New Perspectives and Emotions

Well the middle of September marks my one year spent here in Zambia.

In most ways I can’t believe it has already been a year. But in other ways I feel so at home and comfortable that it feels like a lot longer.

I am so very thankful for the experiences I have had so far and the people that I have met. At the same time I look forward to another year of growth, learning, and  the new and continued relationships with people that I am blessed with. I feel like I have learned so much and been able to make a positive change in myself. With that there are struggles and weaknesses I encounter each day as well. I thank God for those because in those moments I am humbled and open to change.

I thought I would give you an update on my life here and what has been happening. I recently went to Lusaka to receive my nurses’ license.

Yes, it has been a year since I arrived but it was a quite lengthy process to say the least. But none the less I am officially a licensed nurse here in Zambia now :). I continue working in the MIC (Mother and Infant Care) Program with Sr. Cristina and Sr. Rosemar. I am there when the moms and babies come on tuesdays and fridays to collect the milk and to get the babies weighed. Then on wednesdays a team of us go out to visit the ones who are sick in their homes. I enjoy the visits especially because we get to know the moms on a more personal level in their environments. On mondays and thursdays I can be found in the children’s ward at the hospital here in Mongu. I enjoy working with the other nurses there and the little patients steal my heart. Its never a boring day on the ward, definitely the work keeps me on my toes. Usually thursday afternoons I go to an orphanage close to my house to play with the kids and be a kid myself. They bring my heart so much joy with their laughter and stories. So those are just some of the things that keep me busy for now.

I continue to pray for patience and love. To be able to share these with others and accept them from those around me. So as I reflect on this time that is past and plan for the time in the future I am reminded I am called to live in the present and to just be.

Nicole Tardio, Incarnate Word Missionary