We went to the Red Cross Home for the Severely Disabled on the 9th of August 2003 to participate in the National Day Seva. Sai Centre, Telok Blangah was very kind to invite our SSEHV students from Sai Centre, Katong.

When I reached the home I was really happy to see such an inviting atmosphere, filled with love, care and laughter. I was immediately encouraged and I really wanted to do my part in brightening up the day of at least one of the residents there, if not more.

As I was assigned to the games section with several other SSEHV students, I mingled with the residents when they came to play games. I really had a lot of fun as they showed a lot of enthusiasm in playing the games we had prepared for them. We also blew soap bubbles for them and there was one young resident who enjoyed it a lot. All she wanted was for someone to blow the bubbles for her. Then I thought, why not teach her so that she could blow the bubbles for herself and multiply her happiness. I thought it would take some time but to my surprise, she learnt it very fast and then, she did not want me to blow bubbles for her anymore. She wanted to blow them on her own! I was very happy and I could see she was too!

I spent time with autistic children also as they came to play some of the games. Some of them did not want to play for various reasons. Perhaps like they did not like the game or the noise around them was too loud. When we came across situations like these, we asked the other SSEHV student sevadals assigned to take care of them, to take them out for a walk. With Swami's Grace, this made them feel better, and some even came back to play the games!

Overall, I can say that I really enjoyed myself at the home and I look forward to going there again. If I were at home, I would have just spent National Day in my house watching television. So I am really thankful for being given this opportunity to make others smile. For those who missed out on all the fun we had this year, don't miss it next year because it is really worthwhile.

As Swami says, “Hands That Serve Are Holier Than Lips That Pray”.

Thank you Swami for giving us this wonderful opportunity!

Om Sai Ram

Sis Anuja
SSEHV Group 4