Written by Wenhui Tsai
Translated by Ariel Chan
Edited by Yingying Lee, Andrew Larracuente
On February 8, 2024, Tzu Chi Southern volunteers visited the Wellsprings Village to celebrate a decade of charitable care
Since February 2014, Tzu Chi volunteers have cared for Wellsprings Village for ten years. In the Lunar New Year’s approach, volunteers brought Master Cheng Yen’s “Fortune and Wisdom Red Envelopes,” cakes, drinks, apples, oranges, candies, and more to celebrate and welcome the new year with the village’s women. The January theme at Tzu Chi Houston Academy was “caring.” Teachers and volunteers brought students to make festive firecracker decorations and Jing-Si Aphorism bookmarks to share joy with the ladies at the women’s shelter.
Before the event, volunteer Mingchan Liang went to the mall to purchase daily necessities (toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, body wash, shampoo, and dish soap) to help alleviate residents’ economic burdens. During the care event, volunteers also gave away Master Cheng Yen’s works, Tzu Chi books, and spiritual nourishment to comfort every troubled or surprised heart and inspire goodness and love. Volunteers bought a chocolate cake to celebrate the tenth anniversary, and everyone joyfully cut the cake together.
Earnestly Wishing Everyone Good Luck in the New Year
Some women had to leave early in the morning due to work obligations. Although they only had a few minutes, they still took the opportunity to participate, and volunteers also sincerely wished them well. Volunteer Huayin Lin shared festive firecracker decorations made by students, explaining that “Good luck” was written on them, representing the good luck people hoped for, and earnestly wished everyone good luck in the new year.
Red lanterns add to the festive atmosphere. I carefully crafted lanterns and wrote ‘Good health’ on them, wishing everyone good health in the new year.
“Appreciating others is dignifying oneself.” The women shared bookmarks made by students, taking turns reading the Jing-Si Aphorisms they received sharing their understanding and insights. They also enthusiastically shared the content of the bookmarks with the volunteers, making the most of their time together harmoniously.
With a pure heart, one is dignified. The women joyfully examined the Jing-Si Aphorism bookmarks repeatedly, digesting their profound meanings. They also delighted in sharing with their companions, as if their minds were reinvigorated at this moment, bringing hope and brightness. Volunteers presented “Fortune and Wisdom Red Envelopes” and staple food, each containing countless blessings and wisdom. Volunteers invited the women to read aloud the Jing-Si Aphorisms on the red envelopes, creating a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere and calming the people’s hearts.
Modest Yet Precious Intentions
A woman in the village used the red envelope given by Tzu Chi volunteers last year, which contained seven dollars. She brought it back to the volunteers, expressing that this was her modest intention and hoping she could also have the strength to help others. Tzu Chi volunteers thanked her with applause and hugs for her kindness. After the event, many women took the initiative to pick up Tzu Chi books from the shelf and read them, and volunteers explained the content of the books to them. Jing-Si Aphorisms ignited everyone’s treasury of wisdom, inspiring kindness and adding endless strength and courage for each person to face life’s challenges.
“Love does not miss anyone.” A woman had just arrived from work, and volunteers immediately offered gifts and blessings so that everyone could receive Tzu Chi’s whole love and care. Volunteers also presented a lunar calendar to the Wellsprings Village, which staff eagerly hung on the wall. Grateful for Tzu Chi’s companionship over the past ten years, and with the assistance of Wellsprings Village staff, Tzu Chi volunteers successfully spread love in the women’s shelter.
