Christmas Day is always a day full of hopes and dreams for everyone. At this time of the year, Mexican initiates thought of those people whose sole shelter in the frigid temperatures is a sparsely starred sky, and whose hopes and longing for warmth remain unanswered. They chose to put into action the teachings of love that Master has shared with them during this season of thanksgiving. Motivated by this inspiration, initiates organized themselves into groups to prepare a warm meal for those who were penniless, working from early morning until late afternoon.

Before they set out, the initiates sat down to meditate and prayed to Master to guide them to these homeless souls. They believed that they would be able to find them, but were not 100 percent confident. Once the meditation session was over, the initiates divided into two groups to cover the two main areas in Mexico City where the homeless might be found. Initially the initiates found only a few people, which was strange considering the large area that Mexico City covers. However, after walking for a long time they finally were able to locate more people in need of help. These people, who were living in impoverished and difficult conditions, were a sorrowful and pathetic sight for the initiates. The only consolation was that the vagrants now have the love of Supreme Master Ching Hai for them to rely on and can look to a future, in this life or the next, that is filled with hope. For the initiates, this experience of serving and sharing of love with others has become one they will never forget.

<Report From Chile>

Fellow initiates visited Chile at Master's instruction to provide relief to areas hit by heavy flooding caused by torrential downpours in mid-1997. The initiates personally distributed the first batch of provisions valued at US$30,000 to disaster-struck victims. The severe damage caused by the floods prompted Supreme Master Ching Hai to offer a second contribution of US$30,000 which She hoped would provide the victims with the best care possible. Below are the copies of the receipts for the relief funds from the local Chilean governments of Huasco and Higuerra.

<Appreciation Letters>

(Originally In Spanish)

Respected Supreme Master Ching Hai,

This is to inform you that we have received an amount of 8,260,000 pesos (equivalent to U$20,000), which has been deposited with the Municipal Treasury on October 17, 1997. A receipt No. 11602 has been issued. The funds have been deposited in the current account No. 82022136 of the Huasco branch of the Corp Bank.

We offer our heartfelt gratitude for your valuable help. The funds will go toward providing relief for the areas recently struck by disasters. They will certainly be used to benefit the many victims who have lost all their property.
We look forward to your visiting Chile at an early date. I shall make this a brief letter so as not to take up too much of your time.

Juan Sabando Santibaqez
Mayor Huasco Municipality
November 14, 1997 in Huasco

(Originally In Spanish)

Respected Supreme Master Ching Hai:

We would like to inform you that we have received a financial contribution of 130,000 pesos (equivalent to US$10,000) which has been deposited in our bank account No. 12500023455 at the La Serena branch of the State Bank. The funds will be allocated to the victims of the recent natural disasters.

A receipt from the municipal government No. 04280 dated October 17, 1997, is attached to this letter for your reference and records.
With our warmest regards,

Marcelo A. Araya Luna
October 27, 1997 in Higuerra