On an early winter evening in Gia Loc commune ( Hai Phong ), there were flickering flashlights on the road of Duc Dai 2 village. Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong put on a windbreaker and quickly walked to the end of the village to join other women in the commune to collect necessities to support people affected by natural disasters.
Steady footsteps, soft calls to each other, families who have rice contribute rice, have instant noodles contribute noodles, some people only have a few bottles of water but still want to send it to the people of Dak Lak who are struggling with the flood.
“The flood there is so big, I feel sorry for them when I see the news. I will contribute as much as I can, as long as it is in time to send to the people,” said Ms. Huong while carrying the bag of rice into the yard.
All the necessities were gathered and transported to Mrs. Bui Thi Lanh's house in Duc Dai 1 village. House number 387 on Nguyen Che Nghia street was spacious and airy, chosen as the gathering point for convenience in sorting and loading. The lights in the yard were always on, and people were nimbly moving each bag of goods and stacking them neatly against the wall.
“Everyone in the commune is very enthusiastic. My family has a place on the street so we open the door. We just hope the goods will be on the way soon and reach those in need,” said Lanh, a simple but heartfelt statement - who is used to supporting every time the village has a volunteer movement.
This campaign was launched by Nghiem Quang Pagoda in Gia Loc Commune. Upon hearing that Dak Lak was hit by a major flood and many areas were isolated, together with the abbot, Master Mai Suong called on Buddhists and people in the commune to join hands in donating essential goods such as rice, instant noodles, and bottled water. The campaign stemmed from the pagoda's concern for the difficulties of people in the Central Highlands during this natural disaster.
Master Suong shared: “In times of trouble, people have to rely on each other. The temple is just the starting point, but love comes from the hearts of the people. Seeing people collecting bags of rice and boxes of noodles, I was truly moved.”
Following the call from the temple, Buddhists and people in the commune quickly stood up to arrange the collection, classification, and transportation support. On the evening of November 23, when many houses had turned off the lights, a large vehicle rented by the temple started rolling, carrying 8 tons of necessities, all of which were sent from the hearts of Gia Loc people.
The bus traveled over 1,000 km overnight, through the steep mountain passes of the Central Highlands. At dawn on November 25, the bus arrived in Dak Lak province. Boxes of noodles, bags of rice, and water were delivered to the people of Tuy An Dong commune, one of the localities heavily affected by the recent flood.
When she received the news that the goods had arrived safely, Ms. Huong was moved. "I can only help this much, but I hope it helps ease their difficulties," Ms. Huong said.
Mrs. Lanh's house was open later than usual that evening. A few villagers stopped by to hear about the bus and ask about the situation in Dak Lak.
And when the first trip arrived at its destination, in Gia Loc, a new volunteer movement was formed. Many people in Duc Dai 1 and Duc Dai 2 villages called each other to prepare more rice, instant noodles, and dried foods to be ready for the next trip. "Whenever the pagoda calls, we contribute. As long as our fellow countrymen are still in difficulty, we will continue to work," said Ms. Huong while arranging the new bags of rice that her neighbors had sent her.
For many years, Nghiem Quang Pagoda has continuously maintained such support campaigns, from the flood-stricken Central region to the deprived highlands.
On the country road in the dark night, the bags of goods filled with love, the volunteer journey of Hai Phong people is still continuing regardless of time. The first trip has reached the destination but the heart goes further, kindling hope and sharing for more peaceful days for the people in the flooded areas.
DO TUANSource: https://baohaiphong.vn/chuyen-xe-nghia-tinh-xuyen-dem-tu-gia-loc-den-vung-lu-dak-lak-527923.html
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