By Vinson Theodoric | Indonesia 

Resnanda Ginting, a resident of Tanjung Selamat Village in Medan Tuntungan, North Sumatra, Indonesia, supports his family by selling sugarcane juice. Since the COVID-19 outbreak in 2019, business has become increasingly difficult, making it hard for him to sustain his family. Currently, he grows sugarcane in another person’s field, earning a meager income of 2,000 Indonesian rupiah (about USD 0.13) per sugarcane. To supplement his income, he also helps manage livestock for others. 

A Fortunate Encounter Brings Hope 

Resnanda’s family of four lives in a very simple bamboo hut. The walls were made of woven bamboo, and had many gaps, allowing rain to seep in whenever it rains. The family lived in constant fear, worrying that the rain would further damage the already dilapidated house or that a sudden strong wind could bring the structure down. 

One day, while paying the electricity bill, Resnanda met a reporter who, during their chat, introduced him to Tzu Chi. On February 4, 2024, he applied for construction assistance from the Tzu Chi Medan Branch, marking the beginning of a fateful connection. Tzu Chi volunteers soon visited his home for an on-site assessment and to offer care. 

After discussions among the volunteers, they decided to help Resnanda with the construction of a new home. On April 26, the project began, with the village head, the secretary, volunteers, and construction workers all present to initiate the work. During the estimated two-month construction period, volunteers arranged for Resnanda’s family to stay in a rented house. 

Welcoming a New Home with Love and Gratitude 

As time passed, the new blue and white house, symbolizing blue skies and white clouds, gradually took shape and was successfully completed. On June 16, thirteen volunteers brought kitchenware, tableware, and clothing to Resnanda’s new home, along with a special dish of rice for the housewarming celebrations. The town mayor and village head secretary also attended the event. In his speech, Village Head Secretary Hariono said, “On behalf of the village office and local government, we sincerely thank Tzu Chi and all the volunteers for helping one of our villagers in need by rebuilding their house.” 

During the ceremony, volunteer Tjendra Dermawan handed the keys to the new house to Resnanda, along with a bamboo bank, hoping to inspire him to cultivate kindness by contributing small amounts to help others in need, creating a cycle of love. 

The volunteers then accompanied Resnanda’s family into their new home, which includes two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom, all with ceramic floors. Deeply moved, Resnanda said, “Today, we are very happy because Tzu Chi and the volunteers have fulfilled our long-cherished dream. We finally have a safe and comfortable new home. We promise to cherish this house and share our experience with others, so more people can learn about Tzu Chi.” 

Tjendra Dermawan shared, “Resnanda’s new home is finally complete. Today, we (volunteers) are here for the handover ceremony. We are all very happy to have been able to help Resnanda’s family. Now they no longer have to worry about their house collapsing, and they can live in a safe and comfortable new home.” 

Tzu Chi’s construction project has fulfilled a dream for Resnanda’s family, and it is hoped that this new house will inspire them to always carry gratitude in their hearts. As a Jing Si Aphorism says, “Be grateful for the past, look forward to the future, and seize the present.”