Medical Checkup and Flu Shot 健康检查及注射感冒预防针

On 2 Nov, during the bus trip to Mei Yi SG place for Tzu Ching fortnightly gathering, I received a call from Judy SJ, reminding me about Tzu Chi "Medical Checkup and Flu Shot" exercise the next day. I told her that I will be at Mei Yi SG place in another 10 minutes and we can talk about that later.

十一月二日，搭巴士往美宜师姑家参加慈青聚会时，接到小芳师姐的电话，提醒我，明天慈济举办“义诊”。我笑着回话，十分钟后我们在美宜师姑家再谈。

Frankly, if Judy SJ did not remind me, I would have forgotten this event, which I volunteer to help out during the morning shift. The start of Nov is the time where my mid-term quizzes occur week after week, causing me to forgo dinner and sleep (and subsequently result in a friendly reminder to take care of my health from almost everybody in Tzu Chi).

坦白说，如果小芳师姐没有提醒我，我会完全忘了慈济义诊。那是不可原谅的，因为我答应了早上到场帮忙。十一月份，每周一个测验，造成我几乎天天废寝忘食（后来慈济的师姑、师伯们每见我一次，就提醒我要照顾自己的健康）。

So, on 3 Nov, Debbie, Megan and I got a ride from Jian Fa SX and Judy SJ. This medical exercise is in Newton, in the hall of the Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association (GBCCA) and is organized by Tzu-Chi International Medical Association (TIMA). Almost all the regular Tzu Ching were present to help. Julie SG, Ellis and other medical doctors were also there to give health talks to the public.

因此，十一月三日当天，Debbie、Megan和我乘坐建发师兄和小芳师姐的车到牛顿市。义诊由慈济人医会主办，位于大波士顿区中华文化协会的体育场内。慈青们几乎倾巢而出，前来帮忙，瑞云师姑、Ellis和其他医师也都到场开健康讲座。

Again, it was raining slightly and the floor was fairly wet. I was tasked to assist 2 nurses in charge of drawing blood. They are blacks and do not understand Chinese. The public that attended this exercise are mostly Chinese elderly who speak Cantonese. Hence, I became the translator, finding out whether the elderly had breakfast in the morning before coming, if so, what food they ate and at what time. This information will affect the blood test results. The task was monotone, but it was a good break from all the Fourier Series and Transforms that was building up in my mind. I tried to push all thoughts about studies out of my mind by concentrating on being friendly to the elderly.

那天又是下着绵绵细雨，地板有点潮湿。我的任务是协助两名负责抽血的护士。她们俩是非裔，不明白华语，可是会众大多数是上了年纪的老菩萨，口操广东话。因此，我成了及时翻译，向老菩萨们了解他们是否是吃了早餐再来义诊的。如果是的话，那吃过什么食物，以及是在什么时候吃的。这方面的资料会影响化验结果。这项任务十分单调，但是能让我把学业与测验暂时放于脑后，集中精神的对老菩萨们。

I noticed 2 interesting things. As this medical exercise is just a week after we raise fund on the street for the victims of the California wild fires, I overheard Jennifer SG discussing with another SG whether to place a donation box inside the hall. Eventually they decided to do so, but the donation box will be in a corner, not very obvious to the public and with explanation that the donation is solely for the California wild fires. We do not want the public to have the impression that Tzu Chi is conducting a free medical checkup exercise but asking everyone for donation.

我注意到两件有趣的事。义诊刚好是我们为加州大火街头募款的一个礼拜后，我无意中听见淑蓉师姑与另一位师姑在讨论是否要在体育场内设立一个善款箱。她们最终决定这样做，但是把善款箱放在一个不明显角落，并解说善款都是为了加州大火的灾民，而且没人守候，目的是不想让会众以为慈济义诊用募款当收费。

Secondly, during lunch break, Cai SG asked me to go around and collect all the empty plastic mineral water bottles. She will bring them back for recycling. I truly admired Cai SG, in her determination to conserve and recycle. I have a lot to learn from her.

第二，吃午斋时，蔡师姑叫我用好膳后，到体育场内走一圈，把所有空的塑料矿泉水瓶收集回来。她会带回去环保。我真的佩服蔡师姑对环保的坚持与用心。我要向她多学习。

At around 1 pm, Jenny came over for the afternoon shift and I passed her my position. It is time for me to get back to convolution and inverse transform.

大约下午一点，Jenny过来替我的班，是时候回去温书了。

Raising funds on the streets 街头募款

This was a last minute decision by Tzu Chi USA Headquarters. The wild fire in California at that time was burning without control, many people were homeless and in need. We received an email a few days before 28 Oct 07, requesting help in fund raising in Chinatown.

慈济美国总部最后一分钟决定，希望慈济波士顿能为加州大火募款。加利福尼亚州野火当时已无法控制，许多人无家可归，急需帮助。我在十月二十八日的前几天，收到电子邮件，到唐人街募款。

I remember that was a Sunday. Two days before that, Friday, we had our own personal gathering among several Tzu Ching. I asked those present whether they are helping out that coming Sunday. One of them commented that from the news broadcast, the fires are around the suburbs, burning down houses of middle-income families. These families do not seem to be in need of Tzu Chi help. As I have not watch TV for a very long time, I cannot decide on that. But I do remember that I get to know a bit more about Tzu Chi when Tzu Chi volunteers was raising funds on Singapore streets during the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake / Tsunami.

记得十月二十八日是礼拜天。两天前，礼拜五，我们几位慈青刚巧有我们自己的聚餐。我问几位慈青他们后天是否有时间一块到唐人街募款。其中一人表示，从新闻联播中，大火都集中在市郊，烧毁的房屋大多数都是中等收入家庭所拥有。这些家庭因该不需要慈济的帮助。我已很久没看电视了，因此不太了解。但我清楚记得，二零零四年印度洋海啸时，慈济人在新加坡街头募款，让我有机会接触以及更了解慈济。

Also, Jin Zhi SG told me a story about helping a rich man who lost all his baggage in the airport. She helped him by giving him some money to contact his families. Her reasoning is: that guy may be rich, but he is helpless at this moment and need other's help. At that instance of space and time, we are more fortunate than him and this is a good reason to help him. Similarly, the families affected by the California wild fires may be able to get money from insurance to rebuild their homes, but that is in the future. Presently, they are in dire need of care, basic necessaries and concern. We are more fortunate compared to them at this very instantaneous period. This is the reason why we should help.

另外，金枝师姑与我分享过一件事：一名生活富裕的男子，在机场遗失了他所有的行李，身无分文。师姑给了他一点钱去联络他的家人，虽然傍人说那男子富裕，不需要帮助。师姑的道理是：那男子富裕，但是在这一刻，他是无助的，而我们是幸福的。这就是一个帮助他的好理由。金枝师姑没有给那男子联络地址，只希望他日后把钱捐给慈善机构。同样地，受加州野火影响的家庭，也许能够从保险公司那得到钱重建自己的家园。不过，这是在未来。目前，他们正需要基本的必需品和照顾。在这个非常时期，比起他们，我们是较幸运的。这就是为什么我们应该帮忙。

That Sunday, I am supposed to meet my friends from the MIT Singapore Students' Society for lunch at Chinatown, followed by grocery shopping for the trial cookout later in the evening, in preparation for our actual Singapore food fest. Hence, I told Judy SJ that I can only help till around 11 plus.

那礼拜天，我跟我麻省理工新加坡学生学会的同学们约好，到唐人街吃中饭，之后买菜。当晚，我们准备下厨，为我们日后的新加坡美食节热身。因此，我告诉小芳师姐，街头募款我只能帮忙到约十一点。

We meet at around 9 in Boston Chinatown. Cai SG separated everybody into groups of three, 1 holding a signboard explaining our mission, 2 holding donation boxes. I was grouped into with Jin Ma Ma and Jennifer SG. It was raining slightly and we were assigned to raise funds outside the door of a supermarket. Jin Ma Ma speaks Cantonese, Jennifer SG speaks Mandarin and I speaks English. Jin Ma Ma and Jennifer SG hold the donation boxes while I hold the signboard and pamphlets (in both Mandarin and English) introducing Tzu Chi.

我们在九点左右在波士顿唐人街集合。蔡师姑把大家分成小组，每组三人，一人手持木牌，解释我们街头募款的原因，另外两人各提着善款箱。我与金妈妈和淑蓉师姑一组。当天正好下着绵绵细雨，我们被分配到一间超级市场的门外劝募。金妈妈说广东话，淑蓉师姑讲华语，我说英语，互相配合。金妈妈和淑蓉师姑各提着善款箱募款，而我亦持着木牌，向大众解说加州大火以及发宣传单（华语和英语）介绍慈济。

Initially it was tough, people ignored us and just walked passed. Later, Cai SG taught us a good way, keep what you want to say short, such that within the 3 to 4 walking steps that people can hear you, they hear everything. If your sentence is long, during the middle of the line, people are already out the hearing range. Furthermore, emphasized that Tzu Chi does not request a lot of money from people, a dollar or whatever coins you have in your pocket will do.

万事起头难，刚开始时，路人都把我们当透明似的，快步走过。后来，蔡师姑与我们分享了个很好的方法：把要说得浓缩成两三句话，最好在路人靠近我们的那三至四步内全讲完。这样他们能听到一切。 如果你的句子太长，讲至一半，路人已经走出了能听到的范围。此外，要强调慈济并没有要求大众捐很多钱，一块钱或你口袋的零碎硬币就行了。

This method works! I keep my line short: "we are raising fund for the California wild fires, a dollar will do". People heard the complete sentence, dig into their pockets, come up with a few dimes or quarters and a good deed is done.

蔡师姑这方法真得管用！我把话浓缩成：“我们正在为加州野火募款，一块钱就行了”。人们听完了整句话，大多会挖挖自己的口袋，掏出几角硬币。就这样，圆了一桩善举。

Jennifer SG told me that this is the first time she raise funds on the street. This is my second time, I raise flag in Singapore during secondary school days. We have to get use to the stares and indifference looks. I greatly admire Cai SG, she will walk right up to people, stop them in their tracks, explain to them our causes and request for donation. The 3 of us can only speak that short sentence to people walking by and explain more in depth only when they stop walking on their own.

淑蓉师姑告诉我，这是她第一次在街头募款。这是我第二次，我在中学时期在街头售过旗。那时，要习惯路人的冷眼旁观。我真得很佩服蔡师姑，她会走到路人面前，令他们停下脚步，向他们解释我们募款的理由，并要求捐款。我们三人只能说那短短的一句话，当他们自己停下脚步时，还向他们做更加深入的解说。

There is a middle-aged lady that walked up to us, holding some currency notes in her hand and told us that she will make a donation if we lent her a cellphone as she need to make a call to locate her family. As Jennifer SG did not bring her cellphone along, I lent her mine. If I was alone, I will not lend her my cellphone, if she just runs away with it, it will be hard for me to go after her.

当时，有一位中年妇女走了过来，手持着些纸币，并告诉我们，她急需要打电话寻找她的家人，如果我们肯借她手机一用，她会乐捐。由于淑蓉师姑身旁没有带手机，我把我手机借了给她。假如我是单独一人在募款，我不会把手机借给她。如果她把腿就跑，我提着木牌或善款箱如何去追她。

The most depressing encounter was when the boss of the restaurant walked up to us and asked us whether we got permit to raise funds on the street or not and tried to chase us away. His restaurant was beside the supermarket and I guess that people holding donation boxes and signboard is not that good for business. I realized later that there is a big anti-war protest in downtown Boston that very same day. That may be why he felt uncomfortable. Even so, that was very rude of him to interrupt us when we were right in the middle of explaining our causes to a group of people. However, we were also partially wrong not to consider the possible negative effects on others. It should be better if we were to raise funds at the corners / intersections of streets instead in the future.

最令人沮丧的遭遇是一家酒楼老板走了过来，向我们询问是否有许可证，能在街头募款，并企图把我们赶走。他的酒楼就在超级市场傍，想必我们提着木牌或善款箱在他酒楼大门口走来走去，对生意不太好。我后来意识到，当天波士顿市中心有个反战抗议活动，这可能是为什么他觉得不自在。但即便如此，他也不因该好几次的不断打断我们与几位路人的谈话。我们不过是在解释慈济街头募款的目的。他的行为，是很没有礼貌的。但是，我们也因该设身处地的为他想想，毕竟生意难做。未来，街头募款最好选择转角处或十字街口。

There are also nice people around. There are several people who thank us when they know that we are helping their fellow citizens. They told us that they too have already sent checks over. There is a nice young man, who did not listen to us carefully when we asked him for donation. He just placed some coins into the donation box and continues walking. A few steps later, when he heard us clearly that we are raising funds for those affected by the California wild fires, he turned back and placed more coins into the donation box. We thanked him and gave him the pamphlet introducing Tzu Chi. 15 minutes later, he returned and ask us who to pronounce "Tzu Chi". He is a black and cannot pronounce "Tzu Chi". I was very touched. Hopefully, we planted a nice thought in his heart and he will join us when the opportunity arises.

当然，还是有善心人士的。有好几人，当他们知道我们正在帮助他们的同胞时，深深地感谢我们，并告知，他们也已经把支票寄出去。有一位年轻人，没有留心听我们解说募款的目的，只是随手放了些硬币入善款箱。几步后，当他听到我们正在为加州野火募款时，他转过身返回来，并投入更多硬币到善款箱。我们表示感恩，并给了他一张介绍慈济的说明纸。没想到，十五分钟后，他走了回来，问我们“慈济”英文名称的发音 。非裔想必不习惯中文的卷舌发音。我十分感动。但愿我们在他的心里种下了慈济的因缘，日后因缘成熟时，他能与我们一起走在菩萨道上。

In general, this is a very fruitful event. Sincere thanks to Yi Shan SG who bought us drinks and help us temporary in order for us to go and buy lunch (I called my friends to tell them to go ahead with lunch and grocery shopping). Thanks to the several Tzu Ching whom we meet on the streets and for their great donation.

总的来说，这是一个非常有意义的活动。真诚地感恩依珊师姑买饮料为我们解渴，并暂时替代我们，好让我们轮流去买午餐（我后来通知朋友们，我无法陪大家一起吃中饭和买菜）。感恩在路上遇见的几位慈青，感恩他们的善款。

Gan En

感恩

Bamboo Piggy Bank 竹筒岁月

I got my first bamboo bank back in Singapore during Vesak Day, which I return to Tzu Chi Singapore before I flew over to Boston. I dont know how much money was there, but my dad did told me that Tzu Chi Singapore called to pass him the receipt.

我的第一个竹筒，是在新加坡卫塞节时认养的，并在来波士顿前，还给慈济。竹筒里有多少福田我不清楚，但我爸后来对我说，慈济新加坡分会有致电，并把收据交了给他。

Now in Boston, Tzu Chi is having a similar activity. But this time, we are consolidating all the bamboo banks that were given out, an activity known as "bamboo bank returning home". Tzu Ching was asked to help out in this major event. Our main involvement was to produce a skit to emphasis the importance and significant of the bamboo bank in the development of Tzu Chi over the past 42 years.

在波士顿慈济联络处，我们也有竹筒认养。不过，这一次，是募回发出的竹筒，取曰“竹筒回娘家”。慈青们一起共享盛举，准备表演一出短剧，体现慈济四十二年来，竹筒不可取代的重要性与启发性。

This activity and skit was scheduled on 11 Nov. We decided to act out a previous skit that was performed during last year Tzu Chi Lunar New Year celebration. We shorten it due to time constraints. Half of the cast were new Tzu Ching since some of the old cast was unavailable on that day. I was there the first time we rehearse at Mei Yi SG place. It was so funny that most of us were laughing rather than acting or watching.

竹筒回娘家以及短剧定于十一月十一日。大伙决定用去年慈济新春祈福活动中，慈青表演的剧本。因时间紧凑，剧本稍微缩短；因观众群不同，从台语（福建话）改为国语（普通话）；因老将当天没空，演员一大半起用新人。第一次彩排在美宜师姑家，演员们的搞笑功力十足（剧目因该是庄严正经的），把在场的其他慈青与师姑们，乐得爆笑如雷。

I was highly recommended by several SG, especially as we need a guy to act as a middle-aged lady (auntie in Singapore usage). I declined because I am not free that day as well: the MIT Singapore Students' Society (SSS) has our annual Singapore food fest on that same day. I missed their Fall semester bbq because of Tzu Chi Boston Cultural Night; it is only right that I helped out at SSS this time. Eventually, this food fest was postponed due to the lack of venue. But I still did not attend this Tzu Chi "bamboo bank returning home" activity as I was really tied down with work and mid-terms quizzes.

几位师姑强力推荐我在剧中反串一位中年妇女。不过，我以当天无法到中文学校为由，加以推辞：同一天，麻省理工新加坡学生学会有一年一度的新加坡美食节。九月间，因慈济大爱之夜，我没到学会的夏季烤肉会帮忙；学会年度最重要的活动，我再没理由缺席。但是，天有不测之风云，美食节因租不到场地，往后挪了一个礼拜。虽然如此，我还是因课业繁重，抽不出时间，与竹筒回娘家失之交臂。

Hence, what actually happen during 11 Nov, I have no clue. I do know that involved Tzu Ching had several more rehearsal before the actual day. I also gathered from Jian Fa SX and Judy SJ later that the feedback from the children and their parents are very positive.

所以，十一日那天的演出如何，我所知不多，只知需要演出的慈青们私自彩排了几次。不过，建发师兄与小芳师姐后来提起，学生和家长们给了十分正面的评语。

The reason why the event is named "bamboo bank returning home" is because we collect back all the bamboo banks that were given out to the public, especially the children. We open their bamboo banks on the spot and helped them to pour out the coins into a main urn. This signifies that their efforts, no matter how small, will all merged together, just like rivers flowing into the sea. Every single cent that they contribute will be used to help others that are less fortunate.

竹筒回娘家，顾名思义，就是把劝募出给会众的竹筒都收回来，特别是小菩萨们的竹筒。我们现场把小菩萨们的竹筒打开，并协助他们把铜板倒入瓷瓮中。就如上人常讲的“一滴水，流入大海，永不干枯”。一枚铜板，可能几毛钱都不到；但是，那是一份心，能帮助不幸的人，是一份功德、一份福田。

Since I was not free on that day, I volunteered to help in counting all the coins from the various bamboo banks. Jian Fa SX told us that the coins are very heavy and he cannot lift all of them at one go. I notice that the coins left an indention on his carpet as well. Charles SB bought a coin counting machine and donated it to Tzu Chi. I used my eye and hands to pick out different coin values. It was a time-consuming task. Furthermore, there is a special rule in USA regarding depositing coins in banks. Instead of just separating the coins into different values (pennies, nickel, dime and quarter), we have to roll them up into coin rolls. Judy SJ asked her co-workers to help in requesting empty coin rolls from the bank. In the end, 3 of them went to 2 different banks each. But we are still unable to finish wrapping all the pennies that were collected.

竹筒回娘家那天没空，我便帮忙清点竹筒里所有的硬币。建发师兄告诉我们，硬币是重到他一人也无法提起。的确，硬币都清点妥当后，我发现建发师兄的地毯上，原本摆放硬币处，留下了被重物压过的印记。查尔斯师伯捐了一台小型的硬币点算机，而我就用双眼双手作硬币分类。耗时耗力啊。更何况，美国的银行规定，硬币分类成一分、半毛、一毛和两毛半后，还必须卷成固定的数量（五十枚一分一卷、四十枚半毛一卷、五十枚一毛一卷和四十枚两毛半一卷），不然银行不收。小芳师姐请她同事到银行拿硬币卷纸：她们三人各自跑了两家银行。不过，慈济劝募的一分多不胜数，一分卷纸竟然不够用。

In the end, we have a whole bunch of coin rolls that look like artillery shells. We ended the 3 nights of coins-counting by taking picture with the greatest amount of coins that I ever seen in my entire life.

硬币点算妥当后,一卷卷的硬币，十足炮弹。大家纷纷拿出相机，与这难得一见的硬币堆合影。三个晚上的数硬币活动，在合影的欢笑中，画上了完美的句点。

Serving food for the homeless at Boston Rescue Mission 为无家可归者发放日食

On 30 Sep, during the car trip to Tzu Chi Sunday school with Jian Fa SX and Judy SJ, they mentioned that Tzu Chi volunteers are going to serve food to the homeless at Boston Rescue Mission, beside Chinatown and they asked me whether I am interested to help out. Since I am free that afternoon, I readily agreed.

九月三十日，在往中文学校的路上，建发师兄和小芳师姐提起今天慈济会到位于唐人街附近的波士顿救助中心为无家可归者发放日食，问我是否有兴趣帮忙。既然我下午没什么事，我当然愿意付出时间。

I had never been to such events and hence this is the first time I did something like this (there are many more first time in Tzu Chi). Technically, there are no homeless in Singapore, we housed them under charitable hospital. Hence, I was quite surprise at the idea of center for the homeless. I was even more surprised when I realized that the homeless do not stay at the center but roam the streets and come to the center for food only (did not realize that I actually watched that in "The Pursuit of Happyness"). Tzu Chi did packed meals for the elderly living alone back in Singapore but I was not involved.

我没参与过类似活动，慈济新加坡分会有为独居老人提供午食，但我并没有参与。因此，这是第一次为无家可归者发放日食（在慈济，还会有许多第一次）。技术上，新加坡没有无家可归者，都被安置于慈善医院如广惠肇留医院。因此，无家可归者的救助中心，这一概念，对我而言，是蛮新奇的。跟让我惊讶的是，无家可归者并非住于救助中心内，而是游荡于大街小巷。救助中心只是提供食物，就如好莱坞影片中所描述的一样。

Tzu Chi has a very strict code of conduct for volunteers handling food. We all have to wear apron and a scarf to cover our hair. All the food were cooked by our SGs and SB and brought over to Boston Rescue Mission. Boston Rescue Mission provides fruit juice for the homeless and very interesting, sweets.

慈济对处理食物的志工有一套严格的要求：我们必须穿上围裙（慈济称为围多多）和戴头巾（避免头发落入食物中）。要发放的食物都是师姑和师伯们在家煮好后带过来的。波士顿救助中心提供果汁和我难以想象的：糖果。

All preparation must be ready by 4.30 pm, where the staff of the Mission will eat first. Then at 5.30 pm, the homeless will walk in, in batches and into the kitchen. I was in the kitchen all along and hence do not know whether a line formed outside the House. The homeless will collect a tray and proceed down the line where SGs and SB will give them noodles and food (Tzu Chi only provide vegetarian food). I was positioned to the end of the queue, in charge of giving them plastic cutlery and juice. Frankly, I think the meal is much better than those I cooked myself back dorm.

所有食物务必在下午四点半准备妥当。到时，救助中心的员工会先用善。下午五点半，无家可归者开始分批进入食堂。我十分好奇，不知救助中心外是否如好莱坞影片中所描述的一样，无家可归者排成长长的人龙，鱼贯而入。可惜，我无法离开食堂，因此未能一看究竟。在食堂内，无家可归者接过盘子，领取饭或面、三种菜、饼干、糖果和果汁（慈济只提供素食）。我在末端，负责餐具和倒果汁。所老实话，我觉得慈济提供的这一餐，比起我自己煮的，是有过之而无不及。

I always have the impression that homeless are supposed to be dirty, thin and sickly (stereotyped from media). Hence, I was very surprised that the people who walked in for the free meals are so overweight. This makes me wonder really how homeless they are. I saw a young couple, I saw a guy wearing a MIT sweater (a SB told me that the sweater could be picked up) and a few others in decent attire. By the way they chat with the staff, they seem to be coming to this House on a long-term basis.

一直以来，我以为无家可归者因该是又脏、又瘦、又病（媒体的刻板印象）。因此，我非常惊讶的发现走进救助中心的无家可归者，大多数都超胖。这难免让我怀疑，进来的人，到底是不是真的无家可归。无家可归者中，有一对年轻夫妇、一位穿着麻省理工毛衣的中年男子（师伯说可能是捡到的）以及不少衣着整齐的乐龄人士。他们与救助中心的员工犹如忘年之交、侃侃而谈。从此可推论，因该是长期来往于救助中心的。

After the whole event, I was really thinking hard: are we really helping them by giving them food or are we encouraging their dependence on welfare? There are a few that look really thin and sick, I am really glad that I helped them during the downturn of their life. Furthermore, the thought of "teaching him to fish is better than giving him a fish" is always behind my mind. Since young, we were taught that nobody own Singapore a living and we always have to depend on ourselves. I was further surprised when SGs reflected that there are many organizations that wanted to provide food to the House. At that time, I wonder whether our time and effort can be put to other better use.

发放结束后，我认真思考：发放日食是帮他们还是害他们？孤老贫病，义不容辞。不过，授人于鱼，不如授人于渔。从小，新加坡教育的中心思想是：发奋图强、自力更生。为此，当师姑说，有不少慈善组织希望为救助中心提供日食，但因反应过好而不得其门而入时，我不禁纳闷，慈济人的时间与精力是否能用于更有意义的事。

A couple of weeks later, again during the car trip to Tzu Chi Sunday school with Jian Fa SX and Judy SJ, I told them what I feel and my thoughts. Their reply surprised me. Jian Fa SX told me that most of the homeless in USA have a family. They just choose to roam the streets instead. Most of them have some bad memories with the concept of home, family or society. Hence they choose to live alone on the streets. It is more of a mental rather than a poverty issue.

几个礼拜后，在建发师兄与小芳师姐的车上，往中文学校途中，我与他们两位分享了我的感受。他们的答复令我十分惊讶。建发师兄告诉我，在美国，大多数的无家可归者，都有家庭。不过他们可能与家庭、家人或整个社会有几许不愉快的经历，而甘愿只身在外，风餐露宿。经师兄解说，贫困问题顿时成了社会或精神问题。

What Tzu Chi and other organizations, including Boston Rescue Mission, are trying, is to provide some comfort to them during their self-exile and hope that they will eventually walk out of their desolate.

众多机构，包括波士顿救助中心与慈济，正在努力做的，是在无家可归者自我流放的这一段时间，想方设法的送温暖。希望在不久的将来，他们能走出自我的阴影，从新面对人生。

After Jian Fa SX and Judy SJ explanation, I realized that I am very ignorant of American society. It is very different from Singapore. I was too quick to jump into a conclusion. Now, I am very happy to return to Boston Rescue Mission again in the near future.

一言惊醒梦中人，对美国的社会百态，我是管中窥豹。新加坡的国情，与美国不可同一而论。至此，我希望在不久的将来，会带着欢喜心再一次到波士顿救助中心。

Tzu Chi Academy Massachusetts 慈济波士顿人文学校

Ever since the first trip to Tzu Chi Boston where Ji Feng SB brought me to Tzu Chi Chinese School, I tried to followed Jian Fa SX and Judy SJ to Tzu Chi Chinese School every Sunday, unless I am really tied down with studies or it was a holiday. I got to know most of the SGs and SBs after coming to help in Tzu Chi Chinese School. Initially, the first few trips there, I found nothing to do, walked around Bedford middle school and wait for time to pass. Once, I even brought a textbook to read!

自从第一次济逢师伯带我到过慈济波士顿人文学校后，我差不多每个礼拜天都跟建发师兄和小芳师姐到人文学校帮忙，除非人文学校放假或我真得忙到走不开。也因为到人文学校帮忙，我认识了大多数的师姑与师伯们。说老实话，头几个礼拜天，在人文学校，有点不知所措。因为没事做，绕着人文学校散步等中午。记得有一次，我竟然把课本带去读！

Slowly, I got to understand what happens in Tzu Chi Chinese School and manage to get involved. Classes start from 0930 hrs to 1220 hrs: Chinese language from 0930 hrs to 1120 hrs and extracurricular activities like badminton, erhu or dancing from 1130 hrs to 1220 hrs.

慢慢的，我了解人文学校的运作流程，也找到参与的方法。人文学校从早上九点半开课，至下午十二点二十分下课：早上九点半至十一点二十分上中文课和早上十一点半至下午十二点二十分上课外活动如羽毛球、二胡或华族舞蹈。

In the morning, while the kids are in classes, Tzu Chi will raise fund by selling vegetarian products to parents. Jian Fa SX and Judy SJ will collect Soya beans products like tofu donated by the factory while Yi Shan SG will collect breads. Cai SG will bring the food she cooked as well. We make coffee too. I will help in carrying the heavy stuff, collecting money and packing up the sold food. Of course, I will take the opportunity to settle my meals for the next few days as well.

早上，当小朋友都在上课时，我们开始摆档凑款：建发师兄和小芳师姐拿来豆花、豆腐及豆干（感恩长兴豆品公司的捐赠）、依珊师姑或祥达师伯会拿面包而蔡师姑会带来自制的素菜。一切所得，扣除本钱，都归慈济。后来，我们也开始卖咖啡。除了买些素菜解决三餐外，我就帮忙搬豆腐或面包、收钱或包起家长买好的食物。

While their children are in classes, we will have various talks or briefing for the parents and I will help Jennifer SG by taking pictures.

小朋友在上课时，慈济有许许多多的人文或医疗讲座，与家长们和师姑与师伯们分享。那时，我就帮忙淑蓉师姑照相。

There are also special events, like Halloween, which we celebrated in Oct. One period of class was used for kids to move around, collecting sweets from teachers of various classes. Several Tzu Ching and I helped in bring the children around, from classroom to classroom.

特别日子，人文学校需要人帮忙，不怕没事情做。如十月底的万圣节，学校的一节课，我们让小朋友们到每一间课室，向老师们领糖果。几位慈青和我，就各负责一班小朋友，带他们一间一间课室走，向老师们讨糖果。

Similarly, every month, Tzu Chi Chinese School has the teaching of Still Thoughts. Mei Yi SG, Hui An SG or some SG will be teaching children this special teaching of Tzu Chi. Tzu Ching will be in the classroom helping out.

再来，每个月第二个礼拜天，人文学校有静思语教学。美宜、恩玉或其她一位师姑会到课室教导小朋友慈济的静思语（类似道德教育）。慈青们都会在课室里帮忙。


In short, like what Mo SX back in Tzu Chi Singapore told me: if you want to help, there is always stuff for you to do.

总而言之，就象慈济新加坡的莫师兄跟我说过：“只要你发心帮忙，慈济永远都会有事情让你做的”。

波士顿大爱人文之夜 Tzu Chi Boston Cultural Night

九月二十三日，慈济波士顿联络处在John Hancock表演厅组办了一场大爱人文之夜。这是我加入慈济波士顿后的第一个大型活动。济逢师伯希望我能在下午两点左右到场帮忙。记得当天天空一片蔚蓝，我步行过哈佛桥，大步往John Hancock表演厅的方向走去。

On 23 Sep, Tzu Chi Boston hosted a Cultural Night at John Hancock Hall. That was the first major event of Tzu Chi Boston that I attended. Ji Feng SB told me to reach at around 2 pm. Since the weather that day is great, I walked across Harvard Bridge, all the way to John Hancock Hall.

到达后，济逢师伯叫我帮济山师伯的忙，把场地的电线拉好、架起录影机、寻找最佳的取镜处。做起来还知道不容易，取镜处是改了又改：位置绝佳，不过电线不够长、位置不错，但是电线必须拉过走道，容易引起跌倒意外。几番推敲，终于在表演厅的左右各一角、舞台前左右各一角，把四架录影机架起。

There, Ji Feng SB asked me to helped Ji San SB in wiring and setting up the video cameras for taping of the whole performance later. I did not realize that wiring can be so much of a trouble. We changed the location of the video cameras several times in order to get the best view, under the constraint of wire length. Finally, we found an ideal spot, right at the corner of the hall. In total, we set up 4 video cameras.

架好录影机后，我跟着济山师伯负责舞台前左角的录影机。济山师伯传授了我几招录影的窍门，并且让我利用彩排试着录影。主要是注意两项：拉近或拉远镜头的速度不好过快、尽量不要让录影机颤抖。录影其实挺好玩。不过，美中不足的是，大爱人文之夜结束后，在收拾器材时，济山师伯和我离开了录影机旁，结果录影机不小心被撞翻，导致放录影带的夹层不能合上。

After setting up the video cameras, I followed Ji San SB, who handled the video camera at the left side, just below the stage. He taught me the tricks of handling the video camera and let me try filming the rehearsal. The main issues to take note are not to zoom in or out too fast and not to shake the video camera. It was fun. The only regret was after the performance ended, while we were packing all the equipments, we left the video camera alone and it was knocked down from its stand by accident. In the end, the video camera cartridge door cannot be close.

说老实话，整个大爱人文之夜，我记得不多，因为从台湾请来的歌手我大多都不认识。印象最深刻的是师姑、师姐、师兄和师伯们演绎的慈济手语剧。那是我第一次观看慈济手语剧。手语之美，只可意会不可言传。我在第一篇文章中已提过，这次手语剧的《千手世界》，深深得感动了我，更令我开始落笔。

Frankly, I did not remember much of the whole night, because the singers are from Taiwan and I don’t know them well. I only remember the first performance, by our own Tzu Chi people. That was the first time I saw Tzu Chi sign language performance. It was beautiful. How beautiful, you have to be there to see it yourself. As mentioned previously in my first entry, this performance inspires me to put my thoughts of writing a blog into action.


为了这一场大爱人文之夜，大伙都十分辛劳。从下午两点，架录影机、录影彩排、录影正式表演，一直到晚上九点。除了短暂的晚饭时间能歇息片刻，济山师伯和我都是站着的。我年纪轻，撑得住，不过济山师伯是上了年纪的，真难为他了。没有对慈济的那一份热忱，没人撑得下去。

It was tiring work. Since 2 pm, we set up the video cameras, filmed the rehearsal, followed by the actual performance. All the way to 9 pm, except during dinner break, we were always standing. You cannot possible film the performance while sitting down. I am young, but Ji San SB is close to retirement age. Truly, if you do not have faith, you will not be doing it.

站是站着，不过济山师伯和我也会苦中作乐。我从济山师伯那，了解慈济在美国的活动。济山师伯是从慈济纽约分会过来支援慈济波士顿联络处的。因为慈济波士顿，慈济人不多，大型活动，慈济纽约多数会在人力和运作上支援我们。北上波士顿，是牺牲一整天的休息日：凌晨一大早搭巴士往波士顿、支援我们一整天、晚上九点多再搭巴士回纽约、到纽约时估计也是子夜后。济山师伯来过波士顿几次，不过都是支援我们，还没有游览过波士顿。难怪，大爱人文之夜后，纽约的慈济人上巴士回纽约时，我们波士顿的慈济人，一字排开、挥手欢送、感恩之情，跃然脸上。

I learned a lot more about Tzu Chi in United States. Ji San SB is from New York. Tzu Chi New York sent a lot of people over to lend their support, both in logistics and performers, since Tzu Chi Boston has limited members. It was really sacrificing the whole day. They took the bus early in the morning, helped out the whole day and took the bus back in the evening. Ji San SB came to Boston several times, but has never toured Boston before. It was always a one-day contribution trip. Hence, it was no wonder that when their bus leaved for New York, Tzu Chi Boston people were mostly out waving and sending them off. I can really see gratitude on our faces.

欢送纽约的慈济人后，大家开始整理事物。没料到，就是一场大爱人文之夜，竟然有那么多的器材、书刊要搬，好像永无止境。济逢师伯的小货车、几位师姑的车，车后箱、车座上，都是慈济的事物。好不容易，事物都上了车，感恩建发师兄和小芳师姐送我回家。

After sending off SGs and SBs from Tzu Chi New York, we started to pack our stuffs. I did not realize that just a single-night event; there are that much stuff to move. It is like never ending. Ji Feng SB’s mini van and several SGs’ car were filled to the brim. Finally when everything was packed, Jian Fa SX and Judy SJ gave me a ride home.

那一晚，感触良多。济山师伯告诉我，我是与慈济有很深的因缘，方能进入慈济。要把握因缘，多了解慈济和上人的法。既然进入了慈济，就不因该为了小事或杂语而放弃这难得的因缘。不错，慈济的菩萨道，一点都不好走，诱惑又多，有机会下次再一起分享。

I learned several things that night. Ji San SB told that it took great affiliation to be able to enter Tzu Chi. Make full use of the opportunity to understand Tzu Chi and Master Cheng Yan’s teaching well. No matter what happens, I am already inside Tzu Chi, do not let anything or anybody words affect my commitment. Frankly, that is very true, but I will write about that another time.

我还注意到一件事，大爱人文之夜后，大家都忙着整理事物，我见到蔡师姑一人，手拿着一个大塑料袋、翻开表演厅的每一个垃圾桶、伸手进去、把每一个矿泉水瓶取出、放进大塑料袋里环保。这一幕，看进眼里：蔡师姑穿着慈济旗袍，却在捡垃圾做环保，无言的感动。我上前帮忙。把表演厅的每一个垃圾桶翻开后，蔡师姑还想到后台去，但因为考虑到后台已归还表演厅负责人，只好却步。

Another thing I noticed is, at the end of the performance, while everybody was packing up the equipments and stuffs, I saw Cai SG taking a plastic bag and going to every single dustbin in the hall. She opened the cover, put her hands inside and pull out every single empty mineral water plastic bottle. I was touched. She is wearing Cheongsam and yet she was doing this. I helped her. After clearing out every dustbin in the hall and lobby outside, she wanted to enter the backstage, but did not do so because we already returned the backstage back to the administrators of John Hancock Hall.


最后，当晚，我随口问了济山师伯，慈济纽约分会，洋人多吗。济山师伯说不多，他那代慈济人做到的是让美国华裔认识慈济。让美国洋人认识慈济，那是我这一代慈济人该做到事。义不容辞，这也是为什么我的文章都是中英对照。

A final comment: I asked Ji San SB whether there is significant Caucasians in Tzu Chi New York. He told me no, what his generation managed to achieve was to introduce Tzu Chi to Chinese in America. It is the task of my generation to spread the faith of Tzu Chi to Caucasians. I agree. That is why this blog is in both English and Chinese.

感恩

Gan En

波士顿慈青Tzu Ching Boston

那天认识了建发师兄和小芳师姐后，他们把我介绍入波士顿慈青的大家庭。慈青是“慈济大专青年联谊会”的简称。波士顿慈青大多是本科生，和我一样的研究生，为数不多，我们被称呼为慈青学长。当然，还有几位师姑与师伯们在呵护着慈青们。

After meeting Jian Fa SX and Judy SJ, they introduce me into the Tzu Ching Boston community. Tzu Ching is “Tzu Chi Collegiate Youth Association”, consisting of mostly undergraduate students, with several graduate students known as “Tzu Ching seniors” and some SG and SB as advisors.

我和慈青的初次接触是在九月或十月（因为我在慈济新加坡分会的时间短，当时又不在读书，因此虽然听过，但是没接触到慈青）。建发师兄拨电话给我，通知我秋季学期的第一次慈青聚会就在来临的礼拜五傍晚七点。地点是静嘉师姑的家，在牛顿市。那天，我搭地铁至牛顿中心站，步行十五分钟到静嘉师姑家。到了方知道Jeff师伯（静嘉师姑家师伯）会驾车到地铁站接人，特别是冰天雪地时。还好，那十五分钟的步行就当做运动好了。最有趣的是，往静嘉师姑家时，在地铁车厢里，有两位慈青，我们是相逢不相识。如果当时，我穿着慈济制服，她们一定能猜到我们是同路人。

My first contact with Tzu Ching was somewhere in Sep or Oct, when Jian Fa SX called and informed me of the first Tzu Ching gathering since the start of the fall semester. It was at Jing Jia SG place in Newton. I took the train to Newton Center and walked 15 minutes to her place. It was only when I reached her place that I knew that normally Jeff SB will drive down to the station to pick us up, especially in the cold winter. The most interesting thing is, there were another 2 Tzu Ching in the same train and they saw but did not know that we were attending the same event. They called and Jeff SB picked them up. Well, it was good exercise anyway.

在静嘉师姑家，我再次见到美宜师姑和依珊师姑，她们两位我在人文学校就认识了。美宜师姑的儿女：Andy和薇如、依珊师姑的儿子Steven，都是慈青。我也认识了庄师伯、瑞云师姑和果稠师伯（夫妻档）以及淑蓉师姑和诗白师伯（夫妻档）。

At Jing Jia SG place, I got to know Mei Yi SG and Yi Shan SG, both whom I met in Chinese School previously. Mei Yi SG’s son Andy and daughter Alice as well as Yi Shan SG’s son Steven are all Tzu Ching. I also got to know Julia SG and Guo Chou SB, Jennifer SG and Victor SB as well as Chuang SB.

慈青聚会每两周一次，礼拜五傍晚，轮流在各位师伯或师姑家里举行。流程很简单：先用素食晚饭、再讨论参与慈济的活动或慈青本身的活动、如果有时间的话，再观看与讨论上人的开示或教诲。

Tzu Ching gathering takes places every fortnightly, on Friday, alternating among various SG and SB place. Normally, we have vegetarian dinner first, followed by a discussion of upcoming events of Tzu Chi Boston which we Tzu Ching are involved. If there is time, we will watch Master Cheng Yan’s teaching and have a discussion.

慈青大多数是台湾人或美籍台裔，当然一定有例外，比如我。在慈青中，我也交了不少朋友：小A，Andy, 琮文，Debbie, Ellis, 宣婷, 佳君, Megan, Steven, 淑佩，Victoria, 毓佳，等等。

Tzu Ching are mostly from Taiwan or Taiwanese American although there a few exception. I made many friends from Tzu Ching: Alice, Andy, Chong Wen, Debbie, Ellis, Emily, Jennie, Megan, Steven, Su Pei, Victoria, Yu Jia and many more.

感恩

Gan En