Even though I decide to join Tzu Chi (that was in July 2006), I did not take action immediately: I was leaving Boston in 2 months time, so no point joining Tzu Chi Boston chapter; after returning to Singapore, I was busy with the last leg of my master program which I graduated in Dec 2006; at the start of 2007, I was busy looking for job and preparing for Chinese New Year.
虽然决定加入慈济（当时是2006年7月），我还是拖了近半年：没加入慈济波士顿分会因我将在两个月后回国；回国后又忙着把硕士论文写完准备年底毕业；2007年始，毕业后又要找工和忙着过农历年。
Finally, in Feb 2007 after Chinese New Year, I was offered a place in MIT PhD program which I accepted. Hence, I decided not to look for job anymore since I will be returning to Boston in Aug later this year. Now, I got a lot of time at hand, the time to join Tzu Chi is ripe.
好在农历年刚过，我收到了麻省理工学院博士班的入取通知。既然今年8月就将返回波士顿，因此决定不再觅职。6个月空档期，加入慈济的因缘成熟了。
I remember calling Tzu Chi Singapore chapter, the guy who received my call greeted me warmly and welcome me to join in. But I was slightly afraid of appearing out of no where in front of Tzu Chi front door. So I drag my feet for another 2 weeks before taking the bus to Tzu Chi chapter.
Finally, in Feb 2007 after Chinese New Year, I was offered a place in MIT PhD program which I accepted. Hence, I decided not to look for job anymore since I will be returning to Boston in Aug later this year. Now, I got a lot of time at hand, the time to join Tzu Chi is ripe.
好在农历年刚过，我收到了麻省理工学院博士班的入取通知。既然今年8月就将返回波士顿，因此决定不再觅职。6个月空档期，加入慈济的因缘成熟了。
I remember calling Tzu Chi Singapore chapter, the guy who received my call greeted me warmly and welcome me to join in. But I was slightly afraid of appearing out of no where in front of Tzu Chi front door. So I drag my feet for another 2 weeks before taking the bus to Tzu Chi chapter.
打了通电话给慈济新加坡分会，接话的是位师伯，亲切的欢迎我加入。但是，我还是有点患得患失，深怕冒失的出现在慈济会所大门。所以，我又拖了两周，方鼓起勇气，搭车前往慈济会所。
I recall having cold feet at the last minute, almost turned back, but eventually walked into the building. An elderly lady (I later realized that everybody addressed her as xie ma ma) was on duty at the counter and after explaining my purpose of visit, she directed me to a staff in the office (Mo SX from Macau). Mo SX explains that to me that Tzu Chi branch of Buddhism practices the path of Bodhisattva. He further explains the four missions of Tzu Chi: Charity, Medicine, Education and Culture as well as the eight footprints: four missions plus International Relief, Bone Narrow Donation, Community Volunteers and Environmental Protection.
I recall having cold feet at the last minute, almost turned back, but eventually walked into the building. An elderly lady (I later realized that everybody addressed her as xie ma ma) was on duty at the counter and after explaining my purpose of visit, she directed me to a staff in the office (Mo SX from Macau). Mo SX explains that to me that Tzu Chi branch of Buddhism practices the path of Bodhisattva. He further explains the four missions of Tzu Chi: Charity, Medicine, Education and Culture as well as the eight footprints: four missions plus International Relief, Bone Narrow Donation, Community Volunteers and Environmental Protection.
差一点临阵退缩，但终究走进了会所。一位老太太（慈济人都称呼她谢妈妈）在值班。经我说明来意，谢妈妈带我入办公室找莫师兄（从澳门过来的），还泡了壶茶 给我和莫师兄。莫师兄向我解说慈济行的是菩萨道，并一一介绍了慈济的四大志业：慈善，医疗，教育与人文和八大脚印：四大志业加上国际赈灾，骨髓捐赠，社区 志工与环保。
Mo SX encouraged me to take part in various Tzu Chi activities like recycling, visiting the old folks' home. He told me that as long as I am willing to spend my time at Tzu Chi and help, there will be things I can do and contribute. Even if I dont know anything, I can help out in the kitchen by washing the dishes. He further encouraged me to join Tzu Chi Boston chapter when I go over to Boston.
Mo SX encouraged me to take part in various Tzu Chi activities like recycling, visiting the old folks' home. He told me that as long as I am willing to spend my time at Tzu Chi and help, there will be things I can do and contribute. Even if I dont know anything, I can help out in the kitchen by washing the dishes. He further encouraged me to join Tzu Chi Boston chapter when I go over to Boston.
莫师兄鼓励我参加慈济的诸多活动，如环保，安老院关怀等等。只要我有心把时间用在慈济志业上，一定有事情给我付出。就算什麽都不会，进厨房帮忙洗碗也行。最后，莫师兄鼓励我日后到了波士顿，加入那的慈济。
With that in mind, I start my journey with Tzu Chi.
带着莫师兄的话，我开始走上慈济的菩萨道。
With that in mind, I start my journey with Tzu Chi.
带着莫师兄的话，我开始走上慈济的菩萨道。
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