The Day After
The good spirits from the day before didn't last into the next day.
Out of fear, some students chose not to sleep at night. Instead, they opted to walk around the school track all night. By morning you could see the toll it had taken in their zombie-like gates. Others who tried to rest had a hard time because of the aftershocks (which are still going on even here, in Tianshui) or the cold. We offered up all of our blankets, sheets and other things to try to help out as much as possible, but numbers were against us and some students huddled together to keep warm, relying on body heat.
The leaders of the school made sure that everyone was fed and cleanliness was maintained as much as possible.
News of a impending rain shower came through and people began building makeshift shelters to avoid the showers. It was during these preparations that I had to say goodbye to my friends, who had a train to catch. It was particularly tough to say goodbye to them because, first, I hadn't seen them in 2 years. Second, we had this terrifying experience together and then worked together to help out in the camp as much as possible, so we had grown close again and they didn't want to leave the students and teachers. Third, I could see worry in their faces about the well-being of Michelle and I, who had to stay behind while they went back to their lives in the States. We tried to assure them that we'd be fine, but sometimes it is hard to convince someone who cares about you that you'll be okay. I made arrangements for a friend to meet them at the train station and help them out. Then they were gone.
Soon after, the Gansu foreign affairs leader arrived and decided that it wasn't safe for us to stay anymore and told us we had to go to Tianshui. We felt terrible about going, like we were betraying our students, colleagues and work because others weren't leaving. I called Peace Corps and they told us we should go, so we reluctantly agreed. We dashed into the house one more time to grab our "evacuation stuff" and waited for the car.
A few of our students heard we were going and wanted to see us off. Holly, one of my third year students burst into tears as we were getting ready to leave. She was worried that we wouldn't return and that this was a final goodbye. We consoled her and told here that it was only a short-term departure and not to worry. It was gut-wrenching to see her get so upset just after seeing my friends go. On top of all of it, we hadn't slept much the previous night and hadn't really gotten hold of our families, so we were emotionally and physically drained.
We took the car ride to Tianshui in silence and collapsed on our beds. Since then we have remained here, waiting to return as soon as we can safely do so.
As soon as I can, I'll post some pictures from our site and update with news as it comes in. Hopefully, our time in limbo will come to a close soon.
If you want to help out, the International Red Cross/Red Crescent is accepting donations on behalf of earthquake victims. It would mean a lot to Michelle and I if you could give a small donation. After having lived here for 2 years, I have been able to see how little some of these families had even before the disaster. Anything you can give will be greatly appreciated and go far.
Take care,
Thad Ross
Out of fear, some students chose not to sleep at night. Instead, they opted to walk around the school track all night. By morning you could see the toll it had taken in their zombie-like gates. Others who tried to rest had a hard time because of the aftershocks (which are still going on even here, in Tianshui) or the cold. We offered up all of our blankets, sheets and other things to try to help out as much as possible, but numbers were against us and some students huddled together to keep warm, relying on body heat.
The leaders of the school made sure that everyone was fed and cleanliness was maintained as much as possible.
News of a impending rain shower came through and people began building makeshift shelters to avoid the showers. It was during these preparations that I had to say goodbye to my friends, who had a train to catch. It was particularly tough to say goodbye to them because, first, I hadn't seen them in 2 years. Second, we had this terrifying experience together and then worked together to help out in the camp as much as possible, so we had grown close again and they didn't want to leave the students and teachers. Third, I could see worry in their faces about the well-being of Michelle and I, who had to stay behind while they went back to their lives in the States. We tried to assure them that we'd be fine, but sometimes it is hard to convince someone who cares about you that you'll be okay. I made arrangements for a friend to meet them at the train station and help them out. Then they were gone.
Soon after, the Gansu foreign affairs leader arrived and decided that it wasn't safe for us to stay anymore and told us we had to go to Tianshui. We felt terrible about going, like we were betraying our students, colleagues and work because others weren't leaving. I called Peace Corps and they told us we should go, so we reluctantly agreed. We dashed into the house one more time to grab our "evacuation stuff" and waited for the car.
A few of our students heard we were going and wanted to see us off. Holly, one of my third year students burst into tears as we were getting ready to leave. She was worried that we wouldn't return and that this was a final goodbye. We consoled her and told here that it was only a short-term departure and not to worry. It was gut-wrenching to see her get so upset just after seeing my friends go. On top of all of it, we hadn't slept much the previous night and hadn't really gotten hold of our families, so we were emotionally and physically drained.
We took the car ride to Tianshui in silence and collapsed on our beds. Since then we have remained here, waiting to return as soon as we can safely do so.
As soon as I can, I'll post some pictures from our site and update with news as it comes in. Hopefully, our time in limbo will come to a close soon.
If you want to help out, the International Red Cross/Red Crescent is accepting donations on behalf of earthquake victims. It would mean a lot to Michelle and I if you could give a small donation. After having lived here for 2 years, I have been able to see how little some of these families had even before the disaster. Anything you can give will be greatly appreciated and go far.
Take care,
Thad Ross
posted by Thad at 11:46 PM
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