Days After Earthquake, Pakistan
Written and photographed by Jyu-Shiou Ho
In the year of 2005, Pakistan faced the worst disaster in a century.
An earthquake had ruffled the peace.
At that distinct moment, their world was split up in two.
For the people buried under the rumbles, they rested in Allah’s arms peacefully, and heavenly.
For those who survived, they rolled up their sleeves with tears in their eyes and started to reclaim their fallen homes.
We, as Buddhists, entered a Muslim country.
What we saw was unlike the prejudice depicted in Hollywood movies;
instead, we were greeted with enthusiasm and kindness common to all human beings.
With limited time, we treasured the moment to deliver love and good wishes from Taiwan to every victim.
Nevertheless, our resources are limited, and all the aid and help from other counties will have to leave eventually.
Soon, the Pakistanis will need to rebuild their hometown with their own hands.
Every time I shake hands with them,
I saw courage and persistence in their eyes.
From their eyes, I saw sprits that will not be easily defeated.
I saw a determination to recover,
and I saw hope.
Postscript
In year of 2005, I joined the Tzu Chi TIMA and arrived in Pakistan after a devastating earthquake. However, people there made me felt it was like in heaven; their plain characters and innocent eyes were unforgettable to me.
The whole TIMA team developed close relationship with local victims. It also made me feel how blessed I am.
Participating in a free clinic is the happiest thing in my life because it is to give without asking for return. All we need to focus on is what we do. No other factors will come to distract our attention. There is no need to worry about compensation or odd looks from others. All you need to do is to serve the people. Either it is an overseas or local disaster, such as the 2009 Typhoon Morakot that caused severe flooding in Southern Taiwan, everyone is a unique experiences. Through the record of the photographs, I have witnessed the strength and spirit of life especially in the disaster area. In my career of medicine, I have witnessed life in its purest form and motivation.
About the Author
Jyu-Shiou Ho, graduated from Tzu Chi Medical School, is currently an anesthesiologist in Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital. Jyu-Shiou loves natures, so he often goes hiking and traveling. He also likes photography, baseball, singing and playing guitar. Jyu-Shiou started to learn photography when he was in university. After becoming a doctor, he noticed people hardly knew about the workplace.
People often think the hospital as a mysterious place. However, for the people who work in the hospital, the operating room is actually a holy place - a place to witness how doctor fight to rescue lives. He hopes to deliver these messages to others through photos and pictures. With his truth and simplicity, he often captures the most authentic moment of life. These pictures are the best media to tell each story behind the scene.