In the midst of the massive outpouring of compassion and sympathy, the newly elected Government of Indonesia moved rapidly. A national disaster was declared. The myriads of people arriving in Aceh with aid and support were organized and coordinated.

It seemed that within the blinking of an eye, the whole world had poured its compassion into the epicenter of the quake: Aceh. Thousands of people lined up to volunteer to help. The selected humanitarian workers then tirelessly toiled day and night.

Millions of cubic meters of aid items filled warehouses. Helicopters buzzed about picking up and dropping off the aid. Canoes and boats, even the huge military mother ships, brought logistics to the shores that had just been pummeled mercilessly by giant waves. Those who had died were prayed for.

Those who survived were rescued. Trash and mud were scraped away. The mountainous piles of debris were cleared away. Rows of tents and barracks were erected. Trauma was treated. Loss of livelihood was replaced with heavy labor.

It appeared as if the tsunami had suddenly and inexplicably thrown open the doors to Aceh that had been padlocked by conflict for too long. Citizens of the world gave their time and energy in that moment of need, working together chanting the same poem of hope and dedication: humanitarianism.