Young Volunteers in Quake Zone Ultimately Find a Modest Mission

He said he felt frustrated that volunteers' skills were not being matched better with needs, but understood the government's concerns about keeping volunteers safe. He said some of his fellow volunteers were "very passionate but also a little hot-headed," wanting to rush into dangerous areas without knowing the risks.

"Even young girls want to go to the frontiers," he said, reciting a Chinese proverb.

The group's third day out, Tuesday, was much like the second. They helped the villagers cook and ran errands for the medics. That night, the group was so frustrated that it voted to ask for a new assignment.

But by Wednesday, they had gotten used to their new surroundings and had made many friends among the villagers. School had just reopened and there was a lot to do. While the men continued to help villagers salvage items from their homes, the women now had a purpose too. They acted as surrogate big sisters to the children whose parents had been injured, playing with them and helping them with daily chores.

By then, Dai said, everyone's goals for their stay had become more modest. He said he had been moved by the stories of people who had lost their homes and realized that just talking with victims could be of great help. Even if the volunteers can't save lives, he said, "I hope we can comfort their hearts."

Researchers Wu Meng in Shanghai and Crissie Ding contributed to this report.