Seattle Times Opinion, Inspiration

INSPIRATION
Special to the Times, by Larry A. Bailly

My inspiration comes from many places. I have taken my life’s direction from people who have had an influence over both long and short time periods. From Drill Sergeants and Commanders in Vietnam, who led by example and didn’t always follow the manual. I learned about the world and composition from my teachers. I was taught about my body from dedicated Doctors who have given me nearly double the lifespan I might have had. They all had a hand in forming my vision and goals for gaining a feeling of success in life.
Over the last 10 years, inspiration has come mainly from interacting with Missionaries. About a year ago I met one that has had a profound effect on my vision for my future. Over the course of a conversation that lasted only a couple of hours, I learned that to work on the mission field, you have to have a love of your fellow man, and a passion to do something to make others feel it.
Chris Zoolkoski is a local kid. He grew up in South Snohomish County, and learned his Christian faith at Alderwood Community Church. After high school, he earned a teaching degree, and joined the Peace Corps to use his knowledge to help others. He traveled to Africa, and there he met a young MK (missionary kid) named Helene. They came back to the States; he attended Medical school and as an M.D. returned with Helene to raise a family and to serve at Galmi Hospital near Madaoua, Niger, West Africa. They have three children, who no doubt will learn from their parents about service and sacrifice.
But this is not about Chris, because the conversation was with Helene. This was the only time I would be able to talk with her. From that conversation I was able to clear my mind about what I wanted to be remembered for; and how I would spend the rest of my life; trying to help make life a little better for those who struggle just to survive.
Helene showed a commitment and resolve to continue in her quest to serve that made the reality of her life seem impossible. She was here on a visit, with family, friends and Doctors. She had been diagnosed with stage 4 malignant melanoma the year before. Given less than a year or so to live, the family had gone back to Galmi, so she could try to complete the work she had done all of her life. She would spend the time teaching her kids, and the kids of Africa what commitment is all about. In that year she would battle, and flourish and the cancer within her would wait. On the visit a year ago, Doctors here were amazed at her ability to continue, against an enemy that would not quit. She was told that there was nothing more that could be done, except massive Chemo that would maybe work. Instead, a decision was made to use a less toxic form of treatment that could be acquired in Africa and would allow the Zoolkoski family to return to their home and work.
I was looking forward to getting together with them a week ago. Our Church (Snohomish Community Church) had rented them a cabin at our annual family camp and they were coming to stay on home assignment for a year. I was looking forward to another lesson from this great lady about what is important in life. They didn’t come home. But Helene is now on a mission that will not end.
Hundreds of Africans attended her funeral. Among the condolences Chris received, one stood out from those that were more traditional. In the local Hausa language the phrase is “Yaya zaman kewa”. This language is exceptionally descriptive with just a few words. Translated it says “So how is this void you are experiencing which no one or nothing will ever be able to fill?”
I will never get another chance to chat with Helene, but the one conversation we had will always be an inspiration to me.