The most difficult thing I experienced was…. Being by myself for most of the time and not being able to share experiences with people I know on a more personal level than I am use to.

My best received lesson…. Always start the day like you are starting a trip to another country, the sense of excitement and unknown is the best way to fully experience what life has to offer.

Tip for future volunteers… Never hold back, walk down the longer road, climb the higher hill, introduce yourself to the next new face.

Personal Paragraph (Testimonial) My time spent in Zambia has been an extremely fulfilling and humbling experience. The people I have met and the memories I have shared will be with me for the rest of my life. I would encourage everyone to be a part of a new culture for even a short period of time to break down their walls. It is hard to write out my experience, the stories I need to tell need emotion and facial expression to take on the full effect of how I feel about them. I just would like to thank ABV, Josphat, Olivia, the hospice staff, and all of my family and friends that have made this dream a reality for me.

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?- Yes

My Favorite Memory: Sleeping over at my friend’s house then going with her family to a safari and a hike up the mountain. Or having a dance party during lunch with the women that I worked with.

I was surprised that….it was so cold. Also that things that are usually expensive in the United States were very cheap here, like apples and bananas and laundry soap.

The most difficult thing I experienced was….The lack of communication. I didn’t always know what was happening or what I was supposed to do.

My best received lesson…was how to run a business in a third world culture. I want to do something like that in the future as my career so I spent a lot of time observing what other people did.

Tip for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc) Most people speak in a different language, either bemba or Nyanja. The official language is English but a lot of people don’t speak it very well. I encourage volunteers to try to learn at least a little bit of the local language. Also even though we think of Africa as a desert, it really does get cold. Like I want wool socks and a jacket sometimes. My main advice is to get out and explore. Don’t just sit there at home watching tv at night. It isn’t dangerous and it gets dark early. At first I’d come home as soon as it was dark because I thought it was dangerous for me to be out after dark but after awhile I realized that I was missing many things because I was to scared.

Personal Paragraph (Testimonial)
I came to Zambia with ABV as an intern for my college majors, intercultural studies, and international community development. I needed to do some sort of development. I was assigned to work at an orphanage in Lusaka Zambia. At first I was taking care of the babies but after awhile I invited myself to a meeting between the director and a woman trying to start a fundraising project. The project was to make paper bead necklaces. I became a co-director of the project and spent most of my time working on that. The other part of my time was spent tutoring little neighborhood boys at a missionaries house. I would sit and read with the boys individually. I became good friends with several of the people I worked with because I stayed for the entire summer. Because I stayed for so long I was able to accomplish big projects instead of just helping with daycare.

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers? Yes

I was surprised that….
People were so trustworthy. The preparation packets made it seem like everyone would steal from us or attack us or kidnap us, but it was not like that at all. No one tried to take anything from us and it was even safe to accept rides from neighbors. Anyone would give you proper direction and no one was the least bit threatening.

The most difficult thing I experienced was….
When I got sick. It was hard being in a new place without my parents and being really ill. I could barely stand up and it was a bit scary, but it didn’t even last the day.

My best received lesson…
was that I used a lot of things at home that I didn’t need. I went through a lot more garbage and used a lot more water at home than I could here, and found that there was no problem. I learned that everyone I know in America, myself included wastes a lot and does not think about conserving. Being here taught me that I don’t need what I thought I did and I can live perfectly comfortably without it.

Tip for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
You should bring hand sanitizer, wipes and toilet paper. Sometimes water is scarce and there will be no soap, so sanitizing products are helpful. Bringing gifts for the family you are staying with is also a really nice idea. Bring plenty of socks and underwear because laundry can be a bit of a hassle. Make sure to bring a flashlight because power does go out. Also, bring a sweatshirt and pants. Africa is known for being hot, but in the winter, our summer, it can get very chilly.

Personal Paragraph (Testimonial)
I have truly loved this ABV experience. It was one of those things when you are honestly excited to wake up in the morning because you know great things will happen. Everyone is so friendly and truly grateful that you came to help. The most important thing is to come with no expectations other than to learn, help, and have fun. It is easy to adjust to new situations when you go into things thinking that you are the outsider, you are the one who is here to change and learn. Do not get hung up on small things, because there are so many great things to better spend your time on!

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Of course. I found it extremely helpful and reassuring to speak with previous volunteers. If I can do anything to help someone get as much out of this experience as I did, I will gladly do so.

I was surprised that…. the attitude of the kids being so thankful and happy.

The most difficult thing I experienced was…. seeing the poverty that people lived in and having to walk away from the kids at the end of the day.

My best received lesson… thankfulness for the blessings I have, and the love children show despite their circumstances.

Tip for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
Travel – always carry on prescriptions on flights in case the luggage gets lost.
Sightseeing – many things to see but one unexpected was a tour of the Zambian Parliament Building, Parliament Chambers, and Parliament Library.

Personal Paragraph (Testimonial)
The experience that my son and I had will be impactful and memorable for the rest of our lives. My son already wants to plan a return trip. The needs and impact you can have is indescribable. I would recommend it to anyone.

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes

We appreciate you volunteering with Abroaderview Volunteers. We hope the experience was life-changing and you realize that one person can make a difference.
Please email this form, or cut and paste into an email and send to: volunteers@abroaderview.org

I was surprised that….
What surprised me or was weird to get used to was how few other westerners were in Lusaka especially Kalinglinga where I was staying. It made the experience so much better to be completely submerged in the Zambian culture. It gave me a chance to really see how people live there and get to know them quite well.

The most difficult thing I experienced was….
By far the most difficult experience was working at the hospice and not being able to make patients better and send them home. I’m used to working in ICU’s at home and so I always see patients come in with terrible conditions and then weeks later we get to send them home on the fast track to discovery. It was heart wrenching as a nurse to not be able to send the patients home to their families but rather having to watch them waste away from this terrible virus that is devastating their country.

My best received lesson…
Is that if you give anyone a chance they will surprise you and you can learn a lot about yourself and other beliefs and cultures. The people in Zambia were so kind to me and I had a great time getting to know them. Despite the sadness of some of their situations they have tremendous joy and a love for God that I have never witnessed anywhere else.

Tip for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
If working at a Hospice/clinic bring lots of gloves! At least in Zambia, we really needed them and were always going short. Before you go try to get in contact with where you will be working so you know exactly what they might want. Also if you are a girl going to Zambia remember to wear shorts/skirts past the knees but you don’t have to worry about tops. It’s fine to wear spaghetti tank tops. Also it might be a good idea to wear a ring on your wedding finger if you’re single and not looking for lots of advances. Getting some tevas is great idea, I wore mine everyday and I got them for $20 at a outdoor warehouse.

In Zambia A must is Victoria Falls and a safari. I went to Kafue National park and it was beautiful! If you look around it’s easy to find weekend packages that are fairly priced. If you are missing some good sandwiches or burgers go to Kilimanjaro Café at Manda Hill, also if you want a swim you can go to the Intercontinental they have a great pool. Last of all plan on spending more than you expect. Things in Zambia are not cheap, many of the price for food and things are about the same as the US.

Lastly have fun and make an effort to get to know the people there. If someone greets you greet them back. Don’t be afraid to talk to people while you are walking, everyone is very friendly and they are curious about things where you’re from.

Personal Paragraph (Testimonial)
I had a fantastic time in Lusaka with my host family. They were extremely kind and I even got to attend their wedding, which was a lot of fun! Working at the hospice was a fantastic experience they really made me feel at home and I got a lot of nursing experience there. Seeing some of the situations of the people there was astonishing. It broke my heart when we would visit some of the homes. But they are still hopeful and gracious. I has a fantastic time there and will never forget it.

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers? Yes

I was surprised that….
There could be so much joy in children who had absolutely nothing.

The most difficult thing I experienced was….
Having to be faced with a harsh reality.

My best received lesson…
I learnt many lessons while in the project… my greatest were about perseverance and never giving up.

Tip for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
Be prepared because this will truly be an eye opening experience… you will never be the same.

Personal Paragraph (Testimonial)
Love at First Sight… that is truly the only way that I could describe my first day at Kafwa… The children were warm, and so full of affection. Through each and every child, I learned about unconditional love and my life will never be the same. No matter how frustrating it would get at times, they were my strength… and I never gave up. Volunteering is highly recommended for anyone with an open heart and a soul that’s willing to grow.

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers? Yes

We appreciate you volunteering with Abroaderview Volunteers. We hope the experience was life-changing and you realize that one person can make a difference. Please email this form, or cut and paste into an email and send to: volunteers@abroaderview.org

I was surprised that….
Everyone was VERY friendly and we never felt threatened or unsafe…just be prepared for extra attention

The most difficult thing I experienced was….
Leaving the kids.

My best received lesson…
We live a life in abundance, while they live a life of simplicity and are overflowing with joy and satisfied with the little they have!
We are blessed and have so much to love to pour out to others, so why not share it with children in Zambia! Life is short-go make the most of it.

Tip for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)

• Go see Victoria Falls, Go on a safari, Ride the elephants, Visit Mukuni Village in Livingstone, Kaazmein Lodge was very nice place to stay.
• Exchange money at local bank (like Barclays in Arcades/Manda Hill shopping centers) because airports/bureau de change will charge fees for exchange. (currency: about 5,000 kwacha= $1.00)
• While it’s summer in America, it’s winter in Africa. Pack a light jacket and long sleeves.
• Bring any type of clothing (pants, shorts, shoes, socks, shirts, dresses, hairbands) for children from 6-17 years old!
• Bring any kind of school supplies: posters, papers, pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners, pens (red/blk/blue), crayons/coloring pencils, backpacks!…they would appreciate anything!
• Bring extra money to treat the kids to snacks (like lollipops)…they loved it!
• Pack: Babywipes, Snack (granola bars, crackers, peanut butter…)
• If staying with Miss Olivia in Lusaka: Towel, Sheet (Size: Double), flashight (power outages are common)

Personal Paragraph (Testimonial)
The trip was beyond anything I could have every expected or imagined! God reminded me how blessed I am and I have been challenged to live a simpler life. The children forever changed my life! My heart broke after meeting them the first day and walking them home to their compound. I saw their home without electricity and running water, yet they still had so much joy! I realized: this is normal to them. This is all they know. We live life in abundance, such as having toilet paper and light bulbs all stocked up so when we run out these items are readily accessible. They live a life of simplicity and find true satisfaction from the little they do have. We built many special friendships there at Kafwa and with our host family. I became so attached to the children and just as I have impacted them, they have outrageously changed my life! I am already looking forward to the day I return to Zambia.

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Definitely!

I was surprised that….
People were in such poor health.

The most difficult thing I experienced was….
Seeing people die who would not die in the UK due to the lack of resources.

My best received lesson…
Very much a cliché, but not to take what I have for granted.

Tip for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
If medical students, bring a lab coat.

Personal Paragraph (Testimonial)
I learnt so many valuable things whilst volunteering in Zambia, mainly to benefit my career in medicine as we saw many things that we would rarely get an opportunity to see in the UK. I also learnt quite a lot about myself I think and it also made me appreciate the culture of Zambian people. I had an amazing time.

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes.