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

TZU CHI 140 31 The same afternoon, the volunteers visited six other care recipient families in Pengerang, a municipality about half an hour’s drive away from Ladang Sungai Papan. Sixty-six-year-old Lee Ah Seng is a polio patient. He and his wife made their livelihood by prawn-catching. They became Tzu Chi care recipients following an accident a decade ago, which left their son incapacitated and requiring long-term treatment. The family was pleasantly surprised when the ‘God of Fortune’ slowly walked into their home accompanied by the song, “The God of Fortune Has Arrived”. They hurriedly showed him the way in and requested for a prosperity gift from him. Laughter and talks of excitement rang through the air. Surely, it felt as if good fortune had befallen the family. The following day, the volunteers specially prepared hearty CNY dishes for 11 Chinese care recipient families in Kota Tinggi. “I am very happy! The dinner you brought warmed my heart.” Foo Wah Suang, who is single, was touched to receive the meal and festive pack. Volunteer Yeo Yoke Lin shared with him that a vegetarian diet keeps one from forming negative karmic affinities with the animals. It is also the way to show our love for all living beings. Having also learnt about the positive impact of vegetarianism towards the environment, Foo responded that he will reduce meat consumption and have more plant-based food. He also donated his savings in the bamboo coin bank to help others in need. Volunteers went door-to-door to present CNY festive pack to the care recipients and share with them the benefits of a plant-based diet. [Photo by Wong Kuan Fong] The Same Care in a Different Way Rejoicing in a New Year