9 November 2001
People have been wondering about our plans for 2002 in the wake of the September
terrorist attacks. The short answer to the question is, "Yes, we plan to go as scheduled."
But...
We have had two meetings since the attacks, one just a few days afterward.
Understandably, there was and continues to be great concern. Normally our membership
takes better shape in the autumn months - about halfway between trips, with the air
becoming crisp, tourists back where they belong :-) and people thinking about traveling
south themselves.
It's a smaller group that's taking shape.
We have had a few more applicants since September, but we also appear to have lost a
few as a direct result of the attacks. And we have no idea how many may have planned to
apply but have decided against it for now.
Those deciding against coming have very good and various reasons. Some have small
children at home, some are concerned about the responsibility of taking a large group,
some cannot bring themselves emotionally to set foot on a plane just yet. We also need to
respect the role of spouses in these decisions.
Although a few people have suggested that we skip a year, others insist that we go as
planned, no matter how small a group. It appears that this is what we'll do. It is possible
that we'll work out of one city, either Cochabamba or Guayaramerín, rather than both, but
if so we haven't decided which one.
At present, we have about 27 signed on with a few more interested. Although we don't
expect to reach the 52 that we had anticipated, as long as we have a balanced team a
smaller one will be fine.
Each year there is one field that is difficult to fill: one year it was translators, one year
anesthesia providers, one year surgeons. This year we are hurting for primary care
providers. (Do you know any?)
If you are planning to come, please keep doing what you're doing - getting passports
renewed, collecting supplies, fundraising.
And above all, pray.
By the way... those who have flown recently say that it's probably never been safer.
Security is tighter, baggage checks longer, but there is plenty of elbow room on the
flights.
We'll have more definite info at the next meeting. Monday, November 19.at the Health Link Office in the Mill Mall in Ellsworth at 6:45 PM. See you there.
Ted Spurling ><>
