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After a few rousing rounds of the card game Palace last night (always good for bonding!), today our Tiny People Matter Zambia 2024 team really got down to Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) business. The team visited locations in the Copperbelt region focusing on healthcare, education, and collaboration with key leaders. Amidst all the work, we made time for some more fun and reflection, making this trip both impactful and memorable. Here are the highlights:
Political Engagements We kicked off our work today by meeting with the President of Ministers for the Copperbelt Region, the Minister of Health in Luanshya, and the Nursing Director for Maternal and Child Health. These discussions are crucial in strengthening political and clinical partnerships to improve maternal and neonatal healthcare in the region.  Roan Antelope School of Midwifery At the Roan Antelope School of Midwifery, we met with the Dean, faculty, and 100 enthusiastic third-year students. They cheered loudly as each member of the team was introduced, but the VERY loudly for Amy (who is a nurse and a midwife ) and for Kevin (when he announced that he was a retired policeman AND engaged to be married to Melissa - they REALLY loved that and cheered LOUDEST!!! ). We discussed our plans to teach essential neonatal resuscitation skills through HBB, which will equip these future midwives to handle newborn emergencies and improve healthcare outcomes in their communities. We also will augment the neonatal education in HBB with integrated World Health Organization (WHO) education named Helping Mothers Survive (led by Amy) and additional education that focuses on breastfeeding (led by Sara) and neonatal aftercare in the immediate postpartum period. A Day of Errands (and a little fun)
While in Luansha we took a quick trip to ShopRite to grab essentials. Kevin couldn’t resist indulging in some “essential” ice cream while we were there! We also made a stop at the pharmacy to get medicine for Melissa’s laryngitis. Wrapping Up We capped off the evening by reviewing the skills we plan to teach and finalizing our plans for the next day’s activities, ensuring that we are prepared to make the most of our time here. This trip is not just about direct education work; is about building connections and sharing all of our core values: Educate, Empower, and Encourage others to improve healthcare in Zambia. We also managed to get a few more “E” words in there today as we tend to equip and entertain along the way! We look forward to continuing this journey with you who support the work and together making a lasting impact. Stay tuned for more updates!
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Today was our first Sunday in Zambia as a team. As many of us on this TPM Zambia 2024 team have experienced here before, we were immediately welcomed and enveloped into the life of people as completely as in years past. We were invited to a community church service and afterword set up for vision and blood pressure screening clinic with distribution of eyeglasses where needed and education for improving blood pressure management for those with hypertensive disease in the community. Most of our pictures from today are from that ancillary work after the service. A special thank you to all of you that have donated and supported the team in various ways to make that good work possible. Often we focus on the hardships and challenges in developing countries, indeed the TPM team is here for another 10 days or so to equip and re-train and encourage our Zambian colleagues who experience newborn and infant mortality in ways we have not for several generations in the US. Even the study and message of the church service today reminded and wrestled with the perception that hardships and trouble are experienced as a rule of life, even or especially “problems” that may create physical, emotional, and spiritual hardship or disappointment. Today we hope that you will be encouraged, as we were, by the smiling faces and apparent joy of life that we witnessed and documented. For some of the team this is the first time experiencing this magnitude and juxtaposition of hardship and joy that we saw today. It is hard to describe, and can be cognitively and emotionally overwhelming. For most of us it evokes a sense that something is missing at home - why do so many here seem so happy when they don’t have ____ (fill in the blank). Download the files below to see more videos!
We didn’t answer all the questions or solve all the problems today (and we won’t this trip). In fact there were some people that needed glasses who we could not take care of, and some that needed levels of blood pressure management and medical treatment that we could not provide today. In a few situations we had to say “no we can’t” and “no we don’t”, hoping needs will be met in ways we could not on this day. It never feels good to disappoint. Just another reminder that we have limitations - we are human. However, we witnessed that despite our limitations, joy may win the day through mutual encouragement, the fomenting of hope, and the things we choose to focus on. We were overwhelmed and encouraged by what happened and what we saw today, and in some small way through the photos and videos posted we hope you are too! We are well, we are rested, we are ready for Monday - our warmest greetings to you and yours from Ndola from the Tiny People Matter Zambia 2024 team. Dr. Matthew Heckman MD, PhD Check out more of our clinic pictures below! 
A team of 8 doctors , nurses , and educators began the very long journey to Ndola, Zambia on Friday October 25. Months and months of planning and preparations and now we were on our way! God began providing blessings early on! We all arrived safely to the airport and all 16 bags were checked in without any issues at all. I was very upfront with the gentleman at the Qatar flight check in desk when I told him several of our bags were slightly over and he was very gracious!! Then we were informed our carry on bags must be less than 7kgs! We didn’t know that …. He was amazing and checked in all our carry on bag free! (That never happens!!) All of our connections were very tight but we made every flight !!! And all the bags arrived safely !! download our short videos |
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We arrived in Ndola Saturday at 5 pm and greeted warmly by Leonard and Rose! Tomorrow we will be attending a local church and providing ABC first aide clinic and reading glass clinic for anyone who needs it!! God is good and faithful!
Thanks for the prayers back home!
Melissa and the TPM team!
Thanks for the prayers back home!
Melissa and the TPM team!
Today we left Ndola bound for Livingston. our plane was slightly delayed as we needed to wait for the president to land ....we thought all the pomp and circumstance was for us This part of the journey is merely the icing on the cake! We had such an amazing trip with a wonderful team but today we get to enjoy a side of Africa where we see more of God's splendor !! We will have a sunset cruise tonight with hopes of seeing many hippos, crocks and elephants !! And an awesome sunset painted by the God of the universe! The sunset cruise was absolutely wonderful ! What a relaxing fun evening. We saw hippos, baboons, impala and zebras .... some to far a way to get clear shots with my phone camera. It was a joy for me to watch the "first timers " as they enjoyed this side of Zambia!
This day was beyond what words can describe. The glories of God, nature, and the universe unfolded before our eye. Before even leaving leaving the hotel grounds, we were entertained by frolicking mongoose and a lone giraffe and as we headed down the highway, a group of elephants were seen as we came into the elephant corridor. We went onto the game drive in Botswana, after crossing borders, complete with passport and visa checks.
"Hot and arid the air flowed over us, heading down the road in a Land Rover.
Eyes atune to the trees and shrubs in search of wildlife.
Along the river banks antelope and kudu were found
As well as cape water buffalo, egrets and ducks
Elephants too numerous to count enjoyed bath time in the river.
More sightings of sable antelope, monkeys, mongoose, and glossy starlings.
A final encounter with a lion pride brought tears to my eyes; an emotion stirred in me I cannot explain. Father, mother, a toddler and babies all lounging in the shade of a tree.
The beauty of all god’s creatures in nature as they should be."
The peace and serenity of today was a beautiful ending to our days of giving service and sharing fellowship with the beautiful people of Zambia.
Marge Gingrich
"Hot and arid the air flowed over us, heading down the road in a Land Rover.
Eyes atune to the trees and shrubs in search of wildlife.
Along the river banks antelope and kudu were found
As well as cape water buffalo, egrets and ducks
Elephants too numerous to count enjoyed bath time in the river.
More sightings of sable antelope, monkeys, mongoose, and glossy starlings.
A final encounter with a lion pride brought tears to my eyes; an emotion stirred in me I cannot explain. Father, mother, a toddler and babies all lounging in the shade of a tree.
The beauty of all god’s creatures in nature as they should be."
The peace and serenity of today was a beautiful ending to our days of giving service and sharing fellowship with the beautiful people of Zambia.
Marge Gingrich
After awakening early this morning Sara and I decided to take a walk around the grounds of our hotel which is located within the Mosi-O-Tunya National Wildlife Park. When we rounded a corner on the footpath we encountered a small herd of impalas. I can only say this was just the beginning of the sights that were about to unfold! We also encountered a flock of weaver birds, brilliant yellow making bell shaped nests by weaving grasses. Many more sights and all before breakfast.
A very satisfying breakfast was had by all before boarding our shuttle en route to Kasane, Botswana. Our final destination the Chobe Nation Wildlife Preserve. Imagine our surprise by catching sight of pack of mongoose and then no 20 paces on a lone giraffe nibbling the leaves from a tree! Friends the surprises kept getting better and better...truly takes your breath away and brings tears to your eyes. Before we got much further we encountered a herd of elephants enjoying the shade of an upland tree. They varied in size from a small baby with its mother to full grown adults. We also spotted a warthog, glossy starling and verit monkeys.
Our tour guide, Kaiser, was phenomenal, so well versed in botany and taxonomy. He also studied astronomy all before he could qualify to lead game drives. He was patient answering all our many questions and requests all while spotting and angling the vehicle for optimum viewing.
We were able to drive along the Botswana side of the Zambezi River. The rainy season hasn’t begun so the preserve is dry driving the animals toward the water. We saw impala by the score. Cape buffalo accompanied by oxpeckers who feed on the tormenting ticks they are followed by egrets who feed on the small fish and insects stirred up by the buffalo. Amazing how nature providers for one another!
We saw hippos, Egyptian Ibis, warthogs, mongooses, kudu, spoonbill crane and many more birds. As we continued on we heard that old familiar call in the distance a traveled to locate a humongous herd of elephants
More elephants than one could ever imagine heading to the riverbank and then over the crest innumerable elephants frolicking in the river! A most spectacular scene. Calling, splashing, squirting and snorting we didn’t know where to look first. Each view provided a glimpse into the life of elephants in their own environment!
We were all hoping to see some lions but being so hot and dry they tend to be elusive. Kaiser was not to be deterred and found us a small pride. Imagine our utter delight. A male with 2 females, a youngster and cubs relaxing in the shade of a large tree. We could have stayed all day just observing these amazing creatures to the sound of dragonflies encircling our vehicle.
Many more sights were yet to behold as we wondered to river’s edge this evening to watch the sunset over the Zambezi as the mist from Victoria Falls was rising in the distance as hippos frolicked and bellowed closer to shore. The perfect ending to a fabulous day! I am truly astonished witnessing God’s handiwork. He truly is an awesome God.
Amy
A very satisfying breakfast was had by all before boarding our shuttle en route to Kasane, Botswana. Our final destination the Chobe Nation Wildlife Preserve. Imagine our surprise by catching sight of pack of mongoose and then no 20 paces on a lone giraffe nibbling the leaves from a tree! Friends the surprises kept getting better and better...truly takes your breath away and brings tears to your eyes. Before we got much further we encountered a herd of elephants enjoying the shade of an upland tree. They varied in size from a small baby with its mother to full grown adults. We also spotted a warthog, glossy starling and verit monkeys.
Our tour guide, Kaiser, was phenomenal, so well versed in botany and taxonomy. He also studied astronomy all before he could qualify to lead game drives. He was patient answering all our many questions and requests all while spotting and angling the vehicle for optimum viewing.
We were able to drive along the Botswana side of the Zambezi River. The rainy season hasn’t begun so the preserve is dry driving the animals toward the water. We saw impala by the score. Cape buffalo accompanied by oxpeckers who feed on the tormenting ticks they are followed by egrets who feed on the small fish and insects stirred up by the buffalo. Amazing how nature providers for one another!
We saw hippos, Egyptian Ibis, warthogs, mongooses, kudu, spoonbill crane and many more birds. As we continued on we heard that old familiar call in the distance a traveled to locate a humongous herd of elephants
More elephants than one could ever imagine heading to the riverbank and then over the crest innumerable elephants frolicking in the river! A most spectacular scene. Calling, splashing, squirting and snorting we didn’t know where to look first. Each view provided a glimpse into the life of elephants in their own environment!
We were all hoping to see some lions but being so hot and dry they tend to be elusive. Kaiser was not to be deterred and found us a small pride. Imagine our utter delight. A male with 2 females, a youngster and cubs relaxing in the shade of a large tree. We could have stayed all day just observing these amazing creatures to the sound of dragonflies encircling our vehicle.
Many more sights were yet to behold as we wondered to river’s edge this evening to watch the sunset over the Zambezi as the mist from Victoria Falls was rising in the distance as hippos frolicked and bellowed closer to shore. The perfect ending to a fabulous day! I am truly astonished witnessing God’s handiwork. He truly is an awesome God.
Amy
Today is day 9 of the mission. We all met around 7 to take a "power walk" and enjoy the fresh air. Leonard filled us in on some of the history of kasama and we spoke with some grounds men working on the original provincial office's home to prepare it for the centennial festival.
We the returned to our hotel to have breakfast and to change Into chitangas for the church service . We attended the Evangelical Church in Zambia. About a 15 min drive from the hotel. The worship team was so full of energy and amazing voices! Even in their own native language it was very apparent they were worshiping Jesus. After the worship singing Leonard read scripture and the message was on Jonah and how we all have a bit of Jonah in us. The pastor's take home points were:
1) God is a God of all flesh , all tribes and nations
2) God is a God of second chances
3) He always sends a warning before destruction because His desire is for all to repent and show humility and be obedient.
4) We are called to be humble, responsible and committed to what God is calling us to do.
1) God is a God of all flesh , all tribes and nations
2) God is a God of second chances
3) He always sends a warning before destruction because His desire is for all to repent and show humility and be obedient.
4) We are called to be humble, responsible and committed to what God is calling us to do.
I then had a brief opportunity to share what TPM had been doing in their country and the appreciation we felt for the hospitality of everyone. We were offered cookies and soda pop and then set up for our clinics. Marge and Michele did eye glass readers for many people in need, Amy did BP screening and Sara did some nutrition counseling. Linda and I ran the first aid clinic and lots of children came to be seen and hang out with us!! Lots of fun and they really enjoyed looking at our pictures and singing songs. Then we were off to market to see, and smell the sites.All in all a great day!
Tomorrow Tiny People Matter board our Tiny little plane to head back to Ndola for the nite.
Melissa and Team Zambia
Melissa and Team Zambia
The Tiny People Matter Team awoke to another lovely morning in Kasama, Zambia. How blessed are we! We started the day with a nice breakfast outside with a warm breeze blowing under a sunny sky.
After breakfast it was off to work.
Today we did a morning and an afternoon class, so 8 hours of teaching altogether with barely a break to eat our sandwiches. They just kept going to accomplish the mission. These ladies are like energizer bunnies. We have certified a total of 115 people in Kadama! This team which God has assembled is such a blessing especially as we have added the Helping Mother Survive Program and have Amy here with her expertise as a Certified Nurse Midwife and Essential Care For Every Baby with Sara here as a nutritionist and breast feeding counselor. Everyone has added their knowledge to the teaching seamlessly.
With Marge on the team, and her years of experience as an educator and adult practitioner, she has given us a more rounded team and given us the opportunity to reach more people.Today rain was forecasted but God provide an incredible day with slight African breezes and we were able to hold all the parts of the class out side .... what a blessing.
One of my responsibilities is to make sure our birthing back packs get distributed among the clinics in a way that makes the most sense. This is sometimes difficult as EVERYONE wants a lot. Leonard and the provincial nursing officer helped see that we got enough kits to the clinics based on average monthly births and distance from main hospitals.
We have been good stewards of the money raised and items donated. I am ready to do my happy dance as we have successfully distributed the “goods”
Today was a day to feel grateful , thankful and blessed!
From Linda and Team Zambia
After breakfast it was off to work.
Today we did a morning and an afternoon class, so 8 hours of teaching altogether with barely a break to eat our sandwiches. They just kept going to accomplish the mission. These ladies are like energizer bunnies. We have certified a total of 115 people in Kadama! This team which God has assembled is such a blessing especially as we have added the Helping Mother Survive Program and have Amy here with her expertise as a Certified Nurse Midwife and Essential Care For Every Baby with Sara here as a nutritionist and breast feeding counselor. Everyone has added their knowledge to the teaching seamlessly.
With Marge on the team, and her years of experience as an educator and adult practitioner, she has given us a more rounded team and given us the opportunity to reach more people.Today rain was forecasted but God provide an incredible day with slight African breezes and we were able to hold all the parts of the class out side .... what a blessing.
One of my responsibilities is to make sure our birthing back packs get distributed among the clinics in a way that makes the most sense. This is sometimes difficult as EVERYONE wants a lot. Leonard and the provincial nursing officer helped see that we got enough kits to the clinics based on average monthly births and distance from main hospitals.
We have been good stewards of the money raised and items donated. I am ready to do my happy dance as we have successfully distributed the “goods”
Today was a day to feel grateful , thankful and blessed!
From Linda and Team Zambia
 Today's Afternoon Class |  Clinic Workers with New Birthing Packs |
Rise and shine! We started our day bright ( or actually dark) and early, departing the Foundation for cross cultural education, FCE, @ 4:30 am. We headed for the Ndola airport enjoying a beautiful sunrise as we drove on the NWest hwy. We had a short, smooth flight on a 10 seater Cessna type airplane to Kasama, in northern Zambia.
We spent all afternoon teaching and certifying over 50 nurses, nurse educators, and midwives in the resuscitation techniques of Helping Babies Breathe, HBB. They in turn will be able to teach their staff and colleagues these skills and techniques. We also provided education on the management of post partum hemorrhage and breast feeding and nutrition. Resuscitation bags were distributed at the end to be taken back to several of the clinics throughout the province. It is always so rewarding to engage with the students and make teaching fun. They were all actively involved in doing the childbirth scenarios; we had a lot of laughs , in particular when the males were "delivering " their babies.
We were blessed with a beautiful day, and showered with rain in the evening.
Margaret M Gingrich RN MSN CRNP
Professor of Nursing
Harrisburg Area Community College
We spent all afternoon teaching and certifying over 50 nurses, nurse educators, and midwives in the resuscitation techniques of Helping Babies Breathe, HBB. They in turn will be able to teach their staff and colleagues these skills and techniques. We also provided education on the management of post partum hemorrhage and breast feeding and nutrition. Resuscitation bags were distributed at the end to be taken back to several of the clinics throughout the province. It is always so rewarding to engage with the students and make teaching fun. They were all actively involved in doing the childbirth scenarios; we had a lot of laughs , in particular when the males were "delivering " their babies.
We were blessed with a beautiful day, and showered with rain in the evening.
Margaret M Gingrich RN MSN CRNP
Professor of Nursing
Harrisburg Area Community College
Today was the day for us at the FCE children's school where Melissa, Linda, Michele, and Amy conducted a health assessment clinic. completing the forms to be given to the school nurse. Initially, some of the children were a bit skeptical and nervous but we tried to make it fun. Assuring no immunizations. We performed a basic head to toe assessment. I had them open their mouth and say "ah" then "ee" to see their teeth, then "oh" then I made a kiss sound and they laughed or smiled., We diagnosed possible malaria relapse, impetigo, Ringworm, ear infection, and a possible reading disorder for a teenager who couldn't identify certain lower case letters, enlarged tonsils, and possibly tendonitis. We bandaged small and very significant deep abrasions. They loved the opportunity to listen to their heart, lungs, and bowel sounds with the stethoscope.
The tooth brushing and nutrition lesson was a hit by Marge and Sara who demonstrated proper brushing techniques as the children followed them using toothpaste on their finger. They were given a toothbrush and toothpaste to take home. They talked what foods are good for them nutritionally.
The 5 year old class serenaded us with the song"5 little ducks".
Thankfully we had Marge, our adult practitioner,on our team. She visited several staff adults and assessed their health issues making recommendations which she will follow up with in a few days. some of us took a beautiful late afternoon walk along the paths.
Dinner was a yummy pizza dinner(3 flavor choices) fruits and salads
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With the day over, we hope everyone at home voted
The tooth brushing and nutrition lesson was a hit by Marge and Sara who demonstrated proper brushing techniques as the children followed them using toothpaste on their finger. They were given a toothbrush and toothpaste to take home. They talked what foods are good for them nutritionally.
The 5 year old class serenaded us with the song"5 little ducks".
Thankfully we had Marge, our adult practitioner,on our team. She visited several staff adults and assessed their health issues making recommendations which she will follow up with in a few days. some of us took a beautiful late afternoon walk along the paths.
Dinner was a yummy pizza dinner(3 flavor choices) fruits and salads
.
With the day over, we hope everyone at home voted
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