Monday, September 15, 2014

First Ebola Came For the Guinean

So much sadness, anger, and frustration as we grieve with our Liberian family during this time of crisis. I've not wanted to post much as of late, because everything I read about Liberia has been so upsetting. 

Recent reports continue to show that ebola is a mutating virus that could be multiplying vectors. The forecasts look grim and West Africa may not be the only place affected when all is said and done. 

I understand there is a fine line between informing the public and crying 'fire' in a theater if there is only a 'potential' fire. However, it has always been the case that one mutation could put the entire civilized world into chaos as plagues lead to civil unrest, etc., ad nauseam.  I pray that those on the front lines of the current ebola crisis can obtain the tools and resources they need to protect Liberia, and potentially all of us before it becomes too late.

With all of that in mind, and in an obvious homage to Martin Niem̦ller (1892 Р1984), I submit the following for your consideration:

First ebola came for the Guinean country farmers, and I did not send help—Because we have enough troubles in our own backyard and how does helping a Guinean lower prices at Walmart or the gas pump?


Then ebola came for the Liberian cities, and I did not send help— Because their government is too corrupt, there are more there dying from malaria and unclean drinking water anyway, and bottom line: there is no real profit margin for selling medicine to penniless Liberians.

Then ebola came for the healthcare providers, and I did not offer help but rather I tweeted that they should stay in Africa to suffer and die— Because anyone stupid enough to help those people has disqualified themselves from getting proper healthcare and I wanted this virus out of country, out of sight, and out of mind. 


Then ebola came for me, and I wailed and moaned and pointed fingers as I bled from my eyes and held my dying child —But there was no one left to care for me or listen to my wailing; for those that cared had all been taken away, ill-equipped, and un-aided on the front lines.

I pray the above does not come to pass, rather God's mercies on Liberia and on us all.

The late Ms. Evelyn Beyan was our very first volunteer teacher in central Liberia, who joined us in 2012 and worked for several months without pay because the school buildings in Gbarnga were still being build. She died from ebola still in her 20's on the 26th of August. RIP.