In 2007 I saved every spare cent I had and went to Africa, my dream vacation, where I did volunteer work at the Gallmann Conservancy. I have wanted to go to Africa since I was a child. I made lifelong friends there, and learned more about myself in 17 days than in a lifetime. It became my touchstone, my center. If you ever get to go, do not go on a guided tour to stay in some generic hotel with a bunch of other European/Americans. Do volunteer work. Stay in the bush. Meet native peoples. Speak Swahili. Learn the culture. You'll be glad you did.

An Elephant Sn... Finding Myself in t... By Judith Yates Book Preview