Zimba, Zambia - Week 8

 

Mwabuka Buti! (Good Morning!)

Hello everyone! This is Casey, and I have the honor of sharing this week’s update with you all. It’s been another full and exciting week here in Zimba.

Monday:
We kicked off the week with a full day of class. Both in the morning and afternoon. It sounded like a lot, but we managed to power through thanks to our wonderful professor, Debi, who always keeps things lively with interactive lessons, skits, games, and, of course, snacks. She also makes sure there’s plenty of coffee available, which we all agree is one of the greatest blessings of the week.

Tuesday:
We began clinicals earlier than usual so we could observe shift change at the hospital. It ended up being one of the most exciting days yet. Between Ella, Jamie, and I, our team helped deliver five babies! There were two C-sections and three vaginal births, and each delivery was an incredible learning experience. It’s always humbling to witness new life enter the world and to be part of those sacred first moments.

Wednesday:
This was a very special day. We had the honor of meeting the Bishop of the Wesleyan Church in Zambia. Our group was invited to greet him formally, and we even sang a worship song together. Later, we were blessed to hear Ainsley and Kyrah’s testimonies, which were powerful and moving. It was a beautiful reminder of how faith is at the center of everything we’re doing here.

Thursday:
We spent the day at the Mother Shelter, where all twelve of us split into six pairs to teach educational sessions and conduct health assessments. During our time there, we identified three women who needed to be transferred to the hospital, including one who was already in active labor and 4 cm dilated. Meanwhile, Sophia and Ainsley were called to the hospital to assist with two C-sections and a cerclage. Definitely a full day of hands-on experience for everyone.

That evening, the team gathered to relax and watch a movie while several people helped me take out my hair, which took a grand total of six hours! Just when I thought the night was winding down, I suddenly got hit by an egg, thrown by none other than Ella Maas herself! It was completely unexpected and had everyone laughing for the rest of the night.

Friday:
We ended the week on such a joyful note as we celebrated Debi’s birthday! Claire and Sophia hosted what I accidentally started calling “Funday Fry-night” (“Friday Fun Night”), and the name has officially stuck. We had karaoke night with homemade mocktails and snacks, and for two hours we sang everything from pop hits to musicals. It was one of those evenings where everyone just relaxed, laughed, and enjoyed being together.

Saturday:
The celebrations continued! It was both Grace and Jamie’s birthday and the National Day of Prayer in Zambia. The entire town came together in worship, and we had the privilege of singing three songs during the event. The service went from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., though we stayed until around 1:00 p.m.

That evening, we pulled off a surprise birthday party for Grace and Jamie. We tricked them by pretending we had an extra class session scheduled, so they walked in looking less than thrilled, until we all yelled “Surprise!” Their faces went from upset to shocked in an instant, and it was priceless. We had vanilla cake for Jamie and a traditional spice cake for Grace, and it was the perfect way to end such a meaningful day.

Sunday:
After such a full week, Sunday was wonderfully calm. We went to church in the morning and spent the rest of the day resting. Sophia and I got to slaughter a chicken for dinner, which was quite the experience.

As we head into this coming week, we’re beginning night clinicals and outreach, which will be a big change from our current routine. I am asking for your continued prayers. For energy, health, and unity as our time here starts to wind down. It’s hard to believe how fast these weeks are flying by, but we’re so grateful for all that we’ve learned and experienced together.

Twalumba (thank you),
Signed,
Laweto (Casey)