Top Five

It’s been several weeks since our return, however I still tear up every time I see the sweet little faces of those precious children. It is great to tell the stories and share my experiences, but they continue to bring out overwhelming emotions. A trip like this has the potential to be life altering. I am still attempting to reconcile the short, but meaningful, stay we had at Namwianga. Instead of looking at our leaving so soon as a loss, I must shift my frame of mind and appreciate the impact all of the Zambian people had on my life. I learned so much and will forever hold onto the memories of our journey. It was my first to time to Africa, let alone a place with such great needs. When reflecting on the trip I am thankful for all of the blessings and safety the Lord provided. We were all safe and relatively healthy for the duration of our stay.

People keep asking me what I liked most or what my favorite part of the trip was. I am the worst at picking favorites. In fact, one of my friends actually banned me from playing “the favorites game” on a road trip up the east coast a couple years ago. Also, I once spent an entire year perfecting a list of my top 5 favorite movies, not one but five. Hopefully this will help you all appreciate how very difficult it is for me to pinpoint my most memorable moments. The best thing I can think of is to once again make a list. Not in order of importance, just some of the things I will carry with me always.

1. I loved being immersed in a new culture. There are very few things in life that make me happier than learning about a different way of life. I prefer to do this by plopping myself in the very midst of it. This experiential learning allows me to use all of my senses when reminiscing about the people, customs, food, and roads.
2. The experience I gained by doing therapy in less than ideal conditions was encouraging. I have to be extremely thankful for this opportunity as a clinician. It not only makes me appreciate all of the resources we have here, but it has made me confident in my skills as a professional regardless of the bells and whistles I have at my disposal for therapy.
3. The love that I received and was able to share with the children at the Haven was irreplaceable. The children there have very little, but are all so content and joyful. The Lord showed me again the things that truly matter in life. It is wonderful to give and serve without expecting any kind of payoff. The smiles and hugs from all of the kids were more than enough every day.
4. This trip gave me a renewed joy that Christians are worshiping the Lord all around the world. It is so easy to forget how big our God is and how many children He has. I loved to sit on a concrete bench on Sunday and be reminded the greatness and breadth of His love.
5. I was privileged to share this experience with my mother. Not many people will ever have an opportunity like this, and I was able to experience it all with a woman I love deeply. It so hard to describe everything to family and friends upon the arrival home. It is nice to know that I will never have to explain to her how much the trip meant to me and how great my love still is for the children. I am so thankful to have been blessed with her presence.

For a more detailed account of my trip just ask me to tell stories. I have plenty.

Brittany Fetterman
(a.k.a Sister Mary Josephine)

One Last Thought

The last days at the Haven brought tears to us all. I didn't even make two steps out of Khaki Jackie before the tears began to flow. It's remarkable to me how overwhelmed I felt leaving those kids. Not only did we impact their lives, but they definitely impacted mine! I will miss their smiling faces, sweet little laughs, and the individual personalities of each child. It’s hard to put into words what this trip has meant to me and how incredible it truly was!

I found out after a week at the Haven what we were accomplishing by being there in Zambia, but on that last day at the Haven, I felt for the first time exactly why God sent me there. As tears flowed down my face when we walked up to the toddler house for the last time, two of the little girls I spent a lot of time with, came waddling up with arms stretched and hugged me. Choking back tears I sat down on the floor with them to play. The whole time I was at the Haven I never heard either of these girls say one word (they are both two years old), but on this day Twambo and little Ashley broke my heart. As we were playing, Twambo brought a Lion King book over to me to read with her. Before I could even begin reading, she pointed at Simba and said, “Lion!” and roared. The words just began to pour out of her little mouth as she pointed.. “Tree”, “Lion”, “Water”. I couldn’t stop crying and laughing. I was in disbelief and at the same time so joyous that this little girl was talking! We talk about ‘late talkers’ in class, but it’s still incredible to witness such a dramatic event. These children are the reason I want this career so bad, the reason I will strive to be the best SLP I can possibly be, and the reason I am proud of what we do!

If I learned anything in Africa it was more of a reminder that the unique and individual talents that God has given us should be used to the fullest! Why hold back when it could possibly change someone else’s life?! I am honored to be a part of the first Hiz-Path group and excited for those to follow. I have brought back so many memories and stories, ones that will last a life time. And like Meredith, all I can say is THANK YOU for the opportunity and experience! It was life changing and wonderful!!

Jessica Mayes

(aka) Sister Mary Tom