An old man brought a nail clipper

After winter, the warm sunshine shines all over the rehabilitation center☀️, and the patients all gather together to chat🍵. An old man who was infected with leprosy and had a missing foot uses nail clippers to trim the nails of an old man with infected hands💗

Thousands of years ago, the wise man said: "You should love each other"🤗

Today, the editor sees the truth, goodness and beauty of loving each other💖💕

Nostalgia for Home

Grandpa Jiang arrived at the leprosy sanatorium in 1954 and is the only survivor of the first group that came here. At the sanatorium, they often talked about their childhood, about the mountains and waters of their homeland, about the people and things, vaguely feeling their nostalgia for home. After discussing it as a group, the sisters decided to help them fulfill this wish. After multiple coordinations, Grandpa Jiang finally saw his longing realized: returning home to briefly reunite with his loved ones and see the landscapes of his childhood once again.

It has been 70 years since he left his home!

70 years that finally froze on March 24, 2024. Today, with a clear sky and a gentle breeze, the sun shines, and the sky also rejoices at the return of Grandpa Jiang. At eight in the morning, his nephew and grandson came to pick him up by car to take him back, and they will return to the sanatorium three days later at noon. Although it was only three days, the elderly man felt completely satisfied and full of happiness.

Today is the second day of his return, and the elderly man is still radiant and full of energy, talking with other elders about what he has seen and heard at home: the old houses have been demolished, there are only apartment buildings, the road is right at the main entrance, there is a school, and you can also hear someone running and playing a trumpet; I thought it was an army, but I was told it’s recruits in training (recruit training camp).

As a volunteer, seeing the satisfied smile of the elderly man, I also feel deeply satisfied.

The value of service lies in this.

Left Image: Elderly Jiang suffered disabilities in his face, hands, and feet due to leprosy infection.

Right Image: The relatives of Elderly Jiang take him back home to alleviate his nostalgia.

The volunteers prepared things to eat

Volunteers made vegetable and meat buns to share with everyone.

The Leprosy survivors held them in their hands and warmed 

their hearts.

New clothes for leprosy survivors

 

On January 1, 2025

New Year Day

Leprosy survivors were all delighted 

after putting on the new clothes sent  by their benefactor 

Scenes of Christmas celebrations

Scenes of Christmas Celebrations in various leprosy rehabilitation centers

Growing up in service

Let me share the last little story: Life is about being encouraged and growing from challenges and pressures

Thanks again to the volunteers and recovered persons for relying on the power of hope to face everything in life

In the month of gratitude, we will share six short stories written by volunteers serving the "Matteo Ricci Social Service" and recovered patients living in leprosy rehabilitation homes. The theme is "Matteo Ricci Social Service". "Growing up in service" - an invisible and infinite force unites their hearts.

Welcome everyone to experience the story of growing up in the big family of RSS

Life is about being encouraged and growing from challenges and pressures

Thinking back to ten years ago, when I first came to the rehabilitation center, I was always so stupid. After a few months, I felt stressed because I always asked others for advice. I even thought about becoming a deserter. At this time, I received great encouragement from the team and affirmed my work: no one is worse than others.

Later, all the recovered patients were physically disabled and mentally strong, and their lives also affected me, especially when I was unwell.

In the past ten years, challenges and pressures have continued to arise. Fortunately, with the continuous improvement of services, there are also various kinds of help, both in terms of material and learning, and I have also jumped into the challenge together.

 

Christmas Card 2024

Blessings to Dear Friends of Ricci Social Services,

Merry Christmas 🎄and Happy New Year 🎇2024!!