Junior Megan Farrow journeyed to Mfuwe, Zambia, in Africa on March 15. Every few years University Church, part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, travels with a group of people to Africa as a part of its Medical Mission Trip. They teach people basic first-aid skills and how to find and avoid diseases.
Farrow spent two weeks at Farmer’s Training Center, helping in the medical clinic along with the other volunteers. “The opportunity came, and I couldn’t pass it up,” Farrow said.
Farrow traveled with many medical workers, including a doctor and her mother who works as a hygienist. Instead of fundraising, 
they paid up front, packed their bags, and then headed to the airport.
Farrow explained that the most challenging part about the trip was the traveling. “Fifty-two hours each way including the driving, flying and waiting in airports,” Farrow said. “I had to get a couple shots [before I went]. It’s like Christmas Eve Night; you just can’t sleep and [you] want to get there as soon as you can.”
While on the trip, Farrow enjoyed an African safari and saw many animals. Across the river lies the South Luangwa National Park, which also has many wild animals roaming free.
The lifestyle in Africa greatly contrasts with the way of living in the U.S. “It’s really interesting to interact with the people over there because they are so intrigued with the ‘white man,’” Farrow said.
The Africans in Mfuwe live in huts made of grass, and they have paved roads only on hills. On flat land, the roads are mostly made of dirt. Down the road, outside of town, many baboons live along with other wildlife. “There was a man who went and hunted crickets for his breakfast,” Farrow said. “[The people] are so happy because they have what they need.”
The strangest part about their culture, Farrow explained, was that they all owned cell phones even though their housing conditions were very destitute.
A little 4-year-old boy and his friend were Farrow’s favorite part of the trip. “We’d give him stickers, tennis balls and bubbles,” Farrow said. Her least favorite part was staying up late at night under a ceiling of about fourteen spiders. She also feared seeing a lion outside her window in the morning.
After returning from the trip, Farrow was a changed person. “I have such a great appreciation for America and warm water,” Farrow said. “I had an appreciation before, but coming back home and to a bed; I just love life so much more. It’s just one of those experiences to feel the different cultures. Everyone should go on one.”
