Hsiu-lin Wu, Lamiya Lin | Jordan

"This area requires at least two dental outreaches every year because the demand is simply overwhelming!" In Jordan, Dr. Amjad Othman and Tzu Chi volunteers traveled together to the remote and impoverished desert area of Abasiya. Deeply caring for the people with limited access to medical resources, he hopes to offer as much help as possible.

Hardships in the Desert

Abasiya, near the Port of Aqaba in southern Jordan, is 273 kilometers from Amman. Apart from supporting Syrian refugees in Jordan, local Tzu Chi volunteers have also long been providing care to Bedouin nomads who often face even harsher living conditions in near-primitive circumstances, like those in the Abasiya tent settlement.

Tzu Chi has supported the Abasiya tent settlement since February 2002, organizing large-scale distributions twice a year during Ramadan and winter, providing essentials like rice, sugar, beans, and oil. Every August, they distribute school bags and stationery. Since November 2017, Chiou-hwa Chen, CEO of Tzu Chi Jordan, secured funding from Tzu Chi’s headquarters in Taiwan to cover breakfast and classroom gas expenses for the children. Furthermore, the long-standing scholarship program for impoverished students since 2009 has yielded success stories such as Mohammad Almanajaa. In 2022, he attained a score of 95 for his university entrance exam, allowing him to enter university to study accounting. His story success continues to inspire children in the desert.

"It is an honor to join everyone in these meaningful activities. It's wonderful to have Tzu Chi in both Taiwan and Jordan!" said Ali Yang, the representative of the Commercial Office of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Dedicated to humanitarian aid, Yang frequently participates in Tzu Chi activities and is deeply grateful to Chiou-hwa Chen for sharing the relief efforts of Tzu Chi's Jordan. Representative Yang emphasized emotionally that in the harsh and desolate deserts of the Middle East, Tzu Chi's hard work has transformed many barren deserts into compassionate oases. Their boundless love has awakened the spirit of compassion in the hearts of many Arabs.

Patiently Awaiting Assistance

On June 24, four days before the medical outreach, Dr. Amjad Othman and his team visited the Tzu Chi Jordan office to check dental equipment and medications. Pharmacist Mohammad Roz, son of volunteer Mohamed Khir Alriz, played a key role in inventory and organization, ensuring everything was meticulously prepared.

Dr. Amjad Othman, chairman of the Jordan Dental Association, also coordinates emergency dental care for Jordan's Ministry of Health. Known for his compassion, he and his medical team provide free treatments in refugee camps. For residents without teeth, Dr. Amjad submits requests to Tzu Chi. With approval from Chiou-hwa Chen, Tzu Chi provides removable dentures, enhancing the care offered to those in need.

Due to the long journey, the volunteers and medical team set out at noon on June 27 and spent the night in the Wadi Rum desert area to ensure they’d have a full day to provide their medical services. For the three volunteers transporting dental equipment on the same day of the clinic, they had to leave Amman at 3:30 am to meet the team in time.

Residents in this area, assisted by Tzu Chi over the years, regard each other like family despite the harsh desert living conditions. Though life is challenging, they warmly welcome Tzu Chi volunteers, grateful for their sincere efforts. Despite the many challenges volunteers must overcome for these medical outreaches, the team persists, knowing that deep in the desert, people await eagerly for their help.

Smiles Etched in the Heart

"In the remote Abasiya region of southern Jordan, regular access to medical services is scarce. Tzu Chi's dental missions provide immense support to local residents." Several dental team members took leave from their clinics to join this mission, driven by a sincere desire to serve impoverished patients. They offer treatments such as fillings, extractions, and root canals, as well as oral health education, experiencing the joy of selfless giving and reaping abundant rewards.

"Today, we're in a very impoverished area far from Amman, where medical care is usually insufficient. We're here with Tzu Chi to serve them," said Dr. Amjad, who brought his son and daughter, both dental assistants, to participate in the mission. Filled with love, he hopes to nurture his children's gratitude and compassion through this activity.

Some patients require follow-up treatment in Amman hospitals. Dr. Amjad deeply appreciates Tzu Chi's provision of transportation and medical expenses, making healthcare accessible and improving their health.

Father-son volunteers, Mohamad Khir Alriz and his pharmacist son Mohammad Roz, expressed the significance of today's Abasiya medical outreach. "Their lives are very challenging, and they lack access to doctors. Tzu Chi's dental team is here to alleviate their pain and to wish them good health."

"Tzu Chi has long cared for the Abasiya area, including the educational needs of children. Today, we're providing dental services, continuing our mission," said Khader Khalifa, a volunteer busy at the registration area. He helps verify identities and introduces patients to Tzu Chi, sharing Master Cheng Yen's teachings. He hopes that by promoting dental health, locals can focus more on their education.

Leading the team through countless missions, Chiou-hwa Chen emphasizes, "We are grateful to Master Cheng Yen for creating the Tzu Chi world, allowing dental teams to serve in the Abasiya tent area for over 22 years, easing dental suffering." Despite the fatigue from consecutive days of travel, he admires the young doctors' compassionate dedication and praises the chief's selflessness for his people. He humbly adds, "We should learn from them. The dental team, full of positive energy, is amazing!"

Through everyone's efforts, the weathered faces of the desert's suffering elderly no longer grimace in pain from life-threatening dental issues, but beam with smiles—the team's greatest comfort. These heartfelt moments of joy strengthen everyone's resolve as they continue forward on their journey.