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PURPOSE FOUND AND NEVER FORGOTTEN
From Campfire Conversations to Crisis Clinics: A Journey of Purpose
How a Summer Camp in Bahir Dar Sparked a Lifelong Mission in Medicine and Humanitarian Service
In the summer of 2014, after completing my university entrance exam, I had the privilege of attending a two-week summer camp in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, organized by the Peace Corps. This experience became a turning point in my life, awakening my deep-seated intuition and desire to assist those in need. It was there that I developed a profound awareness of the struggles faced by people worldwide — individuals who, despite being surrounded by nature’s abundance, lack necessities due to climate change, natural disasters, war, and societal challenges.
During my stay, the program coordinators led us on a trip to the Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery, located on the Zege Peninsula around Lake Tana, Ethiopia. This monastery is part of the Convent of Mercy, founded in the 14th century by Saint Betre Mariam. The present circular church, however, dates to the 16th century.
