Making Time to Share Compassion

Tzu Chi volunteers are warmly welcomed by oma and opa at the Senjarawi nursing home.

Tzu Chi Bandung's routine agenda of social activity continues to roll, one of which is a home visit to social institutions. As on Thursday, April 26th, 2018, Tzu Chi Bandung made a home visit to Panti Wreda Senjarawi. This nursing home is inhabited by 16 opa (grandfathers) and 48 oma (grandmothers).

In this, volunteers served opa and oma by giving them massage, distributing food, singing together, as well as trimming their hair and nails. Volunteers also entertained opa and oma by performing "One Family" and "One Cleaner World" sign language, also singing together to liven up the place and familiarize themselves with opa and oma.

Home visits are able to give happiness to the residents of nursing home because in each visits, volunteers always establish a direct communication. Opa and oma then feel comfortable and that's when opa and oma can pour their heart out.

Tzu Chi volunteers initiate the visit to Senjarawi nursing home by performing a sign language song titled 'Satu Keluarga' and 'Satu Dunia Bersih'.

Tzu Chi volunteers entertaining Senjarawi nursing home residents by singing together, so oma, opa and volunteers are overflowing with happiness.

In addition, gratitude and joy are also felt by Tzu Chi volunteers. Smile and emotions emanated from opa and oma's face due to the care given by Tzu Chi volunteers who never forget them.

"I want to encourage more frequent visits to nursery homes, because they feel lonely, that's the main thing. Perhaps their sons and daughters are not able to visit so they feel lonely and we can entertain and interact with them so oma and opa can forget their sadness. Then they can keep being happy, even though we are not their real children, but they already consider us as such," said Pepeng Kuswati, a Tzu Chi Bandung volunteer.

Tzu Chi Volunteer, Yuli, carefully trims oma's nails.

A currently sick oma doesn't escape Tzu Chi volunteers' attention. Volunteers compassionately give prayers and encouragement so she can get well soon.

When one enters old age, more affection is certainly needed. And how nice if everybody can make time to share. To be served and pampered are the wish that is hidden in the hearts of nursing home residents.

Translated by Ilena Sevalona