Page 22 - 37-Fall 2013

In September 2012, a steady
steel frame rises where once
there was rubble.
Photo: Michelle Chen

Over the three years after
the earthquake, James Chen
traveled between Los Angeles
and Port-au-Prince thirty-five
times, accumulating roughly
240,000 frequent flyer miles
along the way. “Sometimes I
would receive an email just after
day in Haiti is ‘crisis management.’” One time, I landed back in Los Angeles. Something had
because of a work strike in the Panama Canal, a come up and I would have to head back to Haiti
shipping container full of building materials— in another three days.” Late 2010 to 2011 was
including steel beams and columns—kept one of his busiest travel times, with Haiti visits,
getting delayed time after time, ultimately via Miami, at least once a month. This period
pushing construction back two months. It was coincided with political unrest in Haiti, so flights
a delay Chang had never considered even in his were frequently delayed or cancelled, and he
wildest dreams. Chang explained with a smile, was frequently stuck spending the night in the
“Every day is an exciting day.” Miami airport. Once, he was stuck there for two
full days waiting for a flight, until he finally gave
According to James Chen, what truly up and returned to Los Angeles.
pleased him was the progress he saw over
the course of the construction project and Once all the setbacks were finally overcome,
the knowledge that the local Haitian workers the three schools were finally ready for the
had acquired new skills. He pointed to the students. During the dedication ceremony,
installation of anchor bolts and the stuccoing of David Chang observed, “I’ve already handled
walls as processes that were incredibly slow at more than fifty projects in Haiti during the past
first, but which became quicker as the workers twelve years. This is one of the best projects
gained experience. He was happy to know that that I shall keep in my memories, in my life,
these workers obtained new knowledge and forever.” James Chen, finally able to set aside his
skills to apply to future projects. great responsibility, added, “For Master and for
Tzu Chi volunteers around the world, I’ve done
everything I can.” Now, James Chen is ready for
a new journey—not back to Haiti, but to Tzu
Chi’s spiritual home in Hualien to express his
gratitude to Dharma Master Cheng Yen for the
opportunity to serve.
#40, 63, 79

Exclude the word “difficult” from
the dictionary of life. When facing
challenges, be confident and steadfast
to overcome them.

Photo: Luca Ye Jing Si Aphorism by Dharma Master Cheng Yen

2 2 Tzu CHi uSA FALL 2013