of all beings. Meanwhile, Tzu Chi also operates a free clinic and a school for the Syrian Refugees in Sultangazi. The free clinic, opened in March 2016, is operated by Tzu Chi but funded by the Turkish Government. There are some 13 doctors of various specializations tending to an average Tan Sri Lim Wee Chai (2nd from right) and his wife, Puan Sri Tong Siew Bee (1st right), handing over medical gloves to Tzu Chi Turkey’s volunteers-in-charge, Faisal Hu and his wife, Nadya Chou, who received them on behalf of the Tzu- Chi Free Clinic in Turkey. [Photograph by David Yu]