A New Beginning

The new girl came to school dressed in a pale resemblance of a uniform that held many

faded patches. Her black hair was a tangled mess and tear stains ran down her hollow

cheeks. She was reticent, preferring to huddle behind her desk steadily perusing one

textbook or another, still and silent. Her classmates left her alone but for one Chinese girl.

Su Ming reached out to her and their friendship soon flourished to the extent that she

even managed to invite Elena anak Dayangku's family to their open house during

Chinese New Year.

It was then that Elena's father, Encik Dayangku revealed the conditions in their squatter

community and of the desperation that so often came with being unable to cope with

reality's grim demands; no proper sanitation facilities, no water or electricity and high

taxes. Their plight touched the hearts of the Christian family who, coincidentally, were

active members of the local Habitat for Humanity non-profit organisation. The Dayangku

case was brought up during their next meeting and within a mere month, it had been

decided that they would help construct a house for them. An Iban Christian, also deeply

moved by the story, immediately offered a piece of his own land for the construction of

the house.

With the 60 square metre area in Bako secured, the building project commenced. During

the weekends, people from all walks of life gathered and contributed sweat-equity labour

alongside the Dayangku family who each held a firm resolve to finally have a place of

their own. The Youth and Young Adults Groups were assigned to overseeing the daily

construction of the Dayangku's house; a task they carried out with infectious gusto. It

took some skill to manoeuvre the long planks and building materials over to the site,

everyone careful that it did not end up getting caught in the clothing lines that stood in

their paths. Personal safety was paramount and so the youths designed a more effective

system to quicken the process yet maintain its level of quality. The participants were

placed in various groups that focused on executing a certain task, the tools and buildings

materials placed in designated areas.

During the weeks that followed, they toiled under the burning sun, pausing only to

snatch a quick break before resuming. Still, every volunteer gladly lent their backs for

whatever work that was required. Timber purchased locally was used for the floor

construction. The concrete slab was constructed with hollow blocks and the house was

finished with polystyrene panels.

During this time, the Dayangku family grew more comfortable with those who came,

gradually overcoming their fear of strangers. Understanding for their diverse religious

heritage, cultural background and customs increased as did their respect for each other.

But most prominent was the friendship between Elena Dayangku and Su Ming which had

grown into something far deeper than before. The awkward moments that used to litter

their conversations had completely dispersed as they were united in a task that bonded

them and pride filled their hearts to behold the fruit of their labour; achieved together.

"Why do you do these things, Su Ming?" Elena inquired as everyone began to

congregate for the ceremony marking the completion of the house.

She smiled before giving her Elena a swift hug. "Love. We spread the love of God and

help those whom we can."

"Just love? Nothing else?" Bewilderment painted Elena's tone.

She was greeted with laughter. "Why would we need more, Elena? Is His love not

enough?" Those profound words hit Elena like a hammer as she sunk into silent

meditation. She was still mulling over the recent exchange of words as the simple

ceremony begun. "Charity is the pure love of Christ."

Though it was a simple house possessing no outstanding features, it was nonetheless

substantially better than their former thatch-roofed abode. To the shining eyes of its new

owners, it was a place they would never trade for another. The solid white walls were not

simply bricks coated with paint; rather, they saw flashes of scenes where hard work and

merriment had fused, sweet memories they would forever treasure.

A sapling was planted in the front yard of the house to mark the newly founded home,

which in turn served as a gentle reminder to the Dayangku family of the assistance that

had once been so freely and joyously given to them. They came to call the Habitat for

Humanity organisation their 'guiding light' and in return, the Dayangku family immersed

themselves into the many activities it held to assist others in erecting their own homes.

They sought to give back what they had received and the saying that true sacrifice bore

great satisfaction became something very true in their lives. It was after all, what a caring

society was all about.