The SABM Special Events group revisits the Jinjang Utara transit homes. A first person account by Ruth, who recently joined the team

Giunavathi: The strength of a woman – laughter despite fears.

We were enthusiastically ushered into the tiny dwelling that is home to a couple, Thamotharan and Giunavathi, who regard themselves as the parents of 15 children. This is despite their having lost four of them – three miscarriages and a premature birth that sadly ended in death the same day itself.

It was evident they loved their children, but I could not help but wonder why they chose to have that many.

The youngest of the children, Uwaraani Thamotharan, is a very recent addition, born prematurely on Oct 23, 2009. She has yet to be discharged from the KL General Hospital as she is very much underweight.

The year 2009 has been marked the United Nations International Year of Reconciliation. Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia is making poverty its main theme for reconciliation, given that government figures and the reality on the ground do not quite match. The SABM Special Events Working Group files its observations

Location: Jinjang North

When you're down – in what seems like forever – you don't curl up and die. You fight harder. You also love harder. Some souls in Jinjang Utara will simply tell you that.

Gan Poh Poh and Kak Leha will tell you first-hand that poverty isn't fun. No fun wondering about grim prospects, three square meals, their children's future, and the leaks in their roof. But they are fine examples of loving thy neighbor.

Both live with their families in the Perumahan Awam Jinjang Utara, a community of citizens resettled from around Kuala Lumpur during the 80s such as Sentul Pasar, Pekeliling Flats, and Kepong.