Chilean Volunteers and Scouts Rebuilding Hope

By Hsiu-Lin Wu, Fernanda Wu

A Couple’s Struggles in the Mountains

Juan and Blanca, goat herders who make cheese, have lived a life of resilience in the face of hardship. In September 2023, a sudden temperature drop wiped out 65% of their goats, leaving their livelihood in jeopardy. “We didn’t know how we would recover,” shared Juan, his voice tinged with gratitude as he recalled the day volunteers first visited with emergency supplies.

Since then, the couple has received ongoing care, with volunteers returning in November 2024 to check on their well-being. Seeing hope in the newborn goats, volunteers pledged to mobilize support to clean their home and repair essential tools.

Transforming Lives Together

On December 29, 2024, over 20 volunteers and scouts made the journey to the couple’s home. Despite the two-and-a-half-hour trip through challenging terrain, the team’s enthusiasm remained undiminished. Upon arrival, they shared a warm breakfast prepared by Cecilia, energizing the young scouts for the day’s tasks.

LEFT: Working together, the volunteers didn't mind the heavy tree trunks; four girl scouts lifted them together, pooling their strength to move forward. RIGHT: The young scouts showed as much love as the older ones, carrying wooden planks to the designated area. | Photos: Nelson | Chile | 2024/12/29

The couple’s courtyard, once cluttered and difficult to navigate, became the center of activity. Scouts, some as young as eight, carried wooden planks and moved tree trunks with determination. “Seeing everyone come together like this brings us so much joy,” said Blanca, watching as her yard transformed into a clean, organized space.

Creative Solutions and Meaningful Connections

The volunteers went beyond cleaning, assembling tables and chairs from recycled materials and creating a shaded wooden platform by the stream for the couple to rest. “This will be our favorite spot in the afternoons,” said Juan with a smile.

Even small details, like feeding the goats and repairing tools, were handled with care. Cecilia gifted the couple Taiwanese noodles, which Blanca gratefully received, saying, “This is more than just food—it’s love from far away.”

LEFT: Volunteer Cecilia (front right) prepared a warm breakfast for the scouts upon arrival, heating both their hearts and stomachs. RIGHT: Before cleaning, volunteers discussed the scope and details of the day's work with Juan (right) and then explained and assigned tasks to everyone. | Photo: Nelson | Chile | 2024/12/29

A Community of Support

The day’s efforts were a reflection of community and shared purpose. Katarina, both a scout and a Tzu Chi volunteer, embodied the spirit of the day with her boundless energy. Volunteer In-Lin Yang, despite recent eye surgery, participated wholeheartedly, proving that care knows no boundaries.

Young scout Nelson Jr. stood out for his dedication, feeding the goats and helping with every task. “This is how we show love—not just in words, but in action,” he said.

LEFT: Always present at activities, Katarina (left), both a Tzu Chi volunteer and a scout, worked with boundless enthusiasm. RIGHT: Volunteer In-Lin Yang (right), wearing large sunglasses after recent eye surgery, joined Nelson (left) in collecting garbage, seizing every opportunity to care for others. | Photos: Nelson | Chile | 2024/12/29

Hope for a Brighter New Year

As the day ended, the team bid farewell to Juan and Blanca, leaving behind a clean and welcoming home. “You’ve given us the strength to keep going,” said Blanca, her voice filled with emotion. For the volunteers and scouts, the experience was equally rewarding. “Helping others brings us closer together as a community,” said local volunteer Cesar.

With hearts full of joy and hope, everyone left with the shared wish for a new year free of hardship and filled with renewed possibilities for the couple they had come to care for deeply.