The world of Tzu Chi May-June 2022 (Vol.141)

42 2022 • 06 By Low Siew Lian Translated by Goh Hwe Yong Photo by Hong Geok Hui ouching Life Story Braving Hardships With Steadfast Courage Siti Rahayu has a pair of smiling eyes, and a big smile, too. She delights in every little thing around her. One may wonder whether it is her nature, or the hardship she had endured that gave rise to her being calm and composed under any circumstances. A t 8 o’clock one morning, a few Tzu Chi Malacca volunteers arrived at a small wooden house half hidden by the surrounding crops and grasses, down a slope near Taman Cheng Ria. “Siti! Siti!” They called out to announce their arrival, but there was no response. Volunteer Liew Fong Chiang then went ahead onto the trodden path and disappeared into the vegetable farm. After a long while, she reappeared with Siti Rahayu following behind, pushing a wheelbarrow that had a basket on it. The latter’s signature big smile was the single most noticeable thing that came into sight. “Hey, you got up so early to work?” A volunteer asked. “Yes. I got up at 4 a.m. to harvest lady’s fingers. Some customers are coming to buy them before noon.” Siti replied. “These, too?” The volunteer asked, pointing at bundles of roselle leaves. “That is right. These are roselle leaves. People like it, that is why I planted a lot of it. A friend recommended me to plant this for sale. This type grows without bearing fruits; it is not the same as the one you all know. I will not be able to harvest fast enough if I were to plant both types.” Siti replied and chuckled. Then, they all proceeded to go into the vegetable farm again. Middle-aged Siti had never imagined that she would be involved in vegetable farming for such a large