Operation USA's humanitarian efforts have been long term, far-reaching, intelligent aid for many people in many countries over the last 27 years.  It is always fullfilling work, but sometimes a seemingly lonely effort.  Due to the impact and devastation from the December 26, 2004 Tsunami, humanitarian relief efforts are much more prominent in everyone's affairs.  The outpouring of concern and interest in the needs of others has, unfortunately through tragedy, "moved to the front burner", so to speak.  The Operation USA office was on "full-tilt" moments after the tsunami news broke.  The phones rang off-the-hook.  All staff members rushed back to the office from holiday plans with family and friends.  The hours were long and the day was no longer routine.  Stunning amounts of donations came in by phone, mail, email, delivered in person and any other way possible.  The staff shed tears reading letters of concern and stories of why someone felt such deep need to help; we have admired the hard work by so many who have created opportunities to independently raise funds;  and we have enjoyed meeting in person, and shaking the hands of, previously unknown friends who have somehow found us and who have taken the time to come to our offices with their donations.  We were heavily reminded to never underestimate the human heart.

The office is back to its routine now but, fortunately, we still receive the letters; we still hear the great stories and concern of others; we still continue to be amazed and admiring of peoples' efforts; and, we are still meeting wonderful new friends who stop in with a donation or just to say "hello" and "how's it going".  There is a lot of need throughout the world.  The Tsunami victims are of great importance, but there are so many other troubling situations, both domestically as well as internationally.  The shock of the Tsunami may have, in some ways, had a positive affect on the people of this great planet.  Maybe now people won't be so quick to dismiss others when they are in need.  Maybe we'll take a harder look at some of our extravagances and find that we actually can be happy without a few of them.  Maybe we'll start to realize that the disposable society we are creating isn't such a good idea.   Maybe we adults will look at the children in our lives and will work harder to help them understand how important giving to others in need is in today's world and maybe, when those children grow up with a greater understanding of "caring", our job will be easier and there will be less of a need to help others because maybe, just maybe, life will have vastly improved for so many by the next generation.  Let's hope so.