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The move-in ceremony of the Great Love tent community
was held on the morning of Jan. 31, 2005 in the stage
area of the community. The 196 house-style tents were
built with the love of Tzu Chi members worldwide as
well as the hard efforts of Pakistan soldiers and local
volunteers.
The move-in ceremony was presided over by Brother William
Keh (CEO of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Free Clinic in Alhambra).
Miss Zareena Samidon, a local volunteer, served as the
interpreter. "The tent houses are temporary. I
believe you will have permanent homes in the near future,"
Brother Keh stated at the ceremony in a brief blessing.
The melody of "Three No's" (signifying that
there is no one on earth that we should not love, forgive
and trust) accompanied with its sign language performance
by Tzu Chi brothers and sisters comforted the hearts
of the survivors. Dr. Lin Chin-lon (president of Dalin
Tzu Chi Hospital and leader of the fifth medical team)
made a few remarks on behalf of all Tzu Chi members
to welcome the occupants to move into the tents. He
also wished that the love of Tzu Chi will accompany
them to overcome their sufferings.
The highest-ranking, local official, Mr. Piyasena,
expressed in his speech that, in this long-standing
Buddhist country, he witnessed the true meaning of carrying
out the Buddha's teachings in daily life through the
devotion of Tzu Chi members over the past weeks. He
said he was deeply moved by the contributions of Tzu
Chi volunteers, who give their love without grudges
or regret and without prejudice towards country and
race.
The official pointed out that Hambantota has long been
a place where Muslims and Buddhists coexist peacefully
and get along well, adding that he deeply believes that
the tent area will be a place of love that transcends
the religious barrier for Buddhists and Muslims.
A representative of the residents, Mr. Wutada, went
onstage to express his thanks over the love given out
by Tzu Chi members worldwide. "My life was totally
changed after Dec. 26, 2004. Originally, I had already
given up hope on life. However, your appearance was
just like a godsend. I have witnessed true love by your
devotion, that is resolute regardless of religious belief
or race. My gratitude cannot be described by words."
Tzu Chi provided 26 items of basic household appliances
to each tent household. For the survivors who had lost
almost everything to the tsunami, the items are like
a supporting cane to help them stand up again. After
the ceremony, the residents couldn't wait to line up
to obtain these items; it was as if they were shopping
for a New Year.
Ms. Samila was one of the tent-house occupants who
couldn't wait to receive her gifts. Her family of four
lost everything in the tsunami disaster. Originally,
her husband supported his family with a part-time income
at a salt factory. After the disaster, they could only
depend on the relief aid from various organizations.
It has been over a month where she has not made a meal
herself. These 26 gift items were the only belongings
they have in the tent.
The shy Samila told the volunteers in her low voice
that after a long wait she now can finally cook for
her family. She was so grateful for the considerate
love of Tzu Chi members. After returning to the tent,
she immediately laid out every item to start her new
life.
It was very hot at the site of ceremony. Only half
of the people sitting down could be under the shade
of trees so Tzu Chi volunteers decided to let the local
residents sit under the shady half while they sat in
the sun. This action radiates the true beauty of Tzu
Chi spirit. Although the ceremony was brief, the unceasing
care of the Tzu Chi members would continue without an
end.
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