Reigniting my old Peace Corps blog as I head back to Zambia for a third time! Clearly I have fallen in love with the place...
In the past two years I have seen and done many things! I've hugged a Redwood, been a Grooms woman in a Hindu wedding, become an auntie (!!!), had a successful work-shop in Zambia, caught beads at Mardi Gras, became a "Spinner", paid for both my Zambian niece's educations, swam in: Lake Malawi, the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, tore-up a dance club in Phoenix, been a job coach for several developmentally disabled adults, and fallen in love...
Celebrating the 4th of July this week has reminded me how amazing it is to be an American. It feels silly to say, seeing how I am so eager to live in another country, but living and visiting places that are so impoverished and under-developed makes me appreciate the rights we have in our country. We have health, and education, and freedom... things that so many will never have. I have never been prouder to be American than when living in Africa.
When I return to Zambia this time, I will be working with a Scottish founded NGO (Non-Governmental Organization), On Call Africa, that provides mobile-clinics in remote areas. Healthcare is not as easily accessible as it is in the US. People living in rural villages need to travel hours to the be seen by local clinics, with bicycles or walking as their only means of transportation. On Call is run by volunteer doctors and nurses who visit 9 different clinics over the course of three weeks, providing assessment, treatment and referrals.
My boyfriend, Lonnie, has already begun working as On Call's Volunteer-Coordinator. Since mid-May he has been in Zambia busting his butt to make sure each clinic trip has been successful! The volunteers and our boss are all incredibly impressed with him (who wouldn't be?!) as he has already proved he is perfect for the position. I will be handling the educational aspect of clinics: organizing trainings, providing mini-sessions to the community, and developing On Call's HIV/AIDS outreach. Any of you who I've talked to about my Peace Corps experience will know that this job is right up my alley! I am beyond excited to get there and get started!
Our positions are un-paid... Womp. Womp. And while On Call is doing their best to find funding for our salaries things like a new vehicle are priority...understandable! We are being provided beautiful accommodation (free room and board) in Livingstone, just 10 minutes drive from Victoria Falls! This time I will not only have a roof, running water, and electricity, but also a pool and washing machine! BWANA!! They are also helping us with our work permits, so everybody cross their fingers that they are processed and approved soon soon! It is likely we will be coming up with some sort of fundraiser in the near future to keep us going...so get ready!
Finally, after weeks of trying, my bags are finally packed...
Its hard for me to say goodbye to loved ones, and even harder to explain why I need to go back. The most I can say for sure is that my work isn't finished. Living in Zambia made me feel like the best me I can be. I have no idea what the future will bring or where this path will take me, but I know its the right direction. If I could take you all with me, I most certainly would! Until then please feel free to follow my journey on here, Facebook, Instagram...etc
I constantly feel fortunate for the family, friendships, and opportunities I have. I am so incredibly lucky.
Celebrating the 4th of July this week has reminded me how amazing it is to be an American. It feels silly to say, seeing how I am so eager to live in another country, but living and visiting places that are so impoverished and under-developed makes me appreciate the rights we have in our country. We have health, and education, and freedom... things that so many will never have. I have never been prouder to be American than when living in Africa. When I return to Zambia this time, I will be working with a Scottish founded NGO (Non-Governmental Organization), On Call Africa, that provides mobile-clinics in remote areas. Healthcare is not as easily accessible as it is in the US. People living in rural villages need to travel hours to the be seen by local clinics, with bicycles or walking as their only means of transportation. On Call is run by volunteer doctors and nurses who visit 9 different clinics over the course of three weeks, providing assessment, treatment and referrals.
My boyfriend, Lonnie, has already begun working as On Call's Volunteer-Coordinator. Since mid-May he has been in Zambia busting his butt to make sure each clinic trip has been successful! The volunteers and our boss are all incredibly impressed with him (who wouldn't be?!) as he has already proved he is perfect for the position. I will be handling the educational aspect of clinics: organizing trainings, providing mini-sessions to the community, and developing On Call's HIV/AIDS outreach. Any of you who I've talked to about my Peace Corps experience will know that this job is right up my alley! I am beyond excited to get there and get started!
Our positions are un-paid... Womp. Womp. And while On Call is doing their best to find funding for our salaries things like a new vehicle are priority...understandable! We are being provided beautiful accommodation (free room and board) in Livingstone, just 10 minutes drive from Victoria Falls! This time I will not only have a roof, running water, and electricity, but also a pool and washing machine! BWANA!! They are also helping us with our work permits, so everybody cross their fingers that they are processed and approved soon soon! It is likely we will be coming up with some sort of fundraiser in the near future to keep us going...so get ready!
Its hard for me to say goodbye to loved ones, and even harder to explain why I need to go back. The most I can say for sure is that my work isn't finished. Living in Zambia made me feel like the best me I can be. I have no idea what the future will bring or where this path will take me, but I know its the right direction. If I could take you all with me, I most certainly would! Until then please feel free to follow my journey on here, Facebook, Instagram...etc
Mushale Bwino Bonse!
Ellyn, the work you do is amazing! Best of luck with your trip and your newest adventure!! I love being able to read the blog and hear about how you are doing. This really is right up your alley and I know you'll be fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jayne! I'll post stories and pictures whenever I can!
DeleteEllyn, this is so you and you have put it all so beautifully. Zambia is so lucky to have you. Best of luck in all your endeavors!
ReplyDeleteThank You Laurie! Glad to have support from my TBS fam!
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