Happy New Year 2009

A melodious song can make one relax...
A simple hug can warm a heart...
I hope this New Year greetings will bring out a smile in you...
Wishing you and all at home a very Happy New Year and Happiness Always.

Sinthamani Divine Life Ashram - An orphanage in Jinjang, Kuala Lumpur

Was practically doing nothing at home when everyone else was away painting the Singapore town red, I browsed thru the web and some links directed me to this place, which was distressful enough and it aroused the curiosity in me and decided to pay them a visit when I get home. ( must be in the condition that is fit enough to drive around.)

The contact to this home is :

Sithamani Divine Life Ashram
Rumah Kebajikan (ROC No. 001529609-H)
No:1112, Block 150
Lorong 5/160
Kawasan A, Rumah Panjang
Jinjang Utara
52000 Kuala Lumpur

So, prelude to the visit, lets not waste time here to help these poor Indian kids as soon as we can.

By giving them more exposures in this blog, people can come forward to help them in this Yule-tide festive season.

Entrance to the home

Home's only sign board

Old fashioned toilet far away from the dorms

Living under asbestos sheets that often leaks when it rains

Children age between 1 month to 16 years old with some without birth certificates left behind by their parents

Two dorms split the boys and girls

Studies were not left out

Toilets were being built

Pictures are courtesy of:
http://www.kennysia.com/
http://groups.google.co.kr/group/TheMindBB/browse_thread/thread/4afbe7ace5171e4f
http://national-express-malaysia.blogspot.com/2008/12/orphanage-at-jinjang.html

Update from Singapore

Singapore Civil Defence Force rescue workers climb the spokes towards a passenger capsule to rescue passengers trapped in the Flyer.

An overjoyed family of 13 from Kuala Lumpur after reaching the ground safely

Abseiling down from above

Hubby "bundled" me into the car yesterday and headed to his sister's place in Singapore for Christmas. At first I tried to refuse to tag along due to the injury, but since I am not 'productive' in taking care of the household chores with a limping leg, that left me not much choice but to follow.

The weather has been chilly since we arrived in Singapore last night. Rain begin pouring at pre-dawn and drizzle followed all morning. Working on my laptop in the corner of the house had me feel like a winter Christmas.

Open up the newspaper, it sent a cold chill down my spine after seeing these pictures, cause I was thinking to have my mother-in-law try out the Singapore Flyer this time as we experienced it during our previous visit here.

For the full stories on what happened to Singapore Flyer yesterday, pls read here.

Not forgetting to wish my fellow readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Injured Again!

Why I said "Injured Again"? Because, the history of the first time was not very long ago...

Simply a human mistake this time. Fell into the drainage manhole outside my gate this morning while doing the gardening works.

My hubby had lifted the grill cover and walked off to get the tool to clear a small plant that grew inside the wall of the drain, unfortunately I walked in with eyes admiring at my plants with no idea of the hollow ground awaits me...

Almost breathless after realizing that I was inside the drain, yet I can't move at all and it took me a while to regain my composure and finally being pulled out by him. Got a twisted knee and a swollen thigh with minor bruises on elbow and palm.

Now I can understand how the old folks can die after fallen into the drain.

Life without limbs

Vivian just sent me this article saying that this man is a miracle to many.

Life is certainly getting tougher these days. News of people committing suicide due to financial burdens are on the rise. How many of us are getting the motivation needed to face the everyday challenges?

Nick Vujicic, who hails from Melbourne, Australia, is with his team touring around the world inspiring people to confront situations and deal with them instead of surrendering oneself. He demonstrated to people how he could pick himself back up by propping his head on a book after falling down. Many who heard his speeches were reduced to tears and begin to feel that what they are going thru now are nothing compared to Nick's life experiences.

Nick Vujicic is telling the world : No arms, no legs, no Worries!

I am a little disappointed that I did not have the opportunity to catch him in person....cause his Malaysia stop was on 13th December 2008.

Nick on Last Leg of the 2008 World Tour

On the 13th of December Nick and the team flew to Malaysia for the last stop on their 2008 World Tour. Nick is looking forward to his last few speaking engagements before heading home to spend the holidays with his family.

Washing cars for a good cause

This is an excerpt ion from the Star Newspaper yesterday:


Calling all charitable bloggers, and those who just love a splashing good time.

The All Malaysian Bloggers Project (AMBP), in collaboration with Star-Motoring, presents the Splashing Charity Car Wash in aid of HOSPIS Malaysia.

The event will take place at Leo Auto Services (Kia Service Centre) located along Old Klang Road on Dec 13 & 14, and will require a good number of bloggers to help out. That is to say, we’re looking for total of about 30 to 40 volunteers to lend a helping hand for this two-day event. You can choose to volunteer for either one day or both.

By volunteering, you’ll be helping out the good folks from HOSPIS Malaysia who are doing a great deal in alleviating the pain associated with life-limiting diseases/conditions such as cancer, AIDS, etc.

And what is it that you’re required to do? Well, to get straight to the point: you’ll be washing cars. If you don’t want to get wet, you can place yourself under the vacuuming crew, or the traffic management team.

Goodie bags will be given out on the days concerned, so you won’t go back empty-handed. There will also be a lucky draw at the end of each day on both days; a Gandalf Wizard Hat and a Marvel Trivia Game being the prizes.

Think of this event as a gathering of bloggers where you get to make new pals. Think of it as a great story for your blog. Think of this as an opportunity to make a change in somebody’s life.

NOTE: If you would like to contribute by buying a ticket (worth RM20), please contact Hospis Malaysia at 03-9133 3936 or 016- 318 3822. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the event.

For further enquiries please call 03-7967 1388 ext 1118 (Michael), or ext 1104 (Andy), or leave a comment at the AMBP Editor's Note.

Persatuan Rumah Caring Kajang, Selangor

Arrived at the home in time for afternoon tea with all the uncles and aunties.

The cooling, clean and quiet environment was just perfect to laze around.

An old aunt was in the mood to "entertain" me with her Opera Song with cheers coming from her mates, both male and female. One great scenario that made this a special place compared to other old folk homes is, all residents are living in cordial and happy atmosphere.

They split their daily chores evenly, from sweeping the floors, to wiping tables and chairs, or even as kitchen helpers to the Indonesian maid who was hired to take care of them.

Their contributions to the home are the results and hardwork of Wendy Yap, the home founder and a social worker who advocates healthy living and positive thinking lifestyle.

She had also contributed tremendously in the name of welfare for the local folks in Kajang, Selangor for the charitable works involved in drug addicts, single mothers, orphanages, down syndrome and the disabled.

By chipping in their help, these residents in Persatuan Rumah Caring Kajang can also keep their body healthy by doing exercises and fill their mind and time by helping the household chores thus keeping the doctors away at this golden age.

Some of the residents who look perfectly normal but are suffering from Alzheimer and tend to wander around at times. One good example was the "Amma" who sang me the Opera Song, did you see any abnormality in her from the video posted above?

Alzheimer is one most dreaded and destructive diseases among old people. Therefore, doing light housework, gardening, playing mahjong (a game most Chinese like to play) or sudoku, singing and dancing are some of the ways proven effective to help prevent it from eating into the memory of our loved ones.

At this tough economic times, please help the home to tie thru this financial crisis if you can.

You may contact Ms Wendy Yap at : 012-2380043 for any form of contribution (cash, in-kind or volunteering work) possible.

A big thank you to all!

Nirvana Blood Donation Campaign

Today many Nirvana staff had done a good deed, by responding to the campaign organized by the Management.

The campaign was carried out at the lobby of Wisma NVMC, from 10am to 3pm.

This is one of the many ways Nirvana gives back to the society which makes it a caring organization.

NIRVANA MEMORIAL PARK - TANG VILLA

TANG VILLA FOR THE BHUDDIST

PERPETUAL GARDEN FOR THE CHRISTIAN

If you got time to drop by this blog, do give me your support....

www.nirvanamalaysia.blogspot.com

Thank you very much!


Jenny

Little Lee An Qi needs your help!

Received this email earlier:

To all our dearest family members, relatives, friends and stranger friends who would like to help out. My niece, Lee An Qi, aged 12 was recently diagnosed with a fatal liver illness Hepatocellular carcinoma cancer. Doctor has indicated a very short survival life span. The only way out is through a liver transplant. Lee An Qi is a second child in the family. She has an elder brother which is in form 2. Lee An Qi is in SMK Sri Muatiara, Taynton View, Cheras, KL. She has stop schooling for 5 months due to liver illness. Lee An Qi parents, father : Lee Kok Ping age 43 is attached to XXXX Hardware Trading Co. and mother : Siew Mei Yin age 41 a housewife. They are very worried and do not know what to do, unfortunately both parents are not of the same blood group and non of the immediate family members have the 'O' type blood group which is suitable for her transplant. An Qi chances of survival is very slim or i would say zero. We now earnestly sincerely seek all of your assistance to circulate this email, especially to those who knew the family & An Qi to come forward giving only part of your liver to save her life. If for certain reasons you are unable to do so, we would very much appreciate if you would forward this email to everyone you know. Following are some information Pertaining to Donor Assessment:- - Age : 21 - 54 - Donor must be physically fit and liver functioning well. Have adequate size and suitable anatomy. - Same blood group or blood group 'O' ( Lee An Qi is 'O' group, she only can take 'O' blood group ) - Should not have significant medical problem. - Hepatities B and C and HIV should be negative - Donor will assessed by doctors. Cardiologist ( if necessary ) before transplant. After transplant donor will stay in hospital for 7 days and should be able to resume works after 1 month. ( unless donor are involoved in heavy physical work ) Donor's liver will REGAIN BACK to its normal size after a few months. If you would like to help and require further information. Please email me alicia_lee61@yahoo.com or call us at Tel: 012-3259919, 012-2838710 Time is running out. We need your help ! 'We make a living by what we get, We make a LIFE by what we GIVE' May God Bless you. Thank You. Regards, Alicia Lee

To live a simple life

My aunt - her 86th birthday

This is my aunt, the only relative from my mom's side of family.

We celebrated her 86th birthday at my house last weekend. We respect her a lot because she was the only relative who really cared about us when we were young. I always remember those days when my mom was stricken by cancer and our home turned topsy-turvy, it was then that my aunt travelled all the way from her house with her daughter, sister Soo, by bus to bring us food and to cook for us. Most importantly, she calmed us from the feeling of anxiety and fear of seeing my mom who was seriously ill. She showered us with loads of TLC when we needed it the most. Those feelings are still very fresh in my mind although it was 18 years back.

Then, 10 years later, we lost our dearest sister to cancer again. This time, aunt was again a pillar of strength to us. Her gentle words were ever comforting and taught us to let go. She taught us that life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forward.

Today we are a bunch of happy brothers and sister who treasure the meaning of "happiness". We make time to have a weekly get-together, because it is best that we cherish people and make precious memories while they are still around.

Kiew Poh, we wish you many more birthdays ahead and great health always!

Is there anything you'd like to do to help? Visit Taman Sinar Harapan Kuala Kubu Bahru

One for the album

Beds are desperately needed in Taman Sinar Harapan

How are you, mama, this resident was greeting Mrs Chow, family of KC Yap, wife Timmy and mother in-law with their children at the background

Veon is giving out Pooh and Sponge Bob

This is the closest picture I can get looking inside the ward

Sheer happy faces

We spotted ants underneath the beds

Every efforts is worthwhile

Wards for the heavily mentally challenged residents

Villi is seen here giving out fish to Jasmine Chong. Looking on are brothers Yap Liang on the right and Yap Yang on the left who sponsored the fishes

Did you see the smile on their faces? Wonders of the Pooh and the fighting fish

Me, giving thank you note to all participants for their contributions

This is the famous artist (Mr Lam Kwai Fatt) using his toes to draw pictures and sell to the public to raise fund for the centre

Guess what, fighting fish...a sold out item in seconds

Toilet rolls are on the wanted list too...

My lovely relative made homebaked mooncake for them

Microwave could be useful to the kitchen

Hair cutter is even more useful, I thought

Blankets & diapers are the most wanted

Here comes the goodies

En. Azwan from Taman Sinar Harapan KKB giving us a welcome briefing

Taklimat ( Briefing time)

My fellow blogging friends, Ali and Lisa from MISC

Gifts that make all residents smile


Token of Appreciation sponsored by Villi and Vivian, my children

My right and left hands, Yap Yang and Amy, without them, this project will not be completed as smooth. Yap Yang even came down with mild fever and yet came along, bravo guys!

8 Cars pooled together

Young and old come together for a good cause

Group meet at the Rawang Toll

Came back from visiting Taman Sinar Harapan, Kuala Kubu Bahru, I was wrecked. Exhausted by the pass few days' hectic schedule of buying stuff and the recent bad weather fueled my adrenaline with constant prayers for a smooth day for today. Down pour came on our way home, I guess that was the best I could asked from God, the almighty. Guards down when we all arrived home safely.

Taman Sinar Harapan, word for word translation is = Garden of Sunshine and Hope.

I saw sunshine, and I saw pretty gardens. Flowers are blooming better than that in our yards at home. But I didn't see hope in most of the residents' eyes. 80% of them are bedridden and mildly mentally challenged except a few who are able to walk about at the centre's compound. Some of those sitting or even standing on the metal bed are tied with chain and padlocked on one of their ankles, as clothe lines or bandages are not effective to confine them. Their diapers are full with all you could imagine and ants were seen crawling around the beds.

Those residents who are more seriously mentally challenged are grouped in enclosed areas dividing between male and female. Their lives are so dependent on others including filling their stomach when hungry. Most of them are naked and sleeping on wet floors, some were seen with feces in between their legs. According to the Officer, En Azwan, their bodies do not respond to the living environment and therefore will not feel cold even in a cold night.

We were neither allowed to take any pictures nor video taping inside the dormitory (Asrama), I guess it is only fair. By now, you should have a grim picture in your mind. Let me ask you one question, feeling for those residents is obvious; But do you feel for the workers who are taking care of them?

My blog is to help create awareness to the world that there are unfortunate human beings born to this world with abnormality and living in solitude. They can't demand or ask for people to visit, because some couldn't speak, some couldn't see and some couldn't hear, but they can feel our touches and strokes and they do respond by way of giggles or laughters, you tell me, don't they have feelings? I wonder if they cry at night...

I AM ONLY ONE, BUT STILL I AM ONE. I CANNOT DO EVERYTHING, BUT STILL I CAN DO SOMETHING. AND BECAUSE I CANNOT DO EVERYTHING, I WILL NOT REFUSE TO DO SOMETHING THAT I CAN DO. ~ Helen Keller