'my experience' from Dhevia Kalyana Sundram

The 25th of April marked our 3rd session at Tengku Budriah. It had been 3 weeks since we had last seen the kids. I couldn't help but miss the racket, laughter and smiles.

This is extremely delayed and was really meant for after the 4th. Nevertheless: A BIG THANK YOU TO our lovely MS. SHARON! Our second session wouldn't have been possible without your encouragement, support and baking expertise! The cupcakes were most definitely a success. I'm sure everyone would agree that it wouldn't have been easy putting up with 6 teenagers who conveniently forgot to bring along toiletries. 6 teenagers who had to be marched off to the showers and who had appetites of grown men. Thank you for having us over, we had the absolute best time!on behalf of the cupcakes, bucketfuls of LOVE to you mommy sharon! :D

Thumbs up to chaiwallah for a smooth-running session. Job well done guys. Pointers we can all most certainly learn from.

The children of Tengku Budriah have moved me in many ways. The lesson this week proved to be highly useful in allowing the children to open up to us even more; love conquers all. Whilst talking to one child in particular, i noticed that he had a mark on his wrist, what i assumed to be a souvenir from an accident. Unfortunately, my guess was wrong. Upon questioning him, he explained that it was because of abuse. Pain that he had endured because of his father. To be honest, i felt a certain hatred for the man. Who would do that to a child, their own flesh and blood? I could not bring myself to condone such an action, whatever the circumstances may have been.

Curiously, i asked him if he was angry with his father and whether the person who caused him such distress was forgiven. his answer, YES. i asked him if he loved his father. his genuine, heartfelt answer, "YA, SAYA MASIH SAYANG AYAH." I felt the tears welling up. Determined not to let him see me cry, i sent him off to return his journal.

While relating the incident to a fellow Cupcake, i started to sob. The little boy came back and i'm sure was horror stricken to see a kakak crying. I convinced him it was nothing but dust in my eyes. This child was selfless and forgiving. Half of which most of us fail to be. The lesson may have taught him well but the generosity he had, was innate. I secretly feel downright ashamed of myself. Reminiscing the endless occasions where i blamed everything on a bad day or mood.

Despite having gone through so much, not once had i seen him sulk or throw a tantrum. He is, by my standards one of the most cheerful, polite children i have met. his parting words to me were written in his journal for he still is somewhat shy. "Saya sangat gembira hari ini. Saya akan tunggu sehingga kakak balik lagi."

A simple gesture that put a smile on my face and reminded me of how the exhaustion i felt was more than worthwhile. I feel privileged to have met this child. I will always be proud of him. We speak of angels roaming the earth all the time. He may just be one of them.

Who says angels don't come in miniature, beautiful packages? My best wishes to that little boy. He will, without a doubt grow up to be an admirable man. GOD BLESS.

Signing off with more thank yous to everyone involved in madu. I couldn't be happier spending every other Saturday running around and doing the chicken dance :)

Dhevia Kalyana Sundram, 08J7.