Africa is special. It is a continent of contrasts; poverty and wealth, starvation and excess, abandonment and privilege, conflict and peace.. africa is visceral. it is an assault on our first world senses. But given the chance, it is possible to see "the beyond". the community, the natural beauty, and the way many of its people find pride and joy in the simplest things of everyday life. It is a reset button and a great teacher. 

And then, there's the Middle East. After spending 8 years living and visiting muslim countries, I came away realizing that the local citizens are just like you and me. they live, they love, they fall in love. They work, they play, they seek the comfort and joy of daily life with family and friends. 

It was a privilege to have had the opportunity to be exposed to life in these different parts of the world and to know that despite our differences of opportunity, culture, religion, we share a basic desire to live, love, and laugh within the surroundings we do not always choose but are our fate.