Back Home

We're finally back in America! This has been an experience I won't forget. It was worth it! At first I wasn't sure how I would feel working in medical clinics not being in public health, but I would not trade the experience. I recommend this trip to all students and I hope to return one day!

Fikre Debela

P.S.

THE CATERPILLARS AND CROCODILE ARE DELICIOUS!!

Better late than never, right?!

Well we are finally back home and I have gotten settled back in and caught up on sleep and the only thing I can say is I am ready to go back!! Now with that said I would like to reminisce on some of my big highlights from the trip, including an overnight safari trip in Chobe, Botswana and an all day home based care endeavor to a village just outside of Livingstone called Natebe.

Let’s talk about the fun part first since that’s most people’s favorite. Last weekend we went on an overnight safari to Chobe National Park in Botswana. Needless to say it was a great way to cap off a work/tourist adventure. In quick summation, we saw a load of giraffes and elephants, some crocodiles and hippos, as well as a lioness and her cubs! More importantly though, we saw an enormous two-story KFC (not actually in the park for those of you out there questioning that). The trip began with a “truck, not a bus” ride, followed by a delicious dinner consisting of steak, sausage, squash, potatoes and more. After some campfire songs and less than a solid night’s sleep in the tents we did not have to set-up or take down, we set off to the park just before dawn in the back of a wide-open truck. It wasn’t cold at all. But the sunrise over the water behind us was more than worth it in itself. After a few hours of trucking around seeing some of the world’s most elegant creatures doing what we do every day, just trying to survive, we turned around and headed back to the camp site for a delicious breakfast, which yet again was prepared and ready for us! For that I thank One-legged Mark and his crew – you guys rock! We then headed out on a boat tour through the park which landed us within 10-15 feet of a slew of Elephants! Absolutely incredible, truly majestic creatures especially considering their colossal size. We even dined with a pair of crocs, pulling our boat onto a sandy beach side to make some sandwiches with the freshly sliced ham and veggies provided again by Mark and his crew. Needless to say that is a day-plus summed in a short paragraph, but hopefully many of you will have the chance to see the numerous pictures taken during the trip!

Now let’s get down to business. The day prior to heading to Chobe, the second half of our group headed out to Natebe to provide home based care to some of the area’s individuals and families in most need of health/medical attention. If you hadn’t gained a true understanding of the severity of some of the issues these people face before arriving here, hopefully you did post-trip. No, not everyone is deathly ill, not everyone is on their deathbed. The situation these families/villages face are actually more gruesome than some superficial blood & guts medical attention. These people have these issues because they lack the resources – money and access most importantly – to live the lavish, comfortable, and in some cases unnecessary lives in which we live. They struggle to consume enough water, let alone sanitary water, and essential foods to, in some cases, survive to the next day. Clearly medical attention is what many need, but there are far worse, underlying problems stemming from socio -political and -environmental issues resulting in these human beings needing this attention. There is nothing wrong with the culture and many are perfectly content with maintaining the lifestyles they have, but all certainly could and would benefit from changes in many policies and will not hesitate to make you aware of that, and that is not only their right to do so as citizens of the country, but as human beings. It may seem impolite and politically incorrect to some for me to make this comparison, but it needs to be done. Upon viewing the lifestyles of many who live out in the “bush” and hearing what they have to say, it is truly a fight for survival, like that of the animals you see out on these safaris. In established regions of the world, yes we all want to live to the next day and beyond, but we sort of take that all for granted as we have so many luxuries to support us day in and day out. However, everyday is a struggle to survive here. Lack of water, food, and shelter all contribute to their “unwell-being.” Many raise their own goats and chickens, and scavenge for ground nuts and fruits to feed their families, while another member will bike a few miles back and forth (if lucky enough to have a bicycle) to collect some water from a well that may or may not be contaminated that day to supply the family and animals with hydration. For the most part, these people really don’t care about what is on their iPod or what options their cars have (most don’t have cars), they are just worried about making it through to the next day if only to have one more day with their families.

Now this isn’t to say it is all bad, or that all people we came across were in these conditions, but it is a prominent issue in Livingstone, in Zambia, and most of Africa. Certainly what we did was great and educational and all recipients of our attention were more than grateful, as they made that rather clear, but it takes more than just a group of kids/young adults supplying some less than efficient & adequate medical treatment to just make things better. Based on our lunch with – well I don’t know how to pronounce, let alone spell his name so we’ll call him – Mr. Ministry of Health, our tour of the hospital, and our work in the clinics, it is apparent that things are beginning to make some sort of a turn for the better, but the real question isn’t whether it can or will, but how and when will it get there.

Before leaving you all, I would like to mention one interesting story from Natebe that we came across. We were meeting an older woman who received a regular visit when this trip was made. However, this “consultation” quickly became about others and not her. She was a Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA) and the week before she assisted in the birthing of a child in the home just next door. The mother had just turned 17 and the father was nowhere to be found. The older woman informed us that the new mother would not tell anyone – the TBA or her own mother) who the father was. He did not want to be found, and the mother made this clear by her resistance to the topic. Her hesitance and wariness made it apparent that something was wrong, and although the issue was not resolved while we were there, we were led to believe that this may have been a serious cultural fopaux resulting in a life-threatening situation. All of this sadness aside, we moved to the next patient on this sight, the 5 year-old little girl in the pink with the big beautiful eyes. She was suffering from severe diarrhea and dehydration, but after a few cups of quickly consumed ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts), a couple burps, and some candy, we left her with a big smile! A perfect way to end a long and painful day (in many ways!).

With all of that said, I cannot say anything other than I had an amazing experience and if I have the opportunity to do it all over again, I would jump on it just as quickly as I did the first time. Thank you so much to Dr. M, everyone at African Impact – volunteers, drivers, and managers alike – and especially a big thank you to Brave for truly providing us with some cultural immersion on and off of our projects! Zambia, I miss you already and hope to be seeing you VERY soon!!

-Charlie

Farewell Zambia!

Hi everyone! This is August and Sheri. We can't believe our amazing journey in Zambia is already ending. Over the past few weeks we have learned so much from both our projects and the people of Zambia.

August's Favorite Experiences
My favorite experience's have been working in Dambwa Clinic, Natebe Home Based Care, working with children and HIV Education in the prison. At Dambwa Clinic, I got the chance to work in the Antenatal Clinic and HIV Testing & Counseling. I absolutely loved both of these assignments. The Antenatal Clinic was so incredible to see. It is amazing to see how they are able to do so much with so little technology. HIV Counseling & Testing was very interesting as well. I got to see five people tested. It was wonderful to be allowed to observe such a personal moment. Natebe Home Based Care is the most rural community that we visited during our home based care visits. We saw a variety of ailments. The people were so grateful to have us come and see them. Last but not least, HIV Education in the prison was surprisingly my favorite experience. The HIV rate is 1 in 3 in Livingstone, so it is imperative that everyone has a thorough knowledge of the disease. Visiting the prison and speaking with the prisoners made me feel like a true public health educator. I am really glad that I had the opportunity to go there. I have enjoyed every moment of this experience.

Sheri's Favorite Experiences
My favorite experiences have been visiting the Old People's Home, working with the children and making home base care visits in Ngwenya and Natebe. I was particularly interested in the Old People's Home because I work in long term care in the United States. Here I made several new friends and played Memory and BINGO with the residents. Fikre and I had the chance to interview three residents for our research project. The Old People's Home has a spectacular garden that they use to generate income, as well as to provide vegetables for their meals. I enjoyed the time I spent with the residents---it was truly no different from working at home! Many of the residents I interviewed had similar health concerns and food concerns that I am used to addressing as a dietitian back home. Finally, home based care was amazing and really provided insight into the struggles and daily lives of the patients we visited. I hope to make it back to Zambia one day and continue on my public health journey!

We both fell in love with the children! To quote one of our colleagues...they make you feel like a "celebrity" and always wave at you as you pass by. We will never forget the adoration of the Zambian children (they climb all over you, play with your hair and are fascinated by pictures of themselves) or the famous "Munzugu Bus" song that they sang whenever we drove by the schools. We had the chance to work with children during art club, reading club, sports and afterschool.

We would like to thank African Impact and the people of Zambia for being so welcoming and gracious! See you soon!

The Bush

okay, so we've all heard the phrase, "the bush," right? during our home based care visit to natebe, a rural, farming community near livingstone, we ate lunch in the bush! it was a great experience. i stretched out and took some pictures of the beautiful african sky, my classmates, our magic school bus, and brave the great! i can only get this one to upload right now :( enjoy though!

brittany

Safe Journey!

hi everyone!

just wanted to wish you all a safe journey back home! i have missed you all. see you soon!

brittany

Don't know why it didn't post last week!

Finally, I am getting the hang of things six days before we leave, typical. I have taken this time to do a lot of internal reflection as well as taken in wonderful people of Livingstone, their culture and most of all their health care. Being that I am from Africa (Sierra Leone) I have been feeling somewhat at home. wether haggling with the taxi driver, yelling at the taxi driver or last but not least engulfing food from the great Wonder Bake or Hungry Lion. I have encountered several mosquitos but no mosquito bites. I have also encountered cold showers, and really dirty clothes. I know there is a lot more that I will have to endure... I am so excited!

B*Foh out!

HBC

I have finally had the opportunity to do Home based Care here and I really enjoyed it. I loved walking through the neighborhoods and getting a real taste for how people live. We walk around with volunteers from the community so they know the area very well and can fill our time with fascinating stories about the area. Yesterday when I was in Nakatendi we learned that people living there were being terrorized by elephants at night who come to feed. They were all losing sleep because the elephants were unknowingly destroying the town. The HBC caregiver told us that the elephants were not a new problem and people would make fires to try and scare them away. I loved going to see the people individually and getting to hear their stories as well; i feel like i make a ddifference in home based care. sadly my time has come to an end here but i really enjoyed the time I had and getting to experience this culture.

Molly DiMola

It's Almost time to Leave...

It's with mixed emotions that I get ready to go home. While I can't wait to see my friends, family and Heinz (my dog), I feel like I have just gotten the hang of everything we do here and all the ways that we are able to help. Today, I learned more about the mushroom farm at Maramba Home-Based Care - an interest I never knew I had. Yesterday, I felt like I walked to the end of the earth to visit a man who is very sick. On the way back, I learned how a community in Zambia has a small quarry that helps them make money. Yesterday afternoon, four very eager 10-11-year-olds read to me for two hours straight! This afternoon, a group of about 40 children did an art project. That many children together in one room spell "chaos" no matter where in the world you are!

So, tomorrow we leave. I hope you're ready to hear all about it, because I'm excited to tell you everything!

Laura Peoples

I came, I Saw, I Sneezed!

Coming to Zambia has been an experience of a life time. I am so glad that I got to visualize what health care is like in an African country. The people that I have met during this journey are truely wonderful people and will not be forgotten. I especially enjoyed working with the staff at Boma Clinic, they were very welcoming and answered any questions I had. They also utilized me and put me to "WORK", making sure by the end of my morning shift I was exhausted and had to go take a nap. The Home Base Care providers also were very welcoming, they share a bond with their patients like no other and are willing to learn and enhance their services. Several of the HBC providers were volunteers within the community that just wanted to make a difference. There was not one HBC provider that told me, they did not enjoy what they were doing. The people of Zambia are inviting and kind hearted, they are very aware of their surroundings and are humble. Many individuals that I encountered in the clinics were willing to learn, especially the Mothers. The mothers had questions and they were very determined to get an answer, they listened to the nurses with open minds and followed instructions to the tee.
I have met several people in the markets especially the market. The last trip that I took with Jennifer to the market I shook hands with many and bargained with a few. I felt like a kid in a candy store when I came back with my bookbag and hands full of items that I had payed less for than most tourists who went there. I made one friend who claimed his name was Junior Obama. I had promised him a sweatshirt on my first visit to the market, so when I returned he grinned from ear to ear knowing that I was coming to make good on my promise. As soon as I opened my bag he quickly snatched the sweatshirt put it on and told me anything I wanted in the store was mine except for his gigantic painting of President Obama. I quickly made good of the offer and we both shook hands and said goodbye with huge grins on our faces.
I enjoyed going on a safari this past weekend, getting to see wildlife close and personal in their natural habitat was a thrill. I saw many elephants, giraffs and kudos, I encountered getting attacked by a few birds but I hid behind Jennifer for protection. These last few days have been pretty bad currently I am sitting from my top bunk typing this blog because I have been suffering from severe allergies and what seems to be like a nasty sinus infection with a flavored cough. I hope by the time we leave tomorrow my medication and prayer would make me feel much better. Also, Jennifer has been under the weather as well and I prayed for her but she refuses to take ORS so all I got for her is prayer.

Peace, Love and Blessings,
B*Foh

Where will my journey lead now?

As I prepare to go home I wonder where my next steps in life will take me after having been given the wonderful opportunity to share some of myself and learn much from the people around me. I have made what I hope to be lasting friendships but definitely lasting memories. I will be sad to see us all go our separate ways but cannot help to think that this is the beginning of something great considering the oppotunities that we have been given on all of the projects. While many times I was only an observer to the great care of the nurses and counselors and felt a sense of pride from the kids when they were excited to see me come back to reading club, I can only say that I am proud to have done this and taken part in the experience. I am looking forward to taking this experience home with me and utilizing the things that I have learned especially about myself to work towards the next phase of my life. Goodbye Zambia! Zikomo kwabili!

Jennifer James

"I'm a Nurse. I'm Also a Florist, Truck Driver, and a Midwife."

Women in Zambia do it all. At least Ms. Gertrude at the Linda Clinic does.

Question for you, how many nurse, truck driver, florist, midwives do you know? Me? I don't know a single one. Imagine if this lady was working as a nurse in America and told one of her patients that she used to be a truck driver. I don't know about yall, but I might look at her like she had two heads. Truck drivers are becoming nurses these days? That's probably what I would think. I'm telling you women in Zambia do it all!

If you consider the always controversial portrayal of African American women in the American media, or perhaps your personal life, there is a strong connection between Zambian and African American women in terms of strength. For me, fewer things were more evident and true than this cross cultural and continental connection.

Did I tell you women in Zambia do it all? They carry children on their backs, carrots on their head, walk 3 hours to a clinic- barefoot at times, maintain a home for their families, love and rear their children in less than ideal circumstances, sometimes when their own health and livelihood is in question, and they do not complain. I never heard a complaint, did you all? I am amazed by their stamina and backbone.

To all the Ms. Gertrude's of Zambia and America, I admire you all!

Brittany

Molly- thanks for sharing Ms. Gertrude's story with us!

Confession

"Oh my goodness, I would love to go on an African safari!" Okay folks, let's be honest...how many times have you heard someone say this? Safari is synonymous with Africa, right?

I have a confession to make.

My name is Brittany. I went to Africa. I didn't go on a safari.

Does that make me a bad tourist?

How Do You Clean a Desert?

have you ever seen someone sweep dirt? dirt floors, dirt roads...dirt anything? women in zambia do. i saw so many women sweeping dirt. i couldn't help but stare! sometimes they swept with big brooms, other times they swept with mini brooms, bent over at their waist. i just didn't get it, but i understand they take pride in how their homes look. so here's to all the amazing african women who keep their homes looking great! work it sista!

brittany

my first encounter with an african woman

she was in the johannesburg (joburg) airport and i was in awe of her! unfortunately, i did not capture her through film, because i became mute and apparently i stopped thinking. hummm, i wonder why????? i would love to have her picture to remember her by.

let's start with a physical description. she stood about 5'2" tall and was an average sized woman. she wore a black, wide brimmed hat, dark red lipstick, a black top/sweater, rings on every finger (no joke), army green pants, black combat boots, and she had a cross hanging from her left wrist. that's just the physical, but yall, i felt something in the spiritual! honest! all i wanted to do was get away from her and protect those who were talking to her. it was really strange.

what really did it for me yall, was her following us around airport! let's talk about that. OR Tambo is the air transport hub of southern Africa and literally the busiest airport on the African continent. yet, this lady finds us and proceeds to follows us around! we slept in the airport on july 6th and she slept in close proximity to us. she told me to come sleep closer to her, because it was a warmer area and that threw me too! perhaps her intentions were good, but i didn't take it that way. betty thinks im making a big deal outta this. maybe so. for me, she was the first African woman i consciously observed in Africa. she was so different from what im used to. guess she was a quick case study. i encountered one other lady similar to her while in zambia. this lady had tattoos on her face, wore large drapey clothes, and had a remarkable look in her eye. i was truly in awe of her.

last thing on the lost passenger and we'll move on. or i'll move on...i was later told she was simply trying to get home after missing her flight. maybe we were a welcome sight to a lost passenger, some friendly american kids and their professor. who knows. lost in translation or lost in passage, i'll never forget her.

brittany

America the Beautiful!

Ahhhhhh, America! I have missed thee, indeed! It always feels good to come home.

Now that I have a fabulous internet connection, let the blogging commence!

I believe I'll start at the beginning...

Brittany

Safari

This past weekend i went on a safari in Botswania to the Chobe game park. We left on friday afternoon in a tank like vehicle and headed to the border. I have only crossed borders into different countries within the airport so doing it on foot was an experience. We got a stamp out of Zambia and had to ride on an open ferry with our tank across the Zambezi to Botswania. WHile waiting for the ferry we saw these guys in the cutest little gondola canoe things but once we learned they were smugglers they were not as cute. These guys could have been the most blatant and worst smugglers ever, they didn't even try to hide it. Once across the border we had to wash our shoes in something to kill foot and mouth disease because they have a big problem with that i guess. We had to go to a grocery store to buy supplies for dinner and when we pulled out, we saw warthogs chillin in the parking lot, which really made me feel like i was in Africa. Later that night we had an amazing steak dinner and camped in a tent, which was an adventure because I have never camped before. Early the next morning we loaded up in an open air safari vehicle in the frigid cold and headed to the park. That day we saw elephants, giraffes, lions, crocodiles, kudu, water monitors, hippos, cape buffalo, wambats, and impala, all in their natural habitat, which was amazing. I especially loved watching the elephants move and swim because they are such massive creatures. However, the highlight of the day was the lions. There was a mommy and 2 cubs that walked right by us, it was incredible. We can always go see them in the zoo but actually seeing them naturally is a whole other experience. I had a great time on the safari and would love to do it again. There are way to many pictures to choose from for this post, i think i took hundreds!

Molly DiMola

Livingstone General Hospital

Today we met Vanessa, the Chief Nurse Officer of Livingstone General Hospital. She took us on a 2 hour tour of the facilities. As we've often found while here, things are very different, but there are always similarities. There was a main admittance and casualty area and an emergency department. We also noticed that the occupational and physical therapy programs were similar to those we were used to in the United States. In fact, the equipment was very impressive. The occupational therapists were preparing for National Occupational Therapist Day in September by working on an assortment of art pieces to illustrate the work they do with their patients. There was a main theater (surgery or operating room) and the hospital had high and low-cost wings. The last room on the high-cost floor was very nice and was saved for "special" patients, such as the President, who are able to pay the fee (250.000 kwacha or 50 dollars). We got to visit the labor ward and labor room, however nothing was going on at the time. We did get to see a premature baby that was being taken down for an x-ray. We visited a separate building on the hospital's campus that was specifically devoted to pediatrics. In this building there was a TB ward, measles ward and a laboratory for HIV testing so they do not have to send the specimen off and can get results rapidly. Sheri was excited that there was a nutritionist on staff who creates the nutritional formulas for the infants, unfortunately she was out of the office today. There is not currently a psych ward...they are currently in the process of constructing a new one as a former patient burned the ward to the ground. We also got to visit the dentist! Even though the dentist chairs were "brand-spankin" new Erica was the only one willing to sit in one as she enjoys going to the dentist.All in all the hospital was very nice and clean with some up to date technology and mostly seemed like a time warped version of one in the states.

Erica, Molly, Sheri, Laura

Wrapping It Up

So my time thus far in Zambia has been absolutely incredible. We have had a wonderful time experiencing the culture. Last weekend we got completely drenched by the mist of Victoria Falls and saw a dance show and this weekend we sailed down the Zambezi on a sunset cruise. A few of us ventured through the local market where they were selling everything from dried fish to handmade sofas and couches. I have been having a fabulous time and look forward to every day and the new adventures that come with it.
I have been very fortunate to see the many sides of Zambian healthcare. On Monday and Friday I assisted at the Hospice facility, Tuesday I did Home Base Care in the village of Ngwyena, Wednesday I helped with the Under 5 Clinic at Boma Clinic, and Thursday I went to the rural area of Natebe to do Home Based Care. It was during my time in Natebe where I had the best experience so far. The people that live there have very limited access to care so we had to walk a good distance to reach their homes. They were so grateful for the seemingly limited services that we could provide. About halfway through the day, we were visiting an older gentleman that was having back pain as well as other symptoms. It was there that we met Marshall, a four year old boy that had gotten his foot caught in a bike tire. He had two deep sores on the inside of his foot that his grandfather had packed with Colgate toothpaste. Dr. Morrison and I knew we had to take care of these sores before they got any worse. She decided to be the one to hold him while I cleaned and dressed his wounds. After much screaming and crying, a little innovation and some great assistance from Dr. M, Sheri, and Laura, Marshal was all taken care of with a wrapped up foot, Scooby-Doo gummies in his hands and a smile on his face.
My time here has been amazing and I am looking forward to this week and working with and serving the people of Zambia.

-Erica

Hello World!!

Well, finally I have made my arrival to the blog and just wanted to start with a hello to all and inform you that we are having a spectacular time thus far! So far I have had the opportunity to meet some pretty incredible individuals on our adventures here which have included trips to Nakatindi for home based care as well as some work on a new building at the school, work at Maramba Clinic in the pharmacy, Hematology lab, and OPD, and of course everyone's favorite luxurious vacationesque endeavors to Victoria Falls (pictured above with one of my Zambian friends I met at the Boiling Point just behind us) and the Sunset (Booze) Cruise down the Zambezi River. I am not sure there is much to complain about considering the conditions most of the individuals and families in this region live under, but I can certainly say I am more than thankful for the opportunities and living situations I've been given at home and abroad. Comparatively speaking we are living a life of luxury here at the Livingstone Backpackers lodge and with a private bar, in-ground pool, rockwall and running water. With that said, I am off to enjoy the rest of this Sunday evening here in beautiful Zambia! Talk to you all soon!

-Charlie

Elephants!

It's so hard to narrow down what I want to share here. We have done so many incredible things. Thursday, we went to Natebe - a rural community where the homes were few and far between. We were able to care for about 12 people. One little boy had a pretty bad wound and he really was not happy with us trying to clean the wound and bandage it, but a package of Scooby Gummies brought a beautiful smile to his curious and bright-eyed face! Yesterday, we went to Maramba Market. The market was not a tourist spot, but rather where the people who live in the community shop. There was a section where they buy food, lots of clothes and shoes, music and all sorts of other things. We wanted traditional fabric. We went to one of the fabric vendors and made a dent in their inventory. Today, we went to Bread of Life International Church. I can't tell you when I went to a church service where there was so much joy! The minister gave a wonderful message and they invited us to sit with them for a few minutes after the service. After church some of us went to the bridge that spans between Zambia and Zimbabwe over the Zambeze River at Vicotoria Falls. On the way, we saw ELEPHANTS! Finally! They are HUGE but oh so magestic. They didn't pay much attention to us as our cab pulled to the side of the road so we could take pictures. Once on the bridge, we were able to straddle the line between the two countries - makes the state line at Carrowinds a little less impressive. So that's a little of what's been happening in Zambia.

Laura Peoples

First Week Recap

This was our first week working our projects. I worked in a few different clinics and did home based care a couple of days. Both settings were challenging and exciting. My favorite was working in the Antenatal Clinic at Dambwa Clinic. I helped to take vital signs of the pregnant women and sat in on a few of their exams. We also do community projects, which are equally as awesome as the medical projects. The community projects I have been involved with mostly involve playing with and entertaining children. My favorite this week was Reading Club at one of the schools. The kids were so eager to read to us. It was really exciting to be a part of. Today we visited the market in the morning and went on a sunset cruise this evening. Our first week in Livingstone has been amazing. I can't wait to see what lies ahead of us for next week!

August Elliott

My First Week in Zambia

This has been an amazing week! I am enjoying my time on the medical projects and I have had the chance to take vital signs and weigh babies in the clinic, as well as help out with HIV testing and counseling. My favorite project has been home based care where the medical volunteers make weekly visits with patients to provide basic medical and wound care. On Thursday Erica, Laura, Dr. M, Brave and I walked miles to visit patients in Natebe. The landscape was beautiful and the patients were very appreciative of our visits and care. We just got back from a sunset dinner cruise on the Zambise River where we saw elephants, hippos, gazelles and crocodiles from afar.

Sheri R. Vettel

WOW! I don't know where to start. We have been in Zambia for a week. I have helped create an Adult Health Talk on Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and then presented it with the help of a translator. After we gave the health talk, we assisted the health workers in weighing babies under the age of 5. Yesterday, along with 2 other volunteers, I helped give the final talk of an HIV education program in a voluntary after school class for high school students (they had great questions - some I could not answer!). Today a group of us went to a village far outside of the area - very rural. We were there to offer health care to those who needed it. We cleaned wounds, dispensed basic medications and offered advise for improved health (diet and water intake). We got to help grind and sift corn - I'm not good at that, but I think I could learn. This is public health education in action and an incredible experience. One thing I'm still waiting to see is an ELEPHANT!

Laura

Finally got internet at the compound we are staying in and it is pretty fast. I have been so busy since we started working on Monday. So far I have done home based care, worked in clinics, taught children how to read, and farmed at a community farm at the Maramba Old People Home here. It is very different from life in the US even more than I had anticipated. I really enjoyed the under 5 clinic at Maramba Clinic. I weighed babies and watched them get immunizationsas well as listened in on long term family planning session with Theresa. The clinic is always short staffed and it is difficult to get the things that they need. I don't even think there was a doctor on site when I went. All of the mothers seem to be very compliant with their medicines as well as taking their babies to be weighed every month. What is most impressive is that all the children are given cards to keep up with and not a single mother had lost her card for her child and they are very diligent about bringing it back! They enjoy keeping track of their child's health and making sure they are on track with nutrition and immunizations. They also are very patient even though there are a lot of them being seen at one time and it takes much of the morning and in to the afternoon until they can go home, I never heard them complain. Tomorrow I will be working in labor and delivery and am hoping to see a live birth! Having a good time so far, lots of work to be done.
Jennifer

Finally in Zambia !!!

We're finally in Zambia!! Its pretty cold here compared to the US. However, it already feels like home. Saturday we took a trip to Victoria Falls. I recommend everyone to see the falls it was breathtaking! Tomorrow we start our volunteer work. Ill be starting work in a clinic so that should be interesting. Overall our trip is off to a good start!!

Fikre Debela

We Have Arrived

Hi everyone! We are now here in Livingstone, Zambia. We have actually been here for several days, but internet access is not actually very accessible. We have been very busy getting acclimated to life here. Yesterday, we visited Victoria Falls. See picture of Sheri and I in our lovely ponchos (before we got soaked.) This morning several of us visited the market. There was so much to see and buy! As a result, I have a very limited budget for the remaining 2 weeks. But the art and jewelry that I found is beautiful! We all had a great experience there and plan to return. On the way to find internet, Dr. M., Sheri, Fikre, and I were lured into a small church service by beautiful singing voices that we heard from the street. Though we were only there a few minutes, being able to participate in their service is probably one of my favorite experiences so far. Zambia has been very welcoming and exciting! We start working our projects tomorrow. I am excited to get started!

August Elliott

Greetings from Zambia!

Hello everyone! Not only have we safely arrived in Livingstone, Zambia.........but we have finally found the internet! After a long journey overseas (17 hour flight plus a 17 hour layover on a COLD airport floor), we are refreshed and ready to start our medical projects next week. After we were acclimated to our surroundings we had our medical orientation from the very enthusiastic and knowledgeable Brave. On Friday we had a delicious dinner at the Art Cafe where we tried various foods, such as nshima, sweet potato greens and even goat. We then enjoyed a show which featured amazing drummers, singers and dancers. Some of us, including Dr. Morrison (the birthday girl) got the chance to dance with the performers. Yesterday morning the group went to Victoria Falls for a hike which was absolutely breathtaking. Betty and I even had a scary baboon encounter! In the afternoon, we searched high and low for internet access and ended up finding delicious pizza (and of course a few Savanna Drys) instead. The people of Livingstone, Zambia have been most welcoming and I am so grateful to be here. Hello to everyone back home, I miss you! In addition, Molly has requested I add the following "Hi Mom."

Sheri R. Vettel

They are Rearing to go!?!

We are now a happy bunch recovering from airline travels, airport layovers, delayed luggage and jet lag. We are settling in to a routine in Livingstone -- inductions/ orientations with wonderful staff, conversations with volunteers from other countries, field trip to the famous Victoria Falls, and a lazy Sunday with pop-in visits to church services and a craft market around town. The real work begins tomorrow and all are geared up and rearing to go. There are clinics to be staffed, home-based care, hospice and old people's care to assist with and a multitude of community projects including arts and reading clubs, sports, adult literacy, building and painting, and farming. Eyes, ears and hearts need to be open, minds need to be alert and hands need to get to work. Let's see what the days to come will bring!!

Dr. M.

Ready to go!!

We are leaving for Africa in a few days. I am feeling loads of emotions of excitement and anticipation. I am ready for an adventure!! Our group is really great and I am looking forward to working with them as we serve the people of Zambia. I am ready to learn and serve...I am ready to go!!

-Erica

Africa Here We Come

It's all most time to leave!! I'm excited and I know its going to be a good trip. Of course with a whole lot of new learning experiences!



Fikre

Looking Forward

I am looking forward to spending the next couple of weeks in Zambia! Packing has proved to be interesting. I know I will be bringing too much. Currently I just want to get there in one piece and worry about the rest later.

Jen

Countdown to Zambia......

We are leaving for Zambia in three days and I cannot believe it!! I am very excited about the upcoming experience.....and a little nervous as well. We have spent the week preparing for this journey, however we have been reminded to expect the unexpected and keep an open mind while in Africa. See you in Zambia!

Sheri Vettel

Knowledge, Understanding & Experience

I don't think I can be anymore enthused as I am now, about this voyage. I hope at least to gain knowledge, understanding & experience.

LET'S GET EXCITED!!!!!

#POW

B*FOH OUT!

Zambia Here We Come

Today is our last day of class before leaving for Zambia Tuesday. We have been learning all week about what to expect once we are there. I am keeping an open mind and looking forward to this exciting experience. I know it will be amazing. I will write more once we are there. I have lots of packing to get to for now!

August Elliott

are we there yet????

hello world :)
it's a wonderful day here in north carolina, but i am ready to go to zambia!
so, are we there yet?

brittany

Ready to roll

ARE WE THERE YET?!

-Charlie

Ready for an adventure!

SO this weekend will be dedicated to packing. I am the least organized person ever so it will be an interesting weekend! I'm tired of pre departure stuff, I just want to get there! I'm ready for an adventure!!

Molly

It's almost time to go...

We are about to set off on the Adventure of a Lifetime! The more I learn and think about what we will be doing and why we are going, the more excited, and a little nervous, I get. The medical part scares me some, but I know I'll be able to step up when the situation presents itself. More than anything, I hope I will be able to leave something good behind. There is no doubt that I will take more away than I will ever be able to give, but if I can make someone's life just a little better, it will be a job well done.

Laura Peoples