Snowstorm in China

After the pure feeling of joy after receiving our LOA, my thoughts and prayers have turned to the safety and warmth of Jian Lei. There have been massive snow storms in much of China, the hardest hit province is Hunan (Juliana’s province). Half the Sky has been able to make contact with Director Shi. The latest update is they (Chenzhou SWI) have been without power for 10 days, they have 20 ill children at the SWI with no way for help to get there as all transportation has stopped. As this area has not seen weather like this in over 50 years, they are unprepared for it. The SWI is trying to heat with coal and light by candles. Here is the latest update from Jenny Bowen with Half the Sky on the situation in Chenzhou.

“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"

I have made contact with a wonderful women in Guanzhou who will be trying to call the director tomorrow to check on Jian Lei for us. I have an over whelming feeling of helplessness for my baby. Please pray for her and all of the children and adults being affected by this disaster.