Ki-tor

Few nights ago, I went out to talk to the street people to understand their plights. I have it in me to get to the core of people’s hearts, I think. Maybe those months I spend in Mt. Miriam has taught me that everyone has a story to tell and a lot to unload to caring ears.

So, there was this one man who regretted what he had done, being abandoned and living a life with a mask. I can see the red rimmed eyes but I hope it doesn’t show on the video because of the dark lighting.

After a long chat (more than the usual short, curt interview which I am supposed to do), I tried to end the session because the others are waiting for us to get to another destination.

I told him that every day has hope. We chatted in Hokkien. I told him his children and spouse may one day appear and take him back. I told him to that ‘lang ai hee bang, mai give up’ (humans must have hope, don’t give up) The Lenten theme of Keep Hope Alive flashed in my mind.

My conversation was recorded and I was holding a mike so I try not to get preachy eventhough situations like these need some heartfelt touches. I told him, “Lu pai lu eh thnee kong, khiew ee tolong lu” (you pray your heaven god and as him to help you)

Usually, Chinese here in Penang are mostly Taoists or Buddhists so the symbolic thnee kong is the highest level of their divine help. But what he said surprised me. He said, “Wa ta ta meh pun u ki-tor” (I pray every night. Ki-tor is what Christians use for pray in Hokkien)

I didn’t go into all the Jesus Christ talk because as I said, my mission was to interview for a documentary, not doing some preachy works. But I assured him that sometimes, prayers don’t get things to happen immediately but keep having hope and we never know what good things await him.

I ended by assuring him that it so happens that next Saturday (i.e. this Saturday) I am cooking and I will get my church friends to bring him nice foods. I asked him what he likes to eat and he just smiles shyly. So, I will go an extra mile if it just for him and the others I talked to. It is worth the sweat, the hardwork and the money. They told me they only get regular meals on Mon to Fri from the shelters provided by the churches but on weekends, they usually have to depend on their luck. Many of them refused begging because they are too ashame being homeless. They have dignity.

Talking about that, I haven’t done anything to raise the money. I am not worried though. How much does it costs to feed 180? God will provide.