The world of Tzu Chi October 2020 (Vol.127)

TZU CHI 127 17 school earnestly learning and practising the teachings of Master Cheng Yen while teaching others how to love. These local volunteers revealed to her humanity’s kindness and their selfless love. Looking back at photos from her previous travels, Karmen could not even recall where they were taken. But, she will never forget the smile of the AIDS patient and her singing voice, as well as the scene of children rushing towards her and grabbing her hands. Karmen’s parents have never prevented her in her journey of growth. When she wanted to go to Africa, her parents gave their unwavering support and encouraged her. “When others asked my mum, she’d reply that it was a good thing to go to Africa and help people, why should she stop me? I don’t regret it and I don’t miss the good life I had because I knew that’s not my heart’s desire.” In order to serve in Mozambique, Karmen had vowed in Master Cheng Yen’s presence four times, and each time, the Master would remind her, “If you want to go to Mozambique, you must be really determined.” Karmen has never regretted her wish. She knows it by heart that the road ahead would be much more difficult. She is not fearless, but perhaps, just as what the Mozambique volunteers sang, “Don’t look to the past, go forward, for there’s Tzu Chi with you.” Long Karmen giving drip to a volunteer with terminal cancer. The latter could slowly take some food and talk to her son who was studying in Taiwan, before succumbing to her illness and passed away a week after. [Photograph by Soares]