What did you do on summer vacation?
Jillian Schmidt would have an answer that could be a conversation opener or stopper. Jillian, 19, and a nursing school student at Kent State University, would reply, “I went to Zimbabwe.”
Jillian’s appearance as a typical teenager belies the deep commitment to her future vocation and plans to “go elsewhere to help people.” As notices of upcoming mission trips to Nyadire, Zimbabwe appeared in the church bulletin of her home church (St. Paul’s UMC in Shaler Twp.), her interest in going there increased. Members Faith Geer and Sandy McKnight shared their experiences, spoke of cultural differences, and provided information about what she should know about getting there. Jillian admits to being nervous on the long plane trip to reach Africa, but felt comfortable and welcomed when she arrived.
She was able to shadow the nurses at the Nyadire Hospital, particularly Mildred, with whom she had instant rapport. Mildred, a nurse in the children’s ward, showed her around the hospital and even invited Jillian to her home for tea the first day. She found the hospital to be modern and organized and the staff well trained. Jillian reports, “Imagine being in a hospital where the morning staff begin their shift with singing some songs in the hallway facing the window to see outside. It was a beautiful experience and a great way to start the day. I was even allowed to witness a live birth as well as a Caesarean! I loved interacting with the people at Nyadire not only because of the hospitality and how kindly I was treated, but because of how genuine and loving they are in their everyday lives. And of course, we were ‘spoiled’ by the attention and the meals prepared by nurses Greater and Isabelle.”
In addition to being at the hospital, Jillian went with the team to visit the rural schools to update the records of the Home of Hope Outreach students. "The students’ names were what I remember the most. Sometimes I would write the children's names on dry erase boards for them to hold as their pictures were taken. It was very interesting to spell out many Shona names, and it helped me to better pronounce some of the words I was learning. Working with members of the team was inspiring to me. I couldn’t believe how easily someone like Marjorie (Dold) was able to connect with the children."
Of course, every day visits to the Home of Hope to be with the children, some of whom were in her age group and eager to talk to her. Jillian remembers, "The littlest children, Tatenda and twins, Dorothy and Dorcas, always ran to the gate when the administrator, Emmanuel Chiimba or the older children came home from school."
Jillian will return to her studies at Kent State, but has already indicated that she will be back with her new friends in Nyadire next summer.
She concludes, "What a great way to spend some of your summer vacation if you want a great experience that will change and enrich your life." For more information, contact Molly Michael. [email protected] or (412) 805-6481.
Jillian’s appearance as a typical teenager belies the deep commitment to her future vocation and plans to “go elsewhere to help people.” As notices of upcoming mission trips to Nyadire, Zimbabwe appeared in the church bulletin of her home church (St. Paul’s UMC in Shaler Twp.), her interest in going there increased. Members Faith Geer and Sandy McKnight shared their experiences, spoke of cultural differences, and provided information about what she should know about getting there. Jillian admits to being nervous on the long plane trip to reach Africa, but felt comfortable and welcomed when she arrived.
She was able to shadow the nurses at the Nyadire Hospital, particularly Mildred, with whom she had instant rapport. Mildred, a nurse in the children’s ward, showed her around the hospital and even invited Jillian to her home for tea the first day. She found the hospital to be modern and organized and the staff well trained. Jillian reports, “Imagine being in a hospital where the morning staff begin their shift with singing some songs in the hallway facing the window to see outside. It was a beautiful experience and a great way to start the day. I was even allowed to witness a live birth as well as a Caesarean! I loved interacting with the people at Nyadire not only because of the hospitality and how kindly I was treated, but because of how genuine and loving they are in their everyday lives. And of course, we were ‘spoiled’ by the attention and the meals prepared by nurses Greater and Isabelle.”
In addition to being at the hospital, Jillian went with the team to visit the rural schools to update the records of the Home of Hope Outreach students. "The students’ names were what I remember the most. Sometimes I would write the children's names on dry erase boards for them to hold as their pictures were taken. It was very interesting to spell out many Shona names, and it helped me to better pronounce some of the words I was learning. Working with members of the team was inspiring to me. I couldn’t believe how easily someone like Marjorie (Dold) was able to connect with the children."
Of course, every day visits to the Home of Hope to be with the children, some of whom were in her age group and eager to talk to her. Jillian remembers, "The littlest children, Tatenda and twins, Dorothy and Dorcas, always ran to the gate when the administrator, Emmanuel Chiimba or the older children came home from school."
Jillian will return to her studies at Kent State, but has already indicated that she will be back with her new friends in Nyadire next summer.
She concludes, "What a great way to spend some of your summer vacation if you want a great experience that will change and enrich your life." For more information, contact Molly Michael. [email protected] or (412) 805-6481.
