Reflection continues...

#4: An Unforgettable Home Visit

An amazing opportunity to have met them – a group of girls whose faces I can still remember till today. They all had a hurtful past but are marching on to what is ahead, with struggles but demonstrated immense strength and determination.

Appropriately named, Rainbow Home is where a group of women are being treated for their addiction. Was at first quick to specify an addiction of drugs but fortunately quick to retract, for I wish to generalise the word ‘addiction’ as I do not want to share judgementally but want to bring to realisation that every person has a compulsion or dependence in which s(he) struggles to break free from.

Not dwelling on the technicality, I would rather share my ‘Afternoon Tea’ experience with you…

The vibrancy of the girls till today never fails to put a smile on my face. Their warm and genuine laughter despite their circumstances reminds me of the beauty of life itself. They had the ‘ugly’ story to share but that afternoon, we shared much more, i.e. the beauty of what lies ahead. A hopeful future which is made possible as the founder (ex-addict herself) took up this challenge in helping them to get back on their two feet.

Me, being the introvert as I am was surprisingly in a carefree mood and was able to be myself and just talked to these girls. We were supposed to teach them cookie-baking but since we were all, in fact first-timers, we had fun just following the recipe word for word. I have to say, the cookies came in all sizes and shapes but they were definitely delicious.

As we bid farewell, they urged us to come by soon… I did went by to send them photos which we took that afternoon as well as some cakes but had not seen them since then. (My heart felt a tug).

But am glad that our paths crossed and they made an impact which I will never forget.

Reflection: An unforgettable 7-months

#5 : One Life Revolution (OLR) exhibition

(Had not just the opportunity to be a small part of the exhibition - manning the booth at 2 venues, but had also personally experienced the exhibition and was inspired to write the following article)

Recalling the stigma I had on him – a middle aged man living with HIV/AIDS. He never failed to put on his best shirt and smile each time I greeted him at the dispensary. Friendly was he that he took every opportunity to show his gratitude with a handshake. I feared. Despite being medically trained and know very well that the virus is non-transmittable by touch, I had stigmatised the man instead of empathizing with him.

I would like to think that I have a changed of heart and mind. Instead of negatively labeling one being, I should have the compassion in understanding the battle they have to face daily. Such transformation is on its’ way…

Have recently put myself in the shoes of children affected by HIV/AIDS – journeyed to the different countries and learnt life lessons no pharmaceutical books could have offered. Just in case you were visualizing me on a noble road trip around the globe saving lives affected by HIV/AIDS, I had better set the notion right. I participated in an interactive experiential exhibition where I was transported to India, Cambodia as well as to scenes where I am ignorant of in my very own country. The exhibition simulated these countries and had definitely teleported me to surroundings where I so often hear about but have not seen it with my own eyes.

These stories touched on the very lives of individuals particularly children in their struggle against poverty and some eventually succumbed to the disease. Many a times we think of those in a polygamous relationship or having an addiction and aligned them with the fact that they so deserve it. But take a step back and broaden your narrow-mindedness.

The stories I went through had one common plot, i.e. poverty. Imagine a minor being trafficked for sex slavery; family barely surviving and the men succumbed to substances and sexual immorality; child laborers in high risk environment and the many more circumstances in this vicious cycle of poverty. As the hope of survival seems so distant, how can we still turn away and not empower them?

Another issue propped up – gender disparity in this modern age? Yes, it is sad to recognize such discrimination still existing in many parts of the world especially Asia. Imagine a girl being left behind by her very own mother to the hands of an ageing grandmother. To cut the story short or rather not to spoil the plot – she eventually was cheated to the brothel. Even though she was eventually rescued, her physical and emotional scars will not heal instantly and HIV/AIDS will be her daily struggle.

Having to listen and experience these stories should not merely touch one to tears but instead to be impacted to do something. Incidentally the tagline to the exhibition is – One Life, Do Something. Catchy it may sound it really sums up the purpose of such an advocacy.