House of Hope
By Mae-Lan Woo from Johannesburg, South Africa
(Translated by Diane Lee, Northern CA)
Among all our volunteer activities, the
most rewarding and joyful are our regular visits to orphanages.
On August 18, a team put together by Sister Lin included many
loving volunteers and Tzu Chi members. I have to give my special
thanks to Dr. Hsu, who spared time from his busy schedule
to join us and provided all the medical equipment and medicine.
Soweto is located in a town north of Johannesburg
in South Africa. When we arrived, we could see from a distance
that children had already lined up in front of the building
to welcome us. We could also hear them chanting "Amitabha."
When we got out of the cars and started unloading food and
medical supplies, all the children ran up to us and gave us
hugs as if we were their own family. It was very touching.
Later on, the volunteers sang and played with the children
and everyone had a good time.
Some children made cards by hand for us
to show their gratitude. Even though they were merely cards,
they were the most motivating and rewarding gifts to us. As
Master Cheng Yen said, "There is no one in the world
I don't love." We are fortunate that we can provide love
to this world and help others. A moment of love lasts for
all eternity. How lucky we were to have had this opportunity.
We were ready to start the physical examinations
for the children. The medical team led by Dr. Hsu included
three interns and three nurses. The physical examinations
included medication for parasites, cleaning wounded skin areas,
and flu shots. The children had long lived in a poor environment
that lacked proper equipment. A large room was occupied by
eighty-six children, and they shared only two bathrooms among
them.
The children all lined up to be examined
by the doctor, and they would tell the doctors where they
didn't feel well. Unlike most children, they were very cooperative
and fully trusted the doctors. Not only didn't they cry or
scream, they were even laughing. What came as a bigger surprise
was that Dr. Hsu started talking to the children in their
native language. He was the true example of love without boundaries.
One skinny child with sparkling eyes especially
caught my attention. He stood on the side by himself and stared
at us quietly. From his gaze, you could sense his fear and
vulnerability. Although the doctor patiently tried to talk
to him, he didn't speak a word. The head of the orphanage
explained to us that the little boy was from Middelburg, where
the language was Portuguese, and he didn't know English or
the local language of Johannesburg.
The doctors cleaned and disinfected some
children's skin infections caused by insect bites and reminded
them again and again to use their medication daily. Some local
residents joined us and experienced the joy of helping the
children.
The volunteers of Tzu Chi always maintain
the heart of Kuan Yin Bodhisattva and the vow of the Earth
Treasury Bodhisattva [who swore that he would not attain buddhahood
until all the hells were empty of suffering souls]. They care
for people like loving parents without counting the cost.
We just want to say, "Thank you."
