By CARLY ETTINGER
“Africa, I came to change you, but instead you changed me.”
— “Africa” by the Paul Coleman Trio
![carly-africa-tot Carly Ettinger developed a strong bond with many of the local people she met in Africa. (Photo: Courtesy of Carly Ettinger)](https://www.ajwnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/carly-africa-tot.gif)
The quote from the song “Africa” perfectly defines my experience there. Spending nearly two months as a volunteer in South Africa and Namibia changed who I am indefinitely. Although I experienced extreme desperation regarding poverty, starvation and overall sickness, I equally witnessed African pride, happiness and hope for a better future.