By Sandra Chu, Shiu Ling Wu | Central America 

In May, Mother's Day, Buddha Day, and Tzu Chi Day was celebrated around the world, the Tzu Chi volunteers of Sint Maarten came together to spread love and hope across the island. Despite being a small island in the Caribbean, home to around 70,000 people, Sint Maarten has had its share of challenges. Economic disparity, poverty, and a lack of social services have left many residents, especially those from neighboring countries like Haiti and Jamaica, struggling to make ends meet. However, through the compassionate efforts of Tzu Chi volunteers, lives were touched, and hope was rekindled. 

The journey of love began on May 11, as volunteers participated in the global Buddha Day Ceremony, held in conjunction with Tzu Chi's 58^th anniversary. The ceremony united volunteers from different parts of the world, transcending geographical boundaries and embodying a shared spirit of compassion. Irene, a Tzu Chi volunteer, felt the power of this unity, saying, "This is my first time experiencing Tzu Chi's anniversary. I felt the strength of unity, regardless of where we come from, under the guidance of the Master’s teachings." 

Longing for a Glimpse of the Master 

Sandra Chu, the head of the local Tzu Chi office in Sint Maarten, emphasized the deeper meaning of the Buddha Day Ceremony, sharing the Master's message that "everyone can bathe the Buddha within themselves, cleansing their hearts and minds. When the Buddha within is pure, the world becomes peaceful." This profound message inspired the volunteers to plan and execute the event with simplicity and elegance. Despite having only a small team, their dedication shone through, as they created a serene and respectful atmosphere that moved everyone in attendance. 

One volunteer, Natasha, expressed her heartfelt emotions during the ceremony. As she watched Master Cheng Yen on the screen, she was overwhelmed by gratitude and longing to meet her in person. "When I saw the Master, my heart was filled with emotions. Master once said that when she looks at the map, she feels as though the whole world is resting on her shoulders. That spirit of selfless love reminded me of strength, perseverance, passion, and kindness." 

Martin, another volunteer, resonated deeply with the experience, sharing, "This event has moved me profoundly. It made me vow to become a better bodhisattva, overcoming my inner demons and bad habits. With love, anything is possible." 

The spirit of love and care didn't stop with the Buddha Day Ceremony. On May 13, a special day to honor mothers, seven volunteers visited elderly residents of the island, bringing roses and heartfelt blessings. The joy in their eyes and the warm smiles of the volunteers created an unforgettable atmosphere, as if family members had gathered to celebrate the day together. 

Monthly Continued Support of Love  

For the rest of May, the volunteers continued their mission to assist the underprivileged. Sint Maarten, though a tourist destination, faces significant challenges, with many residents living in poverty. Tzu Chi volunteers held aid distributions, providing essential supplies such as rice, cooking oil, pasta, and canned goods. On May 23, they visited a local orphanage, bringing food supplies to ensure that no child went to bed hungry. At the Good Samaritan New Life Assembly Church, volunteers donated food to the soup kitchen, which serves over 500 meals a week to the needy.  

Each month, Tzu Chi provides support to local shelters, churches, and orphanages. The Victory Temple Church soup kitchen, which provides 500 meals every Saturday, relies on these donations to feed its members. On May 25, Tzu Chi delivered 10 bags of rice to the Freedom Key Rehabilitation Center. The center's director, Mr. Maduro, expressed his sincere gratitude for Tzu Chi’s consistent support. "The food donations have been a blessing, helping us provide for those in need. Tzu Chi’s dedication has been unwavering." 

Tzu Chi’s commitment to the welfare of the island’s children was also evident on May 29, when they donated food and supplies to the Young Achievers Preschool and Children’s World United Preschool. Many of the students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and the donations helped the schools continue providing meals. Teachers like Abby, the founder of Young Achievers Preschool, expressed deep gratitude, stating, "Without Tzu Chi’s monthly support, we would struggle to feed our students." 

Easing the Burden for Local Families 

At the heart of these efforts is a desire to ease the financial burden on struggling families. Sandra Chu explained, "Our goal is to meet their basic needs and reduce the economic pressure on families." The impact of these monthly aid distributions is profound, as many families face rising costs of living and limited income. 

On May 5, the volunteers organized an aid distribution at Delight Ministries Church, benefiting 40 families. Along with distributing essential supplies, Natasha shared the story of Tzu Chi’s bamboo banks, a tradition that began 58 years ago in Taiwan. What started with 30 housewives saving small amounts of money every day has grown into a global movement, spanning 136 countries and providing humanitarian aid to those in need. 

The story of Martin, a Tzu Chi volunteer, was another source of inspiration. After Hurricane Irma, Martin found hope and purpose by joining Tzu Chi. He shared his journey of transformation, encouraging others to contribute to Taiwan’s earthquake relief efforts. "Whatever you do, think it through carefully. Speak kindly, and always act with compassion. When you give without expecting anything in return, blessings will naturally come your way," Irene, another volunteer, reflected on Tzu Chi’s teachings, hoping to inspire others. 

Ties, a relatively new volunteer, expressed how her mindset had shifted since joining Tzu Chi three months ago. "Helping the community is rewarding. Through each aid distribution and volunteer training, I’ve learned to be more humble and grateful," said she. 

As the month came to a close, the volunteers reflected on the impact they had made. Their efforts reached hundreds of families, from providing food to offering emotional support. Through each act of kindness, they honored the teachings of Master Cheng Yen, embodying the spirit of compassion and love. Natasha summed it up beautifully, "The Buddha Day Ceremony reminds us to purify our hearts, to pray for peace, and to walk the path of compassion." 

In the challenging times faced by Sint Maarten, Tzu Chi’s volunteers have become a beacon of hope. They have shown that, no matter the obstacles, love can bridge any divide and bring light into the darkest of places.