Another Day in Paradise: International Humanitarian Workers Tell Their Stories

by Carol Bergman

Book Overview

Sudan, Rwanda, Somalia, Afghanistan, Bosnia, the Gaza Strip... Places that evoke scenes of unimaginable suffering and hardship, the human condition at its worst. But they are also places that highlight humanity at its best -- the capacity for generosity, self-sacrifice, and compassion. Among those who live at the intersection of these realities are thousands of international humanitarian workers -- dedicated men and women from many countries who leave...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 157075487X
• ISBN13: 9781570754876
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Orbis Books
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

reality

Sometimes reality 'sucks' but it is always 'real' and one can always learn from it....read this.

Fantastic Read!

I've read this book countless times now. It gives such a wonderful insight into the real lives of these workers who are on the frontlines day in and day out. The stories are very well written and truly paint a picture of the events taking place around these workers. If you've ever thought (or dreamed!) of doing humanitarian work, especially overseas, this book is a must-read. It will open your eyes to the real world not the media's glossed over view of it.Enjoy!

Paradise, like Hell!

The personal essays of aid workers compiled by Bergman are profiles of ordinary people doing the extraordinary. Each essay reveals a unique writing style and personality. The one common thread that they share is a strong willingness to serve humanity; hence, they're humanitarians.The compilation consists of 15 essays. None of the locations would be paradise because the hell-holes span the globe to wherever there are wars, the aftermath of wars, conflicts, and natural disasters. Personally, I'm pleased to read about some of those aid organizations that I support. Here are a few of the more memorable pieces:Camp-bo-dia by Dr. Panayotis Ellinas, a doctor serving the many needs of Cambodians in a Thai refugee camp. Dr. Ellinas grew up on Cyprus where he witnessed "napalm bombs, death, destruction, and occupation. A scene with pained faces comes back to me often...This is what led me to my vocation." More than empathy, more than compassion; the doctor has great respect for his patients and colleagues.The House of Prayer and Peace written by Sister Theresa Baldini underscores a strong commitment of caring. Sister Theresa, who in 2002 was 63 years old, and Sister Madeline, age 79, have served in Sudan since 1986. The two Maryknoll nuns have endured not only continuous aerial bombings, several bouts of malaria, and countless rats; but also an austere diet of lentils, peanut butter and crackers, and cabbage. And there's no mention of burn-out!My Bodyguard is a poignant account by Patrick Dillon of his 10 year old Somalian bodyguard, Muhammad Ali. I'll connect with young Ali whenever I use my Swiss Army Knife. (You'll need to read this essay to know why.)Paul Heslop's Letters Home is full of grit and humour as he describes his daily routine of defusing mines in Angola. Overall, each story provides great insight, something more than what could be read in official agency newsletters.