By Fernanda Wu, Hsiu-Lien Chu | Chile
A Snowstorm Strikes and Hope Fades
The chaos of climate change has left no one untouched, with seasons blurred and the weather becoming increasingly unpredictable. On August 25, 2023, a sudden and devastating snowstorm swept through the mountains of Cajón del Maipo, Chile. For Juan, a shepherd living in the remote region, this storm brought unimaginable loss. Of the 130 goats he and his family depended on, only 50 survived, leaving them without a major source of income. These goats were not just livestock but the foundation of their livelihood; in spring, the family would make and sell traditional goat cheese. Now, with the future uncertain, their hope seemed buried beneath the snow.
Volunteers Mobilize
Upon hearing the news, Jorge, a Tzu Chi volunteer and local tour guide, immediately informed his fellow volunteers. They acted swiftly, bringing essential supplies to help Juan and his family survive in the aftermath of the storm. Though the aid provided temporary relief, Tzu Chi’s volunteers knew more was needed to restore hope.
Four months later, the Chilean Tzu Chi team, led by Fernanda Wu, returned to Cajón del Maipo with a new mission: to bring love, warmth, and a taste of joy. This time, they brought not only supplies but also nine delicious vegetarian dishes, prepared to nourish both body and spirit.
A Journey of Love and Care
On January 18, five volunteers, led by Wu, gathered at the Metro Baquedano station before embarking on the 104-kilometer journey to Juan’s home near the El Yeso Reservoir. The road was long and winding, carved through mountains, but their determination was unwavering. After two hours of careful driving, they arrived at Juan’s modest home.
LEFT: Juan the shepherd eagerly helped to unload the supplies upon the volunteers' arrival. RIGHT: Volunteer Juan (second from right) shared during the donation ceremony that their visit was discussed in an important meeting a week ago, where they decided to support Juan's family once again after last year's disaster. | Photos courtesy of Chin-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/01/18
Juan greeted them warmly, eager to help unload the supplies. Despite the losses his family had endured, his spirit was lifted with the presence of the volunteers. A local Tzu Chi volunteer, also named Juan, had been battling a cold but refused to miss this opportunity to give back. Together, they set up a gathering space, knowing that while supplies provide material support, love and care are the true gifts that sustain the human spirit.
During the donation ceremony, Juan, the volunteer, spoke to the shepherd and his family. “We discussed your tragedy in a very important meeting last week,” he said. “Our conclusion was clear—we need to stand by you again, to show you that Tzu Chi volunteers are present in every corner of the world, ready to help. We understand the hardships you’ve faced, and we bring with us not just supplies but blessings, joy, and hope.”
The shepherd’s family, moved to tears, expressed their sincere gratitude. “God bless you all,” Juan’s wife, Blanca, said. “Thank you for giving us strength. Together, we will keep going.”
A Feast of Love: Nourishing Body and Spirit
LEFT: Blanca (second from left) joyfully leads three female volunteers to the kitchen, introducing them to her kitchen tools. RIGHT: Shepherd Juan (left) expresses his deep gratitude to the volunteers, saying, "May God bless us and give us strength to keep going together." | Photos courtesy of Chin-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/01/18
After the donation ceremony, the volunteers wasted no time. While Wu prepared her signature vegetarian dumplings, another volunteer, Ying-Ling Yang, chopped cucumbers for a refreshing salad. Blanca introduced the team to her traditional kitchen tools, showing them how she used them to boil water and cook meals. In return, Wu learned the art of making goat cheese from Blanca, deepening their bond through this shared experience.
LEFT: Blanca (right) guides Fernanda (left) in making goat cheese. First, a coagulant is added to the goat’s milk to form cheese, then placed into molds to gradually squeeze out the water. | Photo courtesy of Chin-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/01/18 RIGHT: Volunteers gave a sign language performance for the song “Love and Care,” sincerely praying for a world without disasters, and for peace and safety for all. | Photo courtesy of Chin-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/01/18
As the meal was prepared, Juan’s son, also named Juan, returned home to join the gathering. The young man, grateful for the volunteers’ previous visit, expressed his thanks. “When the avalanche struck, no one came to help us, but you did. We will never forget your kindness,” he said.
LEFT: Volunteers prepared nine flavorful vegetarian dishes to share a joyful day with Juan’s family, hoping to bring comfort to their hearts. | Photo courtesy of Chin-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/01/18 RIGHT: Fernanda brought an electric pan to make vegetarian pan-fried dumplings. | Photo courtesy of Chin-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/01/18
The feast, prepared with love, was shared by all. Nine flavorful dishes were laid out, filling the small room with the aroma of warmth and care. As they gathered around the table, the volunteers and Juan’s family felt like one.
Love that Transcends Borders
Before parting, the volunteers led a prayer, wishing for a world free from disasters and suffering. With hand gestures symbolizing unity and love, everyone, including the shepherd’s family, followed along.
As the sun began to set, the sheep ventured out for their evening meal. The sight of the surviving flock grazing peacefully was a reminder of resilience. The volunteers bid farewell, knowing that Juan’s family still faced challenges. Yet, with the remaining goats and the chickens they raised for eggs, there was a glimmer of hope.
Juan’s parting words were filled with emotion: “Thank you for treating us as family. We will persevere, and we look forward to seeing you again.”
