indeed it was thought-provoking.
15 Dec - The First Assignment of Our Mission @ an Old Folks' Home
This was mainly a feeding program and our tasks included distributing packets of bee hoon (we had to put a piece of fried chicken into each packet), cut and distribute a piece of Christmas log cake each.
Prior to this mission trip, we had already been pre-warned of their living conditions and that most of them are not saved yet. Pastor Hazeil, through our team leader, had prepared us mentally but the truth was hard to bear.
Upon reaching, I smelt a foul stench coming from the inside (I have very sensitive nose so even the slightest bad smell and I would know). When we were finally allowed to go inside the compound, we noticed that there were urine stains in their rooms, along the corridor and almost everywhere else which were the result of the stench.
As we ventured deeper, there were some old folks that were locked up, literally. We visited their sleeping area and all they had was a metal bed with no mattress and very thin cloths which they used as blankets. They couldn't leave their rooms unless someone from the outside opened the door reason being, the workers were afraid they would hurt themselves or get lost if they were allowed to roam around freely as some, if not most, are senile. The old folks that were “locked up” mostly shared rooms and had 4 roommates. Then there were the “more normal” old folks whom were allowed to be on their own – these shared a bigger room with maybe about 8-10 people. And in one of those rooms, we were told an old granny died not too long ago while waiting for food; she was all wrapped up (from head to toe) and was left there.
Before I continue, there is a need to clarify that the workers (or some volunteers) at the home were extremely short-handed. It was a ratio of 1 worker to about 15-20 old folks. They were overworked and underpaid, yet they still have very good hearts to continue helping the old folks.
And it happened that our visit to the home coincided with a Christian radio station that did a Christmas program there which lasted for about 3 hours. Amidst the program, they also packed some necessities and gave to each old folk and they were all very happy. It was also a mini appreciation time for the workers of the home whom we all knew worked very hard; some even teared.
Of course there were some old folks that were demanding and agitated but it was all under control. We saw 2 grannies fighting over a plastic bag and immediately, we found another plastic bag to give the other so they would stop. It was later on that we understood that the old folks used plastic bags to keep all their possessions – they were afraid that it would be stolen and so some of them would actually carry a plastic bag wherever they go – some even hid the plastic bags underneath their clothes. Then it dawned upon me: was that all they had to their name in this lifetime? Everything important and/or precious all stuffed into the size of an NTUC plastic bag? It was heartbreaking.
But despite these, the old folks were all smiles to see us – people visiting them – and the innocence that they portrayed were that of little children. I was touched. Their joy in the Lord was evident. It is a simple decision - to live each day as if it were their last and to enjoy every second of it even though they had been abandoned by their children and the government is slowly withdrawing the funds.
And because the atmosphere was dreary, PH told us to bring the guitar along, go to each row and room to sing Christmas carols to lift the spirit of hopelessness.
What I've Learnt:
While the radio program was running, we were invited to go to the front to sing Joy to the World (again) to the audience. When it ended, they requested for us to sing another song and this time, in mandarin. It was an “oh-no” moment for many of us and thank God, 3 out of the 12 of us knew one mandarin song and so they started the ball rolling and the rest of us just mouthed the words, haha! We were stressed out for that moment but I've learnt that the Lord holds His promises true when He said that we will not be tested beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Later on, the fiancé and another girl from the other team were asked to address the audience by giving simple words of exultation and what the fiancé said amazed me. He said that he came with the intention to give, but he received so much more in return. This was especially so when he saw how some of the old folks, mainly those who have received salvation, displayed such joy and happiness that indeed, the Lord’s joy became their strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Having been abandoned; with no proper bed to sleep on in the night; some were handicapped/crippled that required crawling to get from one place to another; and mostly not being satisfied because they do not enough food to eat everyday; - how can anyone still maintain that smile and joy? If its not because of the hope they have in Christ, they would probably not have the strength to continue living as these circumstances would have eaten them up by now.
And if a packet of fried bee hoon with a piece of fried chicken plus a slice of log cake is enough for your one meal, think about how these old folks would actually split it into 2 portions for the night as they tend to get hungry (which we heard was quite often). So the workers had to cook additional plain rice for the old folks to eat the bee hoon, chicken and log cake with.
Coming from Singapore and having lived in comfort all my life, I know how picky I am with food and fussy with the rest. To see old people eat food like that broke my heart. And here I am, with all the choices and variety set before me every single day and still I complain. When? When will I finally be contented with all that I already have?
I need to be broken again.
