By Hsiu-Lien Chu and Sandra Chu | Central America
Local Volunteers' Dedication in Sint Maarten
Under the guidance of Tzu Chi volunteers Kit-wing Cheung and Sandra Chu, local volunteers on the Dutch side of the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten, have been diligently supporting elders and orphans. They regularly deliver supplies and respond to urgent needs. Each day, Natasha and fellow volunteers Neville and Gassant prepare bamboo banks filled with love, aiming to start their activities with compassion and hope for everyone to share blessings and foster love in Sint Maarten.
Shelter from the Storm: A Home Restored
On March 9, 2024, Tzu Chi volunteers visited Joyce Jean Baptiste, a long-term care recipient with diabetes, and discovered her roof was leaking and windows were broken. The volunteers decided to help her repair the roof and clean the house. Volunteers Vittoris, his son David, and Martin worked on the roof, replacing it with new materials in less than four hours. This repair ended seven years of leaks caused by Hurricane Irma.
Four volunteers took charge of cleaning the yard, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathroom. Wearing masks and gloves, they efficiently transformed the once dark and cluttered home into a bright and tidy space.
"I can finally sleep peacefully without worrying about the rain," Joyce said gratefully. She deeply appreciated the volunteers' unconditional care that has made her dream come true.
Daily Acts of Dedication and Learning
In their spare time, local volunteers diligently maintain gardens, prepare supplies, and sell vegetables and goods. They regularly organize second-hand clothing sales and engage in learning to enhance their understanding and skills. Inspired by Master Cheng Yen's teachings, they recognize the importance of contentment and love. Volunteer Sedonia reflected, "From this story (The Poor Couple and the Biscuits), I learned to be content with what I have. Otherwise, others will take it away." Irene shared that she observed how everything Master Cheng Yen speaks about is related to love; every word and action embodies it.
Distributing the Four-Ingredient Spiritual Soup: Supporting Communities and Seniors
Following the pandemic, Sint Maarten's economy struggled, prompting Tzu Chi volunteers to continue assisting impoverished communities and seniors. On March 10, volunteers conducted their fifth aid distribution in the Cay Bay community. Thirty volunteers brought 125 sets of supplies, each containing 10 kilograms of rice, one liter of cooking oil, 500 grams of noodles, and dried peas for families in need.
Volunteer Irene introduced the community to Tzu Chi's history and the Four-Ingredient Spiritual Soup: contentment, gratitude, understanding, and forgiveness. She encouraged them to participate in the spirit of "Bamboo Bank Era," a campaign to pool individual contributions of love and support. The community responded enthusiastically, expressing gratitude for Tzu Chi's monthly assistance.
New volunteer Sedonia shared her feelings after the distribution, saying, "I am happy to help. Tzu Chi provides necessary supplies to the residents, bringing joy to everyone. It's a wonderful thing."
The following day, volunteers visited the "Home Away from Home Foundation," where they go every two months. The 100 residents were very grateful for the food provided, as it was greatly needed.
After learning about the Four-Ingredient Spiritual Soup, one elderly resident told the volunteers, "You are truly the wealth of our community, angels on earth." Some even brought their bamboo banks, having cultivated the habit of sowing good seeds.
Volunteer Patricia shared with the seniors, "Tzu Chi has helped me change, teaching me patience and openness to suggestions. We are always grateful for the warm welcome every two months." The volunteers bid farewell with gratitude, and the seniors waved goodbye, looking forward to their next meeting in two months.
Bringing Blessings to the Community
On March 20, volunteers delivered food packages to a church kitchen, where Sister Bologna expressed her gratitude for Tzu Chi’s support. On the 28th, volunteers visited the Red Cross Elderly Community, bringing essential supplies and spending quality time with the residents. The genuine care shown by the volunteers brought joy and warmth to the seniors.
On March 31, Tzu Chi held its sixth aid distribution in Sint Maarten, helping 200 families. Volunteers shared the story of The Couple and the Biscuits, encouraging everyone to do good deeds. Despite their own challenges, many recipients enthusiastically supported Tzu Chi in return. Volunteer Sandra Chu encouraged fellow volunteers to assist impoverished families and promote kindness. Volunteer Louise praised Tzu Chi’s methods and expressed her desire to continue contributing.
In April, Tzu Chi volunteers provided essential supplies to orphanages, kindergartens, and seniors in Sint Maarten, addressing the shortage of resources. Children and seniors were deeply grateful, stating that Tzu Chi’s timely assistance provided much-needed security in their lives.
The care and support from the volunteers brought warmth and hope to the recipients, fostering a spirit of love and compassion that continues to spread throughout Sint Maarten.
