My Big Fat Africa Plans

Hi Friends and Family,I am excited to share with you that I am going to The Gambia, Africa for one month this upcoming summer. I will be going with a friend of mine who is also a nursing student, Molly Goodykoontz. We will be serving at a community clinic in Ndungu Kebbeh through ABWE (Association of Baptists for World Evangelism). The idea began with a discussion over brunch of our heart for missions and nursing. We bonded over our mutual passion for those across the world who have no access to the kind of quality medical care that we so easily take for granted here in the United States. The idea that we take a short term trip together was just that at first, an idea. But over the next few weeks God pulled everything into place so perfectly as we got in touch with some very helpful friends at ABWE who set everything into motion.A career in nursing was never something I thought I would find myself in but a passion for serving the less fortunate was and continues to be at the forefront of my heart. Four years ago I decided a career in the medical field would equip me with the skills to do the one thing I knew I was meant to do, help others. I never thought I would fall so in love with a career as much as I have with nursing. The experiences I’ve had in my three years of nursing school and working with direct patient care in the hospital setting has taught me so much. I am so excited to use the skills and knowledge I’ve gained to serve the people in The Gambia this summer.Molly and I want to take nursing to places where basic care is hard to find and simple over the counter medications and vaccinations save lives. In this clinic specifically, we will provide many different aspects of basic care. In the main clinic we will assist the healthcare providers by taking vital signs, documenting physical assessment findings, starting IV's and administering medication. The first clinic computer will also be arriving with us, so we will assist in educating the staff on basic computer use. We will also spend time in the ante-natal clinic where we will check fetal heart rates, fetal presentation and fundal height. Outside of the clinic, we will be making home visits and assisting in ambulance runs. In addition to providing for the physical needs of the people of Ndungu Kebbeh, it is our desire to spend time getting to know and praying for the friends we will make. We will be working alongside a full-time missionary who knows the villagers personally and conducts video and audio bible studies. We want them to know that while physical help is temporary, there is eternal healing in our Savior. In order to better communicate and show our sincere interest, we will spend time learning the local language and culture through language classes and participation in local events. Which brings me to the root of this trip - exploring who God is, how He is the same God in different continents and cultures, and how He is the same God to very different individuals. In this confusing and complicated life I want to find truth, and have found few things to be as consistent and calming as a personal relationship with our Lord and the experience of His grace. Thank you for taking the time to read my story to the end. And thank you for considering to support us in this trip, whether your support is through prayer, words of encouragement or finances, we are truly thankful and couldn't do it without you!! Summary of Details:Who: Molly Goodykoontz and Faith BernardWhen: May 31st - July 11thWhere: Medical clinic in Ndungu Kebbeh(The Gambia, West Africa)Why: To provide for the physical and spiritual needs of  the people of The GambiaFinances: $3000 each to cover the cost of travel ($1500-$2000), housing, vaccinations, food, and an emergency fund.If you have any questions, please contact me.