Photohunters : Important
As we advance in age, the body that has served us so well in the past starts to act up. The mind wants to do this and that but the body just won’t obey or is unable to obey at maximum efficiency.
It is important for us to respect the older folks especially those living in old folks home. In Malaysia, to live in an old folks home is a tell tale sign that this person has become a burden to society which is sad and they have then been placed in old folks home.
It is important for NGOs to care for their welfare and help them in any way they can be it in spiritual consolation, monetary assistance, or in kindness or simply attention and time.
The pics this week are taken from a visit to the Sibu Old Folks Home. This cheery sign welcomed us as we went in the entrance.
There was a sign reminding visitors to respect the old folks.
It was quite a big complex with more than 70 inmates when we were there. This figure included those who were mentally ill, beggars undergoing rehabilitation and old folks. In the past, young ladies facing problems were also placed here on a temporary basis while awaiting rehabilitation.
The first person I noticed was this man sleeping. He was a little aggressive when we handed out food. It was as if he couldn’t believe his good luck.
This man had tales to grind and a sad tale to tell. We listened sympathetically but honestly, there wasn’t much we could do except listen to them, hear them out, and just be a friend. For most of them. it was all that really mattered. Attention….that’s what some of them needed most.
We rushed as we were late. But to the sedate old folks there, time was not of the essence. They slowly filtered into the dining hall where a simple service was held. We came armed with nothing except some chicken and apple pies, a bible, lots of faith and a group of untrained volunteers. The message was simple. No extraordinary message or talent.
I was stunned when five souls opened their hearts and asked God to enter their hearts and lives. It was eerie, the message was in foochow, and some crude last minute translation in the Malay language and songs in English because of the potpourri that makes up the inmates. But, it worked. They were ready. The volunteers were awed. I was very moved by the sight of the inmates ready acceptance of the short message we had brought.
After the service, the group went to deliver the food to the inmates who were unable to attend the service. There was a lady who asked the group to pray for her leg. Her faith would put most church-goers to shame. There was a locked section where some inmates were set aside from the others. This was the beggars undergoing rehab section. Some were not mentally sound. It was a little scary here…well just a little.
All in all, it had been a good day. I am glad to have been a part of the team. We were glad to have made a difference to at least some people if not for a long time, at least for the day.
It is so warm~ You have different way to present the “important”~
Naw, sometimes it’s not that we want to place them there but have to. Someone still has to pay the bills and put food on the table after all, and we aren’t always able to be there when they need help or injure themselves. In fact, putting them there (in some cases) shows we care for their safety. It’s not cheap to put them there you know.
Anyhow, it’s good that you’re visiting them and on top of that, sharing the good news. These older folks need something to look forward to and someone to depend on.
BYE!
Here goes another entry thumbs up for putting others more important than your own self. Great awareness and good sharing you have this week Beng Beng. All the best
Criz’s Sanctuary: http://crizlai.blogspot.com/2008/01/photo-hunters-important.html
Insight Criz: http://www2.crizlai.com/photography/photo-hunters-important/
Have a nice weekend!
Wow, good one. They are important to me too. THere’s this post on my blog dated 3rd January, where we organized a visit to the orphanage here in Kursk Russia, and we raised the fund with our bare hands. We plan to organize a visit to the old folk’s home here too.
Good one. Your post indeed is important!
Great job! Thanks for the info and I agree, they are very important in our lives!
Oh what a sweet and wonderful post… I enjoyed reading this…you are so good.
Great post! Loved your take on the theme. Happy weekend.
What a different way to present important. Happy hunting.
Thank you for sharing this important and wonderful post.
Very nice photos!
great choice for ‘important’. nice photos.
My Photo Hunter in here
nice post for the them…mine’s uo too,,, Have a great day!
Great post. A perfect take on this week’s theme! Happy weekend
That’s a great post and very thorough! Thanks for sharing your views! Will you come and visit me? My Photo Hunt is up as well;-) Happy Weekend!
great post for this theme
Old people do not want to die in the hospital or old folks’ home. PERIOD.
Parents, especially mothers, take care of the babies. Irregular feeding times through the night, endless urinating and pooing… When they put the infants on the pot, nothing! The moment they put on the pampers, out it comes! Some even have the tendency to vomit for no obvious reasons. And imagine the anxiety when they fall sick.
Considering all these therefore, it is only fair that children should take care of their parents when they grow old and not send them off to nursing homes. Of course, if you’re the type of parent who dump your kids at a babysitter or leave them with the maid, as they say, now…what’s the title of that Justin Timberlake song…”What goes around, comes around!”
Personally, I envy those who just drop dead or die in their sleep. No need to live too long but of course, I hope to live long enough to see my daughter graduate and get settled nicely and securely; as a parent, that is my responsibility.
This was a very important post. Very well written and it brings up such an important issue. Very important work that you and your group are doing. Take care, Carver
What a truly important post.
That’s a great post!
Visit my important picture if you get a chance.
That is so incredible and so awesome! God is GOOD!
Outstanding!
And that is what is meant “it’s how you live your life.” You will see that at my Important blogpost as well. Drop by.
Interesting take on the theme, BB… I don’t think too many give it much thought while they’re young and busy with their everyday lives.
wow! how nice your picture is,indeed that is really important! keep it up…
check mine:
PhotoHunt1…
PhotoHunt2…
Happy weekend!!!
I have two sets of elderly, sickly parents-in-law and parents to look after. It is very tiring and tough to look after old folks, especially when they are bedridden.
When they get too difficult to handle sometimes, thoughts of sending them to Old Folks Home do cross my mind. But I will never have the heart to do so.
Yes, I think it is good that we have old folks home (nursing home). When I get old, I may have to live there too. Who knows!
Important reminder to remember and visit the elderly.
My hunt is ready. Do come by when you have a chance.
Hi BB..
This looks like a big facility! Thanks for sharing… Hope u will have a good weekend yea..
thanks for sharing this wonderful pics..
eastcoastlife, you will be blessed abundantly. May God bless you with strength and endurance. Jesus says, “Do unto others what you would want them do unto you.” Along this same line, Confucius says, “Do not do unto others what you would not want them do unto you.”