Stay Strong, Friends - We Are with You!

Talked to my parents on the weekend about what's happening at home and started paying more attention on the disaster. Can't believe I've actually been to the epicentre of this earthquake Wenchuan (汶川) on my trip to Jiuzhaigou (九寨沟) with Tong many years ago. That beautiful place is ruined now. However, that's not what matters at this moment. People are losing lives. I know people are in vulnerable condition over there, both physically and mentally -- the aftershocks won't give them a full night of sound sleep, not even hundreds of miles away at home in Xi'an. But I can feel they are strong within. "Tragedies bring us together." My eyes couldn't stay dry while reading all those incredible rescuing stories. My heart is unrest. I can't stay here doing nothing while my families, friends and fellow countrymen are in grave danger. I want to go back, to help. There must be something, something I can do because so many people are needing assistant, desperately. Maybe bringing some clothes and blankets to them because they must had no time to bring out any belongings from the collapsed home. Maybe carrying some bricks and building some temporary shelters because there are 5 million people homeless. Maybe some foreigners need translation because they might not understand my government is trying their best to help them. Maybe just sitting down with those children and tell them a happy story to make them smile because they must still be crying for their parents. Maybe ... ... I don't know what, but I do know help is much needed. I felt ashamed to have the idea of donating only $10 or $20 to the relief fund several days ago; now I know if I can't make it back to help, I can save at least $900 airfare. I also donated blood today, which made me feel a bit better -- if I can't help my country at this moment, at least I am helping someone. But I couldn't be proud of that, especially in front of those regular donors, because it was a trip meant to make many years ago, so I silently hide away my "1st Time Donor" sticker. Hope my money to Canadian Red Cross will be on the way to where it's mostly needed soon, Burma and China are awaiting helps. I will go to another bank tomorrow to contribute a little more. Hope that will make me feel better, at least I am helping in a way. Still... I don't know how I can hand to the victims my sleeping bag, my used clothes, shoes, ... ... I just don't want them to feel cold at night. STAY STRONG FRIENDS, WE ARE WITH YOU!