You’re chilling out on a bench in the park. A woman came by and sat next to you. She smiled and said, “Hello, my name is Sarah and I have HIV AIDS”. Do you continue talking to her or choke up an excuse to leave immediately?
Unfortunately, many of us would do the latter. Although knowledge is easily available at our finger tips these days, the society’s perception towards HIV patients remains a stigma. In fact, when Ti-Ratana announced its plan to visit the Life Shelter (HIV Hope), my first thought was “Is it safe?”
Unfortunately, many of us would do the latter. Although knowledge is easily available at our finger tips these days, the society’s perception towards HIV patients remains a stigma. In fact, when Ti-Ratana announced its plan to visit the Life Shelter (HIV Hope), my first thought was “Is it safe?”
It is indeed safe…even safer than driving on the roads in Malaysia!
Our visit to Life Shelter (HIV Hope)
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| Group photo |
Our visit to Life Shelter last Saturday was yet another gratifying experience. The volunteer turnout was smaller than our previous initiative to the old folks’ home but nonetheless, we are very grateful to each and every participant who spared their Saturday morning to spend some time with the residents there.
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| Unloading food and donated items from Meals on Wheels truck |
After a 45-minute journey from the Ti-Ratana Penchala Centre to Rawang, we arrived at Life Shelter. Spanning across three double-storey houses amidst the tranquil surroundings of Prima Beruntung, the Shelter looked like just any of our homes from the outside. We were greeted by the Chairman of HIV Hope – Dato’ Roland Wong; the person in-charge of the Shelter, Pastor Stephen; and its little residents. We soon learned that the youngest boy is Twangpi, 2; the ever-smiling girl in a pretty pink dress is Rekha, 3; the curious and friendly boy is Benjamin, 3; Lydia, 9, is the sweet-natured, long hair girl; Michael Jackson in the making is Weah, 9; Nanda, 11, is the slim and tall girl; and lastly, the quiet boy is David, 11. One would not know that some of these kids are HIV positive, as they look perfectly happy and healthy. The caregivers, children and residents share a very close relationship, just like a big family.
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| Rekha and Twangpi sharing a fun moment |
The Shelter is clean, cosy and most importantly, feels like a real home. Besides the children, it also accommodates five other women. Toh, Grace and Lan soon appeared to greet us and make us feel comfortable. In one room, Siamie was seen sitting down while waiting for Lily – the friendly caregiver – to bring her to the living area. She is blind and the mother of little Rekha. When she first came to Life Shelter, Siamie weighed only 24kg, was weak, bedridden and taking supplements through nasogastric tube. After five months at the home, her health improved and appetite increased. Today, she weighs 46kg, is able to sit up in a wheelchair and at times, able to stand with a walker.
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| Pastor Stephen gave a briefing about Life Shelter |
Soon we gathered at the living room for a quick briefing by Pastor Stephen. Established in year 2000, the Shelter aspires to provide quality of life and dignity to women and children who are infected or affected by HIV AIDS. According to Pastor, they had difficulty looking for a place to shelter these residents initially. They were turned down numerous times when the potential landlords found out the purpose of the Shelter. Things turned out to be a blessing in disguise as their current location in Prima Beruntung is not only comfortable, but also away from the buzzing traffic thus giving fresh and clean air to the ailing residents.
What’s in it for the children and women?
Life Shelter is committed to giving hope to women and children infected or affected by HIV AIDS. For the kids, they are placed in United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) program schools in preparation for resettlement in third countries. So far, six children from the Life Shelter have been successfully placed in Los Angeles and Arizona in the United States. One of them has just graduated and is planning to take up a nursing course.
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| Nanda was delighted to receive a set of stationery |
As for the women, they are equipped with living skills to help ease the transition back into society. A former resident – Jayanthi who contracted HIV from her late husband and was shunned by her in-laws after that – is now serving as a counselor with an NGO and stationed in Sg. Buloh Hospital to help people who are newly discovered to be HIV positive. Despite hailing from Myanmar for most of them, we were surprised to hear some of the residents speaking Bahasa to each other.
During the briefing, one of the residents, Julie, walked in with crutches and a big smile on her face. According to Pastor, Julie used to be a sex worker and was very sick when she first came to the Shelter. Today, she works as a cook, weighs 67kg and is able to climb the stairs on her own.
During the briefing, one of the residents, Julie, walked in with crutches and a big smile on her face. According to Pastor, Julie used to be a sex worker and was very sick when she first came to the Shelter. Today, she works as a cook, weighs 67kg and is able to climb the stairs on her own.
Yet another meritorious event
Throughout the entire visit, the children were very well-behaved. To instill discipline and orderliness, they follow an organised weekly routine which includes bible reading/prayer, sharing and teaching as well as various personal development activities. Although lacking double parenting love and all the luxuries kids these days usually own, they seem contented and grateful for the lives they are blessed with.
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| With the little residents of Life Shelter |
Before we proceeded for lunch, Weah recited a very meaningful grace that unmistakably came from the heart. We were touched beyond words. Pastor Gabriel Paul, who runs a school for the Myanmar refugee kids at FGA Rawang Learning Centre, soon joined the camaraderie.
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| Volunteers serving tasty vegetarian lunch to the residents |
Lunch comprised five delicious vegetarian dishes, sponsored by Ms. Lai Chui Keng. With full tummies, we adjourned to the next house where Lydia, Nanda, Weah and David gave a heartwarming performance of Christian songs, followed by some swift dance moves by Weah. Then, little Rekha and Benjamin belted out a cute version of “Where is Jesus?” Soon, Ms. Chung and Ms. Foo from Ti-Ratana took over and played some games with the kids. The ambience in the Shelter was filled with laughter, smiles and giggles that afternoon. The children were thrilled to receive a stationery set complete with some sweet treats.
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| Nanda, Weah and David joining in the games session |
Three faiths, one goal
That very day also saw the gathering and unity of three faiths – Ti Ratana (founded by a Buddhist monk), the Christian-operated Life Shelter (HIV Hope) and our photographer, Amar, who is a Muslim – coming together to serve our community and help humankind. Before calling it a day, we exchanged gifts, took lots of photos and concluded the initiative with interfaith prayers led by Pastor Stephen, Brother Dhammadassi Kho and Amar, where they recited prayers of their respective religions.
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| From left to right - Pastor Stephen, Amar and Brother Dhammadassi Kho |
That day, we learned that HIV does not stand for human immunodeficiency virus. It actually means: “He Intends Victory”. Our greatest gratitude goes to Pastor Stephen and his team who did an extremely great job in managing the home and giving unconditional love to the residents and children. May our paths cross again, we hereby wish the Life Shelter and its people the very best.
A special and heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers, sponsors and donors who have contributed energy, time, money, items and importantly, lots of love and compassion. May you and your family be well and happy always.
For more photos courtesy of Encik Amar Zainal, please visit our Facebook page here.
Written by: Joey How
