EARTHQUAKE UPDATE

Reports vary as to how big this earthquake was, but it was almost an 8 on the Richter scale and the strongest earthquake to hit the region in 32 years. Over 300 aftershocks have been reported (one as strong as a 6.0!). At least 12,000 have died and, according to the official Xinhua news agency, another 18,645 people remain buried under debris in Mianyang city, near the quake's epicenter in Wenchuan County.

One third of the houses have collapsed within Wenchuan County. The greatest peril now for survivors huddling in makeshift shelters is exposure to the cold and rain. The need of the entire region is for tents, food, and medicine. Children's Hope (our adoption agency) is collecting funds to help purchase the needed items for the young victims, now in the streets. Their volunteers in Chongqing and Chengdu will be on the front lines delivering the items as soon as they are able.

Children in Chengdu sleep on the street for fear of additional earthquakes.

Other news sources report that several orphanages have been contacted and all are doing fine with the only problems begin lack of water and electricity. Other orphanages have not been able to be contacted at all.

I feel helpless, but at peace somehow. I guess knowing that God is bigger than all this and He is faithfully answering prayers to be right in the midst of all the fear and chaos brings peace. But it's all so sad. Please continue to pray for Malia and for Chloe and for all those suffering physically, emotionally, and spiritually.