Volunteers work together during the Lunar New Year

During the 2015 Lunar New Year, the DAMI community gathered at the New York Temple to celebrate in an atmosphere of joy, confidence, and profound spiritual significance. Together, we enjoyed a harmonious and vibrant time filled with festive activities.

During the holiday festivities, attendees dined, participated in activities, and changed into ceremonial attire in the temple’s newly transformed back hall. The space, now significantly more spacious, was made warm and welcoming with the addition of a large tent. Inside, long tables were set up, creating a comfortable dining and activity area. To ensure warmth during the chilly season, volunteers first laid down thick cardboard on the ground, covered it with carpeting, and installed a large central stove. The glowing fire not only kept everyone warm but also lit up their smiling faces as they celebrated the New Year.

At its peak, the celebration hosted nearly 200 attendees daily, and the upgraded space comfortably accommodated everyone. The tent itself was a testament to teamwork and dedication. Under the Master’s guidance, volunteers constructed it in a remarkably short time, despite facing freezing temperatures as low as -18°C (0°F). Battling bitter winds and snow, the team successfully erected the sturdy tent and outfitted it with handmade furnishings, transforming the back hall into a welcoming space.

In preparation for the festivities, many volunteers arrived early to decorate the hall, hang red lanterns, place festive tablecloths on the long tables, and put up various signs and instructions. Their collaborative efforts quickly transformed the space into a vibrant, cheerful setting filled with the spirit of the New Year.

To ensure everyone’s health during the crowded celebrations, the DAMI medical team implemented a range of preventative measures. These included providing disinfectants, mouthwash, and nasal cleansers, as well as having experienced medical practitioners on standby to assist anyone feeling unwell. Other tasks, such as managing offerings, stoking the fire for warmth, transporting food, cleaning tableware, arranging tables, clearing snow, and laying carpets, were all meticulously organized and executed by dedicated team members.

After the fifth day of the New Year, the 2015 Lunar New Year celebrations concluded successfully. The “DAMI Community Service” team fulfilled their mission for the year with dedication, teamwork, and adherence to the Master’s guidance. Their united efforts contributed significantly to the growth and success of the DAMI community, leaving everyone with cherished memories of a joyous and harmonious New Year celebration.

by Li