It’s hard to believe
that in exactly one week, I will sitting on a plane headed back to the States. This
semester has been one of the most challenging, adventurous times in my life.
The girls and I are starting to grow through and share pictures from throughout
the trip, and I am overwhelmed with all the things we have experienced, and all
the ways we’ve grown together.
This pictures is from our last day in Choma, celebrating Independence Day.
Happy 50 years, Zambia!
These past two weeks we’ve lived at the Malaria Research Institute in Macha, and gone to clinicals at Macha Mission Hospital. The Macha School of Nursing sits just done the road from our house. Our clinicals the past week have been some of the best yet, because we’ve worked alongside Zambian nursing students. On Friday some of the other girls and I went to chapel on the campus, and then spent time afterwards talking to some of the students. A few of girls invited my friend Sara and I over into their dorm rooms. Afterwards during the walk back to our house, Sara and I marveled at the reminder that people are people, regardless of where you go in the world. Of course there’s language and cultural differences, but with these Zambian nursing students, we found more similarities than not. One of the most beautiful things about working with these students is being able to teach each other. Last week when I worked in the outpatient department, my friend Joy and I taught the students how to use manual blood pressure cuffs. In return, the students taught us how to perform a malaria test. Last night Katie, Jenna and I worked night shift on a maternity ward. In all my years of nursing school, I had yet to see a baby born. I was really hoping to see some babies last night, so one of the girls prayed for 3 babies throughout the night – one for each of us working that night. And guess how many babies came during the shift? Two by caesarean section, and one naturally. It was by far the best clinical experience yet. The surgeon allowed us to help during the surgery, so we gowned ourselves in these sterile scrub dresses and prepped for surgery.
All prepped for surgery, and ready to deliver a healthy baby!
Our team takes turns planning fun events for Saturday nights. Last weekend Kristen and I surprised two of the girls on the team with a bachelorette party, complete with a photo booth, Zambian style. This past Saturday, two of the girls planned a costume party along with some games for the evening.
The beautiful bride to be's :)
Our handmade photo booth.
This girl is going to make a beautiful bride, and an incredible wife!
Costume party fun.
One of the biggest joys of the semester has been getting to know the 16 other girls on my team. Daily they are teaching me how to be a better friend and follower of Jesus. Only a few days left together, and my heart is feeling so bittersweet. It been a beautiful journey with these girls!
