Tony and I did not visit Sichuan while we were in China. Sichuan is the neighbor to the west of Hubei, the province where Lily was born. I imagine Sichuan is much the same as Hubei. To a large extent populated by poor working people who under normal circumstances live under conditions most of us would find impossible. Add to that the devastation caused by the earthquake that hit almost 10 days ago and I cannot bear to think about their suffering.
While it is true China is experiencing an economic boom I think it is safe to say a very large portion of the population would be surprised to hear that. When I think of the roads we travelled to get to the orphanage where Lily spent her days I can't imagine any type of emergency equipment being able to navigate them to come to the aid of people in crisis. For that matter, I can't even picture where there would be emergency equipment within miles and miles and miles of the orphanage.
CNN is reporting that the death toll is expected to reach over 50,000. That is a number I simply cannot wrap my brain around. Not only are thousands of children orphaned as a result of this tragedy, thousands of parents have also lost their only child.
In the adoption world there are families here in the US and throughout the world who have received referrals for children from Sichuan Province that are waiting to hear word that their children are safe. I cannot imagine their anguish as they wait.
With the economy being what it is...gas costing $4.00 a gallon...and all the other expenses of daily living I know it is hard to find money to give. However, if you are able, please consider donating to Half The Sky. Half The Sky is an amazing organization that is providing emergency and long-term relief for China's children affected by this tragedy.
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