Here is today's latest update:

I know you are all so worried about the children in Chenzhou. We have just
talked to Director Shi and I want to give you an update. We will talk to
him at least 2x a day. We are trying to get in tomorrow to bring supplies
but we are not sure that can happen. Here is the news.

First the children. The 20 sick children are being cared for by doctors
from the local hospital (which is closed.) They are receiving IV's and
medicine. Shi assures us that the children will be fine and that they will
recover. They will feed the children and keep them warm no matter what.

There is still no power. Families in Chenzhou are now rationed and can only
buy 4 packages of noodles per family. The Civil Affairs Bureau delivered 3
sacks of rice to the institution. The are using candles but the cost per
candle has gone from 20 cents to 5 yuan per candle. They are using coal to
keep warm but the price of coal is skyrocketing. Two old people at the
institution died. There are 800,000 migrant workers trapped in town that
can't get out to see their families for Spring Festival. They expect
another heavy snow tomorrow.

I will keep you posted, I promise. They know we are trying to help them in
every way.

Take care and hang in there with us please.

Jenny

Jenny Bowen

Executive Director

Half the Sky Foundation

www.halfthesky.org <http://www.halfthesky.org/>

Half the Sky was created in order to enrich the lives and enhance the
prospects for orphaned children in China. We establish and operate infant
nurture and preschool programs, provide personalized learning for older
children and establish loving permanent foster care and guidance for
children with disabilities. It is our goal to ensure that every orphaned
child has a caring adult in her life and a chance at a bright future.

Since 1998. Ten years.thousands of hugs..

Contact us:

<http://www.halfthesky.org/about/contact.php> Beijing, Berkeley, Hong Kong

From: Chenzhou-Families@yahoogroups.com