The world of Tzu Chi March-April 2022 (Vol.140)

TZU CHI 140 17 handled by us. This trying time in our lives lasted ten months before my husband found work as a supervisor for a food supply business. He never complained about having to leave for work at three in the morning daily. Unfortunately, the business shut down after three months due to poor orders. He was laid off yet again. The family’s income became unstable. We no longer had the capability to help others. In fact, whenever our financial situation allowed, I would teach my child to help those in need, and not to look down on others. There is an elderly lady who lives nearby with her granddaughter. The lady would often take her young granddaughter along with her in the scorching sun to pick up recyclables using a shopping cart. It was a sad sight to behold. My husband and I would take our daughter to deliver supplies and send cooked food to such families in need so that she could develop the habit of helping others from an early age. The cycle of compassion We have a small coin bank in our family to help my daughter learn to save money. So, there is no loose change in our house! My daughter would put any change into the coin bank. We are incredibly proud of her kindness. I have told my daughter that though we now require the help of others, we can still provide love and warmth to those in need as long as we have the ability. This could be the cycle of kindness! When we needed assistance, the school helped us file a report. Later, Tzu Chi volunteers contacted us and came back with the good news that they could provide assistance. This came so timely! When the volunteers entered our home, my husband immediately recognized their uniform and asked, “Were you the ones who helped the flood victims in Taman Sri Nanding to clean up their homes? You all were the ones who helped my parents-in-law!” My parents were among the flood victims. Unexpectedly, we received assistance from Tzu Chi in different locations. This affinity is truly incredible. We are more than grateful. The volunteers had given their time and efforts to help flood victims clean up their homes and provide assistance. It is such a wonderful charitable organization that we did not know existed in Malaysia. We are still deeply touched recalling their sincere love. This assistance from Tzu Chi meant a lot to us. It helped with our children’s school fees and to purchase daily necessities. More importantly, it has greatly motivated us to continue saving in the coin bank for charitable causes. We are very grateful for the volunteers’ kindness. Despite having different skin tones, the same blood runs in us. We are different but the same. The pandemic has had an impact on our family. While we appreciate the short- term financial assistance from Tzu Chi, we will have to rely on our own efforts to sustain our livelihood. My husband is applying for a position as a deliveryman, which allows for more flexible working hours, and we have found a place to run a food stall at night. We believe that if we work hard enough, our lives will get better. Kita1Keluarga 2.0 Relief Programme