For years, Hengky’s family of five lived under a roof that offered little protection from the elements. In their home in East Malay Village, Indonesia, black canvas and mismatched asbestos sheets served as walls. Faded wooden planks, patched together over time, showed the strain of age. Plastic tarps were a temporary fix for persistent leaks, and on sunny days, light streamed through the gaps in the crumbling roof, illuminating the cracked cement floor below.

The 37.5-square-meter house, a legacy from Hengky’s parents, was home to him, his wife Liesah Maytika, and their three children: 17-year-old Helshenky, 9-year-old Helvanky, and 7-year-old Helvelinsui. The living room doubled as a bedroom, and the kitchen was connected to the only bathroom. It was a precarious existence, but it was all they had.

A Life of Hard Work and a Hidden Hope

Hengky works as a day laborer, taking on any job he can find, from house repairs to other temporary tasks. "If there's no house repair work that day, I'll help at home," he shared while bundling plastic ropes, a task that earns his family the equivalent of about US$0.40 per bundle. "If someone calls me for help tomorrow, I'll rush over. I just hope to have some income every day."

Through his work, Hengky became familiar with Tzu Chi's home rebuilding projects in his area. He had been part of the crew that helped construct new, sturdy homes for other families in need. While he worked, he quietly held onto a personal wish: that one day, his own family might receive the same help. When he learned that volunteers were planning to rebuild his house, his joy was immense. "Wow! I'm so happy," he exclaimed. "I used to help fix other people's houses, and now it's finally my family's turn!"

The journey began on January 18, 2025. After a scholarship distribution event at the nearby Bodhisatta School, volunteers asked a local lay Buddhist missionary, Budi, if he knew of any other families needing assistance. He immediately thought of Hengky.

"After the event at the school, we went straight to Hengky's house to assess the situation," recalled volunteer Tony. "We all agreed that this house truly needed to be rebuilt."

A Community's Response

With the project approved, the community quickly came together. Tony reached out to his colleagues and supervisors, many of whom are also Tzu Chi volunteers. What started as an initiative by three people soon grew. "Suryanto suggested that since it's a good deed, we should let more people participate and plant their own seeds of goodness," Tony said. "We shared the message in our small groups, and the response was enthusiastic. Everyone pitched in."

On March 1, nine volunteers arrived to help dismantle the old house. Hengky worked alongside them, a broad smile on his face. As they cleared out furniture and tore down the weathered walls, his wife Liesah watched with tears in her eyes. "I feel both sad and happy," she said. "We've been through so much here—floods, leaks, and all the memories of the children growing up."

Throughout the construction, Hengky was a constant presence on-site. His dedication was a show of gratitude and a desire to see the project completed quickly. Even after the paid workers went home at 5 p.m., he would stay behind, tidying up and preparing for the next day, sometimes working as late as 9 p.m.

A New Chapter in a Sturdy Home

On April 12, 2025, the new house was officially handed over to the family. Standing in front of their solid brick home, Hengky and Liesah were beaming. The fear of rain and floods was finally gone, replaced by a sense of security.

"It's so moving, it feels like a dream," Liesah said, her voice filled with emotion. "Is this really my house? Compared to the old, dilapidated wooden hut, this is a solid brick house. It's a world of difference. Thank you to Tzu Chi Indonesia Sinar Mas Heqi, Budi, and all the kind people who helped us."

During the handover ceremony, volunteers lit two red candles, a symbolic gesture to mark the beginning of a new life and new hope for the family. The simple act represented a collective wish for a brighter future.

"This house is not just a shelter from the wind and rain; it's a starting point for nurturing love and hope," said volunteer Ertin Tanuwandi, offering his blessings. "We hope that in this new home, Hengky and his family can begin a new chapter and embrace a more promising future. This is my hope, and the hope of all of us."

Written by Surono

Source: 昔日幫別人修繕房子 如今自家終獲得慈濟援建