Text: Shui-Mei Tsai Photo: Chih-Shi Yen

Shore near~ ! Reached !

September 30th, Sunny, with blue skies, it’s calm and peaceful. 8 TIMA participants from Fuzhou China, took ferry from the sea port at PingTan in Fujian province, they arrived in Taichung seaport after 3 hours to prepare for the Tzu-chi TIMA conference that happens once every year.

On the same day of 11:30 in the morning, 9 Taiwanese Tzu Chi volunteers, who dressed in blue and white collars, were waiting at the Taichung Seaport Customer Service with their the most joyful and inspiring mood to welcome the Tzu-chi families. Although they have not met each other before, but from the recognition of Tzu Chi uniform which is very dazzling among all people. They were easily recognized in the travelers’ crowd. They saw and walked towards each other from far distance then they waved hands and greet sincerely with warmth.

Brother from Taichung Longin district, Ron-chung Chen’s daughter drew a poster “Welcome Home” for the Tzu Chi families. A poster to welcome the families from mainland China.

Brother from Taichung Longin district, Ron-Chung Chen’s daughter drew a poster “Welcome Home” for the Tzu-chi families. It is to help guide the families to each other easily with sincere .

It’s worth mentioning that the day coincides with the holidays, the vegetarian restaurant owners husband and wife, Risheng Zhang and Shu-Qi Ye, prepared 8 hot lunch boxes, in order to meet the arrival of their guests. They wished to make good impressions with the mainland medical TIMA participants. Shu-Qi Ye quoted: "We have prepared some Taiwanese side dishes and hope that the medical doctors will enjoy the authentic Taiwanese food."

Both sides met with joy. The tall and generous mainland Dr. Huang Feng greet sincerely with everyone, and said: "To participate in this year’s TIMA conference, the decision to join was in a short time so it was hard to get the air flight ticket, instead decided to take the ferry to come to Taiwan, so feel very thankful to our Taiwanese families for coming to welcome us. " After the blessing of the Tzu-chi volunteers, the two shuttle buses were arranged to escort the doctors and nurses to FengYuan Jinsi Hall for meal break. After the break, they continued to take the train at two o'clock in the afternoon, and head for Taipei to check in.

During the National Day of mainland China in October, the participants regardless the the distance that separates by thousands of miles away and difficulties, still decided to return to Hualien to their Master and spend the reunion during the Mid-Autumn Festival. It’s for them to embrace the opportunity to enhance their mind and spirit.

On the same day of 11:30 in the morning, 9 Taiwanese Tzu Chi volunteers, who dressed in blue and white collars, were waiting at the Taichung Seaport Customer Service with their the most joyful and inspiring mood to welcome the Tzu Chi families.