By Hsiu-Lin Wu, Fernanda Wu
Reporting from Chile 

Cooking with Love in the Cold Winter 

Chilean volunteer Chin-Chiu Liao firmly gripped the large ladle with both hands, stirring the thick vegetable porridge to prevent it from burning at the bottom of the pot, using his strength like a strongman. | Photo courtesy of Fernanda Wu | Chile | 2024/08

In the chilly early hours of a winter morning, Chin-Chiu Liao stood in the kitchen, tirelessly stirring a large pot of lentil porridge. The warm aroma of food filled the air, melting away his fatigue. For nearly four years, Chin-Chiu and his wife, Fernanda Wu, along with other Tzu Chi volunteers, have been providing hot meals to the homeless and elderly in need. Despite harsh weather—whether it be the scorching heat of summer or the biting cold of winter—the couple never missed a single Tuesday at the San Gregorio de la Salle School’s food station in La Granja, Chile. 

Since the start of this mission, they have served 164 meals as of August 27, 2024. On this particular day, Fernanda and Chin-Chiu prepare lentil porridge, a healthy and hearty dish that warms both the stomach and the heart. 

Nourishment with Heart and Soul 

On August 13, Fernanda arrived early at the kitchen, her apron ready. She shared her recipe with fellow volunteer Eugenia: "We cook the lentils on a low flame and add sautéed vegetables, then mix in rice until it thickens. It's not just nutritious, it’s delicious." 

Volunteers Fernanda Wu (left) and Eugenia (right) expertly stir-fried large pots of vegetable rice, filled with their sincere intent to promote vegetarianism. | Photo courtesy of Chin-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/08/13 

The preparation was a team effort, as they made enough porridge to feed over eighty people. Colorful vegetables were added to the mix, creating a visually and nutritionally rich dish. But it wasn’t just the food that made the meal special—it was the love infused in every step. The volunteers believed that when food is made with love, it not only fills the stomach but also warms the soul. 

Feeding the Geese, Feeding the Soul 

Chin-Chiu Liao stepped into the goose garden, expertly using a hose to clean the goose droppings, ensuring a clean and comfortable environment for the geese. | Photo courtesy of Fernanda Wu | Chile | 2024/08/13 

After the meal preparation, the volunteers visited the school’s small ecological garden, home to five plump geese. Chin-Chiu, familiar with his task, carefully cleaned their enclosure. “These geese are the best advocates for vegetarianism. They eat only vegetables and live happily,” Fernanda remarked, her eyes full of kindness. To her, all creatures, big or small, have a spiritual connection and deserve care. 

  

Chin-Chiu busily sorted through second-hand clothing donated by kind-hearted individuals, hanging them up neatly so that those in need could pick them up, extending the life of the items and warming the winter. | Photo courtesy of Fernanda Wu | Chile | 2024/08/13 

The volunteers also organized donations of second-hand clothes for the homeless, extending their care beyond just food. They meticulously sorted and displayed the items so that the recipients could take what they needed, ensuring they stayed warm through the winter. 

Meals, Bread, and Gratitude 

  

At noon, when it was time to serve the meals, Chilean volunteer Fernanda Wu (right) stood at the entrance of the food station, warmly welcoming each local resident to receive their hot meal box. | Photo courtesy of Chin-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/08/13

By noon, the homeless gathered, each receiving a numbered ticket to ensure everyone got a meal. Over the years, these volunteers had formed close bonds with the people they served. The distribution of food wasn’t just a routine—it was a moment of connection, filled with heartfelt greetings and mutual gratitude. 

Two high school seniors (first and second from left) also joined the distribution, learning valuable lessons from the experience: “Witnessing hardship makes you appreciate blessings.” They made the most of this excellent learning opportunity. | Photo courtesy of Chin-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/08/13 

Even local high school students came to help, learning valuable lessons in respect and compassion. “Take care of the elderly in your family, and then extend that care to others,” the volunteers taught them, spreading the message of empathy to the next generation. 

A Healthier, More Loving Choice 

On August 20, the volunteers returned for their 163rd meal distribution. This time, they included a special treat: fruit cups. The day’s menu featured vegetable rice and vegetarian chicken nuggets. Although pan-frying the nuggets required more effort than deep frying, Fernanda was committed to providing healthy meals. They packed 79 meal boxes that day, filled with love and care for the people who had no one else to look after them. 

Considering everyone's health, Fernanda Wu insisted on pan-frying the vegetarian chicken nuggets rather than frying them, even though it was more time-consuming and required extra effort. | Photo courtesy of Chin-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/08/20 

The volunteers also cleaned the geese’s enclosure and fed them fresh greens, showing that their love and care knew no boundaries. Every creature, human or animal, is equally deserving of their compassion. 

A Reunion of Hearts 

The vegetarian spring rolls donated by volunteer Ya-Hui Yang were pan-fried for a healthier meal, which Fernanda Wu carefully monitored, making today’s meal both nutritious and delicious. | Photo courtesy of Chin-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/08/27

On August 27, for the 164th meal distribution, the volunteers were joined by Father Santiago, who had just returned from Spain. Although he had been away, the volunteers had continued their work without missing a beat. Father Santiago expressed his heartfelt gratitude, especially for the 150 vegetarian spring rolls donated by volunteer Ya-Hui Yang. “This donation benefits so many people in this area. We are deeply thankful,” said Father Santiago. 

Father Santiago (first left), Father Juan (second left), and food station volunteer Eugenia (second right) expressed deep gratitude for the volunteers' consistent care and companionship. | Photo courtesy of Chin-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/08/27 

Father Juan, another priest, shared his thanks: “Fernanda and Chin-Chiu have always been here, helping this food station. Many people owe their meals to your dedication.” Their words were echoed by Eugenia, a long-time volunteer, who expressed her gratitude for the years of support. The community had become like a family, united by love and service.

In Service to the Lonely and Needy 

One elderly man, Braulio, regularly comes to the food station to collect his meal box. Today, he took it upon himself to tidy up the small garden at the station. “We used to work, then play guitar and basketball, singing local songs. But now, the youth are lost to drugs and alcohol,” he lamented. His words reflect the harsh reality faced by many, where genuine joy and purpose have been replaced by destructive habits. 

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, you’ve truly helped so many people." An elderly person (left) gratefully expressed these words to Fernanda Wu (right) after receiving a meal box. | Photo courtesy of Chin-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/08/27 

As Braulio received his meal, he offered a heartfelt "thank you," echoing the sentiments of so many others. The Tzu Chi volunteers know that these meals are often the only source of warmth and sustenance the homeless have. In a world that seems to have forgotten them, the volunteers persist with their steadfast support, ensuring that love and kindness never runs dry. 

These selfless acts of service are more than just a meal—they are a beacon of hope in the lives of those who have none. For every person they feed, they hope to restore a little dignity, faith, and a lot of love.