For over two decades, a quiet but steady current of compassion has flowed through communities in Honduras. In a country facing persistent economic challenges, volunteers have been a long-standing presence, working to alleviate hardship and cultivate hope. In March 2025, their efforts blossomed through a series of activities, from providing warm meals to caring for the vulnerable, each action a seed of love planted in the fertile ground of the community.

Nurturing Hope, One Meal at a Time

Across northern Honduras, volunteers mobilized to distribute hot meals in six communities: San Jose, Pimenta, Humano, Llano De Sual, Calan, and Esquipulas. For many families, these meals are a welcome relief. Ignacia Gomez, a 42-year-old mother, often lies awake at night, worried about her family's welfare. Her husband, Amobeb Rivas, is a 60-year-old bricklayer who struggles to find work due to his age and asthma.

Their three-year-old daughter, Kailin, beamed as she ate the vegetarian meal prepared by the volunteers. "More, please," she told her mother, "I love the vegetables!" For volunteer Ana Orellana, seeing this simple joy is a profound affirmation. "I am proud to be part of this," she said, "to help people in need."

The care extends beyond physical nourishment. In community classes, children are introduced to universal values of kindness and respect. In one session, third-grader Camilla Rodas spontaneously stood up to lead her peers in a prayer, her earnestness surprising and delighting the volunteers. Nine-year-old Dominic Borjas, a bright fourth-grader, shared his own wisdom, urging everyone to save 20% of their allowance to help others and reminding them of the importance of kind words and good deeds.

This spirit of proactive care also inspired a community cleanup. After noticing that the area outside the Humano school flooded whenever it rained, volunteer Maria Canaan organized a team to clear the clogged drainage ditches, ensuring a safer environment for the children.

A Circle of Care for the Vulnerable

The volunteers' work often takes them into the homes of those who need support the most. Candida Mejia, an elderly woman who lives alone, suffers from high blood pressure, kidney problems, and limited mobility from a past stroke. She relies on the kindness of neighbors and volunteers for food and companionship. On March 24, a team from the Humano community visited her home to help clean and tidy up.

As they finished, tears streamed down Candida’s face. "I am so grateful for your help," she told them. "Because of this big family, I am no longer alone."

This long-term companionship is a lifeline for many. For six years, volunteers have supported 61-year-old Aida Cruz, who has epilepsy, diabetes, and high blood pressure. They first met her when she was living alone in a remote and unsafe area. Fearing for her safety, they remained a constant presence. Today, Aida lives with her husband and son, with another son nearby to help. Seeing her life improve so dramatically, surrounded by family, has brought immense relief to the volunteers who walked with her through her most difficult times.

The care they provide often inspires a cycle of giving. Marbella López, a young woman with learning disabilities and cataracts, lives with her elderly parents and her brother, Oscar, who also has developmental delays. Volunteers began providing the family with food packages in 2021. Despite their own struggles, the family regularly helps an elderly, solitary neighbor named Fernando. Marbella and her mother often prepare food for him, and when they receive their food package, they always share a portion with him. Oscar, who has since become a volunteer himself, explained, "I learned from Tzu Chi that when you have the ability, you must help those who are in greater need."

Upholding a Legacy of Love

The bonds formed in the community run deep, creating a family united by shared purpose. When volunteer Marta Cortez passed away from severe pneumonia, her peers visited her daughter, Gloria, to offer comfort. They embraced her, sharing memories of her mother's loving and compassionate nature. "Even though my mother is gone," Gloria said, moved, "I know the volunteers are my family, whom I can rely on." They encouraged her to transform her love for her mother into a greater love for all, to honor her memory.

This enduring spirit was a central theme at the Year-End Blessing ceremony, where volunteers gathered to reflect and renew their aspirations. They paid tribute to Jorge Chang (張鴻才), the first Tzu Chi volunteer in Honduras, who passed away in February. A video chronicled his lifelong dedication, showing how the seeds of hope he planted continue to flourish through the work of every volunteer today.

The spirit of service is also passed down through generations and friendships. Ingrid Perez, a new volunteer, was inspired after seeing the fulfillment her mother-in-law, Maria, found in the activities. "I love the good deeds," Ingrid said, now eager to learn more and become an experienced volunteer herself.

During the ceremony, volunteers shared their experiences. Jose Noriega spoke of the importance of compassion when visiting families, while Kuei-Chuan Wang (王桂涓) reminded everyone, "Blessings come from giving. We must learn to cultivate a kind heart and teach others, so they too can awaken."

The gathering concluded with a heartfelt performance of "Stories by Master Cheng Yen" by volunteers from three communities. What began years ago as a simple effort has evolved into a thoughtful production with handmade costumes and props, all to share meaningful lessons with the community.

From a single hot meal to a clean ditch, from a comforting visit to a shared story, every act of kindness in Honduras is interconnected. These seeds of love, sown with sincerity and nurtured with perseverance, are taking root, creating a network of compassion that continues to grow and bring a brighter, more hopeful future to all.

Written by Szu Peng (彭思), Yen-Ju Chen (陳彥儒), and Nahun Ponce

Source: 宏都拉斯慈濟情 愛走入社區撒播希望之光