From my early twenties, I was a successful entrepreneur for two decades.
My fairy-tale home was complete with a covered swimming pool, a gym, and even an underground shooting range. There was a year when I bought three luxury cars. I went hunting in various exotic countries around the world, and I could even spend New Year's Eve in Mexico. On my 100-hectare farm, I kept horses, living a life I had never dared to dream of before.
Then came 2002.
I was standing in front of the window, holding the report that diagnosed a brain tumor in me. I was 34 years old, and I wanted to live. I knew I had a brain tumor, but I didn't know how much time I had left. I bargained with God, asking Him to heal me, offering all my wealth for my health, just so I could see my children grow up. I was a kind of "modern" believer back then, someone who only turned to the Lord when in trouble.
The deal was made.
I had surgery, and the tumor was benign. I had to take medication for a few years, but today, I take none. The doctor, in his advice on how to live, told me I could climb mountains, just not K2, and I could participate in marathon races, just not aim to win. So today, I'm as healthy as can be.
I received what I asked for from the Lord.
A few years after the surgery, I lost my wealth. The deal was made: all my wealth for my health...
How does someone become a bear shepherd?
The opportunity for bear shepherding was born from an idea by Father Csaba Böjte, a Franciscan monk. Father Csaba, who cares for thousands of underprivileged children through his foundation in Transylvania, thought that these bear hides would do good for the children living in the Tusnádfürdő children's home and for the local Szekler people. He wanted them to see that they don't have to go abroad to work, that their homeland also has natural treasures and beauties that tourists from all over the world admire.
Bence Máté, a world-renowned nature photographer who has built hides in several countries, including bird hides in Hungary, shared this vision with Father Csaba. He liked the idea and accepted the invitation.
Years later, after recovering from illness and facing the loss of his businesses and considerable wealth, the world-famous nature photographer, whom I had previously supported with a scholarship, approached me to select, execute, and operate the bear hides to be established in Transylvania.
I moved to Tusnádfürdő, and I lived in Brother Csaba's children's home in the first year.
The work involved finding the best locations in the area to establish the photographer's hides. I spent months wandering the forest. After finding the locations, we started building the first hide. Once it was completed, I spent every afternoon in the hide for two months, observing the movements of the bears. When I knew almost every bear "by name" and was sure they appeared every day, we opened the hide to tourists. For years, I lived happily as a bear shepherd in the mountains. I led tours, showed my friends the bears, and introduced the interested visitors.
Later, the Lord arranged that I would become the owner of the entire business.
Today, I have not only my bear hides but also accommodations, extreme accommodations, and off-road vehicles to take my guests on mountain excursions. I organize customized tours for Hungarian guests.
I love Transylvania, I love the bears, and I love what I do. I feel like I have the best job in the world.
I have written several books about my story and the wonder I experience every day in the mountains.
János Szin – bear shepherd
