The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.116)

2019 • 11 42 in hospitals to perform uncomplicated surgical procedures under the supervision of professional doctors. Technicians focusing on internal medicine would be assigned to work in tribal clinics – which accommodate patient numbers of up to 150 to 200 daily – at half the pay of a professional doctor. Stars shining bright in the night I was once eager to practise medicine in Africa, but the challenges standing in my way have dealt a heavy blow to my confidence, leading me to question my decision. I was close to giving up when I met an infant who helped me regain my conviction. The infant was nine months old and lived in the village of Tika. He looked malnourished due to the lack of proper nutrition, hence I expected some degree of developmental delay in him. However, he surprised me with his ability to sit firmly on the ground and even crawl forward to reach out for an object with guidance. The infant exemplified the indomitable power of the human will to live despite the harsh environment. I was greatly motivated by the infant. Although the external circumstances seem bleak, hope prevails. If even an infant is able to thrive in adversity, we should all the more persevere in our efforts to improve their lives. The resilience of the Mozambicans is admirable. After collecting the relief supplies, the aid recipients made their way home barefoot in an hour-long journey, balancing a 10-kg sack of corn flour on their head while carrying a building kit containing construction tools. Life is tough for theMozambicans, yet they remained optimistic and even radiated joy through song and dance. The Mozambicans’ fortitude and equanimity in the face of disaster are worth emulating. Their composure is perhaps a reflection of their capacity for coming to terms with the prospect of rebuilding their lives from scratch. We provided them with only basic construction tools, but they managed to build complete homes with their resourcefulness. The city of Beira was severely damaged by Cyclone Idai; the roads were riddled with potholes and the electric poles were upended. The wooden streetlamps were deprived of electricity supply, plunging the city into pitch- lobal Presence Tzu Chi volunteers supplied the villagers of Lamego with building kits containing basic construction tools to enable them to rebuild their homes. Mozambican volunteers presenting pencils to the children in Tika Village, who often had to borrow pencils from school in order to complete their homework. The students were elated to have received their very own pencils for the first time.