On July 21, 2023, prompted by a report from a local villager, a group of volunteers from Singapore, Malaysia, and the local community came together to construct a warm home for Bhavachi Kurmi, an elderly and destitute woman living in the village of Lumbini, Nepal.

The construction effort was led by Malaysian building team volunteers, Teoh Paik Lim (張柏林) and Chuan Yeong Ming (莊永銘). They meticulously measured the dimensions. Then they dismantled the old lady’s dilapidated and unstable mud hut, and collectively built a secure dwelling according to her preferences. This project fostered a spirit of mutual aid and benevolence within the community.

Home with Canvas Roof

Bhavachi Kurmi’s old home had a dilapidated roof, and only a piece of canvas given by a neighbor to provide a makeshift shelter from the rain; it had only one intact wall left. This was what the volunteers saw when they saw for the first time her "home". Seated nearby, her small, dark, frail figure and vacant eyes stirred deep compassion among the volunteers and prompted an immediate decision to ensure she would have a proper home.

Sixty years old, Bhavachi Kurmi lost her husband five years ago and lacks the ability to work. Fortunately, the support of her neighbors, providing rice and food, has sustained her.

Next to her home is a small plot of land; but, due to her advanced age, physical decline, and prolonged malnutrition, she can no longer cultivate it. She hesitated to let others cultivate it because she feared loss of ownership. Furthermore, without an identification number, she was unable to access any social welfare support; this has left her reliant on the assistance of her fellow villagers.

Rising from a Foundation of Bricks: A Testament to Unity

Drawing from their extensive disaster relief experience, Teoh Paik Lim and Chuan Yeong Ming took personal charge of planning the reconstruction of the new home. Teoh meticulously measured furniture dimensions, while Chuan ensured Bhavachi's food needs were met. On July 20th, volunteers assisted in relocating Bhavachi's belongings, dismantling the dilapidated mud walls, and laying a foundation of bricks.

Under the bright sun on July 21st, the building team volunteers and local care recipients constructed the new house. Slowly but surely, a modest abode emerged from the ground up. Bhavachi's radiant smile mirrored the shared joy of her fellow villagers. The volunteers hope that this act of kindness will inspire the community to stand together in times of need and leave a legacy of compassion. Captured in timeless photographs, the event stands as an enduring testament, a moment that reflects a radiant day in history.

A New Home: Village Helps Village

On July 22nd, a touching housewarming ceremony was held by Tzu Chi volunteers for Bhavachi Kurmi's new home. They brought food, supplies, and more to celebrate her new beginning. Dr. Tang Kiat Beng (陳吉民) and the volunteers diligently cleaned the floor, arranged the bed, and hung mosquito nets. They meticulously adorned the new house.

Villagers gathered, to share in the joyful atmosphere and witness the kind deeds of the volunteers. Curious about others facing similar challenges, the volunteers made inquiries; they learnt that Bhavachi was the only person enduring such hardship. The villagers have displayed a strong sense of mutual care, especially for her. Local volunteer Tulsi Narayan Matang expressed his happiness; he said he hoped the community would unify further in mutual support, to spread love and concern.

In the Warm Sunshine, Love Before the Rainy Season

Amidst the gentle warmth of the sun, volunteers filled Bhavachi Kurmi's new home with heartfelt touches. Wang Yu Ｃhan (王渝嬋) skillfully painted a cheerful sun, now a symbol of the house; on another wall, a lifelike rural scene carried heartfelt blessings. At the entrance, Malacca volunteer Ng Yee Yung (吳儀榮) wrote "Speak kind words, think good thoughts, walk the righteous path", reminding people to cultivate goodness and leave a lasting impression.

Led by volunteer Teoh Paik Lim, the building team spent over a week in Lumbini assisting three vulnerable families with makeshift homes; they radiated warmth. His determination to honor Bhavachi's wish for an orange-colored house brought a precious smile on Bhavachi's face. He heartily affirmed: "Doing the right thing is always right!" This opportunity inspired Teoh Paik Lim to encourage others, to improve together the living conditions of the villagers.

On leaving Bhavachi's home, the construction team moved on to the next destination, carefully assessing the needs of another villager's home. With genuine dedication, they raced against time, to provide secure shelters for villagers before the rainy season arrives.

If we do nothing useful, our life will pass by in vain. But if we keep working for the betterment of mankind, ours will be a great life.

Join Tzu Chi. Let us spread Great Love to the needy.

Story by Wang Qi Zhen, Wu Hsiu Lin, and Goh Lam Kia