A Decade of Responding, Rebuilding, and Renewing

It's amazing how a chance encounter can spark a wave of reflection. Catching up with an old friend after five years, someone with you who shared experiences with Indonesia back in 2006, brought a whole decade rushing back. His story – from Indonesia to home, and now in Haiti – was a straightforward one. Mine, however, was a whirlwind.

Recounting my own journey took time, a testament to the sheer volume of experiences packed into the past ten years. It was during this reunion that a powerful realization struck me. Attending the first anniversary of the Haiti earthquake in 2011 triggered a connection – a decade defined by responding to humanitarian crises. From the Gujarat earthquake in January 2001 to the devastation in Haiti ten years later, my life has been dedicated to helping others rebuild.

Here's a glimpse into that extraordinary decade:

• 2001: Gujarat Earthquake – Witnessing the aftermath of this colossal disaster was a turning point, igniting a passion for humanitarian work.

• 2002: Dengue Outbreak, North Gujarat – Battling the spread of this mosquito-borne disease highlighted the importance of public health interventions.

• 2003: Gujarat Communal Riots – Witnessing the fractures in society fueled a deep commitment to peacebuilding and social harmony.

• 2005: The Tsunami & Indonesia Earthquake – From Sri Lanka to Nias Island, the vastness of the tsunami's wreckage demanded a global response, a powerful reminder of international cooperation.

• 2006: Sri Lanka Ethnic Conflict – Caught in the throes of civil war, the plight of displaced people became a focal point.

• 2007: Floods in Eastern India & Cyclone Sidr Response in Bangladesh – From West Bengal to Bangladesh, these natural disasters underscored the vulnerability of communities and the need for preparedness.

• 2007-08: Uganda: Hepatitis E Outbreak & LRA Conflict – Tackling disease outbreaks and supporting those displaced by conflict showcased the multifaceted nature of humanitarian response.

• 2008: Democratic Republic of Congo Refugee Response in Uganda – Witnessing the plight of refugees fleeing the DRC solidified the importance of providing safe havens.

• 2009: Cyclone Aila Response in Eastern India – Rebuilding after this devastating cyclone emphasized the need for resilient infrastructure.

• 2009-10: Sri Lanka: Conflict, IDPs, and Swine Flu – Supporting those displaced by the conflict, responding to the swine flu outbreak, solidified the need for comprehensive humanitarian interventions.

• 2010: Afghanistan & Haiti – From reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan to the immediate response to the Haiti earthquake, the year exemplified the spectrum of humanitarian work.

• 2010: Haiti Cholera Outbreak – Addressing the cholera outbreak that followed the earthquake underscored the importance of sanitation and hygiene promotion.

Throughout this incredible journey, I've been fortunate to work with may organizations.

This reunion wasn't just about catching up; it was about recognizing the immense privilege and profound impact of dedicating a decade to humanitarian work. The road ahead may hold new challenges, but the past ten years have fueled a fire within me – a fire to keep responding, rebuilding, and renewing hope in the face of adversity.