Eight More Mile to Louisville

Look what I found out today!!! Our master upholsterer in Athens, AL is a talented musician as well! Who knew!?!? He made some of the furniture for our latest project in Athens and reupholstered some of what was my grandmother's furniture for us.
I love the line he says at the end....
He was using all his fingers and all his strings.
On our crew, our master brick masons are very talented musicians, also. Our award winning metal fabricator is a musician as well. And now I found out our upholsterer is too.
Well...we might just have to have a party!?! Now if only the kitchen cabinets were complete. Oh and, I hear the cabinet fabricators can fry a mean turkey though. Speaking of turkeys... ; )
PS. I'm still looking for some digital pics of the upholstery work Roger created for us.

This is Fun!!!!

This is fun and a complete waste of time...but enjoy.
Send me some of your best ones or post yours on your blog.

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)
Penelope Suburban

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (favorite ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
Peppermint Sugar...uh huh.

3. YOUR “FLY GIRL” NAME:(first initial of first name, first 3 letters of last name) B-Bea

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Orange Zebra

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Locke Athens...terrible.

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
Bea-Be

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
The Chartreuse Sun Drop

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)
"Big Jim" Fred

9. STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy) Cucumber Godiva ...Oh my goodness. That sounds nasty.

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names )
Kathleen Edward....maybe I will be 2nd lady???

11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
Hatchett Harrisburg

12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower).
Autumn Protea

13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Mango T. Shirtie

14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
Croissant Willow

15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather + “Tour”)The Horse Riding 68 and Shady Tour

FLOWERS FOR ME!!!

I don't know exactly what I did to deserve these but I LOVE them!
THANK-YOU GWEN!!!

WE'RE "NOT EXPECTING"....

I got the highest compliment, I think. Mok's friend told me that he couldn't even tell that I was pregnant. HUH!???!! WHA!!!???!! I'M NOT! I guess Mok told him we were going to get a baby in a month or so and didn't mention we were going to CHINA to get the baby. OMG! NO! We are not expecting in the "Old Fashioned" sense of the term. We are expecting a referral not an epidural! I-YI-YI! Although at this point I am not sure which one is more painful.
So today I had a cyber conversation about "expecting" as well. A Chinese heritage expedited cyber aquaintance asked about when we were expecting our referral and that it's important to hear from others during this time of waiting. So my new advice for those waiting for there referrals in an International Adoption program is...
Be ready for the unexpected but don't expect it.
I should put that on a bumper sticker or a t-shirt, right???
Yep, I know that advice is as clear as IA is. Crystal clear, right? HA. NO. IA is a muddy abyss of swirling rumors and guesses. It is not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach. One must love the highs of butterflies in the stomach and the lows of the punch in the gut to survive this journey intact. Lucky me. I thrive on it. ; )
Oh and PS.... Happy 15th Month LID anniversary to us! It was actually yesterday but we were too busy enjoying the day off by going to Arcadia and eating at Din Tai Fung and shopping. It was a mini vacation for us. Ahhh... what a nice day.

www.dintaifungusa.com/

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

Look what Mok gave me for Valentine's Day!!! Looks like my choice of cribs will need to change to coordinate with our new rocker. That is just fine by me. I love all those modernist cribs! Yippee!

And, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Jamie and Steven!

GUNG HAY FAT CHOY!!!

Today is Chinese New Years!!! It is the Year of the Rat. Year of the Rat? Yep, Rat. Yuck. Oh well, maybe this will be a good year anyway??? We are looking forward to our LA Waiting Parents CNY's party on Sunday!!!

It's the Year of the Rat. Xinhua, the Chinese news agency, says that sign is associated with "a time of hard work and renewal in many ways" that marks "a good year to begin a new job, get married, launch a product or make a fresh start."


Hmmm...Maybe it is a good time to get our referral??? Now if the CCAA would just send out the November 2006 expedited referrals, I would be more than happy to make a fresh start. : )
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!!


Every year millions of people travel home to be with their families for the holiday. In parts of China, families make dumplings to symbolise luck and reunion.

NEW CHINA WEATHER UPDATES

GOOD MORNING. I JUST WANTED TO POST AN UPDATE ON THE WEATHER SITUATION IN CHINA AND THE CONDITIONS IN THE ORPHANAGES. THE UPDATES ARE IN BOLD AND ITALICS IF YOU JUST WANT TO SCAN THE LASTEST INFORMATION. AND, HALF THE SKY IS STILL IN NEED OF MONETARY DONATIONS TO THEIR LITTLE MOUSE EMERGENCY FUND.

http://www.halfthesky.org/work/littlemouse.php

Update on China's Spring Festival Storms
Here’s an update on conditions and needs at the institutions we've been in contact with. We’ll provide further information regarding these and other orphanages needing help just as soon as we have it. In general the needs are for fuel, food, disposable diapers, warm clothing and bedding. Prices are soaring because no goods can be shipped and cold weather has destroyed all winter crops. Half the Sky is responding to the emergency by getting funds directly to the institutions in a variety of ways.

Beihai, Guangxi – Although ill-prepared for the bitter cold, the institution has so far managed to keep the children warm and fed.
Changzhou, Jiangsu – suffered the largest snowfall in Jiangsu Province.
Several buildings have collapsed. But the institution rushed to prepare for the cold and the children are fine. UPDATE: The orphanage now reports they are running out of diapers and need 750 diapers per day for an estimated 10 days. They request 15,000 yuan.
Changyu, Henan - need winter clothing, quilts, heaters, washing machine and a disinfecting cabinet. Estimated cost: 50,000 yuan; total child population: 33.
Chengdu, Sichuan – is experiencing the coldest winter in memory. They need a large room heater, diapers, shoes, socks and winter jackets. UPDATE: Chengdu repeats their request for a large heater/air conditioner and disposable diapers. They also request 120 warm quilts. Total request is 26,500 yuan.
Chenzhou CWI, Hunan – still facing the most difficulties of the orphanages we’ve reached. They’ve had no electricity or running water for 8 days and there is almost no possibility that power will be restored before New Year’s Eve (the 6th of February.) Because of the blackout, the hospital is closed. 20 children are ill and being cared for by institution staff as well as they can. The banks are closed so staff is contributing personal funds to buy food, coal and diapers. Prices are skyrocketing as all roads to Chenzhou remain impassable. UPDATE: The largest hotel in Chenzhou is running on one emergency generator and townsfolk who’ve been without power for days have filled all rooms and lobbies. There are very few places in town with even emergency power now. Hopes are to get some electricity by next weekend. UPDATE: The 20 sick children are being cared for by doctors from the local hospital (which is closed.) They are receiving IV's and medicine. Shi assures us that the children will be fine and that they will recover. They will feed the children and keep them warm no matter what. There is still no power. Families in Chenzhou are now rationed and can only buy 4 packages of noodles per family. The Civil Affairs Bureau delivered 3 sacks of rice to the institution. The are using candles but the cost per candle has gone from 20 cents to 5 yuan per candle. They are using coal to keep warm but the price of coal is skyrocketing. Two old people at the institution died. There are 800,000 migrant workers trapped in town that can't get out to see their families for Spring Festival. They expect another heavy snow tomorrow. We are in daily touch with the orphanage. They know that everyone is thinking of them and determined to get them the help they need. UPDATE: HTS has a team on its way to Chenzhou with supplies and money. Total funds requested to date: 150,000 yuan; total child population: 186.
Chongqing – warm and well, despite the terrible cold. UPDATE: Temperatures continue to drop - request warm blankets and floor mats.
Chuzhou, Anhui - has both water and power. Only public transportation has failed. HTS nannies and teachers are walking to work. They are leaving home extra early to be there for the children. UPDATE: Reports that their industrial clothes dryer broke down two days ago. They've tried to repair but it is still not working and they have no way to dry clothes and diapers in the cold. They ask for 28,000 yuan for purchase of a new industrial dryer and for a 10 day supply of disposable diapers.
Daoxian SWI, Hunan - need winter clothing, quilts disposable diapers, heaters, a dryer and medical assistance. Estimated cost: 80000 yuan; total child population: 32 (social welfare institutions house elderly also)
Desheng, Guangxi - needs winter clothes, quilts, disposable diapers and room heaters. Funds requested: 25,400 yuan
Fuzhou, Jiangxi - lost power for a few days but now it is back to normal.
The snow stopped a couple of days ago but now is falling again. The directors and HTS staff have gathered all the children into one big room to keep them warm. They’ve bought New Years clothes for the children and will have a party no matter how bad the weather. This year, however, the foster parents will stay home to keep the children safe. The institution has enough food and water. They want us to focus on those in more serious trouble and ask us please not to worry.
Gaoyou, Jiangsu – Despite incredibly heavy snow, the children are warm and well. UPDATE: Some of the children in the Family Village have caught cold. The Family Village supervisors is working with the families to care for the children. HTS is sending extra funds for heating the family village apartments for the next month - 513 yuan per family = 3078 yuan as well as 1800 yuan to cover the costs of New Year food for each of the Family Village apartments.
Guangzhou, Guangdong – This city is truly unaccustomed to cold and it is getting more difficult to find necessities to keep children warm. They ask for 30 space heaters and warm bedding.
Guilin, Guangxi - has two broken HTS heater/air conditioners in the Infant Nurture rooms and they’ve asked us to replace. The rooms are very, very cold. They ask for more soft matting for the floors and also snow boots for our HTS nannies who’ve been slipping and falling in the ice and snow as they come to work. They are so ill-equipped to handle severe weather. UPDATE: Also need disposable diapers, coal and winter quilts. Funds requested: 24000 yuan. UPDATE: The icy rain continues for more than one month. They are having problems with electricity and can't keep their dryer working. They ask for 1/2 the cost of a generator in additon to the items above. Total request is 37,000 yuan.
Guiyang, Guizhou – has seen ice, snow and now sleety rain. They need disposable diapers and some help buying food. UPDATE: Power is intermittant. They repeat the request for diapers and now understand that HTS has okayed the purchase. UPDATE: Further request for electric heaters. Total funds requested: 19200 yuan. Haikou, Haikou – Even sunny Hainan Island is experiencing a chill. The orphanage request a clothes dryer to keep the children in clean warm clothes, 20 heating lamps, 120 sets of winter clothing for 60 children, and a 10 day supply of disposable diapers. Estimated cost 28,000 yuan.
Hangzhou, Zhejiang - Because of snow, they've been unable to get vegetables for several days. They request a subsidy to purchase food at higher prices and also ask for disposable diapers. UPDATE: Additional request for space heaters and winter clothes. Total funds requested: 26,000 yuan
Hefei, Anhui – reports that they have everything under control and the children are warm and well-fed. UPDATE: The orphanage now realizes they will soon run out of disposable diapers. They ask for 10,000 yuan to purchase 7,500 diapers. Hengyang SWI, Hunan - need winter clothing, disposable diapers, heaters and medical assistance. Estimated cost: 80,000 yuan; total child population: 185
Hengyang County SWI, Hunan - need heaters, medical assistance. Estimated cost: 50,000 yuan; total child population 38 (social welfare institutions house elderly also)
Hengshang County CWI, Hunan - need heaters, washing machine, medical assistance. Estimated cost: 40,000 yuan; total child population 9
Huaihua SWI, Hunan - need winter clothing, quilts, heaters and a washing machine. Estimated cost: 50,000 yuan; total child population: 20. (social welfare institutions house elderly also)
Huaihua HeChen District SWI, Hunan - need winter clothing, quilts, diapers, heaters, medical assistance. Estimated cost: 50,000 yuan; total child population: 35 (social welfare institutions house elderly also)
Huangshi, Hubei – is in desperate need of disposable diapers. They ask for funds to purchase since goods can’t be sent to them right now. All heater/air conditioners have stopped functioning. They need quilts and warm clothes for the children. Several HTS nannies have fallen on the ice on their way to work and they need medicine to treat cuts and bruises.
Jiujiang, Jiangxi – had another heavy snow storm last night. Pipes have burst and the five boilers are broken. They are unable to bathe the children and are having trouble keeping them warm. They need quilts, bedding, warm shoes and space heaters. They need medicine for infant coughs and colds. UPDATE: Jiujiang requests a total of 52,000 yuan to purchase a heater, 100 sets of winter clothing (for 50 children) and 5 heater/ air conditioners.
Lianyungang, Jiangsu – is doing the best they can despite the lowest temperatures in history. While they still insist we help others first, they do request winter jackets for the children, warm mats to cover the floor and bottles for babies with cleft lip/palate. The last item we’ll have to ship from Beijing as soon as we are able. UPDATE: Lianyungang bought a covered cargo tricycle for each of the Family Village families to keep the children protected on their way to school. They also bought winter quilts and jackets for the Family Village. UPDATE: HTS is sending extra funds for heating the family village apartments for the next month - 495 yuan per family = 3960 yuan along with 36,600 yuan to purchase 100 sets of winter clothing, 100 quilts, 100 blankets and two heater/air conditioners.
Loudi SWI, Hunan - need winter shoes, emergency lighting, heaters and a disinfecting cabinet. Estimated cost: 100,000 yuan; total child population: 86 Liuzhou, Guangxi - requests disposable diapers, winter clothes, quilts and electric heaters. Total funds requested: 18,480 yuan.
Luoyang, Henan – all is well. They are accustomed to the cold.
Maoming, Guangdong - This is the coldest, wettest winter in memory, but they have warm clothing and electricity. They ask for warm floor mats, 12 space heaters, warm blankets and some help purchasing food. UPDATE: They request 43,680 yuan to purchase 200 Army-grade quilts, 38 space heaters, warm matting for floors, 130 sets of winter clothes, 300 pairs wool socks, 300 pairs gloves and 17 hair dryers.
Maonan District, Maoming, Guangdong – In the sunny south, they have never seen this kind of cold and damp weather before. It’s been a month with another month in the forecast. They need space heaters. Local citizens have donated warm clothes and blankets for the children.
Nanchang, Jiangxi – asks for warm floor mats and disposable diapers. They need a working room heater. Their electrical supply has been sporadic and with only a small generator, they’re not confident they can continue to provide heat to keep the children warm. UPDATE: Their boiler for hot water supply has broken down. They ask for funds to purchase a new solar water heater. They also ask for 10,000 disposable diapers, 130 quilts and wool blankets, as well as 150 sets of winter clothing, shoes and wool socks. Total funds requested: 44,000 yuan.
Nanjing, Jiangsu – continues to manage, despite the heavy snows. They would like 200 children’s blankets but insist that we look after others with greater needs first. UPDATE: HTS is sending extra funds for heating the family village apartments for the next month - 513 yuan per family = 3078 yuan as well as 12,000 yuan to purchase 90 quilts and 6 heaters for the Family Village apartments. They also request 20,000 yuan to purchase 100 blankets for the children in the institution. Nanning, Guangxi – is experiencing its worst winter in 48 years. They are doing their best to weather the storm but could use 6 large space heaters,
86 warm quilts for our Family Village and disposable diapers. Like many places, they are having trouble finding affordable food right now and would appreciate a subsidy to help through this difficult time.
PiangJiang County, Hunan - requests winter clothing, quilts, diapers, heaters and medicine. Estimated cost: 50,000 yuan; total child population 22 (county level social welfare institutions house elderly also)
Qingyuan, Guangdong – Again, the lowest winter in history. Constant rain. The children all have colds and sniffles, no matter how many padded layers they wear. They ask for 7 space heaters and 55 padded jackets. UPDATE: With HTS funds, they have purchased 110 sets of quilts and padded jackets but have been unable to find heaters anywhere in Qingyuan. They are going to try to send someone south to Guangzhou to find heaters. UPDATE: They request 2500 yuan to purchase 8 heaters and 17,600 yuan to purchase 110 sets of winter bedding.
Sanya, Hainan – all is well in this southernmost tip of China.
Shaodian, Henan - HTS supports a Family Village here for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Due to the heavy snow and bitter cold, the children suffer from chilblains on their hands and feet. Water pipes have frozen and they are now able to get water only a few hours a day. Food costs are rising. Power supply is intermittant. They request heaters and cream for chilblains as well as a subsidy for food.
Shaoguan, Guangdong – needs disposable diapers for 27 babies. They need 3 large room heaters and warm mats for the floors. UPDATE: They request 21,500 yuan to purchase 2 large room heater/air conditioners, 25 winter quilts and enough disposable diapers to last 2 weeks.
Shaoyang CWI, Hunan -has seen heavy snow every day for 20 days.There is sufficient water and, for the moment, there is power, so the children are warm despite daytime temperatures of -3C.However, 5 of 6 power poles have been downed by weather.Only one stands and the institution fears it will fall as well, leaving them without electricity.Much of the rest of the city is already dark. Children and caregivers continue to work and play together.High school students are cramming for exams and trying to ignore the cold.Everyone prays that the power pole will continue to stand. They request space heaters, warm clothing for 60 children and shoes.for the big kids. UPDATE: They request 23,575 yuan to purchase 15 sets of winter clothing, 65 pairs of winter shoes, 20 heaters and 1500 disposable diapers. Estimated cost: 23,575; total child population: 68. Wuhan, Hubei – is having a very hard time finding affordable food, “even cabbage.” They ask for food subsidies for the Family Village, 20 space heaters and 50 warm quilts. Heaters are working but there is no water for bathing. The local community has offered to take children in for the Chinese New Year and the institution feels this may be the best decision to keep them safe, so their requests are only for the Family Village. UPDATE: With HTS funds, they purchased heavy comforters, space heaters and food for the Family Village. The institution director personally visited each family to ensure that everyone is all right. UPDATE: HTS is sending extra funds for heating the family village apartments for the next month - 513 yuan per family = 5130 yuan. Total funds requested: 134,130 yuan.
Wuzhou, Guangxi – is enduring bitter cold. They need warm mats for the floors, disposable diapers, warm clothes and shoes for the children. UPDATE: They have received some assistance from the local government to buy winter clothes but need a food subsidy for the Family Village families and a 10 day supply of disposable diapers. Estimated needs: 12,500 yuan
Xiangtan, Hunan - has had snow for the past 10 days. The main water pipe is “broken again.” There is no water for cooking right now but they do have electricity, coal and blankets. They are still able to buy food but prices have gone way up. Not all of the HTS nannies can get to work every day. They are keeping the programs going as well as they can and make sure that at least five nurturing nannies are there with the babies every day, along with the institution’s caregivers. UPDATE: Snow has stopped but it's very cold and wet. They need 3000 diapers and 80 boxes of infant formula and rice powder. Request 8000 yuan. Xinhua County SWI, Hunan - needs winer clothing, quilts, disposable diapers, heaters, a washing machine and medical assistance. Estimated funds: 60,000; total child population: 32 (social welfare institutions house elderly also)Xinyang, Henan – is accustomed to the cold and all is well. UPDATE: It seems first information on Xinyang did not come from director of institution. Today's news is not so favorable. It has been snowing since January 10 and temperatures are the lowest in history. Some heaters are broken. The institution has gathered all of the children together in the largest HTS activity room to keep them warm. Due to the weight of ice, the roof has cracked and there are leaks into some of the HTS activity rooms as well as the nurseries. They are installing a "temporary toilet' on the same floor as the big activity room so children and caregivers don't slip on the icy corridors and stairs. They ask for disposable diapers, winter clothes, cream for chilblains for the children's hands and feet. HTS staff continues to walk to work through the snow and ice; there is no public transportation. UPDATE: They request 66,500 yuan to purchase 150 pairs of winter shoes (the children all have wet feet!), 12,000 disposable diapers and to repair the leaking roof.
Yangchun, Guangdong - reports a need for space heaters and hot water bottles for 88 babies at two sites. UPDATE:reports that they are making do with what they have and that, because others are worse off, to not make their request high priority. Will keep in touch. Yibin, Sichuan – It’s a snowy day but it feels like the weather may be getting better. They’re not sure. They feel the county-level institutions are worse off than they are so the ask us to consider helping others before them. They keep the children warm in the bright rooms that HTS created and they say everyone is well so far.
Yiyang, Hunan – still has electricity but the water has been shutting off and on. They have stockpiled food for the children. The greatest challenge is for the nannies to get to work. Because the buses are down, they must walk on icy roads. UPDATE: They request 31,760 yuan to purchase 70 sets of winter clothing and shotes, 65 winter quilts, 20 space heaters, 3 boilers and enough disposable diapers to last 10 days. UPDATE: Yiyang SWC estimated cost 50,000 yuan; total child population: 19. Yiyang CWI estimated cost: 50,000 yuan; total chlid population: 65 Yongzhou SWI, Hunan - need winter clothing, quilts, disposable diapers, heaters and medicine. Estimated cost: 40,000 yuan; total child population: 9.(social welfare institutions house elderly also) Yueyang, Hunan - has no electricity. The one functioning power generator is being used in the children’s dormitory. They are relying on coal heat but the price has tripled in recent days. They are running out of food and have applied to the local Bureau of Civil Affairs for funds to buy more. Our HTS nannies have been walking for hours to get to work, often slipping on the ice, “even though they try to be cautious.” UPDATE: Request for quilts, 4 large room heaters, disposable diapers, winter clothing and medical assistance. Estimated cost: 30-50,000 yuan; total child population: 192
Zhuzhou CWI, Hunan - need winter clothing, quilts, school supplies and medical assistance. Estimated cost: 100,000 yuan; total child population: 325

Korean BBQ

So after a rough week and weekend, I told ya'll I was going to do some retail therapy. Well, I did. Well, actually Mok did. I asked him for a camera and he delivered. Mok got me a new camera which takes video! So this is my first test video. WARNING TO MY VEGAN FRIENDS: It is meat on a grill. Our sunday evening visit to Korean BBQ. Yummmeeeee!

WEATHER UPDATE IN CHINA

Update on China's Spring Festival Storms (FROM HALF THE SKY)
Here’s an update on conditions and needs at the institutions we've been in contact with. We’ll provide information regarding these and other orphanages needing help just as soon as we have it. In general the needs are for fuel, food, disposable diapers, warm clothing and bedding. Prices are soaring because no goods can be shipped and cold weather has destroyed all winter crops. Half the Sky is responding to the emergency by getting funds directly to the institutions in a variety of ways.

Beihai, Guangxi – Although ill-prepared for the bitter cold, the institution has so far managed to keep the children warm and fed.

Changzhou, Jiangsu – suffered the largest snowfall in Jiangsu Province.
Several buildings have collapsed. But the institution rushed to prepare for the cold and the children are fine.

Chengdu, Sichuan – is experiencing the coldest winter in memory. They need a large room heater, diapers, shoes, socks and winter jackets.

Chenzhou, Hunan – still facing the most difficulties of the orphanages we’ve reached. They’ve had no electricity or running water for 8 days and there is almost no possibility that power will be restored before New Year’s Eve (the 6th of February.) Because of the blackout, the hospital is closed. 20 children are ill and being cared for by institution staff as well as they can. The banks are closed so staff is contributing personal funds to buy food, coal and diapers. Prices are skyrocketing as all roads to Chenzhou remain impassable.

Chongqing – warm and well, despite the terrible cold

Chuzhou, Anhui - has both water and power. Only public transportation has failed. HTS nannies and teachers are walking to work. They are leaving home extra early to be there for the children.

Fuzhou, Jiangxi - lost power for a few days but now it is back to normal.
The snow stopped a couple of days ago but now is falling again. The directors and HTS staff have gathered all the children into one big room to keep them warm. They’ve bought New Years clothes for the children and will have a party no matter how bad the weather. This year, however, the foster parents will stay home to keep the children safe. The institution has enough food and water. They want us to focus on those in more serious trouble and ask us please not to worry.

Gaoyou, Jiangsu – Despite incredibly heavy snow, the children are warm and well.

Guangzhou, Guangdong – This city is truly unaccustomed to cold and it is getting more difficult to find necessities to keep children warm. They ask for 30 space heaters and warm bedding.

Guilin, Guangxi - has two broken HTS heater/air conditioners in the Infant Nurture rooms and they’ve asked us to replace. The rooms are very, very cold. They ask for more soft matting for the floors and also snow boots for our HTS nannies who’ve been slipping and falling in the ice and snow as they come to work. They are so ill-equipped to handle severe weather.

Guiyang, Guizhou – has seen ice, snow and now sleety rain. They need disposable diapers and some help buying food.

Haikou, Haikou – Even sunny Hainan Island is experiencing a chill. The orphanage request a clothes dryer to keep the children in clean warm clothes.

Hefei, Anhui – reports that they have everything under control and the children are warm and well-fed.

Huangshi, Hubei – is in desperate need of disposable diapers. They ask for funds to purchase since goods can’t be sent to them right now. All heater/air conditioners have stopped functioning. They need quilts and warm clothes for the children. Several HTS nannies have fallen on the ice on their way to work and they need medicine to treat cuts and bruises.

Jiujiang, Jiangxi – had another heavy snow storm last night. Pipes have burst and the five boilers are broken. They are unable to bathe the children and are having trouble keeping them warm. They need quilts, bedding, warm shoes and space heaters. They need medicine for infant coughs and colds.

Lianyungang, Jiangsu – is doing the best they can despite the lowest temperatures in history. While they still insist we help others first, they do request winter jackets for the children, warm mats to cover the floor and bottles for babies with cleft lip/palate. The last item we’ll have to ship from Beijing as soon as we are able.

Luoyang, Henan – all is well. They are accustomed to the cold.

Maoming, Guangdong - This is the coldest, wettest winter in memory, but they have warm clothing and electricity. They ask for warm floor mats, 12 space heaters, warm blankets and some help purchasing food.

Maonan District, Maoming, Guangdong – In the sunny south, they have never seen this kind of cold and damp weather before. It’s been a month with another month in the forecast. They need space heaters. Local citizens have donated warm clothes and blankets for the children.

Nanchang, Jiangxi – asks for warm floor mats and disposable diapers. They need a working room heater. Their electrical supply has been sporadic and with only a small generator, they’re not confident they can continue to provide heat to keep the children warm.

Nanjing, Jiangsu – continues to manage, despite the heavy snows. They would like 200 children’s blankets but insist that we look after others with greater needs first.

Nanning, Guangxi – is experiencing its worst winter in 48 years. They are doing their best to weather the storm but could use 6 large space heaters,
86 warm quilts for our Family Village and disposable diapers. Like many places, they are having trouble finding affordable food right now and would appreciate a subsidy to help through this difficult time.

Qingyuan, Guangdong – Again, the lowest winter in history. Constant rain. The children all have colds and sniffles, no matter how many padded layers they wear. They ask for 7 space heaters and 55 padded jackets.

Sanya, Hainan – all is well in this southernmost tip of China.

Shaoguan, Guangdong – needs disposable diapers for 27 babies. They need 3 large room heaters and warm mats for the floors.

Shaoyang, Hunan -has seen heavy snow every day for 20 days.There is sufficient water and, for the moment, there is power, so the children are warm despite daytime temperatures of -3C.However, 5 of 6 power poles have been downed by weather.Only one stands and the institution fears it will fall as well, leaving them without electricity.Much of the rest of the city is already dark. Children and caregivers continue to work and play together.High school students are cramming for exams and trying to ignore the cold.Everyone prays that the power pole will continue to stand. They request space heaters, warm clothing for 60 children and shoes.for the big kids.

Wuhan, Hubei – is having a very hard time finding affordable food, “even cabbage.” They ask for food subsidies for the Family Village, 20 space heaters and 50 warm quilts. Heaters are working but there is no water for bathing. The local community has offered to take children in for the Chinese New Year and the institution feels this may be the best decision to keep them safe, so their requests are only for the Family Village.

Wuzhou, Guangdong – is enduring bitter cold. They need warm mats for the floors, disposable diapers, warm clothes and shoes for the children.

Xiangtan, Hunan - has had snow for the past 10 days. The main water pipe is “broken again.” There is no water for cooking right now but they do have electricity, coal and blankets. They are still able to buy food but prices have gone way up. Not all of the HTS nannies can get to work every day. They are keeping the programs going as well as they can and make sure that at least five nurturing nannies are there with the babies every day, along with the institution’s caregivers.

Xinyang, Henan – is accustomed to the cold and all is well.

Yibin, Sichuan – It’s a snowy day but it feels like the weather may be getting better. They’re not sure. They feel the county-level institutions are worse off than they are so the ask us to consider helping others before them. They keep the children warm in the bright rooms that HTS created and they say everyone is well so far.

Yiyang, Hunan – still has electricity but the water has been shutting off and on. They have stockpiled food for the children. The greatest challenge is for the nannies to get to work. Because the buses are down, they must walk on icy roads.

Yueyang, Hunan - has no electricity. The one functioning power generator is being used in the children’s dormitory. They are relying on coal heat but the price has tripled in recent days. They are running out of food and have applied to the local Bureau of Civil Affairs for funds to buy more. Our HTS nannies have been walking for hours to get to work, often slipping on the ice, “even though they try to be cautious.”

http://www.halfthesky.org/work/littlemouse.php

A BIG THANK-YOU TO MAE FOR DONATING! CHECK OUT HER BLOG LISTED TO THE LEFT AT WORD TO YOUR MUTHA.
AND, A BIG GIGANTIC THANK-YOU TO MY MOM FOR THE MOST GENEROUS DONATION!!!

(*^&%*(#^(*_#_+_*-&&@@!!!

Well, for the last 2 sets of referrals(the Dec 31st batch & the Feb 1st batch) we have been told by our facilitator that our referral would be included but unfortunately it has not happen yet. So maybe 3rd time is the charm??? Let's hope so!!! Otherwise I will be the grumpiest, most vile person in Venice!!! I will be walking around lookin' for a fight while consuming mountains of junk food! And, my general contractor(s) will probably not ever speak to me again after my outbursts. I know the cabinet fabricators won't. Oh well. Next kitchen is going to be from Ikea. So in the meantime, I will help put the economy back on track with engaging in some retail therapy! Darn it...I wish The Carriage House had an online store.
So, what's the &%^^(@* hold up??? No one can explain why no Chinese Expedited referrals have been sent out since Nov? 2007. ARRRHG!!! &^%&^%(&)&@*#!!!! Phew, I feel a little better after a good cyber scream.
Oh and if you want to hear/read some really scary, depressing news.... then read this. It is very sad. Have tissues ready.

"Welfare institutions in south and central China are having the hardest
time dealing with the weather disaster. This part of the country is
simply not equipped to deal with extreme cold or heavy snow and ice. The
most common critical problems are power outages, lack of safe drinking
and cooking water, lack of fuel, diapers and public transportation. In
many places where buses have stopped running, our Half the Sky nannies
have been walking hours (in one case, 4 hours) along icy roads to get to
the children. As conditions worsen, our nannies and teachers are
remaining at the institutions day and night. They have given up the idea
of going home to their own families for the holidays. They need quilts.
They need warm clothing. They need coal, water, disposable diapers and
food. Here are the reports I have thus far, while in-flight. I will send more
soon. Where you don't see a report, either all is well or I don't yet
have information. I will tell you when we've heard from everyone. We've
also given all the directors an emergency number to call when/if the
situation changes.

Hunan Province -
Chenzhou has had no electricity or water for six days. They are relying
on coal for heat and cooking. The supermarkets and banks are closed.
Staff is using personal money for baby food, diapers, coal and water.
Costs are rising due to shortages. They have a natural well which,
thankfully, is not frozen. Even the older children are helping to fetch
water. They have perhaps six days of food remaining. The local
government is overwhelmed by the disaster and is unable to help much.

Shaoyang has seen heavy snow every day for 20 days. There is sufficient
water and, for the moment, there is power, so the children are warm.
However, 5 of 6 power poles have been downed by weather. Only one stands
and the institution fears it will fall as well, leaving them without
electricity. Much of the rest of the city is already dark. Children and
caregivers continue to work and play together. High school students are
cramming for exams and trying to ignore the cold. Everyone prays that
the power pole will continue to stand.

Yueyang also has no electricity. The one functioning power generator is
being used in the children's dormitory. They are relying on coal heat
but the price has tripled in recent days. They are running out of food
and have applied to the local Bureau of Civil Affairs for funds to buy
more. Our HTS nannies have been walking for hours to get to work, often
slipping on the ice, "even though they try to be cautious."

Xiangtan has had snow for the past 10 days. The main water pipe is
"broken again." There is no water for cooking right now but they do have
electricity, coal and blankets. They are still able to buy food but
prices have gone way up. Not all of the HTS nannies can get to work
every day. They are keeping the programs going as well as they can and
make sure that at least five nurturing nannies are there with the babies
every day, along with the institution's caregivers.

Jiangsu Province -
Changzhou has seen some heavy snows but the director reports that the
children are fine. The director says that he's doing his best to ensure
that the children do not suffer. Public transportation is crippled by
the snow and HTS nannies and teachers are waiting for hours to catch a
bus for home or even walking home in the snowy dark.

Nanjing reports no problems at all despite the heavy snows. I tried to
fly into Nanjing yesterday but it was not possible.

Anhui Province -
Chuzhou has both water and power. Only public transportation has failed.
HTS nannies and teachers are walking to work. They are leaving home
extra early to be there for the children.

Guangxi Province -
Guilin has two broken HTS heater/air conditioners in the Infant Nurture
rooms and they've asked us to replace. The rooms are very, very cold.
They ask for more soft matting for the floors and also snow boots for
our HTS nannies who've been slipping and falling in the ice and snow as
they come to work. They are so ill-equipped to handle severe weather.

Jiangxi Province -
Fuzhou lost power for a few days but now it is back to normal. The snow
stopped a couple of days ago but now is falling again. The directors and
HTS staff have gathered all the children into one big room to keep them
warm. They've bought New Years clothes for the children and will have a
party no matter how bad the weather. This year, however, the foster
parents will stay home to keep the children safe. The institution has
enough food and water. They want us to focus on those in more serious
trouble and ask us please not to worry.

Jiujiang says they've never faced such bitter weather. They desperately
need disposable diapers. Washable diapers cannot be dried. They need
warm clothes, shoes, gloves hats quilts and warm mats for the floors.
They need medicine for infant coughs and colds.

Hubei Province -
Wuhan suffers heavy snows but they still have power. Heaters are working
but there is no water for bathing. The local community has offered to
take children in for the Chinese New Year and the institution feels this
may be the best decision to keep them safe.

Huangshi reports that the freeze is so severe that all heater/air
conditioners have stopped functioning. They need quilts and warm clothes
for the children. They need disposable diapers. Several HTS nannies have
fallen on the ice on their way to work and they need medicine to treat
cuts and bruises.

Gathering these reports together makes me think about how careful we
have always been at Half the Sky to maintain our focus on nurture and
education programs. Ours is not a medical or relief organization. There
are many wonderful groups who do that work. Probablyt he primary reason we've been able to accomplish so much and reach so many children is because we've maintained our focus on our core mission -- providing nurturing care for children who've lost their families. But a moment like this really cannot be ignored. The tragedy of Hurricane Katrina in the US taught us that no matter how wealthy a country might be, its vulnerable citizens (old, poor, ill, and orphaned children) are the ones who suffer most when disaster strikes. Even as China seems to be entering the first world, a disaster like this is quite simply crippling. We know that orphaned children will be among those who suffer the damage most. I say this because I think we should break one of Half the Sky's rules and, if there are sufficient funds raised in the Little Mouse Emergency Fund, we should offer relief (water, food, diapers, quilts, clothing) to any orphanage where children need help. Let's see how this goes. If people are as generous as I think they might be, we will work with the provincial Bureaus of Civil Affairs in every hard-hit community, and offer assistance to all welfare institutions where there is need. Please lend a hand, however you can. You can donate to the Little Mouse Emergency Fund by calling us in the US at +1-510-525-3377 or in Asia at +852- 2520-5266 or by visiting us at www.halfthesky.org or go to http://www.halfthesky.org/help/docs/usdonation-orderform.pdf to download a form to mail or fax. Donations are tax-deductible in US, Canada and Hong Kong. Please forward this message and tell your friends and family. I will be back with an update very, very soon.
Thank you!
Jenny Bowen
Executive Director
Half the Sky Foundation
www.halfthesky.org

Half the Sky was created in order to enrich the lives and enhance the
prospects for orphaned children in China. We establish and operate
infant nurture and preschool programs, provide personalized learning for
older children and establish loving permanent family care and guidance
for children with disabilities. It is our goal to ensure that every
orphaned child has a caring adult in her life and a chance at a bright
future."

AND A BIG HEARTFELT THANK-YOU TO MY SISTER, JAMIE FOR MAKING A DONATION!!!