An unforgettable return to Timor-Leste

 

When Australian doctor Jerry Schwarz was last in Timor-Leste, the country was just emerging from 24 years of conflict and a violent independence referendum.

 

“I came as a voluntary doctor,” Jerry explained. “There was absolute chaos. There was no medical system or anything.”

 

In 1999, Timor-Leste voted for independence from Indonesia, a result that sparked mass violence and widespread destruction. Thousands were killed or injured, over half the population was displaced, and 70 percent of the country’s infrastructure was destroyed – including hospitals, schools and homes.

 

In the years since, peace has returned and Timor-Leste has slowly rebuilt. But over time, Jerry’s memory of his experience here has slowly faded.

 

So when Jerry had the opportunity to return to Timor-Leste – this time as a World Vision supporter – he was keen to see firsthand how the country has progressed.

 

Recently I accompanied Jerry as he visited communities in Aileu, about 50 kilometres from the capital Dili, to see World Vision’s work in helping families improve nutrition, access to healthcare and agricultural livelihoods.

 

 

Our first stop was the Aileu Municipal Hospital to meet with medical staff. When Jerry stepped into the clinic he immediately recognised the same room from 19 years ago.

 

“I had forgotten the area that I had been stationed in, and when we went to the hospital all of a sudden the memories started flowing in,” he later told me. “It was mind-blowing to see the same area again.”

 

Jerry spent an hour talking with doctors and nurses about Timor-Leste’s healthcare system. They then showed him around the facilities. “It was really impressive to see how the hospital has been rebuilt,” he said.

 

As he walked through the hospital corridors, a nurse approached him. “I remember you!” she exclaimed.

 

Confused, he thought the woman must be mistaken. But she insisted. She then hurried away and returned with another nurse. “Yes, it is you!” the second nurse confirmed.

 

As Jerry spoke with them, he started to remember. “I recalled removing a bullet from a man who had a bullet wound during the war,” he said.

 

Now standing before him was Manuela, the nurse who in 1999 had helped Jerry dress the man’s wound after the bullet had been removed.

 

By chance, 19 years later, Jerry and Manuela had met again in the same hospital. It was a truly serendipitous moment.

 

But amazingly, fate had more in store ... 

 

Manuela and Jerry at Aileu Municipal Hospital. Photo: Jaime dos Reis/World Vision

 

After visiting the hospital, Jerry travelled to a nearby farming community supported by World Vision. Soon after we arrived a man stepped forward, a local farmer called Gaspar.

 

Gaspar was there to show Jerry his orange sweet potato plot. As part of our Better Food Better Health project, Gaspar received agricultural training to grow orange sweet potato, soybean and other nutritious superfoods. By growing, eating and selling these crops, farming families like Gaspar’s are improving their children’s nutrition.

 

Gaspar and Jerry shook hands as they met. Then Gaspar suddenly looked around and said, “This is the doctor who operated on my leg!”

 

As Gaspar pointed to his leg, Jerry realised that this was the man with the bullet wound from 19 years ago.

 

“It was just amazing that he remembered me,” Jerry said. “It made my hairs stand up.”

 

“I never dreamed of seeing him again,” Gaspar said. “I felt very proud and I was touched when I saw Doctor Jerry. I am very thankful to him because he saved my life.”

 

With this unexpected reunion, Gaspar was eager to show Jerry his plot of orange sweet potato. The harvest was ready, so he asked Jerry to help dig up some potatoes.

 

With a shovel, Gaspar turned the dirt over and they took it in turns to pull out the enormous vegetables – one potato weighed over 1.5 kilograms!

 

This year’s harvest has produced good results for Gaspar. “We will also plant one or two hectares of soybean in the rainy season,” he explained.

 

 

But on this day he was especially happy that Jerry had visited him for a second time. “I cannot repay you for the favour you did for me, but I still pray that God gives you good health and longevity,” he said.

 

For Jerry, his chance encounter with Gaspar and Manuela in Timor-Leste was an unforgettable experience. “It’s been a real revelation,” he said.

 

 

Gaspar and Jerry dig for potatoes in Gaspar's orange sweet potato plot, established with support from World Vision. Photos: Therese Johnson/World Vision