A Terrible Earthquake in China

A terrible earthquake struck China today and we pray for all the families that are affected by this tragedy. We did receive this email tonight from one of the many wonderful organizations that serves the orphanages throughout China. It was a great relief to us to know that the orphanage children are okay. We just cannot wait to get there to bring our little guy home safely.

Dear Friends,

We have received many emails and calls about the terrible earthquake that
struck Sichuan and Chongqing yesterday. We have reached the three
orphanages where Half the Sky operates programs: Chengdu, Chongqing and
Yibin. All is well. At each place, the children were all evacuated until
the tremors passed. The buildings suffered no great damage. And no child
was injured.

We will reach out to other welfare institutions in the province today.
Should we learn of any problems or earthquake-related needs, I’ll post
another note.

Some of you have also written regarding the EV71 hand-foot-mouth virus
that has affected many, particularly young children, in several provinces.
The orphanages are taking special precautions and no child in an
institution has been reported infected. We are monitoring this also.

While Half the Sky exists first and foremost to provide nurturing care and
education to orphaned children, we are pleased to be in a position to be
the eyes and ears on the ground in China for all of you who have such
concern for all aspects of the children's welfare. We are so grateful to
those of you who make our presence in China possible.

with love,
Jenny

Jenny Bowen
Executive Director
Half the Sky Foundation
http://www.halfthesky.org