As I write this we should have been about half way to our destination. But as I reported in the last update, our trip was cancelled in the eleventh hour. As disappointed as we were Monday night to receive this news, we are at peace with it today.
One of the reasons our agency sends in an Advance Assessment Team in these situations is to assess the situation and report on the real needs, not just the perceived needs. With the news reports and WHO reports our perception was that there was a tremendous need for doctors. This was only partly right. Right now, because of a large response by the international community, the real need is for female physicians and specialists. Our team did not fit that need. And so, rather than send us in anyway against the request of both the contacts on the ground AND the Army that was organizing the relief response, our Assessment Team cancelled our trip. In some ways this was a bold decision. They could have ignored the communicated need and arrogantly sent in our team.
This has been a good lesson for me. Sometimes too much help is no help at all. Our Assessment Team believes that the local nationals are professional, competent, and compassionate in their organization of the relief. Sending in a few more male doctors is like sending prom dresses to Sri Lanka to meet the clothing needs of the people who survived the tsunami. I also learned that it is extremely important to submit to our authorities in these situations. As much as "I" want to go and help, I am under the authority of several people in my agency who are charged with making these decisions. I am not a lone ranger. And so, dispite my initial disappointment, I am confident that my leaders made the right decision.
That being said, the need in this area is great. The situation is still fluid. The medical problems are severe. The doctors on the ground there will need relief at some point. They need female doctors. They need people who can come and stay longer than 2 weeks. This will be a long term problem. Pray for these things. But more importantly pray for the people of that area to experience the love of God and turn to Him.
I've discovered lately that it's a good thing that God is in control, he always knows what's best, even when it seems crazy!
Posted by: Amanda | October 26, 2005 at 10:15 AM