"We set off early in the morning, taking two transfers and traveling for over two hours. After seeing the doctor, we had to hurry back to the refugee camp to report in. For the sake of my daughter's health, I will never give up. I will go to any place, no matter how far," said the father of Mayram with a weathered face, as he repeatedly expressed his gratitude to the Tzu Chi volunteers of Jordan. The love of parents knows no bounds, and deeply touched everyone present.

The volunteers regularly organize medical clinics for Syrian refugees in Mafraq. On May 26, 2023, led by Chen Chiu-Hua, Executive Director of the Jordan Chapter, a team of 46 medical professionals set off from Amman. Despite the threat of a sandstorm, their hearts were full of love as they arrived at Huweyja village. The medical team consisted of over 15 doctors from six specialties, including dentistry, cardiology, otolaryngology, internal medicine, surgery, and orthopedics. They provided medical consultations to 565 patients.

Large-Scale Medical Outreach Transforms Life

Due to its proximity to the Syrian border, Mafraq has seen a massive influx of refugees. Syrians living there have endured years of poverty and continue to face hardship in their daily lives.

In this barren land, many children suffer from broken bones and congenital conditions such as osteogenesis imperfecta, which require surgical intervention. The unsanitary living conditions and contaminated food and water often lead to cysts in the liver, lungs, and kidneys. With their parents unable to afford the cost of surgery, these families desperately seek assistance from charitable organizations.

"The Tzu Chi large-scale medical outreach is like a ray of hope for those living in pain. They see Tzu Chi as a lifeline, a beacon of hope for survival," explained a volunteer, to show the importance of a medical outreach in the Mafraq region. It aims to provide medical care to residents of the refugee camps and extend its services to impoverished families in need, regardless of their nationality. If the volunteers find more serious medical conditions, they arrange for further examinations and surgical treatment in the hospitals of Amman, the capital.

Mayram, a twelve-year-old Syrian girl with a pure appearance, should have enjoyed a carefree childhood. However, the ravages of war  brought her and her family to the Azraq refugee camp. Eight years ago, she suffered an ankle sprain from a fall; it was left untreated. Improper healing caused her feet afflicted with clubfoot to become deformed and distorted.

In addition to her foot condition, Mayram also struggles with hearing loss in both ears. Her devoted father is unwilling to give up on any opportunity: "We live in the refugee camp with limited access to medical resources. When we heard about Tzu Chi's medical outreach in Huweyja village, we set off early in the morning." Under the care of Dr. Hakim, a Syrian otolaryngologist, Mayram received a thorough examination and was later scheduled for further assessments in Amman.

After seeing the doctor, they had to race against time to make it back to the refugee camp before the 3:30 PM curfew. With their daughter receiving medical treatment and a glimmer of hope for her future, her father sincerely expressed his gratitude to the volunteers, finding sweetness even in their hardships.

Legacy of Love: Wholehearted Dedication in Service

In preparation for this medical outreach, colleagues and volunteers diligently planned and organized the event a month in advance. This included confirming the number of doctors and volunteers, spreading information about the outreach, registering patients, creating medical records and medication forms, preparing medications, inspecting dental equipment, looking for locations and arranging transportation — the tasks tested everyone involved.

Since the last medical outreach in Mafraq in July 2022, residents had been eagerly anticipating Tzu Chi's return for nearly a year. The number of registered patients seeking appointments soared to a remarkable 453.

The location chosen for the outreach, Huweyja village, held special meaning for the volunteers. The villagers, fellow Syrian refugees who had also received assistance, have been deeply influenced by Tzu Chi's humanistic values. They understood that giving means more than monetary contributions—it extends to serving others with your own abilities, however modest. As a result, both adults and children enthusiastically assisted in setting up the venue and organizing logistics.

Within the medical team, many were the children or relatives of volunteers themselves. For instance, Dr. Michelle Madani, a Jordanian internist, is the nephew of volunteer pharmacist Abeer Madani. Pharmacy student Mohammad Roz, from Syria, is the son of volunteer Mohammad Kheir Alrozz. Additionally, in the medical examination team, there were four Syrian mother-daughter duos from the Tzu Xin House. The Tzu Xin House is a place set up by Tzu Chi in the suburbs of Amman to provide shelter for single Syrian refugee mothers and orphans.

Many children, nurtured by love amidst hardship, thrive and grow through education. As they become stronger, they walk alongside their parents and elders on the path of helping others. Within the medical outreach, they wholeheartedly contribute their skills and expertise to assist their fellow countrymen. They have changed from receiving to giving aid, repaying kindness with love.

Medical Team Gives with Gratitude

Under the scorching sun, amidst the yellow sand and blue sky, the waiting area inside the tent seemed endless, filled with a crowd of people. Nevertheless, the villagers patiently followed the procedures, displaying a remarkable sense of cooperation.

A young patient sat on the examination chair; she barely concealed her nervousness. The gentle and reassuring demeanor of the physician eased her apprehension, allowing her to open her mouth and cooperate with the treatment. The dental team of nine, from doctors to assistants, worked tirelessly, their hands constantly in motion. Dr. Arwaa Alshayb, a Syrian dentist, sincerely expressed her gratitude: "I'm delighted to participate in Tzu Chi's medical outreach today. Being in Mafraq and helping many patients in need of treatment, I am grateful to Tzu Chi."

In refugee camps without medical care, the residents have no choice but to endure their physical ailments. As time passes, their conditions often worsen beyond the doctors' imagination. This deeply saddened Dr. Mohammad Hamzawi, a compassionate Syrian orthopedic surgeon. He said: "Today, at the Mafraq outreach, I witnessed many patients with severe and rare diseases. My heart aches, but I'm also grateful to Tzu Chi for bringing us here to help them.”

"Today, we saw over 200 patients, and I'm grateful to Tzu Chi for giving me this opportunity to treat them and create karmic connections. I hope Tzu Chi can help in their treatment. I'm grateful to Master Cheng Yen (founder of Tzu Chi)," said Dr. Hakim, a Syrian ENT specialist; he was constantly busy attending to a never-ending stream of patients. Regardless of the overwhelming number, his mind remained eager to give.

With simple instruments, Dr. Hakim Khader examined each patient carefully; he listened to their stories and assisted those who needed referrals to Amman. He devoted himself wholeheartedly, hoping to fulfill the compassionate aspirations of Dharma Master Cheng Yen, to alleviate their suffering and bring love into the world, and illuminate the darkness.

Feel happiness and make others happy

In a free clinic, a professional medical team provides services to patients. Working with them, the volunteer team is also indispensable.

Leen, a 22-year-old volunteer from Jordan, is a university graduate and  daughter of the compassionate volunteer, Said Qaytoka. The spirit of Tzu Chi and compassion have already deeply touched her heart. Today, she specially invited three friends to join her in giving back.

At the venue, they could be seen wearing volunteer vests, guiding patients to the examination rooms. They designed group activities and led the children in the refugee camp in playing games; they filled the air with laughter and bright smiles. They also painted faces, making each child unique. The joy and amazement on their faces erased momentarily the difficulties in their lives, allowing them to spend a happy day. What was even more remarkable was that, at the call of Leen and her friends, the children picked up large plastic bags and start cleaning up the garbage, making the most beautiful scene during the event.

"We are grateful for being able to participate in today's free clinic. We have learned a lot and had a very rewarding day. Thank you!" Leen expressed her gratitude while never forgetting her purpose. The warmth in her eyes behind the mask remained unwavering.

Khadijah, a teacher from Syria, serves as the important link for the Tzu Chi Foundation and Al-Hawija village. She has been devoted to the well-being, health, and education of refugees, regularly organizing free clinics in Mafraq to alleviate their suffering and provide medical assistance. She has witnessed their long and arduous journey and has gradually understood that long-lasting love and compassion stem from the teachings of the Master. She encourages herself: "When there is an opportunity to contribute, we must bravely take on the responsibility. Learn by doing, awaken through learning."

"Human life is precious, health is precious, enlightened teachers are precious, wisdom is precious. All Tzu Chi volunteers are blessed." Observing the villagers expressing gratitude repeatedly for being relieved of their illnesses, the volunteers once again realized how blessed they themselves are. They realize that they are already fortunate and must work even harder to bring happiness to others. As the sun sets, they eagerly anticipate the reunion of love and gratitude.

A Jing Si Aphorism says: “An enlightened life means knowing how to give and create blessings.”

Join Tzu Chi. Let us accomplish meaningful deeds together.

Story by Lamiya Lin and Xiu-lin Wu from Jordan