batchgive

For most people, batchgive was regretably a utter waste of time. Either the beneficiary was not home, or they didnt want you in their house. For others, it was probably a huge drama episode, for those ogs that were near the supposed double murder that is. Thankfully for me, today's experience has been significant enough to deserve a well deserved place in this treasure store of memories. I believe the same for Justina and Shin Bin.

Well, as mentioned above, today as supposed to be batchgive - a meaningful project to bring canned food and rations to those families in one room flats. Even though the food donated was super miserable, i think the project is still meaningful in its purpose, for us to get out and reach out to those that we have certainly not thought about in our day to day lives. Sadly, our OG reached bukit ho swee to find that one out of the four families not home and the another two out of the four not really welcoming us. (If you would like more info, ask rachel or quan on their supposed theory as to why the indian family took so long to open the door)

So i guess justina, shin bin and i were lucky that we got to go to the house of the ah ma who very enthusiastically greeted us the last time me and justina went to recee. So ah ma also revealed snippets of information that brought cheers to our heart - like how she actually took leave today as she knew we were coming. When told about the very dismal situation the rest of our OG was facing, her response was "不可以这样。你们带这么多东西，这么重，不可以不在家。" 1 pineapple tart to the ah ma.

Then she also told us that she was 70+ (but she seriously seriously looked 60 at most) and that she actually help pens some chinese song in her free time. Then she showed us all her past trophies won at various singing competitions. 2 more pineapple tarts to ah ma.

However, as we spoke further she told us some of the not so cheery stuff. Like how the family was quite well to do before and then the financial situation went down and her son has been left unemployed, doing odd jobs now. Also, when asked about her children, she spoke about her one son who passed away when he was 30+ due to a heart attack. That brought tears to her eyes and added weight to our hearts.

The visit was made even more interesting when ah ma decided to whip out her microphone and plug in her karaoke set to indulge us in some really old chinese songs. We listened, with much pleasure of course, to see her having such a wonderful and meaningful pastime. Justina, in very typical auntie fashion, joined in the singing. We at this blog apologise to all animals nearby at that time who had to endure ms ung's singing.

Yupp, so ah ma performed a few more songs before it was time for us to keluar baris. Would have honestly not minded spending the rest of the afternoon chatting with her. But i believe the greater purpose in the whole batchgive was not how much food we brought, or how efficiently the whole thing was ran but the lessons one can tar pow home. For me, it was like a one hour crash lesson on life. Cheesy as it sounds, but it seriously made me cherish for all that life and God has provided.

We are uber fortunate that most of us do not live in dire conditions. Perhaps you have not given it much thought, but the financial background really can affect your development as a young person. Just like the ah ma lamented that her grandson would have a not-so-perfect childhood as he is denied many prvileges that we as teenagers have taken as having been there and will always be there. Things like computers, which the ah ma lamented that the family has no means to pay for one so that her 16 year old grandson can enjoy one for his schoolwork. Then ask yourself how many of us have not one but two computers and perhaps another laptop? And then i can't help but think of those who live their coms on the whole night and whole day, not really giving a hoot about how much electricity it consumes.

But what was a greater takeaway was the realisation and abrupt wake up call that we, as future stakeholders of this land we call home, have very unintentionally forgotten and kept out of sight, people who have not been as fortunate as us. Many people out there have a sad story to tell, and today i moved beyond going out to merely interact with a beneficiary. It was more of opening a portion of that thing we call a heart and inputing what i heard today to serve as a constant reminder of how extremely self centred our generation is. Of course, i am guilty of committing the same and today's experience struck me with a sense of guilt and regret. Guilt that we have not yet realised our folly and regret that many a OG mate will not have a chance to learn this lesson.

At this point, i have to recall a quote that most would find familiar as the my msn subnick. "when life gives u a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile." To those of us who angst daily, on how unfair life is, on how purpose-less living is, on how stressed our lifes are, perhaps you should stop and think and be thankful of what you have, rather than wad you don't have. Whether the cup is half empty or full, its all a matter of perspective. For those who are feeling disappointed that reimin is no longer gonna be with us in RJ, think and be glad for the friends who still are with us.

I believe i have said all i want to say tonight. It was perhaps not a very high and well planned O2 but for me it would be a memborable one no doubt. And i hope this can entry can serve as my reflections, and perhaps if it can help trigger some thinking in you, the reader, it will serve as your reflections too.