Last week someone in the office suddenly fainted on the floor and we all helplessly stood around her. Instincts dictated we should help but all were hesitant. We called our emergency hotline and while waiting for them to arrive, a trained first-aider from our team boldly stepped in to help the victim.

I had always been told to be wary of  helping others in the UAE as I may be sued or prosecuted for unintentional injury or wrongful death. Until today, I have not heard of the Good Samaritan Law being passed in this country. There is no law offering legal protection for bystanders who voluntarily help victims in distress.

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In the Philippines, this would be a completely different scenario. If an accident or a medical emergency happens, the whole town gets involved almost instantly. In extreme cases, this may cause more damage than good. But most of the time, the Filipino’s natural tendency for tsismis (gossip) gets them to the scene immediately. Then their impulse to help, to move quickly and work together save so many lives.

This post is really for all the people back home – our family, relatives, church, neighbors, friends, friends of friends, nurses, doctors and medical staff who helped out during my mom’s and grandmas’ tandem hospitalization this week. Being miles away from home is not that hard because of reliable people like you. You are God’s extended hands and only He can reward your caring hearts.

Thank you for all who prayed and sent us messages. They both are home now from the hospital but not fully recovered yet. Let’s keep on praying. With or without a law, I’m thankful that God will always send us Good Samaritans in time of need.

You may be just that to someone today or this week. Don’t hesitate!

^“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.” Luke 10:33-34