All about the children

A Journey of Purpose and Progress in Zambia

Today our focus centered around the needs of the community, especially the kids, and making connections that will guide future visits. Here’s a look at some of the highlights from our day:

We started the day at the pharmacy, executing a large purchase of medication‘s and a large shipment of mosquito nets. We made a list of what we thought was needed, and it was gratifying to see that the list that was sent to us from local clinicians matched nearly exactly what we had written down and purchased.
In Village 2, home to the Kafubu-Block Community School, we saw a beautiful example of local initiative and collaboration. The villagers took ownership of their future, making their own blocks and contributing materials and labor to construct the building where their children are educated. They guard it “jealously,” showing the pride they take in their hard work and commitment to progress. this project was made possible by the community, organizing and hard work of the encounter team, Leonard and the team deserve a lot of credit. This is one project that we saw, there are many more unseen.
After a tour of the school, we conducted an eyeglass clinic, a blood pressure screening, and an acute care clinic. We provided services to the littlest members of the community and the elders, addressing their needs in small, meaningful ways. We were also joined by a nurse who attended our Helping Babies Breathe class at Thompson Hospital, bringing an all-encompassing approach to our care.
In Chibolya, home to the Encounter Farm, we toured various farming projects designed to foster self-sustainability. This encounter farm is bustling with energy, showcasing the strides they are making toward a sustainable future.

One of the day’s highlights was distributing dresses to little girls from the villages near the Encounter farm, each one sewn with love by a sewing group from communities in Florida. These dresses, a gift from afar, brought smiles and joy, connecting people across continents in a beautiful way. Soccer balls, frisbees, and jump ropes added even more fun, filling the air with laughter. Snacks of bread and mango juice provided a welcome break, though we couldn’t resist adding lollipops for a bit of sweetness, even if it did bend their good nutrition for a moment.

In this journey, each smile, each touchpoint, each step of progress serves a larger purpose. We left knowing that the work done today is only a part of a bigger, ongoing story. We are already looking forward to returning, ready to build on these connections and continue to walk alongside these communities.