JP/18/ACEH

Almost three months have passed since Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam witnessed a tragedy worse than anything it could have imagined when a massive earthquake, followed by a devastating tsunami, hit the province.

Many loved ones remain missing, people still have to take shelter in refugee camps as their homes have been reduced to rubble, and life as it was seems as far away as ever.

Even under such dire circumstances, the Acehnese are struggling to return to a sense of normality in their lives: Slowly the buildings are starting to be repaired, plans are being made, odd jobs are being found.

With their own high spirits and with help from others -- foreigners as well as fellow Indonesians -- it is hoped they will recover sooner rather than later.-- Text and photos Leony Aurora

Photo A Endang, 40, makes daily visits to the missing-persons center in Mata Ie Camp to look for news of her three children (fifth to seventh left photos in the lowest complete row).

Photo B A Mexican ship docks at Krueng Geukuh harbor, Lhokseumawe, to deliver 20 mini water-purifying units. Although some assistance is still coming in, some -- like the hospital ship USS Mercy -- has departed.

Photo C Child refugees in Lhok Sukon, North Aceh, read books at a local library as they wait their turn to go to school in the afternoon.

Photo D Mata Ie camp in Banda Aceh turns romantic as Syamsul, 23, and Karmila, 21, who met when they sought refuge after the tsunami ravaged their homes, tie the knot.

Photo E The setting sun shines through a gateway at Baiturrahman mosque, Banda Aceh. It is one of many mosques that remain relatively unscathed, despite widespread devastation all around.

F. The mosque by the sea in Lampuuk, Aceh Besar, however, was damaged by the earthquake and the subsequent tsunami. Two workers demolish damaged walls prior to rebuilding them.

G. A little boy cries as he awaits the return of his mom, who has gone to perform her ablutions before praying. Many children have become highly sensitive since the disaster.