Zhao Jian, a seventh grader, bawled out his heart's misery in the arms of one Tzu Chi volunteer. He had searched for his parents in Beichuan, walking 10 hours by road to the disaster area. Classes have been suspended in the disaster areas, and together with Tzu Chi volunteers, children have begun to clean the area and assist other survivors. Finally, the children smile and break through the grief.

Tzu Chi volunteers say, "Where there is love, there will be Tzu Chi volunteers." The Foundation dispatched a second team of disaster relief volunteers on May 20, heading towards Chengdu, Sichuan, to carry out the "Project Heart of Peace ". They continue the first team's work of disaster relief during this emergency phase. They brought instant cooked rice and three large-scale water purifiers.

In consideration of food sanitation and safety, the purifiers they brought were industrial and commercial grade to be tested at the site. Volunteers based in China have prepared rice steamers. The team will purchase and assemble needed hardware components locally to quickly alleviate the problem of drinking water scarcity. Other relief goods will be purchased locally based on need.

Tzu Chi volunteers were at the front line in Sichuan to assess the damage and have witnessed the destruction in the disaster area and the emotional pain endured by earthquake victims. After being with the survivors for one week, it was clear that the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder requires urgent attention. At this time of emergency, the "Heart of Peace Project" is critical. Tzu Chi will continue to assist, with its goal of providing solace, comfort, and security for both adult and young survivors.

The second team of Tzu Chi disaster relief team consists of 33 volunteers in total. Among the team, 18 volunteers from Taiwan departed on May 20 in the afternoon on a flight to Chengdu to join 15 volunteers based in China. The 18 team members from Taiwan were specially selected for their relief experiences during the Taiwan earthquake of 1999. These Tzu Chi volunteers put their families and jobs on hold to serve upon the request by The Foundation.

The second team will meet with the first team in Chengdu to continue relief efforts. Hopefully through uninterrupted care and support, the team will lend a strong hand for the victims on their road to recovery.

Wang Tuan-cheng, vice-president of the Tzu Chi Foundation, reminded volunteers heading into disaster areas to pay attention to personal safety. He also stressed the importance of attention to detail, love, and patience in the effort to pave the path of humanitarian relief.

Disaster relief volunteers from Taiwan departed via China Airlines with stopover in Hong Kong. After meeting with volunteers based in China, the team will relieve the first disaster relief team.

Tzu Chi Foundation adheres to its humanitarian aid principles of "directness, priority, respect, pragmatism, and timeliness" to bring solace and peace to those affected by the disaster.