:: It was more learning experience for the volunteers as compared to what we could give the beneficiaries back. They live in their world 365 days a year with all their challenges whereas we only tried to help them in just 2 days of those 365 days. Very little we could do and it was such a small effort. So it was mostly our learning from them rather than the other way.
:: The participants were full of life. Interestingly when i saw them cheerful and always similing often it came to my mind that they live more in a blissful world than we do (who claim to be normal). The joy they discover out of very small things we often fail to realize or neglect day in day out.
:: Some of them are really challenging (specially those with Autism) and at times i was feeling for their parents. How difficult times they have to go through managing their children and how painful it is for them when they find their dear children challenged in many ways in life.
:: I was befriended with a little boy of 12 or 13 years old. His name is Jiang Ker. He is suffering from Down's Syndrome. The boy is really cute. He speaks very little, but seems to understand almost everything. He has difficulty with speaking. In short period of time he became very popular among many other volunteers as well, out of his magical charm. I met the parents of the Jiang Ker and i felt how proud her mother is with her child. This really touched me to the core.
:: Today, one day after my coming back from the camp... while i was walking on my university corridor i realized how big impact has been made on my mind. When i was looking at people's face as if i was expecting the faces of the participants of the camp. They seems to be well rooted inside.
:: I like to extend my prayers for all the little ones, innocent pure souls who came to the camp. I wish they recover soon, and may God in His infinite grace bless their life. I pray for their parents who with utmost patience caring for them, giving their unparallel love to them. May God bless the parents as well as their special ones. Amen.
As a high school teacher, I have had students in my classes with Down's syndrome. I have never met one without a lovely, lovely soul.
ReplyDeleteVery nice Sadiq, I think getting involved and helping others is the best healing we can do for them and for ourselves. Nothing feels better than seeing happiness and knowing you had a small part in creating it. :)
ReplyDelete"Very little we could do and it was such a small effort." I don't believe any effort, when done through compassion and love could ever be small, but I understand your point, I wish we all could do much more..but what we do helps a lot. :)
I have a cousin with Down Syndrome. he is precious and so very loving. I agree with otowi too.
ReplyDeleteSadiq I didn't know you had a photoblog going as well! Arrrghh!
ReplyDeleteBless you, by the way.
assalamu alaikum. got here via sister scorpion's blog. it definitely is a life-changing experience when you come in contact/work with 'special needs' children and adults.
ReplyDeletei worked with over 52 special needs people (not a single one of them could verbally communicate, very challenging), and there were many points where i wanted to sob uncontrollably or laugh uncontrollably!
it's definitely a blessing to work with such people...but unfortunately i feel that a large part of the muslim community (at least here in america) prefer to ignore them to make their (the normal people) lives 'easier.'
will be adding you to my blogomania list shortly. :)
Intellectually challenged people have very pure hearts, as you have noticed. I'm glad you had occasion to share your friendship and care.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever read a book called "Acorn People"? It's by a young man who spent a summer as a counselor at a camp for disabled children (mostly they were physically disabled with chronic illness or crippling injuries). The common thread is that he felt he learned much more from them than they from him-- as you say, they lived in their world 24/7, 365 days, and he was only there for one summer.
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome you take the time to do this. MashAllah.
ReplyDeletehi Sadiq, i agree that it was a thoroughly wonderful experience. Jiang ker and you were a beautiful pair. i enjoyed watching you both just relaxing in the moment all the time, so simple and free. it seems as if these unique souls have a very special and precious quality about them which i feel we could learn alot from. it was lovely too seeing how affection grew among everyone.. thanks Sadiq for sharing :)
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