A Central Kitchen Emerges from Devastation

The aftermath of Typhoon Ragasa left Hualien's Guangfu Township blanketed in thick mud, a scene of devastation that called for immediate action. As thousands of volunteers converged under the scorching sun to clear debris, the Tzu Chi's Ruisui Jing Si Hall transformed into a central kitchen and supply hub, became a beacon of providing nourishing vegetarian meals, refreshing drinks, and fresh fruit to those tirelessly working on the front lines. These provisions not only replenished physical strength but also offered a deep sense of comfort and encouragement to everyone involved in the recovery efforts.

Sustenance, Spirit, and Dedication

The emotional impact of the support was immediate. "The vegetarian bento boxes from Tzu Chi are incredibly delicious! They give me so much strength to keep digging through the mud!" exclaimed a young volunteer, wiping sweat from their brow after a long day of battling the elements.

Located approximately 19 kilometers from Guangfu Railway Station, the Tzu Chi's Ruisui Jing Si Hall played a crucial role in ensuring that relief workers and affected residents received timely and wholesome sustenance.

Zheng-Song Gu (古正松), a local volunteer in his seventies, exemplified this commitment. Following the typhoon, he remained on standby daily, coordinating the distribution of supplies and vehicles. Despite occasional road closures and late-night deliveries, he went immediately to receive and organize the materials. He shared with a smile, "This time, almost all the volunteers and their families in Ruisui were mobilized. Everyone worked joyfully, and it allowed the community center to truly fulfill its purpose."

Overcoming Kitchen and Logistical Challenges

The Tzu Chi's Ruisui Jing Si Hall, inaugurated just last year, faced its first major challenge as a central kitchen: preparing thousands of meals. Hsiu-Feng Tsai (蔡秀鳳), a volunteer in charge of the kitchen, recalled the initial anxiety. "We only had four large electric rice cookers, which were nowhere near enough!" she explained. A local gas company owner stepped in, connecting them with other temples that lent three additional large pots. This timely assistance allowed them to cook seven large pots of rice simultaneously, resolving a critical bottleneck.

Beyond cooking, a significant task involved washing thousands of bento boxes returned from Guangfu. To enhance efficiency, Tsai Hsiu-Feng reorganized the dishwashing process, making it faster and more hygienic. "We just wanted all the volunteers to eat healthy and delicious meals without any worries," she stated, highlighting the care put into every detail.

From Survivors to Supporters

The volunteer effort brought together those who had received help and were now eager to give back.

Chiu-Mei Liu (劉秋妹), another volunteer, quietly counted chopsticks and packed bags. "Wherever there's a need, I quickly step in," she said. She admitted that Ruisui has a small number of local volunteers, but witnessing the community center transform into a central kitchen moved her and strengthened her resolve.

Mr. Peng, who took on the responsibility of transporting supplies, shared that his own home was affected by Typhoon Krosa last year, and Tzu Chi's immediate assistance left a lasting impression. "Seeing the devastation in Guangfu this time, I can truly empathize," he shared.

Ms. Chen, a survivor of the 0403 Hualien earthquake whose home was damaged, received emergency aid from Tzu Chi Foundation. "Having been a survivor myself, I can better understand the helplessness and sorrow of the Guangfu residents now," she expressed. Being able to join the volunteers in disaster relief made her feel truly blessed. "Seeing everyone unite in this rescue effort, this compassion and strength, truly touches me," she said, sincerely hoping that survivors could rebuild their homes soon.

A New Generation Joins the Effort

The spirit of giving extended across generations. Kuei-Hua Yu (余桂花), a Tzu Chi volunteer, brought her granddaughter, You, a junior high school student, along with two of You's classmates, to help. "When I saw Grandma inviting more people in the group chat, I wanted to bring my classmates along," You said.

Another young volunteer, Wang from Northern Taiwan, who was visiting relatives in Ruisui during a long holiday, also joined the effort. "Today, I shredded carrots and cabbage. I've never done anything like this at home, so it feels very new," she remarked, finding joy in the unexpected experience of service.

The Tzu Chi's Ruisui Jing Si Hall, in the face of disaster, became more than just a supply station; it was a gathering place for love and energy. Each bento box delivered was not merely food but a gesture of blessing and care, allowing warmth to blossom amidst the mud and reach the hearts of every survivor and volunteer.

Written by Wen-Tai Chang (張文黛), Shui-Chin Lin (林水金)

Source: 花蓮南區救災中繼站 慈濟瑞穗共修處承擔責任