When a crisis occurs, getting help to those in need within the first 3 days is critical. We tend to develop our coping skills in a crisis during that time. That is why organizations like the Red Cross and FEMA have teams of people waiting to be sent out immediately after a disaster. Not following this theory, was one of the major downfalls in the handling of Hurricane Katrina. Assistance, such as it was, came way too late. And as we witnessed, it was a matter of life and death. That's what makes the Chilean miners crisis so amazing. They have set up their own crisis management team and Mario Gomez is their Red Cross.
These miners have an inner strength and resiliency that comes from within. Even though they have created a hierarchal system, I believe they are an example of a community that values ALL LIVES. This is most evident in their decision to wait until there is enough food for them to eat together. I can think of some leaders who would eat in shifts, thinking that would be more efficient. Also, Mr. Gomez's decision of breaking them into groups to create a buddy system, reflects an understanding of the need to bond. These men are an inspiration for all; let's keep them in our prayers.
