Footprints in the Dust: Nursing, Survival, Compassion, and Hope with Refugees Around the World

by Roberta Gately

Roberta Gately is a nurse and humanitarian aid worker who has served in war zones ranging from Africa to Afghanistan aiding refugees.  Just the word refugee sparks conversation and fuel emotion. There are more than twenty-two million refugees worldwide and another sixty-five million who have been forcibly displaced. But who are these people? Images filter into our consciousness via dramatic photographs—but these photos only offer a glimpse into their stories. Footprints in the Dust aims to share the real stories of refugees around the world in hopes of revealing the truth about their experience.
As a young ER nurse in Boston, Roberta was stopped cold by stark images of big-bellied babies with empty haunting stares in the news. She called the aid organization featured in the news story and within two months, she was on her way. Roberta would soon learn that world into which millions of children around the globe were born was fraught with unspeakable horrors.  The only certainties for so many of these children were, and remain to this day—disease and devastating injury.


Footprints in the Dust reveals the humanity behind the headlines, beginning where the newscasters end their reports. The people we meet within this riveting book are neither all saints nor all sinners—and impossible to forget.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Middle East, Africa, History

352 pages, Hardcover

First published October 2, 2018

About the author

A nurse, humanitarian aid worker, and writer, Roberta Gately has served in third-world war zones ranging from Africa to Afghanistan. She has written extensively on the subject of refugees for the Journal of Emergency Nursing, as well as a series of articles for the BBC World News Online. She speaks regularly on the plight of the world’s refugees and displaced.

Reviews

[Elainedav · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I would like this book as soon as I read it's description on Netgalley. It is exactly the sort of memoir that I find interesting. I also think it is a very important book at a time when there is much prejudice around immigration and a lack of understanding relating to asylum seekers - in other words, a lack of understanding about what is actually going on in other parts of the world.

The book begins with the author describing her background and path into working for humanitarian aid agencies. This is followed by chapters describing her work firstly in Afghanistan and Pakistan in the late 1980's followed by placements in Africa, Macedonia, Afghanistan again, Iraq and finally Sudan. The work is initially nursing in a clinic setting, but as the author became more experienced in humanitarian aid settings she began to be sent to war zones very early in the humanitarian effort to assess needs and recommend how aid agencies should proceed in the area. I found it to be a fascinating read throughout - not only are the needs of the people described but also the settings and living conditions.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roberta Gately’s story of her years of humanitarian work all over the world is moving, heartbreaking and inspiring. Highly recommend!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional. Review to follow.

[Christine Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This non-fiction book was originally a set of journals kept by the author about her time in refugee camps around the world, serving as a health worker. She had to work and save up her money in order to go on these trips into war-torn nations, helping the victims of discord and even genocide. There was nothing else, however, that she would rather be doing. As she writes, “There was something so honest, so pure, about those refugees, who, though they had nothing, lived with a kindness and courage that was life-affirming. I knew I’d go back . . . I was hooked . . . I’d never been more alive than I’d been with the refugees” (16).

Once she was back to civilian life, the thoughts of being in the camps never left Roberta. “. . . there was an empty space in my heart when I was away from the refugees. It was not unlike that same longing for an old lover, and the separation only made me miss them all the more” (26).

Oftentimes, my students take their education for granted, not availing themselves of the multiple opportunities that are presented to them on a daily basis. My frustration as a teacher comes from the knowledge that I have about other parts of the world and how they are forced to live. As Roberta indicates, “The Taliban had never encouraged education here and had actually forbidden it for girls. The Taliban knew what vicious dictators around the world know -- an educated population, unable to read, unable to understand the world around them, is much easier to control” (127).

Seeing firsthand and helping where she could, “The proof of my life was in my precious memories of the incredible refugees whom I’d met over the years. They’d given me proof of my own life and in the magnificence of all our lives, and they did it with simple acts of kindness toward each other and to me, a shy smile, an unrestrained giggle, a soft touch, a lingering tear. They encouraged my spirit to soar and my dreams to take flight. They are the ultimate proof of my life” (240).

I met Roberta Gately in June of 2017. She was an inspirational speaker to a room full of college professors and high school English teachers. She continues to inspire my work as I hope to write my own story, and encourage my students to do the same.

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admire Roberta Gately's bravery. I wouldn't feel safe enough, personally, to stay and work in the situations she put herself into. I also doubt I could remain as neutral as she does, as machismo culture irritates me to no end. Although her anger sparks in a few places, she's remarkably composed throughout. Here was her longest complaint on this issue: ...I could hear their low murmurs -insults, I was sure, that a brazen woman would dare to look them in the eye. They would return frequently over the next months until the prison finally closed and they were all released back to their own far-off villages. I had long since tired of their whiny complaints and darting eyes, and I was glad to hear they finally were gone from Bamiyan. 105 Go Roberta!! She's a superhero with sturdy lipstick as her secret weapon. Sort of like how Wonder Woman has the lasso of truth and Batgirl has her bola, well, Roberta has her lipstick. Also, another book/novel under her belt entitled, Lipstick in Afghanistan.

She includes a section of photos depicting some of the camps she's worked in. Her patience with patients and love for the children shines through in these pictures. The pics also brought home the resilience and resourcefulness of the staff and refugees. As for resourcefulness, in one passage Roberta describes her gerry rigging equipment, at a newly formed clinic, in order to transfuse a patient's own blood back into their body. It worked! Patient saved!

I was relieved when she finally left Iraq, as there were several dicey moments. However, she went from Iraq to Darfur! I didn't think anything could be worse than Iraq! She shares heart wrenching tragedies which occurred in Darfur. Hats off to these NGO workers who help patients in the direst need! You just don't hear much about Darfur anymore. It seems possibly tensions are simmering? Also, with so many refugees worldwide, crowded into camps, I can only imagine how quickly Covid could spread among them. So many unsettled thoughts swirling after this goodread.

One day I noticed a cluster of children crowded around one small boy who held a shiny yellow marble in his outstretched hand...That simple glass ball held a special kind of magic in that desolate place until the young boy curled his hand over it and slipped it back into his pocket. The magic was gone and the children who'd gathered to watch groaned in unison, their little shoulders sagging as the boy who owned it stepped back into the road, kicking stones and dirt as he went. And as I watched, I wished for all those children a life filled with the magic of shiny yellow marbles. 59-60

[Jennifer Haupt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roberta Gately's huge heart is on full display in this fascinating memoir about her life as a nurse and humanitarian aid worker. In this time of daily bad news from around the globe, this is an inspiring story that will give you hope.

[Marci Nault · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that speak to you and you remember their stories forever. Then there are books that change you so that you can never see the world the same again. Footprints in the Dust is one that will change you. With deep compassion, Roberta Gately bravely shares her experience of being an aide worker with vivid descriptions and emotions that put you square in the middle of what she experienced. Roberta is a hero, who selflessly went into refugee camps to help others, and now shares their stories so that we may understand and hopefully help to make a difference. This is a timely story and one that needs to be read. Bravo!

[Cheyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and honest memoir of the joys and difficulties of aid work. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Tiffany Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was captivated by "Footprints in tbe Dust" from the first page. It is a memoir of a nurse who offers humanitarian aid first in Pakistan and Afghanistan and later on to Iraq and countries in Africa.

In the book the author writes, "It is my hope that once you’ve read these pages, those footprints will linger in your thoughts and remain there—tiny, precious pearls that help to remind us that we are all more alike than we know, that whatever separates us, we are ultimately joined by the common thread of humanity."

That is exactly what this book does. It reminds us we are all human despite our differences. This is a very timely book considering the situations in the world today. I would recommend this book to everyone.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with a copy of this book for free. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a memoir by Roberta Gately, who shares her experiences as a nurse and humanitarian aid worker by telling stories about real people in war-torn nations and their day-to-day lives as they are displaced from their homes. It reads like a journal and you can't help but admire the woman who stayed in war torn areas and slept in disgusting huts and tents with bugs and rodents - and that's not even mentioning the horrible situations of the people she served! Roberta takes us to Afghanistan, Africa, the Balkins, Iraq, and Darfur through her written accounts and photographs. I learned a lot while reading this book and thank god for people like her who will go and do this humanitarian work! I don't know how you can stay sane after seeing what she saw day after day. Thanks you for sharing your story!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Words cannot begin to describe how beautifully-written, well-organized, and emotive this book is.

I frequently read books written by humanitarian aid workers, (must’ve read 20+ at this point,) but Roberta’s book left me more invigorated and moved than any I’ve read before.

This book follows the overseas humanitarian-aid/trauma nursing experience of public health worker + ex-ER nurse Roberta Gately as she works with refugees. She travels to Afghanistan, the Balkans, Darfur, Kenya,—and plenty more. Working with big-name organizations like the IRC (International Rescue Committee,) MSF (Doctors Without Borders,) and other internationally renowned groups.

Each place she works been ravaged by war, genocide, famine, or corrupt government policies that have left citizens in dire circumstance. Roberta weaves stories of individual refugees with easily digestible background information about the conflicts + disasters she is working amidst (why they’re occurring, who they affect + how). She discusses her own personal experiences as a healthcare worker + female in these foreign nations, and also serves up a hearty education in international conflict to her readers.

I would recommend this book to anyone—but especially for those of us wanting to go into humanitarian aid or disaster relief nursing.

You will finish this book a better global citizen, and hopefully a voter + human being inclined to support the refugees among us who are all too often swept under the rug.

[Cari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Footprints in the Dust: Nursing, Survival, Compassion, and Hope with Refugees Around the World should be required reading for everyone lucky enough to live in a first world country. It's way too easy to emotionally detach from all of the violence and war covered on CNN because it's happening a world away; it's impersonal. They simply aren't able to show the stories of each individual man, woman, and child who have known nothing but suffering throughout their war torn, impoverished lives. At one point, in order to put things into perspective, the author directs readers to imagine 30% of the people in your community dying of starvation... In this nation that is all about excess and an obesity pandemic, trying to fathom this is almost impossible.

Roberta Gately started out as an ER nurse in Boston, but felt drawn to apply her nursing skills to humanitarian aid work in war zones across the world. In places such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, and Kosovo, Roberta came into contact with countless numbers of refugees suffering from severe (and often fatal) malnutrition, parasites, and countless diseases that have been essentially eradicated in developed countries. In Footprints in the Dust: Nursing, Survival, Compassion, and Hope with Refugees Around the World , she gives a voice to so many individuals who have never in their lives been heard and the result was absolutely heartbreaking, but somehow also inspiring.

This book is something that needs to be experienced. I promise you will never forget Roberta's stories and your life and worldview will forever be changed by them.

"These days, the scent of a wood fire or curry spices is enough to bring them all back to me. In an instant, I am there—a distant village, a crowded refugee camp, a deserted village where a mother cradles her starving child, a worn and weary family collapses, too weak to take another step in their journey to safety, a child closes his eyes to the sounds of gunfire and death. It has been my privilege to be a part of their lives, if only for a moment."
--Roberta Gately

[Jill Dobbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew from the moment I read the title and description of this book I would love it. And I did. Thank you Roberta Gately for sending me a copy.

Footprints in the Dust is an exceptional read about the author's experiences working with refugees while living in some of the most difficult, dangerous, and remote places in the world. The stories she tells of the people, especially the women and children, are emotional and heartbreaking and will stay with readers long after the book ends.

Gately writes about her experiences implementing health programs in the countries of Afghanistan, Iraq, and Sudan. She writes about the refugees she meets and cares for, giving readers an idea of the harsh and inhumane conditions they live under. Throughout the book, the author comes across as a true humanitarian who cares a great deal about her work and the people she tries to help. Not only does Gately give us an abundance of information about her life as a humanitarian around the world, she also adds in a few personal anecdotes (like her insistence on packing heavy-duty lipstick) that give readers hints about her true personality. After reading her book I couldn't help but want to learn as much as I could about the author, herself.

A fascinating read, this book resonated with me like no other, especially since I hope that some day I will also be able to use my skills to help others around the world. Thank you for telling your story, Roberta.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I turn on the news and hear reports of Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, or Darfur, my eyes kind of glaze over. The situation is tragic, of course, but the newscasts don't fully convey the situation, and it is all kind of a blur. In the memoir "Footprints in the Dust" by Roberta Gately, she shares her experiences as a nurse and humanitarian aid worker by telling stories about real people in war-torn nations and their day-to-day lives as they are displaced from their homes. Gately's memoir starts in Boston when her family tells her she is crazy to go, but once she does, she is hooked and returns many times to areas in the world where people are suffering (taking time off from her nursing job and saving her own money to travel there). Gately's compassion and get-things-done attitude shine a light on the amazing things some people in this world are willing to do to help others who are suffering. The word "refugee" is politically divisive today. I would encourage anyone to read this book and glimpse at the lives of refugees through the eyes of someone who has worked in makeshift clinics to provide basic health care and medications, get clean water to refugee camps, and help mothers keep their babies from starving to death.

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Gately left the USA to dedicate her time to helping refugees and 'internally-displaced persons' in several hot spots around the world where war and starvation and disease combined to create misery among the world's poorest people. This memoir looks back from its 2018 publication to a couple of decades earlier. She spent months in Afghanistan, the Balkans, Iraq during the war, and Africa, including Darfur, over a decade or so ending in 2004. Working for NGOs, on her first trips she serves as a nurse, directly serving the healthcare needs of the sick and dying. On subsequent trips she has transitioned to an organizational role, designing healthcare structures and setting up clinics in camps and remote villages.

Some of the interactions that she recounts are heartbreaking in that the healhcare needs of people who come to her are beyond what she can deliver in such desperate circumstances with limited resources. But she keeps the narrative hopeful in always focusing on the simple dignity of the refugees as they struggle to cope with famine, disease, and repression.

Reading the book may give you a deeper appreciation of the things that we can rely upon in the first world - food, medicine, healthcare, and security.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unbelievable hard to read, but so good. Here is the world of real death and pain that one wonders why it is allowed to proceed. This nurse has seen it all in remote areas, as an international aid giver. she is repulsed and saddened and still keeps hoping for miracles... Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Sudan have horrible human rights and the victims are always women and children. I kept looking for signs of hope as I read along. But because of political posturing and corruption, and government mishandling...there really seems to be none. I learned a lot. But, sadly, what I learned is still going on in these and more places...while the rest of the world thinks Corona Virus is the big killer... Not in this game.
Another interesting aspect is how international aid workers are treated. Let's just say...they don't have it easy!

[Glen Chern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roberta Gately is an American nurse who compiled a record of her experiences as a medical aid worker in some of the world’s most dangerous and difficult places and situations between 1986 and 2004. In “Footprints in the Dust”, the author introduces the reader to many of the remarkable adults and children she met in each of her assignments overseas.

Perhaps the most significant of Nurse Gately’s experiences took place in 2003-04 in the Darfur region of Sudan. She vividly describes the conditions in the region, citing the physical conditions in each village and refugee camp she served as well as the medical crises created by the Sudanese government and military as well as their paramilitary arm known as the janjaweed.

This book is written by an author who cared deeply about the victims of war and oppression throughout the world. I strongly recommend reading this volume.

[Maureen Caupp · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring, heartbreaking true story about Roberta Gately's work with displaced people in different parts of the world. Shares her experiences working as a nurse with different NGO's in countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, and others. She also shares some of the stories of patients she met and the people who shared their stories with her. She realizes that in the end she is lucky enough to go home to a fairly safe place with clean water, plenty of food, etc. and that many of the refugees and internally displaced people are trapped. Many would like to go back to what was once home, but they are terrified that it is too dangerous.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading both of Ms. Gately's novels, Lipstick in Afghanistan and The Bracelet, it was an awakening to read Footprints and learn that the stories in both of these novels were from real life experiences from her humanitarian efforts around the world. The stories are eye opening and heart breaking and you learn what this woman went through and survived all in an effort to bring healthcare and hope to so many people living in war-torn areas. For her to say they gave so much to her just shows the kindness and fight this woman has for the underprivileged of the world.

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

With admirable bravery and fearless determination, Roberta volunteered as a nurse to the most indescribably cursed locations of the world! We all know them, we all read about them as we skim the daily news in the comfort of our breakfast nooks, feel deeply sorry maybe, but move to the next news item!
Roberta, in her feverish fervor, to provide first-hand experience aid to these people, became a much better person, after witnessing the beauty, the courage, the ingenuity of the most despaired and desperate people of the world! I envy her!

[Barbara Williford · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan and Darfur, the author shares her humanitarian efforts as a medical nurse treating refugees and war torn countries. The stories she tells, the people she met and the struggles she saw brings you a reality of millions of people around the world. Tragedies that are never known and often times a helpless and hopeless situations. I commend her and all the other aid workers around the world risking life and death to help others. A great read and eye opening book!

[Nancy Beshears · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be fascinating, and heartbreaking. As an RN I can't even begin to imagine myself in the places where Roberta went as a humanitarian aid worker. Bless her for having the strength and courage to go where so many wouldn't even dare.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plight of refugees around the world is highlighted in this memoir. Unbelievable challenges I will never know came to life. I feel completely selfish and privileged and ridiculous after reading this. The author's willingness to go and suffer hardships also makes me feel ashamed.
(Read on Kindle)

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 for the audiobook and at least 5+ for the workers who risk their lives to save the lives of the less fortunate living in dire straits! Such selflessness is extraordinary, I commend Roberta Gately and all those like her who dedicate their lives to helping others in dangerous countries!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with many books set against the backdrop of war, this book was poignant and hard to read. The author was very clearly motivated by compassion, enough to roll up her sleeves and do something about it.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Footprints in the Dust brings the plight of refugees to a one on one, where you can relate to an American nurse trying under impossible circumstances to help.

[Ronni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating, riveting book. The author’s courage and expertise is amazing. I’m proud to call her a friend.

[Cathy Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

diary of an aid-worker and refugees she serves

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Il take a lot of courage to do that work.

[Debbie Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nurse recounts her experiences working with refugees in various areas of war and conflict.