Many ask me how, as a travel agent, I chose to specialize in Africa. My first trip was in late 2005. Since then I have opened my own agency, and specialize in taking groups to Tanzania specifically and other countries in Africa. One trip to Tanzania changed everything!
Those who know me, know that I didn’t choose Africa, for my business, Africa chose me!
From 2002 through 2004, there were dramatic changes in my life. I went from a jovial, upbeat and determined lady to being depressed, sad, and unable to cope with life.
My life changed in the short span of three years. It changed for several reasons, but the emotions of those times is not something so easily shared.
I’d lost my mom in 2002 and feeling terribly lonely. Already in sorrow, in 2003, I was broadsided by a drunk driver, severely incapacitated with what I didn’t know then, but know now, life long injuries.
In early 2004 my life changed again when my younger brother suddenly passed out and died two days later. Still recovering from all the trauma and tragedy, once again – a life changing event. Just six short months later, my second youngest brother would die in much the same way.
I was lost and unable to cope. I lived each day in such a depressed state, I didn’t see any future, I wasn’t even sure I wanted one.
Shortly after, a colleague and girlfriend suddenly passed away at my house during a presentation on Africa. It was a setback, and yet again, represented both a step backward and a step forward. There is no promise of a tomorrow.
For a time, I lost myself, my faith, my will to move forward. It wasn’t what I wanted, but I could hardly stop my life from spiraling downward.
I felt helpless. I sought help but nothing really helped me. I woke up each morning in darkness, the light outside never shined within, until one morning, I really woke up.
I wanted to feel alive again. I didn’t want to spend my days in tears, I wanted to live for my brothers who didn’t have that opportunity.
A trip to Tanzania changed my life – forever. I didn’t know it initially, but I rediscovered myself and a new passion that would give me the foundation for my new role in life – to share this passion, with others!
It was this journey that would ultimately save my life. It was as if those Tanzanians looked inside my heart and saw it was breaking, and reached out their hand to gently heal it.
They have been in my heart ever since, and I have become their ambassador. It was, I’m sure, the hand of a power much greater than myself that shaped what I’m doing today!
This is my story, now what will yours be?
Tanzania is a spectacular destination that I would love for everyone to experience. I could go on and on about the country, but that’s another blog to stay tuned for.
I hope you will be part of that journey. A journey where you too, can write your own story, have your own experiences.
There is something spiritual, something magical about Tanzania, Africa, quite difficult to articulate.
You will know that after you step out on faith and join destined-to-travel.com!
Then, let’s see if you can articulate it! Hear more here!
