Andrew Bullock

From: Western Australia

Current job: Paediatric cardiologist

Role in Rwanda: Paediatric cardiologist

What sparked your interest in being involved: I was part of the first OOH trip to Rwanda and despite great trepidation, the first trip to Rwanda was a fantastic experience. I have great respect and affection for the Rwandese and their resilience in the face of a terrible past and significant ongoing hardships.

Similar trips you’ve been on: I have been on OOH trips to Vanuatu (2004) and Rwanda (2006, 2007, 2008).

What you remember most from a previous trip: Obviously the gorilla trek in 2006 was a highlight. But above that, a deep sense of respect for the history of Rwanda and its people. This was highlighted immediately upon our arrival in Kigali in 2006. We arrived in the first week of April during the week of mourning. We passed several funeral processions on their way to the Genocide memorial, as we rode in the bus from the Hotel Mille Collines (‘Hotel Rwanda’) to work the first day. I was immediately overwhelmed by the magnitude of the horrific events of 12 years previous, and how ignorant I was – as are many from the western world – of this tiny African nation.

Passions/interests: My family, travel, OOH Rwanda and an emerging interest (but no great expertise) in sailing. I continue attempting to play hockey each winter, despite the advancing years, increasingly frequent injury and the pleading of my family to retire, sparing them the constant groaning and immobility!