Where There is No Comfort: Seven Days in Ethiopia

Juliann Troi

 When Pat Bradley, president of International Crisis Aid (ICA), asked Juliann Troi to write an article to promote awareness of the life-saving work his nonprofit organization was doing in Ethiopia, Troi realized it couldn't be done from her office; first-hand experience was needed.  Knowing that Pat's work focused mostly on life-and-death situations in places where no one could easily go, guaranteed a difficult trip.  Gathering her courage, she left her family and comfortable home to embark on a journey that forever changed her and the way she saw the world.

Troi spent a week in and around Angacha, a small village south of Ethiopia's capital, bringing hope to a desperate land Where There is No Comfort.  During that time, she helped ICA's team feed the starving, heal the sick, and reach out to young girls recently freed from sex slavery.

Troi found millions of Ethiopians suffer unspeakable hardships, yet exhibit an amazing resilience and strength of character as they struggle to survive. This inspirational snapshot of life in Ethiopia will open your eyes and touch your heart.

My Take:

I was a little nervous to read this book because I thought that if I didn't like it it, it would be difficult to write anything negative about a book that chronicles a relief worker's trip to Ethiopia, it would be cruel!  Thankfully, I didn't have to deal with that problem.  The book was engaging, interesting and haunting.  The reader is easily transported into the author's shoes, feeling the same feelings of nervousness and compassion.  The book has several pages of pictures, which were absolutely heart rending.  I wanted to jump right on a plane, get over there and give each of the people featured in the book a big hug and a full meal!  This is the sort of book that really makes you appreciate what you have, because even the poorest people in America live better than most of the people the author encountered.  The journey the author went on is well chronicled in the book, and you truly feel for the people she went to Ethiopia to help.  I really think this book can inspire people to get out and help others, and I personally was very inspired by this book.  Now, my financial situation would not allow me to do something drastic, such as fly across the world, but I have been more inclined to help people on a daily basis.  Where There is No Comfort is a very important book, and if it looks like something you may be interested in, I recommend 1, Pay Full Price.

Do you agree with my review?  Do you think I'm totally off base?  Either way I'd love to hear from you, be sure to leave a comment and tell me how you feel!

Rated PG-13 for images containing nudity (not in a sexual way, but to demonstrate what a truly starving body looks like) and some of the images of hardship may be inappropriate for children

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