The world of Tzu Chi Nov-Dec 2022 (Vol.144)

2022 • 12 44 earnest. She was showing off her new skill to the volunteers. When she was done brushing her teeth, she went to her room to change into her school uniform. Then, shouldering her school bag, she set off to school. She looked so refreshed and spirited, walking on a trail amidst green, lush paddy fields. The mere sight of her inspired joy. She was as full of life and vitality as the rice seedlings in the field doing their best to grow. We included the family on our long- term care recipient list in May. Three months later, when Dr. Tang visited the family again, he found that Aman’s legs had become stronger than when he had first seen him, thanks to the epilepsy medicine prescribed by a local doctor. Happy for the boy, Dr. Tang asked his grandma to help Aman up on his feet whenever she could so that he could practise standing. A week later, when we passed Sharada’s home, we saw from our car window the grandma helping Aman practise walking. We immediately got out of our car to take a look. As we approached the grandma and grandson, we saw the clear footprints Aman had made on the dirt ground, indicating firmer steps. We were all so excited. We do not know how long Sharada had waited until she met Tzu Chi. We do not know either whether there are many more Sharadas in Nepal needing our help. But no matter what, we will continue to reach out so that we can meet more Sharadas and help make a difference in their lives. That is how we can emulate the Buddha’s heart and embrace Master Cheng Yen’s mission as our own in the country in which the Enlightened One was born. lobal Presence Volunteer Siddhartha Gurung (1st from right) posed with Sharada and her family after delivering medicine for Aman’s epilepsy to the family late on the night of August 1. [Photo courtesy of Siddhartha Gurung]