"Due to the situation at home, I have to work. All the money I earn goes back to the family, not for my personal use," said Bharsa -- with a hint of helplessness but also a strong determination. She is 21 years old and graduated from the Tzu Chi sewing class. She now works in a community sewing workshop to support her family.

Volunteers from Singapore and Malaysia Tzu Chi are working to uplift Buddha's homeland – Lumbini in Nepal. They are helping poor people find ways to increase their household income.

After six months of learning, the first group of women from the sewing class graduated in May 2023; Bharsa was one of the first graduates from the advanced sewing class.

Wish to Rebuild Home

On June 25th, volunteers conducted home visits to understand better the family situation of each sewing class graduate. When they arrived at Bharsa's home, they found a vast piece of land co-owned by her father, Ram Lakhan Chaudhary, and his four brothers. Each family had an equally sized plot of land and built their own houses according to their financial ability. Bharsa's home was situated in the middle; its roof was on the verge of collapsing due to a lack of cement support. Without a proper gate, volunteers had to stoop to enter through the brick walls to reach her home.

Inside, the scene was heart-wrenching -- kitchenware scattered on the floor and a single rope holding the family's clothes. With her family of five, Bharsa lived in this humble mud house. Her situation was typical of the majority of disadvantaged families in Lumbini.

In July, Bharsa received her first sewing income; she planned to combine it with her father's earnings as a tuk tuk driver to fund house repairs. However, relying solely on their limited income sources, they would need at least four months to gather enough funds for cement repairs. Bharsa was determined to fulfill her wish sooner.

"During the home visit, Sister Wang Yi Chen (王綺楨) discovered that she was the neediest among the sewing class students," said Construction Team volunteer Teoh Paik Lim (張栢林). This led the team to plan and assist Bharsa in achieving her dream.

Blueprint of a New Home

On July 26th, volunteer Maniron arrived at Bharsa's home with villagers participating in a cash-for-work program and ready to dismantle the old house. Given the close proximity of the neighboring houses, the demolition required careful handling to avoid damaging them.

After obtaining the brothers' consent, the volunteers cautiously removed portions of the walls and collectively brought down the entire mud house, leveling it to the ground. However, how to efficiently plan the layout within the limited space became a challenge for the Construction Team.

"The land division is clear, and we aim to maximize the use of the house. Where should we place the windows and corridors? I want to ensure it has more space without encroaching on another brother's home," said Teoh Paik Lim as he sketched the blueprint for the new house, a hope deeply cherished by Bharsa's family.

"Before this, I was very distressed because I bore the responsibility of taking care of the family until you resolved our housing problems," Ram Lakhan said as he watched the house being demolished. Through the volunteers' efforts, he witnessed the swift transformation into a new cement house. His heart was filled with mixed emotions as he shared his feelings with the volunteers.

Best Housewarming Gift

The challenge of swiftly erecting a new home on the leveled ground had occupied Teoh Paik Lim. It was during the previous year's rainy season, while assisting villagers in constructing a community learning center and kindergarten, that he realized the need for a production area to prepare components before on-site assembly.

"I thought: why not create a production line next to the Tzu Chi Center? Many tasks could be completed and save both space and time," pondered Teoh Paik Lim, who always had the villagers' best interests at heart. Providing the best and most thoughtful solutions was his personal commitment.

On the morning of July 28th, the construction team transported preassembled modular house components to Bharsa's home. As time passed, the outline of the new dwelling came clear on the rectangular cement ground.

With sweat pouring, they continued working through the sweltering afternoon. Malaysian volunteer Wu Yi Rong (吳儀榮) aimed to complete the roof so that Bharsa's family could move in that night, avoiding potential rain. Indeed, later that evening, a heavy downpour arrived, but Bharsa's family already had their new, rainproof home.

On the 29th, volunteers returned to Bharsa's home for final installations, including doors and windows, followed by painting. Ram Lakhan enthusiastically joined the painting work; he frequently smiled joyfully. Volunteers shared in the family's happiness, knowing that they finally had a safe home. This was the fourth home repaired by the Construction Team under the Home-Rebuilding Project in Lumbini.

"All the problems we faced in the rain have finally been resolved. I feel so happy," Bharsa said happily, her once helpless expression replaced by a radiant smile. Her father, Ram Lakhan, expressed gratitude: "Thanks to Tzu Chi Foundation for building our house. We are all so happy!"

Through the collective efforts of the volunteer team, Bharsa's new home now has a different look. Volunteers handed the keys to Ram Lakhan, capturing a memorable group photo. Smiles all around were the best gift -- heartwarming and touching.

A Jing Si Aphorism says: “Serving others without reluctance and putting in hard work can bring a sense of peace and joy without seeking future rewards.”

Join Tzu Chi. Let us spread warmth to the world.

Story by Wang Yi Chen, Cheah Chen Yee,Wang Ying Xiu, Goh Lam Kia, Wang Yu Chan, Liao Yue Hong