London layover

Hi everyone,

things are going well.  Everyone is very nice.  I am at an internet cafe so just a quick note.

Still have 3 hours to go til flight

will write more soon

mindi

The Day Has Arrived!!!

YAY!!! its finally here!!!

I cannot believe it, I feel like I have been talking about it for so long, and now I finally get to get going and meet everyone!

I start off today with 3 checked bags full to the top of supplies, and 2 carry-ons also filled to the brim.  It has been so overwhelming to me how many people donated to me all the baby supplies, I am truly humbled =)

We meet in Chicago, all of us wearing the same TShirt so we can identify each other, none of us have actually met, just some through facebook, mostly on the phone during conference calls.  It should be fun and interesting to actually see everyone face to face.

Then we have a 7.5 hour flight to London and then unfortunately a 9 hour layover there...yikes!!!  Then we are off again to Lusaka Zambia on a night flight, which I believe is another 9 hours, such a long trek but so worth it in the end!!!

When we arrive we are off, we head right to the "Sisters", which is our accommodation in Luanshya, an old Nunnery, full of bunk beds and lots of showers for all these girls, (12 total).  LOL  Then we head to buy our medications, since we were unable to bring any on the plane we must get everything there.  Then that night before bed, which is Sat by the way, we have to make up all the baby bags, I am super excited to show everyone how much stuff I had donated from everyone I know, makes me so proud!!!  Next day is church and then Mon and Tues we have clinic days, this is where I will be doing my prenatal/reproductive/labor teaching, I am super pumped.  Then couple of days are home visits and kids day.  Then on our last day we get to do a game drive and shop in the craft markets.  On the way home we have a 17 hour layover in London so we are going to do a tour and then followed by a fish and chip dinner.  That pretty much sums up my time there, few others things along the way I will write about when I get the chance.

Must get going and get ready.  Not sure when I will have another chance to write, but I will try!!!

Take care, and talk soon

Mindi

Packing, Packing and Packing

Hi there,

Well its only 5 days now til I head out on my adventure...I am so so pumped!!! 

I have been trying to pack all the supplies that everyone has donated and let me tell you I have to get creative for sure!  I have so much, which is truly overwhelming, that I am worried and hopeful that I can fit it all into 3 checked bags and one carryon.  British Airways is allowing us to carry 3 bags for humanitarian reasons, so I have to fit all this into that and plus the added bonus is each bag must be under 51 pounds.  EEEKKK!!!  I hope I can do this fingers crossed!!!

I am just trying to finish up my last 2 shifts of work, and then do all my last running around.  I will be packing Tues and Weds, so I will for sure post some pics then to show you my struggles, he he he!!

Here are a few pics of me trying to organize!  Take a peek and laugh if you will =)

Talk soon,

hugs  Mindi

SO Close!!!

Hello, Hello....

Well it is only 12 days away now til I depart on this next adventure of mine, boy oh boy, this time has come so quickly.

I cannot believe the amount of support that I have been getting from all my friends, both from work and from Canada.  I have received parcels from Canada, (thanks Rebecca!!!) full of baby wash and lotion and soon a gift card to be used for toys!  I have had an overwhelming response from the girls at work, I am simply astonished!!!!  I cannot say enough thanks for everything everyone has donated to make this trip a successful one, and I haven't even left yet  =)

It was my idea to have this gift bag full of items for mums and it has been a huge hit with every team that has gone so far, I am so thrilled that it was a hit!!!  

When I said to one of my fellow co-workers and friend how overwhelmed I was about the response I have gotten with the supplies she simply said "we believe in what you are doing and want to help", that truly sums up why I am going on this mission, I have always believed I went into Nursing to travel the world and give to those in need, and I feel I am doing so now.  I have tried a mission before while in Nursing School but I do not believe I had enough knowledge and skill at that time, I feel I do so now and can't wait to get going!!!  Maybe this will open some future doors to me in International Nursing???  One could hope =)

I have been running around this week getting some last minute items for the trip, it will be fun trying to pack in all in 3 bags and 2 carry-ons, pics to come,  HA HA HA!!!  Fingers crossed it will all fit ok and not be overweight!!!

Must go and organize!!

Talk soon..HUGS

Mindi

Hello there!!!

Well sorry it has been a little while since I have been on here, so many things are getting ready for the trip.  It's official, one month to go and I will be meeting up with the other nurses in Chicago and we will be on our way to help everyone in Zambia. 

Its been overwhelming to see what people have donated to me in this time.   I have even had a couple of parcels from Canada, thanks Rebecca!!!  It is so amazing to me everyone that has helped me on this journey.  Africa is such a wonderful place and it is nice to be going back there, its almost like going home.  I love it there, and I hope the fellow nurses that I will be going with will feel the same way!

Here are a couple of updated pics of the supplies that I need to pack to get there.  Apparently, British Airways allows us to travel with 3 checked bags free since we are a charity group, but of course I still need to worry about not being over weight...EEEK!!!  I tried to contact US airways to see if they would waiver my baggage fees to get to Chicago but unfortunately they would not.  So therefore I have to pay for my bags to get there, but I feel since everyone has helped me with the supplies this is the least I can do =)

Well take care and I will talk soon

Mindi