[revival-fire] updates from China - OFH Updates 052808

******* REVIVAL FIRE!!! *******

directly from China . .     Laura

Howdy All,

 

Well, we are hard at it.  “It” being the job of putting together a supply truck, heading back to Chengdu to deliver supplies and volunteer ourselves for whatever the local organization has for us.  The idea sounded so easy at its inception.  Along the way there have been hurdles that have already been cleared.  It’s becoming apparent that there are others on the horizon.  In addition to putting the word out to foreign and local friends what it was we planned to do, we also contacted the local Red Cross.  The first meeting was between Trudy and one of the leaders there.  That got things rolling and initially they asked for documentation that would have been very difficult to provide.  At the next meeting with the Red Cross we were ushered into the office of the Standing Deputy President, Mr. Zhao. 

 

Mr. Zhao seemed a bit preoccupied when we met him.  I’m sure he was busy and things started out a little tense.  I don’t know the real reason why but things did not seem to be going well.  I know even as she translated and listened to translate that Kristin was lifting up the issue.  Trudy was keeping quiet which is a sure sign that she was also occupied.  As I waited for Mr. Zhao’s responses to come back through Kristin I was also fervently talking to the boss.  Finally, some things clicked in my head and a real sense of peace came over me and I began to speak.  I made it clear to him that we were working with the group in Chengdu, not for the group.  We were not employees or representatives of the group but volunteers.  The shipment of supplies that we were taking up to Chengdu were medical supplies, tents, bedding, clothing and odds and ends that were primarily purchased with funds received from friends and family overseas.  We had invited friends and family here in Haikou to participate if the desired but the bulk of the goods we would be transporting were being purchased with funds from overseas and we going to wholly distributed by a local relief organization in Chengdu. 

 

It was funny.  I finished talking and the hair was up on my neck and shiver ran down my back.  I could see that Mr. Zhao’s expression had changed and softened while I spoke.  He listened very carefully as Kristin spoke and when she was done he was beaming.  Just like that, the atmosphere in the room changed.  Suddenly things were very positive.  He asked only that we provide our passport information and he would be out point of contact at the Red Cross in Haikou.  If we had a problem with anyone they could call him and he would confirm who we are.  In addition to our passport information, I also volunteered out bank records to Mr. Zhao.  We have opened a new account in China to which overseas funds can be wired.  He then offered to call the local press and get our story in the paper.  At the time we declined the offer.

 

The offer to vouch for us over the phone is not the same as providing paperwork so our load can travel unmolested to Chengdu.  We are going to need someone at the Red Cross to commit them selves to this on paper.  We will need help from the folks in Chengdu.  I think I made a good impression on them while I was there but they are in a tough position.  They have good relationships with the local and provincial people but those relationships get strained by foreigners that come into the area and don’t follow the rules.  They are trying to avoid getting in the crosshairs of anyone so that they can continue to deliver aid to the affected area.  Please lift up that we are able to get the documentation we need for our supplies to travel without straining anyone’s good will. 

 

I wish I could explain how complicated things have gotten and how fluid the situation has become.  The good work that has been done by the local, provincial and federal authorities can not be denied.  The efforts of the Chinese citizens in responding to the physical needs of those millions in such great need have been inspiring!  There is just so much to be done.  Doors have opened.  Hearts have been prepared.  Ask anyone that was in New York after 911, there is a period where people are prepared to be touched in the most important ways.  There is also a time when those doors close and things go back to normal.  We are hoping and praying for normalcy here.  We also hope to be able to touch as many lives as possible before the opportunity passes. 

 

Please lift up the following issues:

 

1. Open doors
2. Proper travel documents for our shipment. 
3. Safety for those people still coming out of the mountains.  We are still having large aftershocks.  This is keeping people out of buildings.  There is every reason to fear that the buildings that are standing will come down in an aftershock.  Two days ago more than 70,000 buildings came down during an aftershock.
4. Safety for those already in the field and those in the group I will be taking back to Chengdu by Friday.
5. Provision.  I know who provides for all that we do here. 
6. My faith, my relationship with the boss and a clear mind to make the right decisions as he calls.

 

I guess that is about it.  The last thing I think I should add is this.  I want to apologize if I come off a little strong about what is happening and what we are trying to do here.  I see the news from around the world.  I know about tornados in the Midwest and South.  I know about what is happening in Burma.  I know about the economy woes in America.  I know these things but I also know the devastation I have seen with my own eyes.  I have seen the injured, held the children and wept with those who have lost everything.  The scope of what has happened here is almost impossible to believe.  Even being gone for a few days I can see the impact of it slipping away from my heart and head simply because it is too awesome to contain.  Please, please take this before the boss and ask him to open your heart to his desires.  How do we help this land and these whom the boss loves so deeply know him and love him in return.  I thank the boss that you are a part of all that we do here.  In the vine, Tim and the clan

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