During the past two weeks we have helplessly watched the heartbreaking pictures of the devastation which occurred due to the 7.8 earthquake that struck the Sichuan Province in China on Monday, May 12. We have read unthinkable accounts of schools that collapsed and of literally thousands of inconsolable families who have lost their only children. We have also watched and heard also about the heroic rescues that have occurred, and we hope and pray that families will continue to be reunited following this disaster. Lifelink has assisted in the adoption of many children from this area during the past 14 years of placing children from China. In fact three Lifelink families left this area just days before the earthquake hit.

At this time all but one very remote orphanage have communicated and have verified that the children in their care are all safe, including all children who have been referred through Lifelink. Despite the broader loss of life that has now numbered in the tens of thousands, most orphanages are alright. Amazingly and thankfully, no children in orphanages have been hurt during this difficult time. Lifelink has heard of orphanages keeping the children outside as much as possible to be safe from the more than 4,000 aftershocks that have occurred since the May 12 quake. Many children have been moved to more secure buildings. Others, sleeping outdoors, have resided in their orphanage buses or tents during bad weather. Now the orphanages are struggling to meet the needs of their small charges. They are in need of disposable diapers, clean drinking water and formula. .