First Day Of Classes!

Today was our first day of classes! My rotation this semester is Community Health and Leadership & Management. Both of these classes require a large amount of hours spent in the community, and I couldn't think of a better place to spend that time than in Zambia!

We have so many opportunities and great ideas for this semester. Our options for clinical hours include serving in the Zimba Hospital, assisting at an orphanage, going to villages to educate the individuals, and getting involved with the WHIZ programs (such as Hope for Children and Reach for Life). I'm hoping to develop my own program as well which would include a mentoring program for young teen girls in my church.

These experiences are going to be intense - I could already feel the emotions rising during our discussions. It's such a hurting world and it is hard to discuss the situations these people face on a daily basis. I know I have so much ahead for me to learn - considering I have yet to witnessed the core of poverty. Regardless, I have witnessed one thing - even though the Zambian people do not have much, they are so loving and caring. Many times while interacting with Zambians I noticed that they initially stare at me in wonder, but as soon as I say hi and smile at them, I always receive a beaming smile in return. I have a lot to learn from the Zambian people!

In the kitchen with our cooks, Mrs. Bota and Wosie, baking a cake for one of the girls birthdays!