A willing nurse feels unwelcomed

My dear brothers and sisters, I am a registered nurse with many years of general nursing and intensive care experience who was in the process of volunteering services for three to four months in Aceh.

I felt compelled to help the people of my birth country, but I am afraid that the decision by our military commanders and, therefore, our government will not make my desire to serve our countrymen and women realistic.

It is with great regret that I may cancel my trip back to Indonesia. Since I am now a citizen of the United States, I do not feel welcomed by our government. What a sad state of affairs it has become where my people are afraid of outsiders willing to help at a time of their greatest need.

The people of America have deployed soldiers, sailors and airmen to assist in the rehabilitation of areas damaged in the tsunami disaster. God willing, the people that are affected will find peace and happiness soon. However, without rehabilitation and medical assistance we should not expect miracles sooner than from many years to come.

God willing, the government will overturn the decision made regarding the relocation of foreign aid workers and welcome them to rebuild roads, schools, places of worship and houses.

It is time to lay down arms and talk with those who mistrust our government and help the Acehnese to understand that independence without resources is very difficult indeed.

PIERRE DE CALONNE
Fort Wayne, USA