The world of Tzu Chi February 2020 (Vol.119)

TZU CHI 119 21 husband, even momentarily, left an indelible impact on her. Kindness all around Pak Nang finds solace in knowing that she is never alone in times of sorrow, for Yueh Jiuan andTanEng have stayed by her side through thick and thin. The volunteers have also supported her through the grief of losing her husband in 2000, making her pain more bearable. She believes that the company of her daughter, her family and the volunteers is her antidote to loneliness. Pak Nang has been actively engaged in charitable deeds throughout the 60 years she has been living in the settlement. She has registered as a Tzu Chi donor and sets aside RM10 every month to support the organization’s causes. She also assists fellow residents who have difficulty walking by preparing beverages for them or purchasing daily supplies on their behalf. Moreover, she collects recyclables and contributes to fundraising drives conducted by Tzu Chi volunteers in aid of disaster victims, as well as other initiatives by the organization, such as the establishment of a dialysis centre by Tzu Chi Penang. Years ago, Pak Nang was troubled by her disfigured features and confided to Yueh Jiuan her longing to see herself with a beautiful face. Yueh Jiuan fulfilled her wish by enlisting the help of an artist to create an oil painting of Pak Nang’s face, but with enhanced features: a sharp nose, alluring eyes, a delicate mouth with rosebud lips and a fair, flawless complexion. After scrutinizing the painting, Pak Nang contended, “That’s not me. I don’t look like that in real life.” But at the same time, she was struck by a realization: “My appearance doesn’t matter. Most importantly, I have a heart of gold.” Heng Pak Nang beams with joy as she receives a red packet from a Tzu Chi volunteer. Volunteers visited the residents on January 11, 2006 to spread the festive joy in conjunction with Chinese New Year. [Photograph by Chong Wen Yhi]