We, the Cathecuments were thrilled as well as nervous because being normal human beings, we were worried about getting infected by this incurable disease. Although we were all adults and have been briefed about the true way of contaminating this virus, we were stil chickens inside. I know i was!! However, we braved ourselves and then only thing that kept us going was our true sincerity of reaching out to them, gettin more information and awareness of this disease and empathising what these patients have gone and going through now in their lives.
Group 5+6, the infamous group of the class, known for our 'perfect' attendance, decided to car pool in none other than Cristopher the Tattoo Guy. The ladies, me, Shew and Praba were seated comfortably behind. Charleston, Shew's bf was co-pilot..eh i mean co-driver.
We had to drag ourselves out of bed as early as 6am on a Saturday morning. I need to confess proudly that i had 2 of my handphones and my alarm clock set. However, i only managed to get up after hearing my Mom tearing apart my room down. I was sure that the whole neighborhood got up too!!
We were all told to meet in the church and journey on as convoys. We, as in my group were dying of hunger. So, since we're the 'cool' youngsters, we de-toured to McD for breakfast. We took a slow drive to Rawang as we had a very professional navigator in hand, Charleston. We managed to find the place but all i can say is, we made a Grand Entrance....we ladies got down like Divas in our cooling shades, the guys...errr....bouncers? No la not so bad, bodyguard la!! hehehe....
The others gave us numerous looks, but being 'celebrities' we had thick skin :D
Without much ado, we were taken a tour of the 'White House'. This place is a hospice centre and shelter home for the patients. Being run by the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, the home is able to provide help, care and guidance for the need. Caring for this people reminded me of Jesus during his ministries when he helped the sick. I'm sure those of you who are Christians out there, have read the Bible and know what i'm saying.
This really made us all appreciate life better and made us look at life in a different perspective. Here we are complaining and comtemplating on our never-ending dissatisfaction of life but never have we had 1 single minute in our lifetime thinking about the less fortunate. Majority were males in this home, mostly got into contact with this virus through needle sharing and unsafe sexual acts. I was touched and in tears not only because i felt sad for them but admired their determination in living on the rests of their lives in peace and serenity in this home. They know their fate yet they belive life is just too beautiful for them to end it themselves. They believe the care that they get from this place is like God loving them extra and being close to Him. Many of them still have contacts with their families yet nothing like being here.
I also realised that when it comes to fate and death, it doesn't care about your race, colour, status quo and whatsoever. Humans are humans, flesh and blood. When there is birth, there is death. This home is a living exmaple of how different races live together. The patients are ashamed of their past mistakes but they want the public to know and be aware of this deadly virus which is slowly becoming a global epidemic because of its incurable-ness. There is yet any medicine to cure HIV/AIDS. And please bear in mind that although this patients were infected by this disease due to their ignorance, they're not punished by GOD!!
We were also given a very good and entertaining lecture on this virus. So much we learned about it and many of the myths of its contageousness were proven. I was freaking out but then felt proud of myself for being here. Not only did i shook hands with them but i learned alot about life through their pains and sufferings. And of course the gift of knowledge given to us.
A few of the patients happen to be a theatrical act group known as Fallen Leaves. They did a small performance for us which consisted on how they were infected byt this virus and the consequences of it. It was really a moving performance.
Besides this home, nearby in the village was another wooden house which sheltered the Burmese patients. I just cant say more about this place except that God will surely love them more than anything.
Our journey had to come to an end. Although we were sad and awed by the experience, we were definitely honoured for having it in our lifetime. Going back home was a freedom because we were no more under any orders. As usual, the 'celebrities' had to go for a tea-break and we ended up at the Rawang R&R. Luxurious break it was, A&W!! Then nature did its wonders by showering us abundantly with rain. I'm sure this was the tears of joy from God to us for havin the noble heart to visit the patients.
Please say a prayer if you can for not only this patients but for all those infeced with HIV/AIDS all over the world. Do your part as citizens of Earth to spread the awareness of this disease which is killing mankind. TQ, God Bless.
p/s: I decided not to label the pics as they say, a picture says a thousand words....in other words, go figure it out yourself k!! :P
