Sunshine Organization

The weekend before last Meg and I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Sunshine Organization. We went in small groups and delivered bags of food to elderly people living in the Central district of Hong Kong.  Our group delivered bags to four individuals, three women and one man.  Three of these individuals were thrilled to see us and so happy to tell their stories.

One of the women was grief stricken.  She had lost her husband three years ago and has one daughter who never visits her.  She suffers from health problems and was so sad that she had several of us near tears.  She had a very difficult time getting around.  I was happy to hear her say that the westerners who live in her building do offer to help her frequently.

The other three individuals appeared to be in great health and none of us would have ever guessed they were as old as they were.  Each of them was very happy.  Their children visited.  One woman told us she has dinner with her son twice a week.  The only thing she was sad about was that her son and his wife don't want children so she will never be a grandmother:)  All three of these individuals told us they exercise for two hours a day.  They were all well into their eighties!  The gentleman of the group had worked at many different jobs including for an American hotel, so he spoke English.

All four people communicated with us through our group leader who spoke Cantonese.  It was so interesting to hear their stories and to see how they live.  Our group leader told me that he believes they all own the flats in which they live.  They were very simple flats, but had everything you would need.  Three of the four were quick to turn on their small air conditioners when we entered.  The woman who was so sad said she can not afford to run her air conditioner.  Therefore she keeps her windows open and has trouble with bug bites.  Three of the four have one child, however, the gentleman has six!  Very unusual for Hong Kong.  His home was filled with pictures of his children and grandchildren.  His wife passed away 20 years ago.  He was such an inspiration.  At 85 he was happy, healthy and full of life.

I would say that the biggest difference I saw between these four individuals and many of their age in the States was the exercise.  My lesson, and Meg's as well, was that it is important to exercise everyday and children should visit their parents:)  Meg promised she will always visit me.