newsonaut

Turning inner space into outer space

August 3, 2011

It's a big world, and Kamloops is part of it

When I first read The Daily News story about Kamloops doctors and nurses going to the West African country of Gambia to help with surgeries, an alarm bell went off in my mind. And sure enough I was right: some people are angry that medical personnel are going overseas instead staying put to help the sick at home.

Kamloops is part of the great, wide world, and there are people here who see themselves as residents of that world. They are going to Gambia because there is a dire need — much greater than we can imagine here. These volunteers will come back better people from their experience, and the entire community will be a better place for it. I just hope they ignore negative comments and forge ahead with doing what they know is right.