Page 15 - Graypvine August 2021

Mark initially planned to stay in
Zambia for twelve months, but when
the COVID-19 pandemic halted travel
in early 2020, he and his family ended
up staying an extra 8 months.
“The surgical center has been
open and fully running since January
2021, just about 1 month after we
left,” said Mark. “I had planned to
return for the grand opening but due
to some COVID issues was unable;
however, upon our return [to the U.S.]
I was able to purchase some critical
supplies and send them back so the
facility could open.”
While COVID mainly impacted the 15
project’s supply chain, Mark and
the team were able to overcome
obstacles to finish the much-needed
surgical center.
“Since most everything in Zambia
is imported, during COVID it became
more difficult to find necessary
supplies,” recalled Mark. “We were
fortunate since most of our critical
supplies had been ordered months
before COVID and were already
secured on site or in route. We were
able to put that work in place. It
was the ‘last minute finishes’ that
were difficult.”
Mark and his family had an
incredible experience in Zambia, and
formed many relationships. It was an Top: One of the first surgeries being preformed in the new surgical building. Bottom, left: Mark with some of his
workers, at the dedication ceremony. Bottom, right: The Garrison kids standing by a frozen Lake Michigan the
experience they will remember forever. It morning they returned to the U.S. The temperature was 16 degrees!
wasn’t especially easy to return home.
“The thing we miss the most are the people we met space to explore with their friends. The return has
and the community we had,” said Mark. “We were been difficult as it is a completely different lifestyle.
able to work each day with some amazing people. However, it's been really nice how convenient things
Each day brought its own inherent challenges, but it are. You can pretty much get anything you need
was the people who made the experience. Also, the (groceries or building supplies) at any local store.”
weather was great — sunny most every day; it really Mark has three big take-aways from his 20-month
changes your mood! mission trip. First, he says “the world is an amazing
“The kids miss their friends and the ‘free living’ place.” Secondly, “life is about investing in people and
lifestyle — there were less boundaries and more building relationships.” And finally, “God can use you
spaces to play. In Zambia, they had so much open in amazing ways if you are willing to listen.”