Although we did not get all the way into Calang, we did get into areas in and around Banda Aceh. We provided medical aid and recovery services to stricken areas up to 65 km south-southeast (Ujung Muloh) and approximately 83 km east of the city. We did our best to fulfilled our commitment to you and those without aid in Aceh. We (the collective we, including the Doctors, Nurses and Medics from GPI) provided medicine & medical aid, erected shelters, gave immunizations, distributed donated materials and collected information. The information will expedite our next mission into Aceh.

International Rescue members spent their time: providing critical medical assistance; erecting temporary shelters at a Presbyterian orphanage; technical rescue of a cow; support airport fire protection members during an incident; transporting medical supplies to out lying areas; body recovery (at two separate locations, in two special cases); NEEST assessment and provided a ferry service to medical and supply teams crossing several small rivers.

We did manage to retain the assistance of dozens of local volunteers. We will deliver our second load of relief supplies to those identified (by members and students of the local university) as the most in need within the refugee camps.

We are aiming at departing Ottawa International Airport in the third to fourth week of February, 2005. It is reasonable to believe that we will be delivering around 5500 kg of hand tools and equipment to Aceh, Sumatra in the first or second week of March. Our efforts to locate, acquire and donate fire fighting apparatus and training resources continue.

If you need to contact me, or any member of our team, call anytime to the numbers provided above. God Bless, see you soon.

Best Regards,