It was such a tragedy for the people in Nias and in North Sumatra to be hit for the second time by another big earthquake. I couldn't contact the priest in Nias. No electricity. Soon we got a call from the priests in Medan saying that they sent doctors and nurses the next day and they were going to send what they could for daily needs by 2 trucks. We transferred Rp.10,000,000 immediately. They left Medan yesterday to Sibolga, by night ship. They must be in Nias now.

We can’t contact the priests in Nias again, for the moment. The last time the priests in Gunung Sitoli could arrange to send food for the victims, but this time the whole island is affected. The bridges were destroyed and transportation became so difficult. The airport is not functioning either. The church tower in the place where I stayed and houses with two floors had the most damage. The market nearby by the seashore in Gunung Sitoli (one of the largest cities) was
all destroyed. More people died and injured in whole area of Nias Island. I have several friends over there and I am wondering how they are....

In Meulaboh, we are joining with a group, San Spiritus Justice and Peace and JRS. With JRS, we are supporting the project of sending teachers to the camps for the children who cannot go to schools. We are going to send Rp. 75,000,000. to support 35 teachers for 6 months salary. I hope that children have better care there.

San Spiritus JP is following up the camps which were under the care of Jarkas.
Lulut and Patricia  (rscj) went to Medan and Meulaboh for 3 weeks. Patricia helped at the office in Medan most of the time and Lulut went to Meulaboh with Franciscan Capuchin postulants. Lulut stayed in one of the camps, Gunung pana. Some children go to school, but not all. Lulut set up the classes for those who don’t go to school, from kindergarten to high school, together with OFMCaP postulants. Lulut taught singing, dancing, handicraft, and she even taught
English. She saw many bright children who got less care. She said of one of the boys, "Your child is so clever." When the mother heard this, she was so surprised and said, "Ibu, this is for the first time to hear this kind of comment about our children. I've never think of my child as clever. Thank you so much for your coming to us." The people in Aceh need food, clothes and etc. but more so they need tender care, attention and LOVE.

San Spiritus JP is starting to organize agricultural activities with the villagers. Land has been made available fort he villagers to work. All activities have to be under the Military. Let's see how we can continue for the people. Eventually
our plan is to build up community and start various activities with grown ups and also youths and children. One of our graduates of the program for street-kids is there as a driver. He went to Medan and drove the San Spiritus's car to Meulaboh. However, on the way he was caught by earthquake and the road between Medan and Meulaboh was destroyed; two bridges are down. He had come back to Medan to wait for one or two days.

In Simeulue island, Jarkas is starting project of building houses and schools. We will join to the project of school buildings with $60,000 - for the moment. For the project of houses, Caritas Germany will give support. Maybe some other
organisation will join this project. It takes time to process. Please keep on praying for these people.