Of a II the incredible experiences offered through International Programs, many students considered one of the most life-changing trips was to Zambia. The effect was powerful, and according to junior Rose Gomez, who went on the trip during the fall semester of 2010, the variety of challenges "affect people differently." However, the most crucial part of the program was the love for people and the relationships with the people of that culture that developed. Gomez described it as one of the items on her bucket list and had prayed about it since the beginning of her freshman year, when she signed up for the program. Others, like sophomore Tanner Nichols, simply always wanted to go to Africa and decided last-minute to be a part of the trip. And then people like sophomore Rebecca Daggett, who had been to Zambia previously, felt a longing to go back.Whatever it was that drew people to the program, all who participated were deeply moved by the experience. It was not the traditional events that meant the most to those who went. Students learned a great deal specifically in the fields of mission work and nursing. Students were required to take a nursing course during their 2010 spring semester and go to Harding UniversityTahkodah (HUT) during intersession for a developmental class, preparing them for their time in Zambia. "We could participate in the clinic in ways which we couldn't in America," Nichols said. "I was able to pull 64 teeth and give over 30 shots while there." Nichols' work in Zambia earned him over 100 hours at the clinic and over 300 hours of volunteering. Nichols said the group enjoyed many opportunities to minister not only to the physical needs of Zambians, but their spiritual health as well. The students were able to preach, build lifelong friendships and learn more about God whi leteaching Zambians about him as well. In fact, Nichols and other students were encouraged by the locals as much as the Zambians were encouraged by the students. The time spent with the locals, especially with the students and children, was the best part of the experience for many. Daggett described being asked to teach art to a fourth grade class at a school in Namwianga, Zambia. Having recently decided to be an early childhood education major, this was a great time for her. "The best part of the day would be walking down the dirt road afterwards with all the students and being so amazed by the God who brought me here now to show me so many wonderful parts of Him through super cool Zambian kids and beautiful purple jacaranda trees," Daggett said. Gomez also witnessed how relationships in Africa were so important. In Africa, the emphasis was placed on time with people. She realized this through different cultural aspects of Zambia. "They are about relationships rather than getting things done," Gomez said. "Several experiences taught me how important it is to make time for others rather than yourself and what you can get done." Nichols believed "your amount of involvement and what you learn is up to you." He learned many spiritual lessons during his time on the trip while he bonded with the older children and made lasting friendships. "These might be some of the poorest people on the earth, but they are the happiest and most generous," Nichols said. Gabrielle Pruitt 50 student life •
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