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

2020 • 10 20 eature Lighting up the lamp within – Telma “I would be the one who needs hope, faith and help now, if I hadn’t met Tzu Chi.” – Telma By Long Karmen Translated by Lee Hui Yieng F ollowing the 2019 catastrophe left by Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, Tzu Chi volunteer Denise Tsai led volunteers in Maputo to conduct relief works in Sofala Province in the central region. The volunteers were shocked and sorry for those affected, hence, 18 local volunteers vowed to migrate to the central region to spread Master Cheng Yen’s compassion. Telma was one of them. Although petite, Telma showed amazing resolve and stamina at the disaster site. She was always surrounded by children. Whenever she had the chance, she would accompany them, wipe their faces, teach them to read and learn the wise words of Jing Si aphorisms, for she knew that only education could turn their lives around. “I’ll share what I’ve learnt from Tzu Chi, with hopes to evoke their love so that they have hope and confidence for their future,” said Telma believing that, if it was not for Tzu Chi, she would be the one who needs hope, faith and help. “When Telma just joined Tzu Chi, her gaze was always fleeting. She was soft- spoken and timid. And, she never smiled. Mozambican volunteer