Earthquake in China

I hadn't thought initially to post about this, but it has gotten to me a little today. I am posting a couple links that give more info than I could convey. The devastating part of the quake wasn't near Lily's birthplace, but they would have been able to feel something.

This link is a map of affected areas with numbers and such: http://www.nationalpost.com/news/world/china/earthquake/index.html. If you look at the blue map that gives you perspective, look just below the right-hand corner of the black box. You will see a tiny peninsula and a larger piece of land which is actually an island. Lily was born in the town on the tip of the peninsula. The quake was felt much further away than her birthplace!

This link is to an article that talks about the quake and the one-child policy: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/15/china.one.child/index.html. It talks about how many parents' pain is compounding by the fact they child that is missing or dead is their only. I will say the figures they report as the "fine" for having more than one child is not accurate. The fine is really dependent on the province and provincial officials you are dealing with. There are differing policies. It isn't one child for all. There are differing levels of enforcement as well.

There are several agencies who are already set-up with working relationships with the Chinese government and officials. Here are a few that are reputable if you are feeling like you would like to help. Because of the cost of shipping and the time it takes, money is the best way to help.

Half the Sky: http://www.halfthesky.org/

Chinese Children Charities: http://www.chinesechildren.org/

Caring for China: http://www.caringforchina.org/

They all have links to tell you how you can make a contribution.