From the moment we heard the news of the tsunami and saw the television images of waves destroying everything in their path, only one thought preoccupied our minds: we were never going to let the viciousness of the ocean defeat the human spirit. We were not going to let our people go homeless and helpless in the face of the walls of murky waters.
Despite this dark hour, everyone sprung into action. Friends, and even strangers who walked in from the street, came to offer courage, strength, and help. Sadness became determination and resolve, as the Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Vihara in Los Angeles started its tsunami relief efforts. Out of this, our Tsunami Housing Project was born. People from every walk of life were involved in this task, including schoolchildren going from door-to-door to fundraise, a prisoner from Texas, and strangers with kind hearts.
Nothing can replace everything lost, nor will the sorrow and destruction completely fade away. But we hope having a home will ease the lives of these 37 families who were affected by the tsunami.
We thank everyone who contributed towards building these homes, because of you, 37 families are well on their way to rebuilding their lives.
We wish the recipients of the new homes the best of luck in their future endeavors!
