Journal Entries from Zambia Trip 2013

Debbie Rubbo (Neonatal Nurse) “What a blessing to have shared this journey with such an amazing team....my daughter included! It has been spiritually rejuvenating to work beside women of like hearts and like minds radiating the love of Christ through educating,encouraging and empowering others. Talk about a two week crash course
in spiritual, personal and professional growth!!  From the moment we touched Zambian soil  we were united in our efforts and were bestowed many graces by the Holy Spirit.
Professionally speaking the rewards of teaching doctors, nurses, mid-wives and traditional birth assistants the Helping Babies Breathe program was innumerable. It was clearly evident that they were eager to learn and genuinely interested in continuing with the program in their own practices as well as teaching others. I left feeling confident that we made a difference and for that I am grateful. For
me it is always easier to hear God speak when I am mission focused and this trip was no exception. His goodness and beauty was abundantly found in the eyes of
the people and the wonder of His creation surrounding us. Despite the challenges of less than ideal living conditions love and laughter is not scarce in theorphanages, marketplaces and villages that we visited. To be honored with theprivilege to humbly serve the people of Zambia with Tiny People Matter was an experience of a lifetime. Gods timing!” 

Marina Rubbo (nursing student)  “After coming home from Africa I tried to sum up a word that described my entire trip. I could sit here and use millions of words, but the
one that seemed to stick was "reboot". My trip with Tiny People Matter not only rebooted" the way that I view every day life but it also "rebooted" me in a way that I became closer to God and realized how truly lucky I am. I can't put into words how much I enjoyed my trip with Melissa. I gained new friends and became closer with others. I had the most incredible time teaching all of our students
about the importance of the Helping Babies Breathe program, as well as, visiting local orphanages and seeing the smiles on the children's faces when we arrived. Although our team did a lot of teaching, an incredible amount of learning wasdone on my end without even knowing. I wish I could thank every person I met in
Zambia for "rebooting" my mind into reminding me that really is the little things in life that mean the most.” 

Robin Kingston Pediatric (Nurse Practitioner) Today was such a beautiful day. It started out with finding out that Wendy is a new grandma (GO GO in Bembe). We went to Leonard's church for a 2 hour worship service. Rose made all of us chitangas that we all wore to church. It was beautiful. Hot! But beautiful! I ended up singing in the service"Give me Jesus". They sang for us as well and I was able to sing hymns in Bembe!. I truly felt the Holy Spirit. Leonard preached about spiritual health in addition to the physical health that we are trying to promote. It was so good and so spot on. I was very touched by the service. Jesus reigns world wide!!.. My word of the day was "spiritual health". I was so impressed and touched by
Leonard's preaching and being with these children (at Violet's orphanage) helps with my spiritual health. I am brought to tears many times throughout each day and I feel truly blessed to be here. Thank you Lord for this opportunity, not just for a medical mission but for the fellowship of being with these people and the spirituality of this trip!

Linda Owens (Neonatal Nurse Practitioner) “Every night our team would get together to share a word that would
encapsulate our overall experience of that day. That was such a wonderful experience of bonding and sharing that brought our team together after a busy day full of multiple emotions. It was a great way to better get to know these
awesome women and to recharge for the next day’s adventures. I treasured that time and it was such a blessing to me”