Many of you heard of the earthquake close to our city. We did not feel it, but were quickly aware of it. We had some friends who had just moved a week before the earthquake to the city, and by early morning we were informed of their safety. We heard it was very bad and they needed to leave town with their two children. We went throughout that first day trying to hear about details, but with little information. The next day, we heard the severity of the devastation. We have many students who knew family or close friends in the town and were trying to hear from them. When we arrived on campus, the feeling was somber and many students were crying and being consoled by friends. We knew they were just hearing the news that loved ones did not survive the quake. The next few days were full of busy streets with big trucks being filled with supplies and tents. Every business had a red sign to show support, and donation centers were set-up everywhere.
Even now, the streets have constant sounds of sirens of ambulances rushing victims to local hospitals. Our house is close to the airport, and we hear several planes each day flying in wounded patients. Many of the local foreign doctors are taking shifts for days at a time to give relief. Students are volunteering in the hospitals for translation and bedside care. If you don’t know someone personally who was in the earthquake, you know someone personally who has been sent to help. Everyone here has somehow been affected. It seems as though life is focused on relief here in the city and most are busy helping and doing what they can.
We personally are trying to help in any way and are comforting our students during this time. As of now, the relief effort is for those who are in the medical field, but we want to give a helping hand wherever the need is. We have been so encouraged how the community has come together and everyone is doing a great job. If you are interested in participating in the relief effort and would like to donate for the many who are living in harsh, cold weather, we can vouch for the link listed below. They are really doing an amazing job, but need more help. We personally know these people, and know how the money is being used. All of us here realize that this is not just the current humanitarian disaster, but know that this will take ongoing effort for the next several years. As well, we look forward to see how He is glorified in this tragedy.
Thanks to all who have been concerned and are thinking about this area.
For more updated information with video and pictures, or to donate, go to: http://yushuearthquakerelief.com
