CRISIS HOME? I never knew such a place even existed. What more, it is a home for those who are suffering from AIDS. Yes AIDS... Honestly, I did not mind going to this home for those who are confirmed to be HIV positive...but in a corner of my little heart...I thought to myself how am I going to react to the people there? I could not even imagine how it would be like to be talking to the people there. Especially when my dear buddy, Shana told me the residents were adults, i had a little fear in me. Several questions started running in my already messy brains: What am i going to talk about to these people? What if I end up in an awkward moment which may offend them? I WAS NERVOUS!
26th September 2011, sometime in the evening.
After about 30 minutes of travelling (Honestly it felt like hours! Maybe it was due to my silly thoughts..) Right so when Chen announced that we were finally there....i started searching for the particular building she was referring to. Unlike anything I had in my mind, I was very much in a state of astonishment when what Chen pointed to was just a small partial-wooden, partial-concrete house sitting on a large compound with trees and vegetable plants. This very old uncle greeted our van at the near-completely rust covered gate. He had a warm smile on his face which brought back the memories of my grandparents. Anyways, the thoughts running in my mind made me stare bluntly out the window of the van.
I reminded myself that these people there are harmless and the main reason I was actually there was to spend some time with them. As I got down, I saw my friends greeting few elder men. Without hesitating, I shook hands with them. That uncle at the gate actually said 'vanakam' to Shana and me. I was even more impressed. All of them had a welcoming smile on their faces. I realized this was what they really wanted - nonjudgmental attention from people, they wanted people to treat them for who they are and not the disease they have. I learned that there were eight men who were HIV positive in this home. And there was this uncle (i can't remember his name!) who has been living with them for about 20 years and believed it or not: he is HIV NEGATIVE. We watched some videos together and listened to the story of one of the residents~Uncle Ah Fai. Honestly, I was in tears... I can't help feeling pity for them. at that moment I could only pray in my heart "Please God, bless these souls." afterwards, we had dinner together, some chit-chat, games and singing. These people were really happening! :)
My heart felt heavy when it was time for us to leave them. I felt like I left part of me back in Crisis Home. We were given "tanglung"s as souvenir. I really wish to and will re-visit their home and this family of theirs given a chance in the future... :)
Come to think about it the residents of Crisis Home were far friendlier than most of us humans! Undeniably true that these people are living with one of the most dreaded diseases in the world, they live with no worries of tomorrow. In a way I envied them. I just don't understand some of the many people who isolate them. They are humans with heart and feelings too. We are the same. They look as human as all of do. But why?
STIGMA???
It has become a common misconception to many of us that HIV/AIDS is contagious. It is deadly...yes. But definitely not contagious! The truth people refuse to accept is: HIV/AIDS is PREVENTABLE.
YES PEOPLE, IT IS PREVENTABLE!!!
Its our attitudes which are to be blamed.
If only ALL of us can practice these simple prevention methods....
- Do not share needles!
- Practice abstinence until marriage. (If you can't wait....)
- Practice SAFE SEX!!!
- Use condoms!
- Abstain from promiscuity!
- Equip yourself with all the essential knowledge about AIDS.
...this world will soon be free of HIV/AIDS. YES, we CAN eradicate this virus just like smallpox! That's a good news, ain't it.
It is very true that many of us lack knowledge on this critical matter.
- You don't get AIDS just by shaking hands, hugging, sharing drink or even kissing a person tested positive with HIV.
- HIV is only transmitted via direct blood transfusion, unprotected sex, sharing needles with one with AIDS, via pregnancy (but now there are drugs to reduce the chances of transmission), childbirth and breast milk.
So, back to what I was saying...why not learn to accept these people as part of us? It doesn't matter how they got themselves contaminated with this virus...what really matters is HOW WE ACCEPT THEM FOR THEIR TRUE SELVES. They have potentials too, they have skills too and don't be surprised that they can be better than most of us in some things.
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| Shana and myself with the most sporting uncle there. By the way, he was the one who greeted us at the gate. |
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| Uncle Rajoo and the sporting uncle again! |
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CRISIS HOME
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
H/P: +6016– 2727 072
E-mail: info@crisishome.org
E-mail: info@crisishome.org
