Day 9

Today is Lena’s Birthday (NC time). See how the birthday girl spent her day.

Our second week starts with a visit to the Tzu Chi Foundation, which began in 1966 with 30 members and has grown to over 4 million today. Founded by Buddhist nun Dharma Master Cheng Yen, the foundation helps the poor and educates the rich to share what they have with others. Their humanitarian efforts are far-reaching, bringing care to the sick & poor in Taiwan and internationally.

Lunch followed at a Mongolian Barbecue Restaurant. Everyone enjoyed cooking their own meats and vegetables in a hot pot, or having the chef cook their meals on a hot stone. Yummy!

The team traveled to the Shan-Yue Hot Spring Hotel and spent a relaxing afternoon soaking in their own private spa rooms. The hot springs contain naturally hot water and are believed to have healing properties. If nothing else, they provided relaxation after a long first week of studying the many people, places and parts that make up Taiwan.