This was probably THE most successful, meaningful charity event I've participated. 60 fellow Motorolans and family planned for a visit to a local home which houses orphans and children from broken homes or hard core poverty from the Northern region (Kedah & Perlis). There are 67 children all together, age ranging from 5 to 17 years old.
The home is located in Kampung Kupang in Baling, Kedah. It was established in 2001 received funding from public donation only.
... My right hand lady, Emi and her son Ammar
The head of the Rumah Yakin Al-Wadi, Encik Daud gave a welcoming speech which mainly contained heart wrenching stories of these children. Right after, we presented the children their goodie bags and green 'pow', and the checque for the home. I couldn't hold back my tears as I hugged each of the girls. Some of them hugged me twice as hard, most probably they simply miss a hug of a mother.
..Giving out goodie bags for the children
...Siti Khadija leading Alyssa to Musolla for Maghrib prayer
Siti Khadija captured my heart with her charm and sweetness. She is only 5 y.o but is very articulate and mature like a 10 y.o girl. Alyssa immediately hooked on her and she took care of Alyssa like any big sister would. Khadija is at that home since small with her elder brother Jamal (7 y.o), she doesn't even know her birth mother who had ran away, abandoned them under the care of their old, ailing father. Unable to hold up such huge reponsibility, the father gave them up to this home. Jamal is equally adorable. He and Amirul get along so well. Amirul made a few more new friends from the home and he had a wonderful time with them (no toys, no PS2, just silly fun enjoying each other's company..how wonderful!)
We had been preparing this for weeks. Original plan was to have 'Iftar' (breaking of fast) with the children and present some donation collected. One w
eek before the actual date, we could only manage to pull in RM600++. We felt that the amount wouldn't justify the visit so we tried to seek help from more people agressively. I was worried, but convinced that the children deserve better than just RM600. I did my bit by edvertising thru my own network of friends and managed to fork out more than RM2000 in just few days! On the day of the visit, together with the comittee (lead by a new bother Adam Yew Abdullah) managed to pull in a staggering RM11,800! Alhamdulillah! We also received donation in kind (rice, sugar, etc) which would also help the home a great deal, insyaAllah.
eek before the actual date, we could only manage to pull in RM600++. We felt that the amount wouldn't justify the visit so we tried to seek help from more people agressively. I was worried, but convinced that the children deserve better than just RM600. I did my bit by edvertising thru my own network of friends and managed to fork out more than RM2000 in just few days! On the day of the visit, together with the comittee (lead by a new bother Adam Yew Abdullah) managed to pull in a staggering RM11,800! Alhamdulillah! We also received donation in kind (rice, sugar, etc) which would also help the home a great deal, insyaAllah.
... My right hand lady, Emi and her son Ammar
It took us about an hour to reach their humble home. Upon arrival at around 6:20pm, the kids came to us like sworm of bees, wanting to shake and kiss our hands and greet us with 'Selamat datang'. I've never had such warm welcome before. They were genuinely excited 
receiving us. It personally made me doubly glad that Emi & myself followed our motherly hunch to prepare the goodie bags. Otherwise I'd be kicking myself where it hurts most on the way home.
receiving us. It personally made me doubly glad that Emi & myself followed our motherly hunch to prepare the goodie bags. Otherwise I'd be kicking myself where it hurts most on the way home.
The head of the Rumah Yakin Al-Wadi, Encik Daud gave a welcoming speech which mainly contained heart wrenching stories of these children. Right after, we presented the children their goodie bags and green 'pow', and the checque for the home. I couldn't hold back my tears as I hugged each of the girls. Some of them hugged me twice as hard, most probably they simply miss a hug of a mother.
..Giving out goodie bags for the children
At 7:10pm, we broke our fasts with dates and drinks. They soon invited us, to help ourselves with the buffet of delicious home cooked Nasi Briyani, chicken, beef ,etc. I took this opportunity to try eating in the big tray called 'talam' which is shared by 4-5 children. It was fun! And I like this idea very much and am keen to try it at home. Besides it's a sunnah (encouragement) from Prophet Muhammed PBUH since it promotes unity and enhance relationship amongst family members, I actually like the idea of having less plates to clean afterwards! ;-)
After dinner, we walked to their Musolla (prayer hall). This is where they have their daily Quran classes. We performed Maghrib prayers together. Even my 3 y.o Alyssa (who normally can't stand standing still for more than 5 seconds, so praying isn't really her cup of tea!) was into it since she was encouraged by Siti Khadija.
...Siti Khadija leading Alyssa to Musolla for Maghrib prayer
Siti Khadija captured my heart with her charm and sweetness. She is only 5 y.o but is very articulate and mature like a 10 y.o girl. Alyssa immediately hooked on her and she took care of Alyssa like any big sister would. Khadija is at that home since small with her elder brother Jamal (7 y.o), she doesn't even know her birth mother who had ran away, abandoned them under the care of their old, ailing father. Unable to hold up such huge reponsibility, the father gave them up to this home. Jamal is equally adorable. He and Amirul get along so well. Amirul made a few more new friends from the home and he had a wonderful time with them (no toys, no PS2, just silly fun enjoying each other's company..how wonderful!)
Below are the sweet faces of Siti Khadija and her brother Jamal.
While waiting for Isya' prayers, I spent some time chatting with the older girls (since I have a reliable 5 y.o babysitter for Alyssa). After a while a couple of them were whispering at each other, I sensed that they wanted to ask me something. When I assured them to share their secret with me, one of them bravely asked "Auntie, would you like to be our god mother?" I couldn't explain the thunder I felt in my heart. I guess it took lot of courage for them to voice out that request. How could I say no to these children with so much hopes in their eyes? Told them I am delightful and honored, but remind them not to put on high hope to be seeing me that often. For I will no longer be in Penang pretty soon. But I promised that I will write to them and see that they have their needs fulfilled.
So now I have 2 grown up daughters; Ayu & Shira whom I will write to often, via snail mail since there don't have computers at the home. I promised myself that I would also write to Dija & Jamal. I wish Alyssa & Amirul would turn out to be just like them; humble, sweet, respectful & responsibile.
I left with a heavy heart (knowing pretty well I won't be able to commit to see them), with hundreds of hugs from the children (some lined up even twice to get a hug!). I don't know if our paths will cross again, but I am hoping and praying that it would.
For those who are wish to help contribute to help ease the burden of running the home, please bank in your contribution to the following:
RUMAH YAKIN ANAK YATIM/MISKIN AL-WADI
BANK ISLAM BERHAD: 02048-01-0013676
BANK SIMPANAN NASIONAL BERHAD: 02100-41-00000162-2
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “I and the one who sponsors an orphan will be like this in Paradise.” He then gestured with his index and middle fingers.
