Owning a house is always a great feeling. Apart from the feeling of security and stability it provides, one can also experience a sense of belonging and joy. Thanks to Join Together Society, an international relief organisation based in Korea, a family from Nimshong village in Trongsa will finally get to know what it feels like to own a stable and secure house.
35-year-old Meto Pema, a mother of four from Nimshong village in Korphu Gewog has been living in a small, one-room makeshift house for about two decades. However, Meto, her husband, who has been sick for long time, and their children will now no longer have to endure the hardship of a rain-soaked house.
The JTS Korea, an NGO under the Jungto Society founded by Korean Buddhist master Pomnyun Sunim is building a new one-storey concrete home for Meto’s family, spending Nu 500,000. The founder met Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay in February this year. He was in Bhutan to explore projects that his organisation can support in various parts of the country.
Meto Pema said “My previous house was a makeshift hut and there was only one small room. However, since the visit of a Korean lama here, our living condition have greatly improved and my family and I are now living comfortably. I am very grateful to the lama and the team for their support. In comparison to our past life, I am now very happy to have a good house.”
The construction of the house was initiated by the district and gewog administrations. The villagers of Nimshong are contributing labour.
“There are many like her having difficulties in the village. However, we have chosen her as the beneficiary because her condition is dire. So, the organisation gave her first priority as her old house did not have proper roofing which could have caused problems during heavy rain,” said Dorji Tshewang, Nimshong Tshogpa.
Drukpola, ar esident said “I came here to help Meto because the Korean lama has generously supported her with a new home. Now, with the support of the organisation and initiative by the local government, we are constructing a proper house for her. I pray for the wellbeing of the Korean lama.”
For now, Meto and her family’s longstanding dream of having a comfortable home has come true. This new beginning has not only brought comfort and security to Meto and her family but also a renewed sense of hope and gratitude.
Pema Samdrup, Trongsa
Edited by Kipchu