A Valuable Cultural Exchange

BLIA’s friends Shayne Rusbatch and Adele Rusbatch from England are a couple who enjoy the arts and live their lives fulfilling them. BLIA members were led by the Venerable to their house for visit on February 3rd in conjunction with Chinese New Year.

Shayne is a professional carpenter and designs majestic wooden tables and chairs. Adele is a hair designer and enjoys oil painting during her free time. She also has unique taste and an appreciation of the arts e.g. the beauty and formation of rocks and makes an effort to bring some back to their home.

During the visit, Shayne showed us the courtyard which Adele designed, with some ideas coming from his uncle Martin Capstick who is a big name in courtyard design. Shayne is looking forward to the day when BLIA members are coming to visit again, after the completion of their courtyard renovation.

Venerable Jue Xi handed them some gifts and explained the meaning behind these gifts, including the hardships that Venerable Master Hsing Yun went through in order to propagate dharma. Adele was deeply touched and joked that she should prepare a handkerchief the next time because we always have stories that touch her soul and make her cry.