Alumni Interview with Elizabeth Mbithi
Here's what it's like to go on a Minga House Foundation program!
Elizabeth Mbithi is a Kenyan Canadian specialty trained burns, trauma and high acuity nurse. She works in a major Canadian hospital and also has a degree in Psychology. She has been to Peru and Colombia in South America and she has a heart for health care. She wishes to be a world nurse rather than a Canadian nurse, and hopes to create an impact in the world as she gathers stamps in my passport.
What inspired you to go abroad?
I have always wanted to incorporated my profession, nursing, and my hobby, travel, into my life actively. I seek to find opportunities to be of use wherever I go. I had always wanted to visit Colombia and as I was planning my trip, I wondered if I could add some kind of nursing work into my travels.
After some extensive research with a smorgasbord of organizations, I came across Minga House and was able to speak with the staff about the kind of volunteer work I wished to do. Extensive planning allowed everything to come together, however, an open mind and a willingness to be available for whatever came up better shaped my experience into an unforgettable one. Having traveled to Colombia in 2017 and returning in 2018 to volunteer goes to show that I was inspired by what there was to do.
Why did you choose Minga House?
Through calls and emails, I was able to ask the questions that I felt were important in choosing an organization and project that worked for me. There was an amazing amount of feedback, a lot of support, as well as independence, acceptance or modification of ideas, and challenges to do more. Really, through the communication before my travels, I realized that the only limitations I had are those I placed on myself!
What was your favorite part about Chinchina?
Chinchina is a small, but busy, town with very friendly people. It was always nice to meet people multiple times on the streets or in the market and be greeted with good cheer. I felt at home there.
What made your experience abroad unique?
Volunteers and staff came together to ensure that whatever your thoughts were, they could always be expanded. My experience was unique because the communication was great before my travels and the staff were happy to look for opportunities to enhance and aid the overall experience in making the trip a very heartwarming experience.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff were in contact with us and always available to answer questions even before the program. There was a good rapport initiated and sustained where thoughts were listened to and ideas shared. Autonomy was encouraged and it really helped me to think outside the box and solicit the kind of help that I needed.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
7:00 a.m.- Wake up, shower, have breakfast and get ready for the day. Communicate with staff about my plans for the day and any needs that I may have. 9:00 a.m./10:30 a.m.- At the shelter for the elderly homeless, assisting with getting the members of the home up, providing showers, and setting the patients up for breakfast. Feeding those that need feeding and setting up the independent members with their breakfast.
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.- Assessments: taking blood pressures, pulses, and temperatures of the house members and assessing skin, clipping nails, providing massages while assessing for any outliers. Providing stretching exercises to other members requesting for the same.
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.- Lunch is served. Assist with those that need feeding while setting up the independent members. 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.- Complete any assessments or massages. Leisure time to play dominoes or parque with some of the house members, or relax and watch TV with others.
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.- Assist with dinner preparations. Talk about anticipated needs of the home with the owner. Create a tentative plan for the next day. 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.- Dinner is served. Assist with those that need feeding and set up the independent members. 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.- Leave the shelter. 6:30 p.m.- Talk with staff and volunteers about the nature of the day. Bring up needs and brainstorm about any help that is needed.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
Dinner or a movie with staff and volunteers. Traveling to nearby towns with other volunteers or alone. Going to outdoor expeditions like paint-balling and wall climbing. Attending other volunteer sites with other volunteers. Relaxing on a hammock reading a book.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
I lived in a dorm style room. My favorite part was being able to talk and laugh with other volunteers.
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
Being autonomous allows for growth and presents different opportunities. If you see something that needs to be done, just do it, and enjoy doing it.
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
It has impacted my life quite positively because I am already planning my next trip, as well as still working on a project I started while in Colombia. The time abroad definitely continues to stay in my heart.
Would you recommend Minga House to others? Why?
I would HIGHLY recommend. If your heart and mind are open, the sky is the limit as to how much of an impact you can create. Minga House definitely provides the opportunity and once you seize it, it can result in an amazing and life changing opportunity.