Less than 2 weeks

The date of departure is arriving quickly. I have started my malaria prophylaxis. I hope that I don't forget to take a pill. I also have received a very nice box of goodies from my generous California uncle. It includes a large novel, to occupy my travel time on the airplane, some socks, which are always needed, and some treats, to eat along the way. Thank you, Uncle Bill and Aunt Dorothy!

If a man were to be measured by his socks, Uncle Bill would be one of the richest men in the world. I consider myself fortunate to be able to share in his wealth (of socks.)

A letter to the UN

A letter was relayed to the UN this last week from the leadership of the Sri Lankan Tamils (LTTE). The letter implored the UN to help protect the people of Libya, as the UN failed to protect the Tamil people. It goes on to say that 30,000 to 60,000 Tamil civilians were murdered prior to the ceasefire on the northeast beaches of Sri Lanka.

On 25 February, one MSF team arrived in Benghazi, Libya. Other teams and materials were blocked from entry.

Colombo

I was just reading the Huffington Post, and saw a slide show of the most livable cities in the world. Interestingly, most of these were in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. None were in the USA. They also had a listing of the least livable cities. Number 10 on their list was Colombo, Sri Lanka. This is the capital city of Sri Lanka. If this is one of the least livable cities, it makes me wonder what a tiny outlying village like Mullaitivu will be like. Actually, I think that the more livable places may be out in the country. For the record, Mullaitivu is on the opposite side of the island from Colombo. I hope that it is livable. It will be my home for about 2 months.

The question of Why?

The question comes up regularly, and it reasonable to ask it. Why do this? Why now? Why MSF? The answer is as complex as the question, but bears discussion. First and foremost, I went into the field of medicine for the same reasons many of us do -- to help people who need help. MSF is expert in finding the people who need help. They do it without judgement or prejudice. They don't care about religion or proselytizing their beliefs. They don't care about politics, or who did what to whom. What they do care about is the human condition. They are a humanitarian organization. They are not a human rights organization. They are proud of what they do, and they are good at it. In 1999, MSF won the Nobel Peace Prize. That kind of speaks for itself.

Why me and why now. That takes more time, but I'm working on it.

Elephants

Good news for the elephant lover in all of us. Sri Lanka will be performing an elephant census this year. I sure hope to see some. I feel like Samwise Gamgee when he got his first look at the oliphaunts. "Oh, Mr. Frodo, look at the Oliphaunts!"

Progress

The rumor from my colleagues at MSF is that the visa process has gone forward. It looks like my visa has been approved. Now the state department gets its chance to approve the process. Anyway, my passport is en route for the final approval and stamping.

Confirmation

I heard from my colleagues at MSF today. They confirmed my assignment and the timeframe. Despite there being many areas of the world that seem to be in need, they feel that the need in Sri Lanka, and especially in Mullaitivu is great. I am honored to be considered for the position of surgeon for MSF in Mullaitivu.

On another front, it looks like we do have a locums surgeon who can fill in for me here in Decorah. That should make the local administrators a little more happy.

A Part of the History of Sri Lanka

The island of Sri Lanka has been known by several names, including Serendib, Ceylon and Taprobane. It gained independence from Great Britain in 1948. This post-colonial period of time resulted in a democratic weakness, allowing many politicians to rally and appeal to the different cultural and ethnic groups making up the population. Subsequent flashpoints occurred over the ensuing decades. However, in about 1983, a somewhat disproportionate reprisal against the minority Tamils in Colombo and elsewhere, started an ongoing civil war which has waxed and waned. These conflicts are now referred to as the Eelam wars.

The current conflict ended with an agreement in April of 2009. The Tamil Tigers (LTTE) escaped into the jungle around the area of Mullaitivu.

About a month out

The date is arriving quickly. Just about a month out. Have been making my lists, and getting ready to judge my packing. In fact, probably going to order some socks.