Holding up Half the Sky

Thank you to those who have expressed concern via e-mail or phone about how the storms in China are affecting our adoption of Dang Yong! It means a lot to hear from you....

We don't know much about his specific orphanage, other than the institutions in Henan province (where he is) are generally better equipped to deal with snow and cold because they get it more frequently. I'm not saying everything is great there, but it may be a little better than elsewhere in China where some orphanages have only a few days' worth of food stockpiled, no electricity, and no heat. The trains aren't moving, so food and coal aren't getting anywhere.

Half the Sky (http://www.halfthesky.org/) is an organization I've mentioned previously that offers relief to orphanages throughout China. They reach the thousands of children who wait in China's welfare institutions, offering the love and concern of family to those little ones who have lost theirs.

During this national disaster that China faces, Half the Sky is there, working nonstop to make sure tangible relief reaches the children. If you're interested in making a donation to help get funds to orphanages in need, please consider this organization. They specifically request monetary donations d/t the fact that they physically can't GET donated items (rice, diapers, etc) to the orphanages because roads are impassable. With money, orphanage workers can physically buy the items needed and bring them back to the orphanages.

Go here: http://www.halfthesky.org/work/littlemouse.php to see the specific needs of each orphanage and to get updates.

"Every child, no matter how humble her beginnings, deserves loving care, and a chance at a bright future. How easy it was to make a tremendous difference in the life of one young child! What if you could do the same for the many children in China who languish waiting for families – or those who will never be adopted?"

The organization Half the Sky takes its name from the ancient Chinese adage:
"Women hold up half the sky."

A Chinese folk tale
One day an elephant saw a hummingbird lying on its back with its tiny feet up in the air.

"What are you doing?" asked the elephant.

The hummingbird replied, "I heard that the sky might fall today, and so I am ready to help hold it up, should it fall."

The elephant laughed cruelly. "Do you really think," he said, "that those tiny feet could help hold up the sky?"

The hummingbird kept his feet up in the air, intent on his purpose, as he replied, "Not alone. But each must do what he can. And this is what I can do."