Comments on: news.

By: Heidi F

Heidi F — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 03:04:40 +0000

James,

Thank you.
All I couild think about for the last 2 weeks has been Aweil and the mentality that you can’t save everyone… I’ve never believed this. You can’t save everyone but you can save some, which is what you did for her. Thank you for giving her a second chance at life, to learn to live and be happy. I hope you get to see her soon.

If you or anyone else knows of any reputable organizations that need volunteers who aren’t doctors or nurses but want to make a difference please share.

I’ve felt a calling to Sudan for a very long time, and this book made me realize that I should listen.

By: Marjan

Marjan — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 21:11:29 +0000

I went to the library in Wellingborough, United Kingdom. Was sick over xmas so instead of heading to my family we stayed home and I decided I finally had some time to read. I picked your book from the library as my husband and I both worked with MSF in Sudan (Gedaref). Your story brought back many memories. You well described all the feelings. Doubts about why do I do this to all the people who pass by on their short contracts. The year you went to Sudan we returned from it and we settled with our 2 kids in the UK. It is hard to live in a society who doesn’t have an idear where you have gone through and what has formed your idears of life. Your book is a great present to give to people so they can get an idea. As for me it is impossible to explain it to them.

By: juliette

juliette — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 22:05:55 +0000

james??? bloody hell, you’re still out there? we met in abyei, i was the health manager for goal. shared some interesting meetings with the health minister’s first visit!
give us some news, its good to see your face:)
nice work here! congrats:)
ju

By: Jessica

Jessica — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 22:09:01 +0000

Thank you so much for writing your book; from the sounds of it, many people were deeply and proufoundly moved by your words, myself included. I didn’t put it down for 48 hours… devoured it. It’s refreshing to see that there are others out there who care so much about those people and places in the world that sometimes get “forgotten”, people and places that would likely cease to exist, on some level, to most of the world, if not for books like yours. Thank you even more for the update on Aweil – what joy that news must have brought you! It certainly did me…. The idea that this book I couldn’t put down was a true story, written by a fellow Torontonian, just blows me away. Right on. Keep it up

By: Chiara

Chiara — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 01:35:20 +0000

Hi James,

I just finished reading your book maybe twenty minutes ago. So glad I found it, and so glad you wrote it. It’s an honest memoir that gives voice to both the people of Abyei (their stories and their struggles) and the complex emotions that can engulf individuals who have gone through experiences similar to yours (MSF/aid/NGO workers).

On a more personal note, I myself spent a couple of months volunteering in a developing country (Kenya) last year, and have found it difficult to talk about my experiences- even with those closest to me. The fact that you were able to open yourself up and share your story with the world is something that I really admire, and wish I had the ability to do myself. Thank you for that.

Also, congratulations re: the news about Aweil. I hope you two meet again someday, and that she grows up to live a peaceful and blessed life.

Best of luck in all your endeavours.

Chiara

By: Vicky

Vicky — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:32:08 +0000

James, at times your writing asked questions about the mark you were able to leave in the world and the effect you could have.
The writings of others and now from me should show you now that the effect that you have had has been more far reaching and far wider than you could have hoped for. Now our eyes have read your words but some have been etched on our hearts and in our minds for ever and always.
You have made the reasons for giving to MSF even more real, more valid and more urgent.
More strength to you and my wishes that you are able to reconnect with Awiel soon.

By: Roshmi

Roshmi — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 04:13:26 +0000

This is one of the most raw, inspiring books I have ever read. I am 19 years old and an undergraduate human biology major, but I have long dreamed of being able to contribute healthcare to the community not just locally but globally. Although I have seen poverty in my trips to rural parts of India, your book has given me a much more realistic grasp on what its effects are from a medical standpoint. Thank you for making a difference. Someday, I hope I can too.

By: Jeanette

Jeanette — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 01:24:44 +0000

I am in the middle of reading your book, and I just can’t put it down! I feel like I am there with you – experiencing the many emotions you describe. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I am young and in the middle of deciding what’s next for me. You and all your colleagues at MSP inspire me at a time when I am searching for inspiration. There is nothing I would rather do than to help people the way you do.

By: dwi astuti

dwi astuti — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:08:20 +0000

this will be one my favourites book ever.i just love it every words….beautiful and inspiring…i ll wait for ur next books.

By: Chels

Chels — Thu, 20 May 2010 20:53:00 +0000

I just finished your book this morning and I loved it. I had bought it and read it in about two hours! Some of it reminded me of when I went abroad to work for a bit and from listening to stories of friends from Africa. I loved the book and it came at a perfect time as I am talking with friends over there to make plans to work in the public health field.

Loved the book!