Have you ever taken a decision that could completely change the course of your life? Have you ever made a choice that was not in your best interest but in the best interest of others? Over the last few weeks, I’ve been deep in thought about this whole Tsunami thing in Asia. Yes, it hits much closer to home for me because I was born in Sri Lanka. The loss of life right now is around 150,000 and about 1/3 of these deaths were helpless children. I’m not typically an emotional person, so I’m going to try and reason this out logically. I’ve made my decision but I hope writing out my reasoning will help clarify it for me.
I will still be getting on an aircraft in mid-January. However, I will not be travelling to Sweden anymore. I’ve decided to go to Sri Lanka and do what I can for the people in deep suffering over there.
The capitalist in me says that this makes no sense whatsoever. I’ve been carefully planning out my life, working hard (OK, ok…not THAT hard) and taking the necessary steps to craft a good career. Right now I’m about to forfeit some of those things and delay my “master plan” of life; all this to help someone ELSE? Someone who might never see my face or be able to say “Thank you.”? Why? I’m the first person from Concordia who would be going to KTH in Sweden; that may not be the case anymore. People have said this [international exchange] is an opportunity of a lifetime. Will I still be able to stay in the co-op program at school? Maybe I can see if they can count this as a work term? Why will I put my health [and life] at risk when I can just throw money at the situation and stay here in my cozy home? Why am I going to spend my hard-earned money to get down there and help? They have enough people there, I don’t need to go…
The socialist (the Christian) in me says: What really matters in life? Is it how successful I am? Or what I’ve done for others? Is it how much money I make? How comfortably I live? Or is it how many lives I’ve changed for the better? This is one of the worst disasters in history. This chance to help, this chance to make a difference, THIS is the opportunity of a lifetime. I can hopefully go to Sweden later. I know I can always get my university credits later. These people need help immediately. In terms of my health and well-being what’s the worst that could happen? I die? Everyone dies eventually. I’ve always believed money comes and goes. It doesn’t matter if I spend my savings to do this. I’m 22. I have plenty of time to save up again. Yes, they have a lot of people there; but how many people have my specific skill set or motivation? Probably not many. I know every little helps. And I know that my little, will still be a “big” little…
I was trying to go down with an international NGO like CARE, UNICEF, WUSC or World Vision, but most of them are still busy sorting out paperwork and stuff. A few of them have gotten back to me saying they don’t need anyone or they’re still trying to figure out where they’re needed. At least one of them was nice enough to take the time to call me, but she advised me not to go. I’ve never been good at listening to advice I completely disagree with. 
I’ve worked in a few big companies, so I know how they work. I know how long it can take to get something simple done. I don’t have time to wait. These people don’t have time. I’m going on my own. When I get there I know someone will need me…
Thankfully, everyone I’ve spoken to at Concordia so far seems to be very supportive. Fact of the matter is that I’m going and I can’t reason this out logically. As sappy as this sounds: In this case it’s an exceptional situation and I’ll be [exceptionally] following my heart; I know this is something I have to do. Not once in my life have I ever regretted following my instincts (my mind). I just hope I don’t regret following my feelings (my heart) for the first time…
My comment may be a few years late, but after reading this, I was at a lost for words.
Sometimes I wonder where it is that people who do great things find the motivation to go about doing good and achieving their dreams and still go on even after they’ve been fulfilled.
A Hellen Keller wrote: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.”
With this quote, my question became partially answered and now that I’ve read what you’ve written and saw what you did to help, I’m fully answered.
I don’t think I have ever come across something as motivationally written as this nor someone as equally inspirational.
I think you’ve been blessed to do great things because you’ve a good heart, and I can only join w/ the others in wishing you the very best in your future endeavours.
Thank you for sharing this and may God continue to bless you, Ian
[...] being open and honest… having integrity in all situations Humaneness… putting others before yourself even in small things… making a difference… being merciful, compassionate, [...]
[...] some of you know, after the Tsunami, I had a sudden overwhelming urge to go and help. Now, my blog wouldn’t be documenting a university exchange semester, but a [...]