A sunday on Healthserve
Many people would spend their sundays well tucked away in bed in sweet slumber to enjoy a day in peace.In my case,who's technically a hobo but dignified one,mind you,spent it like any good christian( and I am muslim).I spent the day sunday for the benefit of others in greater need and GOD is my witness =p
I woke up early around 8 am.Cutting up vegetables,boiling my potatoes and chick peas and toasting the ciabatta bread.I wish I could do this every sunday.I love cooking;its theuraputic since it involves good concentration and the end result is equally satisfying when people say "it tastes good..yum yum"
The above are the mashed avacado and potatoes used in the sandwiches I made for the tea gathering at Healtwerve,an NGO in Singapore that provides a $5 clinic to migrant workers/the poor/streetwalkers or even the social miscreants.They also provide free english lessons to the same population of migrants and I was asked to attend the sessions and if possible conduct one class for the indian workers.
I arrived in Aljunied district where Healtserve is located inside a huge area with a football field,a basketball court and even an open space to spare for picnic or holding a fair.They have their own thrift shop but the majority of the space is used by HighPoint-a halfway house for ex convicts,that also runs a car wash and a dormitory for the "ex-cons".
Its a beautiful place with lots of mango trees and peaceful in contrast to all the noise and heavy traffic of people the area is popular for.
So it happens I came too early which was good since I had a briefing on how the classes are like and what to expect from the students.I've met the tutors before who are all volunteers.They were very keen to grab the sandwiches and the chickpeas -- the hungry rats
from left- Sir Alex Wang of National University of Singapore, Shu Xia of kembangan and Jacquelin T of chick pea thieves.
The indian student,named V, I was given to tutor, filling up for Bimal ( who was purposely late),was very enthusiastic and willing to speak out on his knowledge and wishes.Unlike many foreign students I came across who are naturally shy in the beginning not volantarily keen to share such things on the first day of class---and some never do.We had a meaningful 1 hour session and I must say I was proud of him given his limitation.For some strange reason he was contented on how I carried the class on Bimal's behalf.I was very much relieved.Bimal did join us later to give V some final briefing on his continued progress.
Bimal doesn't like me sneaking up on him from behind to take photos of his actions.The indian student seemed lost in what I was doing. He seemed like to give me a look he will never sit in my classes again...the shame :(
Finaly,I shall end this entry with a group photo of myself and the good christians
