The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.109)

Myanmar Mainland China Thailand Mon State Kayin State Yangon Region Bago Region Andaman Sea Laos Bangladesh India Tzu Chi’s post-flood relief in Myanmar July – August 2018 Incessant torrential rain flooded more than ten provinces in the central and southern regions of Myanmar. 340,000 people were affected and the crops, which could be harvested in November, were destroyed. September 2018 The local Agricultural Department sought help from Tzu Chi.Volunteers fromMyanmar, Malaysia andTaiwan arrived at Bago, Yangon, Mon, Kayin, and other affected areas for disaster survey. It was learnt that the farmers, who acquired loans from government or private corporations for the purchase of their rice seeds, were in debt with their crops destroyed, and had difficulty purchasing new seeds and fertilizers to resume their farming. Besides, their farmland might be revoked if they failed to settle their loans. October – November 2018 Tzu Chi distributed mung bean seeds to the affected farmers, who missed the right timing for replanting, so that they could at least reap a harvest between February and March 2019. February 2019 A plan was drawn up to distribute 4,294 tonnes of rice seeds to 47,690 farming families from 13 villages across 4 provinces (Yangon, Bago, Mon and Kayin), for cultivation of 82,392 hectares of farmland. A total of 43,550 farming families turned up to receive the rice seeds during the 10-day distribution carried out from February 16 to 25. The local volunteers will continue with the distribution effort for the rest of the farmers. The farmers are expected to start planting end of May or early June after the rainy season, and harvesting will take place 145 days later. and collaborative work, were embraced so prevalently during the distribution process. In each distribution, volunteers shared the meaningful Jing Si Aphorisms with the beneficiaries, and presented each of them a Jing Si Aphorism card to take home as daily inspiration. It moved our hearts to see the earnestness of the recipients in learning the meaning behind the Jing Si Aphorisms , and to see the cards being placed on the altars during our home visits. This is indicative of the reverence one has for the Teaching. We were also amazed by how the grateful villagers sat quietly on the bare floor and listened attentively to volunteers’ explanations and sharing on the origins of Tzu Chi, stories of Master Cheng Yen and the good teachings. The atmosphere was sincere, warm and inspiring, especially when the volunteers presented the sign language interpretation of the song, “The Three No’s”, which conveyed a message of love, trust and forgiveness. Serving with dedication A local volunteer, who is in his 70s and fondly known as “Teacher Su” amongst the volunteers, had to wear a waist brace to support his back throughout the session. Like a father, he explained patiently the messages from Master Cheng Yen (as inscribed on the letter of blessings) to the villagers, and even belted out each song although they were available in recordings. Once, when the vehicle broke down, he decided to walk to the distribution centre, which TZU CHI 109 27