It's not actually "funny". But what a clever hook!

So, I received this email from Jill yesterday:

Dear Megan and David

Have something to say that is purely selfish and will probably make you feel really bad when/if you say sorry can't do, but nevertheless I need to say it, because it is what is in my heart.

I am going to need support when I get back I need someone that I can work with who is gutsy, ballsey (has balls) dose not take no for an answer and is passionate about Timor, infant/maternal health, poverty and the poor. I need someone to help support the staff, without them their is no HIAM and as they are all going to be traumatized themselves it worries me what will happen to the HIAM projects if they fall apart.

What I want is Megan to come back with me for three months, she can stay with me and I can provide food for that time and I can put $1000AUS towards her airfare.

Please consider this, perhaps their are sponsors there and given the current situation would fund the rest.

If it is not impossible its ok I will still love you both. Maybe there is a way, not sure how but if we offer it up to the Lord in prayer maybe a solution will be found.

Obrigada barak

Mana Jill

xxxxxx

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Of course, after talking with Dave, I said yes. I don't know when I'll be going---it depends on the situation in Timor. But I'll need to cobble together more funds to pay for the plane ticket. I'm hitting my parents up for the anti-malarials I need (malarone is expensive as hell), and SETRA may be able to help a bit, but they've just sent almost everything in the bank account to HIAM.

So, (this part is always awkward) if you happen to know of anyone who might have some spare funds to help out, I'd really appreciate it if you'd put us in contact. Any donation amount can be made to SETRA (a registered non-profit) and flagged for my trip. And then it is tax deductible.

In fact, even if you know only poor folk (you know, like me...and you) but who might want to help out according to ability-- $5, $10 or maybe some info on cheap airfare, etc-- that would be a huge help, too. Networking and word of mouth can go far.

I'm not sure how long I have to get everything together. Any help or information/advice/etc. you can offer would be appreciated.

Meanwhile, this is the email I received from Jill this morning:

Obrigada barak alin,

I am very happy that it is ok with you both, especially Dave, words cannot describe how I feel, I was so worried that on my own I would not be able to help these guys get over what has happened to them but 2 people they know and respect will be better than one and we can put this worthwhile and needed organisation back together and functioning again.

The $1000.00Aus was given to me to use for what would benefit HIAM-Health the most, if we do not support the staff at HIAM there is no HIAM and because you are not a stranger to them I feel that supporting them, Timorese to help Timorese has a longer life than buying a $1000 worth of food given the situation they are in.

The accommodation that you would share with me is not flash its a bed-sit, (one large room) (twice the size of what we had at Thrifty) with our own en-suit and a lovely front veranda, communal kitchen, only 5 minutes from the hospital, (in the car) (hope we still have it) I have every thing there that we need would only need to buy a bed or single bed mattress. Its very neat and freshly painted and has a lovely feel to it, off course that all depends if its still standing........I was not able to pack up my stuff so I only came home with my laptop and a few changes of clothes. Oh and no AC!!!!!!!!

The woman in the bed-sit beside me is Australian (similar age to me)she works for Kirsty at Alola on the maternity packs, she stayed behind said she really had no where else to go and never been married and had not had children so she stayed so I am assuming if they had burnt my little flat down I would know by now.

Laptop is fine I take mine everywhere I go, I still have my scanner and printer there.

Not sure exactly how we will spend donated funds until I see the situation, not sure how the 12 staff from HIAM got on through the crisis , have not heard from anyone since Saturday, sent msg today but no answers.

Cheers for now thank you, but just remember its ok if you change your mind at any time, its totally ok. Now that you have made the decision just see what arises from that over the next week and do not be afraid to say that you have changed your mind for what ever reason.

Mana Jill