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

TZU CHI 127 29 life direction was completely changed after she had attended the entrepreneurs’ camp organized by Tzu Chi. “Do you know... the US is a developed country and this makes it difficult for the wealthy to learn the Buddha’s Way due to limited chances to do good? On the contrary, Africa is a huge continent with plenty of opportunities to do good. So, do grab hold of this unique opportunity and take good care of it,” said a US-based Tzu Chi volunteer to Denise. In fact, for the past many years, Denise often felt that “coming to Africa must be my karmic retribution”. However, after her interaction with the US-based volunteer, she realized it was not due to karmic forces, rather, it was a true blessing for her to have come to Africa! Master Cheng Yen’s words: “Why did you marry to such a faraway place?” served as a timely wake-up call to Denise, guiding her to re-evaluate her many years of grievances, gratefulness and regrets. It was precisely because of her love for Dino and Africa that made her decide to marry to this faraway place. Unfortunately, that love had long been forgotten years later. With a change of heart, all her dissatisfaction and complaints towards Mozambique and Dino turned into love and gratitude, and she made up her mind to be a “seed” of Tzu Chi in Mozambique and a messenger of Master Cheng Yen’s teaching and wisdom in the country. Returning to Mozambique, Denise walked straight back into the community with naivety and a resolute belief “to help and transform everyone and to share Tzu Chi with everyone”. Along the way, due to her lack of understanding and ignorance of the lives of the local poor people, unintended mistakes were made and some were rather embarrassing and funny. “I once did a very embarrassing thing,” shared Denise, describing her first experience of going to the countryside. She had wanted to promote Tzu Chi in the community and so she brought along an electric kettle, tea leaves and cups, as her idea was to hold a tea party 3 at a care recipient’s home. Full of excitement, she set off on her trip. Upon arrival at the community, she suddenly realized that there was no electricity supply in the home as the villagers there burnt wood to boil water and cook! That was an extremely embarrassing moment and a great lesson for her. Although the “tea” party went ahead without tea, it did end successfully. The incident triggered Denise to reflect on her past four years in Mozambique. She realized that she had not fully understood the lives of the locals, and that she should be ashamed. If she truly wanted to help the locals, she could not simply transfer and apply the methods of other countries here. They must be localized to suit the local people. Making necessary compromises in pursuit of charitable deeds By then, Denise had decided to end her travel agency business and devote herself fully to Tzu Chi’s work. After sending her daughter to school at seven o’clock every morning, she would take a chair and her laptop, and go straight to the community. Together with the volunteers, they would start home visits. By noontime, they would gather and listen 3 A get-together session where light refreshments are served and volunteers will share experiences and values. Transforming Africa With Love