On the street

Once in a while it is good to get in touch with the real world, where no ties are allowed, no suits are worn and no heavy foreign accents (mother tongue excluded) are used. Today i crossed path with the part of society where none of the above existed.

They are probably shunned by the so-called more prestigious group of the society because they are seen as the outcast, the delinquents, the dyfunctionals and who not to be when your child grows up ...

But when i looked them in the eye, i saw a person, a soul and a character like myself, who once had dreams, had families and friends, and a home. what gave that away i do not know. what made them want to live on the streets, i do not know. what made them do the things they do i do not know. but i know, they have the same basic needs as i do - hunger, shelter and clothing.

It was a humbling experience to be with them today because a lot of common perceptions were removed. for one, i understand that the society is not just comprised of the rich and famous; and that GDP figures, stock market boom, commodities run and China's ballooning economy are not going to make any difference in the lives of these individuals.

To them, their next meal is of question. where they will sleep this evening is uncertain. and they only have one set of clothes, which is on them. There was this old man who was gripping his box that contained some leftover chicken from the chicken rice we distributed earlier. when a volunteer asked if he was finished with the food, he said the leftover was to keep. i wondered to myself, how many days would the leftover be able to sustain him? government policies, in this case, are not going to change his life. debates in the parliament will not make his better.

I was reminded today when Jesus was asked by his disciples, how do i love you Lord? he said, "feed the hungry and give a drink to those who are thirsty." there was no major command, a complicated, double meaning answer. it was a simple and direct one - feed the hungry and thirsty.

Often times, we think we will know better when we have another degree, or Masters, or PhD. often times, we think we have the answers because we're more intelligent than the person next door. we come out with a thesis or a management paper to provide solutions to issues. sometimes, the answers are just right at our face.

I never thought that i would be comfortable being in an environment that i had today but i found out that it wasn't as difficult as i thought. all it takes is a willing heart and the courage to take the first step.

A fellow worker who saw me in my little corner came up and initiated a conversation with me. through the chat i found out that he used to live on the streets too but through the encouragement of some of the volunteers, he went to a rehabilitation centre and got rid of his addiction. one year later, he serves at the same centre on his one off-day in a month. the rest of the days, he works and earns a decent pay to survive. he doesn't complain.. he looks contented and satisfied than a lot of people i know who are earning big bucks, driving a huge car and working in an air-conditioned place. i felt small, inexperienced and definitely not there to provide support.

I found support instead.

Then there was this toddler who was happily running around the adults. he didn't understand poverty nor does he knew that he was poor. he was simply happy to be surrounded by people, who played with him and fed him. the joy on his childlike face gripped me. i asked myself, "will his joy lasts when he understood what's happening?" in my heart, i prayed that he would not have to stay in the situation until his understanding comes. i hope by then, his family would be able to lead a better life.

Change i guess, as in all circumstances are not going to arrive in a day or two. and it doesn't mean because i gave up my time today i would be able to see the results the next day. i don't think i changed lives during the hour plus i shared with them, but my perspectives are definitely not the same anymore.

"It is more blessed to give than to receive."