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

2020 • 10 26 eature An inspiring tale of stupidly hopeful – Denise Tsai Carrying out Tzu Chi’s work in Mozambique is like a sparrow fetching water to put out a huge fire. People may think we are stupid, but we soldiered on with confidence, with direction, and with hope. – Denise Tsai By Long Karmen Translated by Lee Soo Ghee “S isters-in-law, brothers-in-law, family members, how are you?” Denise Tsai from Taiwan, who claims to be the daughter-in-law of Mozambique, always greets the villagers in Portuguese at the beginning of every activity in the countryside. Denise said that calling everyone sister-in- law and brother-in-law carries a very deep meaning. She did not want the villagers to feel that another foreigner has come again to drop off the relief supplies, to take photos, and then to disappear for good. Despite the different skin colour, Denise hopes to convince the locals that she is married to Mozambique and is an integral part of the Mozambican family. Her cordial greetings and signature laughter successfully helped Denise in winning the hearts of the Mozambican people, gaining her the respectful title of “Mama Denise” among the volunteers and care recipients. In Mozambique, the locals will call people they respect with the title of Mama or Papa. Denise and her husband, Dino Foi, are thus known as Mama Denise and Papa Dino among the local volunteers. However, the situation was completely different for Denise before 2012... Married and emigrated to Mozambique Close friends of Denise described her as someone who is strong, enthusiastic but fearful of marriage. However, at the age of 32,