Six Months in Mrachenik — An Experience That Changed Me
Hi, my name is Samuel, and I spent six months volunteering with the Smokinya Foundation in Mrachenik, Bulgaria. This experience changed a lot of things in me. And, of course, I also grew one year older. But let’s take it one step at a time.
I was working in the Netherlands when, one day, I decided to step out of my comfort zone — and away from a life focused on making money without any real purpose or direction. I joined the European Solidarity Corps, created my profile, and somehow, here I was.
On 21 March 2026, I arrived in the mysterious and magical village of Mrachenik, Bulgaria. My first impression, surrounded by cold and cloudy weather, was unforgettable. I felt something different. It was as if the stress I had been carrying inside me suddenly started to fade away, and a new chapter of my life began.
This experience gave me so much. I would love to put everything into words, but honestly, it is almost impossible.
I learned how important it is to do things with passion and strive for excellence — not because of money or some piece of paper that tells you how much your work is worth, but simply because you want to do something meaningful. I learned the importance of sharing and listening, and how travelling, discovering new cultures, and meeting people from different backgrounds can contribute to personal growth.
During these six months, I met so many people with different opinions, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds. Listening to their stories and learning from them was an incredible experience. I also discovered that living an independent adult life can actually be fun — especially when you share a house with amazing people.
Time here passed incredibly fast, and I still can’t believe that I am already leaving. Every second, every minute, and every hour spent here became precious to me. Little by little, I felt my stress levels decrease, and my mind began to reconnect with reality. I started to slow down, appreciate the present moment, and simply be.
The time I spent alone at the cross, with nothing but the wind in my hair and the cross standing in front of me, meant more to me than I can explain. Every time I went there, it helped me clear my mind, find peace, and reconnect with myself.
My experience with the Indian Temazkal near Mrachenik also gave me a lot of space for deep thoughts, reflection, and rest. It was another opportunity to slow down and look within myself.
I learned so much here — about life, about people, about different cultures, and most importantly, about myself. But every chapter eventually comes to an end, and there comes a time when you have to move forward.
Now it is time for me to return to the city, continue my studies, and learn more about life in a different way. I am leaving with a head full of memories, a heart full of gratitude, and a different perspective on what really matters.
Thank you to everyone who was part of this journey. Thank you for this opportunity, for all the conversations, the shared moments, the lessons, the laughter, and even the silence. Thank you for making these six months so meaningful, precious, and unforgettable.
I came here looking for something different, but I am leaving with much more than I could have ever expected.
Mrachenik, you will always have a special place in my heart.
Love you all!!! ❤️
Want to learn about the benefits of our courses? Click here: https://smokinya.com/testimonials/
Should you have a question, contact us: info@smokinya.com.
This program is co-funded by the European Solidarity Corps program of the European Union.
Финансирано от Европейския съюз. Изразените възгледи и мнения обаче принадлежат изцяло на техния(ите) автор(и) и не отразяват непременно възгледите и мненията на Европейския съюз или на Европейската изпълнителна агенция за образование и култура (EACEA). За тях не носи отговорност нито Европейският съюз, нито EACEA.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
