In his own words, John Tomlinson, is a 'completer-finisher', an attribute that served him well as he pursued his vocation to save lives.
This book is an extraordinary memoir of the work John did with the Save the Children Fund in Borama, in Somalia, in 1986-89. In the West we lead lives mostly sheltered from the hot spots of world tragedy but John travelled to a country diminished by political turmoil, poverty and famine, and saved lives.
The author held my emotions hostage describing the undaunted courage of the Somali people, both those he worked with and the many thousands of refugees seeking help. If there were more people around like John Tomlinson the world would be a safer and better place.

This was a wonderful book. Medical diaries are a dime a dozen, but books like this one really inspire people to change their lives.

Amazing re-telling of the authors account of his physician volunteer work for save the children in Somalia. As an RN I always wanted to do this, but now with young children the timing has probably passed me by. What a brave account of his time in Borama during a time of civil unrest. Loved the evidence of such strong relationships with his team of other volunteers, local interpreters and local doctors and nurses. Loved that he saw the importance in the team following guidelines, the amazing medical healing powers of papaya and he was able to communicate effectively in what must have been exceptionally difficult circumstances, Loved that they recruited local Somali men and women and put them through nursing school. I can’t imagine how tough it would be to witness the hardships, and death during civil war. So thankful that so many people with such big hearts do this work. Loved the last chapter when you find out how his colleagues are from that time. I’d love to know more about how the local Somalis are from the book.