Tamy Kwok (World Vision Senior Programme Officer in Qingchuan, Sichuan)

On my way back to the office at 2:28pm on 12 May 2008, I saw my colleagues rushing down the stairs. Before I realised what was happening, I began to feel the earth shaking violently under my feet. We immediately rushed to the open area in Qingchuan High School. A number of casualties were soon brought there one after the other. We tried our best to help the injured, but there were too many…

Water and food were no longer available for purchase in the county in these two days. But still, we drove to Guangyuan City, the nearest city around, to purchase goods. Thereafter, we went to nearby villages to conduct disaster assessments.

21 May 2008 – Life after the Quake

It is five o’clock in the morning. Rain has been pattering the tent since eight o’clock last night.

My thought turned to those living in the mountainous areas. Many have not yet received tents because of their remote location or lack of aid. How did they make it through a rainy night like this? I can’t help tearing every time I think about them.

11 June 2008 – Behind the Smiles

Today, I visited a relief centre in Qingchuan and met Xiao Hong, a grade seven student. When she talked about her life now, the smile on her face disappeared. She told me, ‘Whenever I think about my younger sister, there is a huge burden in my heart…’ her tears gushed as she spoke. Xiao Hong’s 14-month-old sister was killed when their house collapsed during the earthquake. Later Xiao Hong’s mother told me that it was the first time Xiao Hong had cried like this since the quake.

I couldn’t help asking her mother how she had been feeling these days. She smiled and shook her head. Somehow, this silent sadness moved me more than anything. My heart sank even more.

22 July 2008 – Living an Abundant Life

Although Qingchuan was devastated by the quake, Tamy holds on hope to rebuild the community.

A large number of young volunteers came to help out. Most were students in their early teens. They came to help out as early as six o’clock in the morning. Many had skipped lunch in order to finish their assigned tasks. Their smiles, their laughter and their willing hearts made me reflect upon life’s losses and gains. These youth are truly the future of Qingchuan.

Rehabilitation is a long and gradual process. Nevertheless, if we hold on to faith, hope and love, life can still be filled with joy and peace.