Letter from the earthquake zone

23/06/2008 10:04 am Andy Stevens <astevensSPAMFILTER@omf.org.uk>

Dear friends,

I've been in the earthquake zone for a week now and can finally update you with some news about the area and me.

As all of you, I read news and watched television about the earthquake area for the first few weeks. I knew the situation was disastrous and thought I was ready to see the real thing.

However, when I entered a county which is 60-90mins drive from us (not even the most seriously affected area), I was shocked by the sight. This is one month after the earthquake. There are tents everywhere. Half a million people lost their houses or had to move out because their houses were severely damaged and in danger of collapsing.

The Chinese are really, really tough people. They survived and are working for their future. Our team went into small villages to help with clinics and schools. People have received plenty of supplies and help from all around the world. They're just waiting for the perfect housing to be ready. Construction work is on day and night.....

Our team entered some small villages to care for the people living in tents. Our doctors help in clinics and some help in schools. The kids there are very, very cute and smart. We all love them. We have a very cool team. Though people come and go. I feel very privileged to work with them.

I mainly deal with administration work for our team and sometimes go into villages. Life here is actually quite nice. I have 6 hours sleep and 3 meals a day. You never know, I might gain some weight.

Some quotations touched me during this trip that I want to share here.

1. 'So much has been given to me, I have no time to ponder over that which has been denied'. - Helen Keller

2.'We don't want to just help them, we want to be WITH them.' – a co-worker

I agree that is our way to share our love with them.

Thanks again for all your support!!

Michelle

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