5 weeks later

The water systems were received and sent down to Yushu a couple of weeks ago. After that we worked on getting permissions to continue relief work in other forms, assessed applicability/availability of additional water purification systems for the medium-to-long term, and started applying for grants. During this time, the authorities were assessing the quake site and determining where to rebuild Yushu. It seems that they will rebuild on the site of the old town, and that the reconstruction of housing will take up to three years. Yushu stretches from west to east along a river valley, with another tributary joining from the south, creating a three-cornered town that follows the waterways. During the three year reconstruction period, residents of Yushu will be living in tent encampments at the three corners of town. In order to help make the stay more livable, we were asked to help provide some supplies such as beds for the elderly, warm thermal underwear, wool socks, pressure cookers, cooking utensils, solar powered lighting, and some durable tents for those who hadn't received any yet. We sent down a truck load yesterday with enough supplies for 50 families (the tents alone are very large, being big enough for a family to make home in and being constructed of re-enforced nylon and insulating material). The guys who took the truck down will find out what additional supplies are needed and we're hoping to send down several more trucks in the coming days. For now, my family has retreated to Sichuan for a few days off, and even if we do nothing but sleep- it will be a worthwhile trip!