Nancy Lee (傳巧),
Coordinator , Maintenance Section

Nancy is a familiar sight in Ocean Sky. Almost everyday, she arrives early at the monastery even before the gate opens, to prepare the breakfast of the Shifus. Since
she is also a member of the culinary team, she sometimes stays the rest of the day, if it’s her assigned day, to prepare lunch and dinner. Nancy likes to prepare delicious merienda (snacks) to help the busy Shifus recharge before the next meal.

Nancy said: “For many years, my husband and I would pass by Ocean Sky and never knew it was a Buddhist temple because we never paid attention. In 2007, after my father died, I decided to enroll in the Chinese beginners’ class upon the invitation of my friend Lynette. But I came for just one session. Then in August 2008, Lynette again asked me to join the Tour of Bodhi Mind to Taiwan. After the tour, I started volunteering twice a week in the kitchen of Ocean Sky.”

Nancy added happily: “I love to cook. At times, I would also volunteer in the kitchen of Chung Tai. I feel very honored and happy when I see lay people enjoy our vegetarian cooking. That’s when I feel all my effort is rewarded.”

As coordinator of maintenance, Nancy is in charge of buying things for the general upkeep of the monastery, for example, things as small as scrubbers in the kitchen to more expensive items like printers and USBs. She also exerted a lot of effort during summer camps when she helped Shifus buy suitable materials for the use of the Bodhi Stars. Nancy also does regular inventory of various supplies around the monastery.

Going back to her work in the kitchen, Nancy said: “I like to improve my cooking skills, by trying to incorporate complete nutrients in just one to two dishes. This way, all vegetarians can be able to eat healthy. By trying out a variety of vegetarian dishes, I hope more and more people get to like them and become true compassionate vegetarians.”