The scale of disasters overwhelm us. Whether it is in China, Myanmar, Katrina or now Iowa, it can be difficult to understand the plight of others, to know what to do in response. Being human, we are limited. Being human, we do the best we can -- sometimes all we can do is to try.

Here is an example, I think, from an organization and a group of people who are doing some very good, much needed work on the ground in China. Just one group among many who have come together, in response to the earthquake one month ago.

Half The Sky is an NGO whose goal is to improve the lives and prospects of orphaned children in China. They provide material aid, but also provide training for the special care and needs of orphans. Since the 8.0 earthquake, they have worked closely with local governmental agencies overwhelmed by the needs of thousands of newly orphaned children.

Following are clips from letters from Jenny Bowen, and it provides a point of view on the ground with the kids. Reprinted with permission.

For more Half the Sky Journals and pictures, please go here:
http://www.halfthesky.org/...
http://www.halfthesky.org/...

Last Monday, a 7.9 8.0 magnitude earthquake devastated areas of Sichuan Province, crumbling roads and buildings, laying waste to entire towns and villages. The death count is now over 32,000, and they expect it to rise to above 50,000.

According to Bloomberg, over 200,000 people have been injured, over 220,000 have been evacuated. 4.7 million homes have been destroyed in Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces. 4.8 million people have been displaced. 12.5 million animals and livestock have died, and their decomposing corpses threaten outbreaks of disease as people struggle for clean water, food and shelter.

Today China begins three days of mourning. I ask you to join me in a simple, humane gesture, wherever you are, whatever time zone you are in, whenever you read this.

The people of China will observe three minutes of silence in recognition of the widespread grief and devastation wrought by the quake upon millions of lives, as yet unfolding...