Orphans in countries rimming the Indian Ocean have been overwhelmed by more than just the waves. Floods of the tsunamis have killed over 235 thousand people. The children and orphanages that care for them in Sumatra, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Indonesia and other nations themselves face contaminated food supplies, a caste system that denies them a fair place in line for aid, and the loss of staff also devastated by the catastrophic events.
In one day, the price of food went up 600%. In Vishakhapatnam, one of the churches was washed away. The pastor and many in the congregation that worked and volunteered at the local orphanages were killed.. Residents stand where their house once was, and see rubble, and dead bodies. New mass graves are being dug to bury the dead. The missing may never be found.
Under the direction of Dr. Theodore Wesley, four orphanages in the Andhra Pradesh district of India care for 400 orphaned children (click here for detailed description of GoodNews Mission Orphanages) . The hardest hit of the orphanages is less than 2 kilometers from the beaches. While there was no loss of life of any of the children, the buildings were moderatly damaged by the waves and floods, and rice fields that grow their food were destroyed.
There are 4 major issues facing these orphanages.
The tsunami waves washed over the rice fields that grow the children's food, and were contaminated by dead bodies. They anticipate a loss of harvest for sometime to come. The food problem is further worsened by the caste system which will put orphans at the bottom of the food chain. Food there will be very expensive.
The second issue that is apparent is the number of children that have been orphaned from losing their own parents to the tsunamis, and will now need an orphan home. Though it cannot be immediately determined how many children may be added to their homes, it is very likely there will be many children coming to orphanages all through out the region
Third, the devastation from the waves have also killed or severely impacted the families and staff that work to care for the children. The people that care for the children are themselves reeling from shock and loss, and are unable to help.
Finally, the damage to the homes themselves, and the bedding, clothing and other necessary support facilities that are no longer functional, and need replacing.
The Solace Foundation has already committed itself to finding and sending aid to these four orphanages. And we are informed of others in Sri Lanka, and Sumatra that we will be contacting in the coming days to see what support we can send to them.
We are needing major financial contributions to help with the immediate purchase of medical supplies, fresh water and food supplies for these children, and will be providing support for the rebuilding, and re-equipping of the homes. We hope to raise $100,000 to help with the immediate food and shelter crisis. Additionally, plans are being made for the children who are coming because of their own loss of parents and family. Click here to help financially in this effort. Any gift amount will help.
Second, we are looking for college age adults who will volunteer themselves to go and work in the orphanages for a year or more. We at Solace will work to find and support these efforts. Click here to write us about your questions and intentions. The orphaned children in these countries are needing your help and support now more than ever.
THERE ARE TIMES WHEN COMPASSION COMPELLS US TO SACRIFICE FOR THE NEEDS OF OTHERS IN GREAT DISTRESS! The world stands at the door with aid, but the orphans are the last in line. Please give to help these children. Let us show the world what kind of compassionate and generous people we are! Give deeply and generously.
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