I lived my life the fast way. When friends told me: “Stop a while and smell the roses! Do volunteer travel!” I brush it off and went on my fast paced life.

So, I went off in getting myself into med school and graduated with flying honors. Now, with further studies, specialization, I became a pediatrician and love what I do. Everything is doing fine with my life. I love what I do and I am simply contented, in fact I am preparing a life of further studies in other states.

Then one day, my life just broke apart. With one event everything was broken into pieces. It was the first time that I realized life is so unfair. Existing has no meaning anymore. My life, my profession means nothing to me now. I am empty figurative and literally.

So, I decided to find meaning in another environment. To give me space and time; to give another perspective in life- So, I went to a volunteer travel in Africa. The preparations were heavy then; but I decided that I got to go to save me and my heart. A whole just exists in my heart and it pains me so much.

My first few weeks in Africa are so busy that I never had time to think about the culture, the place and even the people. I do what I do to while away time and heal my broken heart.

After a year of volunteer travel in Africa. I found peace, love, compassion and life itself. It was then I noticed the lands, animals, culture, people, and the attractions. For almost a year I never went out to explore Africa. Yet, when I found peace that I truly needed and appreciated my life and humanity in general I asked for a weeks off to explore what Africa has to offer.

I witnessed the annual migration of animals in Serengeti on an air filled balloon. Engaged on a walking safari watching colorful birds in Kenya and experienced the wonder of Tanzania.

It was then that I had appreciated another culture, scene and people. Now, I am back home and looking forward for a shorter volunteer mission in Africa two months from now.