Thursday, February 19, 2004
Visit to the ward
Today, a journalist from SPH came to do an interview with a volunteer who cuts the hair of the patients at IMH. And for the first time since I started work, I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the wards where the patients are staying at. Naturally, I was really nervous, not knowing what to expect or how to react.
Well, the wards are very hospital-like...with rows of beds. Only difference is, the windows are all fitted with strong iron grills and the doors leading to the wards are always locked. As I walked towards the ward, I could see many of the patients looking at me through the glass panels on the door. Ha...you can imagine how uneasy I felt and how closely I followed my colleague.
I didn't get to enter the ward because the interview took place in a separate room. So two by two, the patients would be ushered in for their haircut. The wards are separated into females and males, and we were at the female ward.
And as I sat there observing, my fear slowly became sadness. Seeing how these people have so little idea of what's going on around them. Although they were adults, they acted like little kids. My heart really goes out to them...Hmmm...It's quite difficult to put my feelings and thoughts into words right now. I was really feel with an overwhelming mixture of reactions. Perhaps once I get my thoughts sorted out, I'll post them online again.
But for now, I just want to say that I'm grateful to be given this experience today. This will not be the last time that I'm going to the wards. In fact, I'll be visiting again next week as I do my orientation tour. And ya...wow...I'm truly learning and experiencing so much more than I've imagined. It's amazing how God works...
Posted by Jo at 6:23 PM
