On the morning of our New Year’s Blessing Ceremony, heavy
snowfall hit Columbus. I remember the drive to our destination to be a slow and
careful one. The highway hadn’t been cleared yet since it was an early Sunday
morning, and we could hardly see any of the lines that marked the different
lanes. So slowly but steadily, we were on our way.
When we got there, a lot of snow was yet to be shoveled, and
there was probably 3-5 inches of snow on the ground, and it was still snowing.
We unloaded the truck and cars with everything that we needed, and we quickly
worked together to set everything up. I was there to do whatever SGs and SBs
wanted me to do. Sometimes it was setting up the chairs, and other times it was
sitting down to fold napkins for our guests. Later we had rehearsal and we went
through the entire program once and that was it!
After lunch, our guests started coming and I was surprised by
the number of people that showed up. We were worried that some people would
decide not to leave the house today because of the road conditions. At that
time, it was still snowing. This was also the first time I invited my two
friends who were not involved in Tzu Chi, and I was glad that they were able to
make it! (Gan en Hsiang-Ting XJ for giving them a ride from campus!!!)
During the program, I was able to watch the year in review
video and I felt very moved by what Tzu Chi volunteers were doing all over the
world. It made me think again why I wanted to stay in Tzu Chi, because of the
compassion of every volunteer I see and learn about. I also began to think that
it is amazing that because of Tzu Chi, many people get to try things they would
not normally do. My dad is not someone who stands on a stage and performs—but I
think he did a really good job in Jing Si Jing Si. I believe this is the same
for almost all SGs, SBs, Tzu Shaos, and Tzu Chings. I was not in Jing Si Jing
Si so I was able to see the entirety of the sign language and movements. I feel
like all of the time and effort every volunteer put into program showed right
on that stage. Next year, I hope I will be able to participate in the New
Year’s Blessing Ceremony, as well as invite more of my friends to join and see
what Columbus Tzu Chi is doing each year, and what Tzu Chi is doing around the
world.
