My new friends...
I’ve just had the best Saturday ever. It was my first volunteer work with our ‘special’ friends. Initially, I thought that I won’t be able to cope with them and I have no idea what to say to them. Before H and I made our first step into the area, we both cited the Al-Fatihah, Ayat Kursi, whatever that we could remember. We were that scared. However, that first step totally changed everything. I’m glad I made that move. Can u believe that H almost wanted to back out upon reaching the lobby? But I told her that we have to do this. We must!
Anyway, before all that, we were told that most of these people are suffering from Schizophrenia. And one of the residents would keep on shouting. Knowing that, scares the hell outta me.
However, all my assumptions were wrong. We were welcomed with handshakes and smiles, lots of smiles. I just love their hospitality. They would come up to me and asked for my name and they wanted to know more about me. One of them told me that he wanted to teach me how to draw. So we drew a flower, a village and mountains. Surprisingly, he drew better than me. The way he speaks seemed like any other ordinary guy but after a while I knew what went wrong. It’s a pity..really!
I’ve never thought that this experience would make me a little wiser. Our presence was all they need. Imagine living within those 4 walls with 30-40 others and just do nothing, day in day out. I’ll surely go crazy if I were in that situation. The thing is, why is it that the society cannot accept them yet? I see my own friends mock at them or simply make fun of them. I’m totally disturbed by this. O..come on! They are just like us but with a special gift. Come to think of it, the way they treated me back there was way better than some sane people I know.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to see them again.
One of his drawings....
& sorry 'bout that patch..
Anyway, before all that, we were told that most of these people are suffering from Schizophrenia. And one of the residents would keep on shouting. Knowing that, scares the hell outta me.
However, all my assumptions were wrong. We were welcomed with handshakes and smiles, lots of smiles. I just love their hospitality. They would come up to me and asked for my name and they wanted to know more about me. One of them told me that he wanted to teach me how to draw. So we drew a flower, a village and mountains. Surprisingly, he drew better than me. The way he speaks seemed like any other ordinary guy but after a while I knew what went wrong. It’s a pity..really!
I’ve never thought that this experience would make me a little wiser. Our presence was all they need. Imagine living within those 4 walls with 30-40 others and just do nothing, day in day out. I’ll surely go crazy if I were in that situation. The thing is, why is it that the society cannot accept them yet? I see my own friends mock at them or simply make fun of them. I’m totally disturbed by this. O..come on! They are just like us but with a special gift. Come to think of it, the way they treated me back there was way better than some sane people I know.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to see them again.
One of his drawings....
& sorry 'bout that patch..
3 Comments:
hmmm... btw, where is this place?? A hospice/home? hospital??
anyway, i think u've got great guts. I'm sure the first few minutes weren't easy for the both of u. But seriously, i think such experiences can be very enriching and "eye-opening"...
Duan ~ I dunno if I should say this here. Or maybe I just do not want ppl to know where I'm volunteering at. Hahaha.. Btw, it's in a hospital.
And ya..it's definitely an 'eye-opening' experience. I think people should be exposed to this so that they could have a better understanding. tol tak? :)
you are such a sweet and nice girl =)
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