Update

Emergency Appeal – Thank You!

Wow! We’ve been overwhelmed by the response around the world to the China Weather Crisis Emergency Appeal. Many generously gave and prayed – thank you.

Winter is by no means over but we hope the worst of the weather is. Our international volunteers and Chinese employees are now beginning the task of clearing up, repairing damage, and continuing to ensure the health and wellbeing of the children. We want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of each and every one.

Kyla Alexander (Hengyang Project Manager) writes: ‘Life in the Hengyang Project has largely returned to normal. The weather has improved significantly and is now at regular February temperatures. The electricity supply is working again allowing us to run the air conditioners and bar heaters in the children’s rooms. Those with frostbite are still recovering but have shown significant improvement. The most serious frostbite will take another month or more to heal completely, but they are definitely on the recovery path. The international volunteers and Chinese employees have also recovered physically and emotionally as they have had some rest days and some normal work days. Everyone is grateful to the international community for their prayers and words of encouragement through a difficult time and I think we can say, as we come through the other side, that we are stronger than before.’

As a result of the incredible generosity we not only have enough to ensure the children have adequate food, warm bedding and clothing, and that damage to buildings is repaired, but we also have enough to purchase a generator for both projects. The generators will enable us to keep the well pumping water and provide heating for vulnerable children should there be further electricity shortages.

Thank you for responding to the appeal, for helping us care well for the children and those caring for them!

2008.02.21