My time here at St. Nicolas has given me a deeper appreciation for sight with observing how the people around me here are challenged to do simple day to day activities. At St. Nicholas they make it is easy for them to move around because of the hand railings throughout the hallways and slops to better distinguish when they have reached a different area. This facility is not only a place they call home but its a place where they can learn to read braille, weave baskets, work in the spa giving massages and learn how to be independent. Most people here know English, Chinese and Malay. Now some have been blind since birth but others have lost their sight over the years.
It breaks my heart to hear some of their stories of abandonment. Some people have been here since birth because their families considered them a burden. I can’t imagine the hurt of abandonment being added to the frustration of not being able to see. I think of what it would be like to be a blind woman, us as women like to take a look in the mirror to see what we look like before going out. These ladies can’t do that, I can only imagine the insecurities that come along with being visually impaired.
Thinking of the times I have fallen, not only does my body get a little bruised but so does my pride. I couldn’t imagine living in a world I didn’t recognize and constantly bumping into things, this would frustrate me. Im glad these people have a safe place to call home, surrounded by loving people and that accommodates their needs.
This week we took two of the older ladies to dinner. We guided their steps to a near by food court. It reminded me of training camp when we had a simulation where I had lost my sight and my teammates had to guide my steps. It made me fustrated that I couldn’t see what was ahead of me, and this was for only 10 minutes. I had to rely on my teammates to guide me around safely and in the right direction, this is what the people at St. Nicholas face everyday.
My days are spent mostly in the office doing miscellaneous things but I do get the opportunity to interact with some of the people who live here. Two ladies in particular I love spending time with, Joy and Elizabeth. Joy is very intelligent, loves to read and can carry a great conversation. Elizabeth likes make jokes and listening to Abba.
Joy (Left) and Elizabeth (Right)
Their motto here is from 2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we live by faith, not by sight.”
As we continue the race their motto is becoming more of my reality. With only one week left till we head for Thailand, I’m excited to see what else God has in store.
