Nearly thirty years ago, Southern Africa changed my life. After living and working in Sierra Leone and Burundi, I returned to the United States to complete my Master’s of Education. My graduate work in 1996 focused on building a cross-cultural environmental education program for K–12 teachers in Botswana and the U.S., called Safari for Science Teachers. As soon as I finished my degree, I went to Southern Africa, including Zimbabwe.

This May, I finally have the opportunity to return. I will be traveling to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe to serve on Operation of Hope’s 44th medical mission and I am inviting you to be part of this full-circle journey. Operation of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1989 that provides safe surgical care to children and adults born with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other facial conditions. I am honored to serve on this small, volunteer-driven team as the ward’s “Entertainment Officer.” While surgeons and nurses provide critical medical care, my role is to care for the emotional side of healing, especially for the kids. Through story time, music, singing, dancing, and crafts, I will help create moments of joy in the hospital ward.

All members of our team are self-supported volunteers covering our own travel, lodging, and meals. I am currently filling suitcases with teaching supplies and small, joyful items to brighten the hospital experience for children and families. Donations will also help cover medical supplies, operational costs of the mission and items that support patient comfort and recovery. Service and cross-cultural connection have always been at the heart of my work as an educator. Returning to Zimbabwe in this capacity feels like a meaningful convergence of my past experiences and present calling. I am grateful for this opportunity and would be honored to have your support in making this journey possible.