Visit of Members of Christchurch’s Avonhead Inner Wheel Group to FGS CHCH
On 21 July 2022, 9 members of Christchurch’s Avonhead Inner Wheel Group, led by group leader Jill, visited Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Christchurch, and were received by Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery CHCH official Juin-Mei Chang. After contacting the Temple several times, group member Annette finally managed to reserve the group’s Temple visit more than a month ago. Unfortunately, prior to the visit, Annette was infected with the new-strain Omicron virus. Annette then asked group member Jill to lead the group on her behalf. Unfortunately, on the day of the visit, Christchurch experienced severe weather with strong winds and heavy rain. Because of this, several members had to cancel their visits. Originally scheduled for a 15 person visiting group, only 9 people could participate in the visit that day.
The visitors first visited the Art Gallery’s "Songs for Remembrance Exhibition". Through the exhibition, they got to know Keith Morant, an outstanding local artist, and greatly appreciated his unique artistic talent and creativity. They expressed their admiration for Keith’s persistence in his artistic endeavour throughout his life. Afterwards, the visitors adjourned to the Water Drop Café to enjoy their morning tea. They rejoiced in the fact that though the weather was cold, they were still able to enjoy hot and delicious refreshments in a warm and comfortable environment at the Café. For that, they felt warm and happy. Before the end of the visit, the Temple presented the visitors with “Word of Wisdom by Venerable Master Hsing Yun” bookmarks and commemorative pencils. The visitors were surprised and delighted by this gesture of the Temple.
On behalf of the visiting group, Jill thanked FGS Christchurch, and mentioned that, even though the group had to face many challenges making this trip and in spite of the coldness of the rainy day, their hearts were warmed by the hospitality of the Temple staff. Before their departure, the visitors promised to come to visit the Temple again in the future.