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

2022 • 04 20 When all things fall apart, love restores By Tan Kim Hion Photo by Kevin Tan Kok Sieong O n January 23 this year, Tzu Chi held three sessions of cash relief distribution at REAL International School near Taman Sri Nanding, Hulu Langat. “At that time, our place was wrecked to its core, as shown in the footage,” said a beneficiary, Mokhtar bin Kamis, who had watched the documentary footage intently. “My house was no longer a house because the ground was muddy and trash was all over. I did not dare to look at my own house...” Mokhtar has lived in Taman Sri Nanding for 33 years. The entire residential area was inundated by floods last December. It saddened him to see the neighbourhood in a muddy mess after the flood, with damaged furniture scattered everywhere and abandoned vehicles blocking the front and back of his house. Even his potted plants—a hundred or so—had been swept away. pecial Feature Mokhtar would never forget the devastation caused by the catastrophic floods. His was a heart tangled with fear, anxiety and sadness, but fortunately, the unwavering kindness, understanding and care fromTzu Chi and the public have shown him that even in the darkest night, there is still hope. Mokhtar told the volunteers that a large number of his potted plants were destroyed by the flood, and lamented at the futility of his hard work.