Home at last!

Well, we are all home safe and sound now! The 2, then 16, then 1 hour flights have all passed away and now, as sit in the computer lab starting our last assignments, we have all showered (with hot water!) and are trying to adjust back to the time zone. I feel like we still have so much to process and reflect on, but I also feel like we know that we have done and seen so much these past three weeks to last us a long time. This trip, for me, has been awesome. I really liked the trip overall and really wish I could go again next year. I hope Dr. M still has a little bit of her sanity left after taking all 10 of us to Africa but either way, she survived! haha I learned so much over the past month or so and am so grateful to be a part of this awesome group of women who were there with me. So, let's wrap this up and live and let live. Mosi, anyone? :)

Final Reflections with Love from Valerie

Our final full day in Zambia is coming to a close. We are all ready and excited to be returning home. That's not because it's been a bad experience, on the contrary! We are all just worn out by all we've done in the past three weeks. Looking back, I am amazed at how much I've learned in such a short time. Leaving the U.S. I never thought I would be doing things like taking vitals, prescribing medicine, or hiking 7+ kilometers through the African bush (just to see A patient, and their goats!) But I've done all of these things and so much more! I will be drawing from this experience for the rest of my life.
Seeing how medicine is handled here in Zambia has made me realize that there is a real need in developing countries for the career path I have chosen. Until now my desire to use my pharmacy degree internationally to reach areas that need medicinal aid has just been a far off dream. Now, however, my long-term goals are becoming reality in light of all I've seen in the clinics and home based care. I have been given a renewed determination because I have seen that my hard work is needed and will be worthwhile in the end.
Thank you Family and Friends for all of your support and prayers! And Thank you especially to Dr. M for all that you put in to make this possible for all of us, you are truly Great!!
With Love,
"Veralee"

Final Night/Reflection

Well tonight is our last night here in Livingstone, Zambia. I must say that this has truly been a great experience. From meeting new people to learning about another culture, this has been a different, but great experience. I think that this was great opportunity to learn and see how other people live. I met a lot of great people here that I will never forget. On my last day of volunteering, some of the workers asked if I was ever going to come back to Zambia. Now that I have the experience and know what to expect, I am for sure that I would return. Im happy and appreciative of this experience and hopefully in the future, I will return to Zambia.

India’s Voyage to Africa!

Hola las personas! Our journey is ending, and it feels like only yesterday that we were being emerged into the Zambian culture. This experience has been amazing, and I have gained a better outlook on the world beyond the United States. It has not always been fun and games, but it’s been worth the while. I have met so many gracious people, and I have done things that were far beyond my own expectations. I have trekked through the “African Bush”, rode an elephant, seen the famous Victoria Falls, and so much more! I wish I could fit Zambia into my luggage; however, I am only allotted 50 pounds. My days have not been spent just being a tourist. I have been in clinics performing highly skilled tasks. Also, I have helped to build schools and walls! I am excited about coming home and seeing everyone that I have been missing these past three weeks, but I am a little sad about leaving Zambia behind!

Pictures!

Hello!
I'm posting some pictures from our Chobe Safari adventure! We went on a three hour safari and saw zebras, a giraffe, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, baboons, and an antelope-looking animal called an impala. It was freezing out- but it was amazing!! This picture is from our boat safari that we took that afternoon! I know it's just one, but I'll post more later!

Kasey

It's gone by so fast...

I absolutely cannot believe that tomorrow is our last day at projects. This trip has flown by! While we have all had a wonderful experience, it will be nice to be reunited with our friends and family shortly. It might be a bit difficult settling back into our typical routine in the US. I think it's safe to say that we have all seen and witnessed so much more than we could have imagined...this truly has been a life changing experience. I am so thankful that I was able to share it with a group of wonderful and highly motivated young women.

~ Holly

Last Week!!! Ashley Goodwin

Well this is my first time writing a blog. My experience has been fun but difficult at times. I am really homesick and Im not used to being so far away from home. I think it would be different if I had my cell phone, but I don't so its hard to keep in contact with friends and family members. But I must say that I am very grateful for this experience. I think that the residents are very grateful that we are here to help. I know that I will have a great last week....until next time...xoxo