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Webbie, I don’t think anyone questions this. Your D has a generous spirit, I am sure. I think the point being made is effective use of resources. Maybe instead of oragami birds to distract kids in pain, her airfare $$ would have been better spent on pain meds. Or on a generator that would keep the lights on, rather than people holding flash lights. We know several surgeons who travel to third world countries, as well as a board member of an organization devoted to repairing facial deformities in those countries. While any layman’s volunteer service is valuable, it is just common sense that a surgeon or skilled engineer or carpenter will bring more “value” to the charity mission than a good-hearted kid. One of our surgeon friends is pushing to require these service trips for any surgeon desiring to join a professional organization.</p>