Reflection on Service Learning

Quote shared related to service learning in course syllabus was, "Students, in the course of their formation, must let the gritty reality of this world into their lives, so they can learn to feel it, think about it critically, respond to its suffering and engage it constructively.  They should learn to perceive, think, judge, choose, and act for the rights of others, especially the disadvantaged and oppressed".

I see the doctoral level service learning experience supports the above quote.  It could be very easy for me to become consumed in my daily nursing career within looking beyond the walls of the organization or state or nation.  Service learning allows me see beyond myself and my surroundings to areas that one my own would possibly never experience.

I have always been drawn to missions which to me is very much a service learning commitment.  I love to share, grow, learn, and live with a different personal culture for a time and see how God has placed each one of us in a different place for a purpose.  Reading or viewing a culture other than my own in a book or movie is not the same as experiencing a culture different than my own.  It allows me to walk in their shoes for awhile and experience the culture physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  It can be risky to let yourself go into this space but the rewards are huge upon your return to own culture.  I know from personal experience in the past and with the planned journey to Zambia that I am not the same person coming back home as I was when I left.  What a blessing it is to see and experience another culture.  I find it amazing how a population of disadvantage and oppressed people can be some joyful and thankful.  It puts me to shame at times and makes me realize the waste in my life that I could be sharing with others.

I believe that all people should experience the opportunity of service learning which could be done in your own community or a far away land.  It involves stepping outside your own comfort zone and get in with the world of a different way of living.  I feel that I am a better person for being given the opportunities of service learning and my life and family life has received the rewards from such experiences.

More Planning and Preparation for Zambia Mission Trip

Funds have been secured for my mission trip to Zambia, Africa leaving Sioux Falls, SD at 0605 on November 28, 2014 with final destination of Johannesburg, South Africa where we will stay one night and then fly on to Livingstone.  We will stay in Livingstone where we will working with a partner organization and going into communities they are involved in and serve.

We will be blessing homes and families in rough communities.  We want to bless them, pour into them, listen to their stories, love on them so big and practice discerning how the Lord is leading us to do this.  We will be splitting into small groups and going out into the community.  Each group will have an American & African and we will learn to lean on each other and work together to pour ourselves into the lives of these families.

The team members including myself meet on October 26th to discuss further plans and have a time of learning to know each other over pizza.  We have three young married couples traveling with the team and the rest will be individuals from various walks of life.

We will build on relationships and the power of presence with our new friends in Zambia.  I will be present and let God work through me.  I know that God doesn't need me, but He uses me.  As a team we will have many experiences in Zambia and know that all we experience will be part of the experience.

I am asking for prayer support for myself and the team as we make final preparations and become mentally, physically, and spiritually ready for the work that God has in store for each of us.  Pray for safety, protection, wisdom, discernment, and God's leading and speaking through us to the communities we will serve.  May God's blessings rest among our team and the African people who will work along side us and teach us the Zambian culture.

Another exciting part of the mission will be participation in the World's Aids Day on December 1st in Zambia.  1 in 7 people are HIV Positive and 63% of people infected are women & children.  Pray as we minister to these people.

Again I ask for prayer support today and until I return from Africa for safety, protection, health, wisdom, and strength.  Also pray for my family that will be staying home and being apart from me during this time of ministry.  May God richly bless me and the team for what God has planned for us through this ministry.

Thank you all and I will post pictures upon my return and if able may post some from Africa.