The Columbia International University nursing program embarked on its first international trip this summer, described as part mission trip, part exploratory, as the program considers future clinical opportunities for nursing students.

A group traveled to Livingstone, Zambia and stayed with Ken and Karen Buckner, missionary founders of the ministry “Come, Go With Us.” Participants on the trip included Adjunct Professor Debi Lammert, Program Manager Emily Woodard, rising junior Vanessa Smith, and rising sophomores Katie Haase and Bethany Rymer.

The group learned about healthcare in the Zambian context through hospital tours in both Livingstone, and the more rural Zimba, the location of Zimba Mission Hospital, a ministry of the Wesleyan Church. They also performed light medical mission work alongside the Buckners who have numerous relationships with local orphanages, schools and communities. They learned to identify and treat common scalp fungus, and observed a class of girls who were learning about personal hygiene and biblical purity. Additionally, they assisted elderly residents with hygiene needs at what is locally called the “Old Peoples Home.” That portion of the trip made a big impression on nursing student Katie Haase.

“It was rough and barely met their most basic needs,” Haase said. “But the folks in it were so grateful. The ones I could communicate with were so happy we came to visit and wanted us to come and see them again. This really sticks in my memory because whatever circumstance we are in, our attitude really is everything.” 

The group also got an up-close look at other mission work in Zambia including church planting, Good News Clubs for village children, relationships with orphanages, and cooperative efforts with local pastors for evangelistic opportunities.

Haase says the trip is a key part of her CIU nursing education.

“I think that this experience in Zambia changed my perspective on healthcare by showing what it really means when healthcare is not available,” Haase said. “Becoming a nurse is a privilege that we should not take for granted.”

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