From Story Cottage to Zambia: A Caregiver’s Journey of Compassion and Growth

Story Cottage Interviewer:
So, Sarah, without further ado, let's jump into how you got started with Story Cottage and your pursuit of public health.

Sarah Johns:
As a kid, I always wanted to help people. There was a time in my life when I wasn’t doing much, and I came across public health while looking at majors. I thought, “Well, I like public, and I like health”—so it felt like a perfect fit. I didn’t really know what it entailed at the time, but once I got into the field and started learning about research, behavioral change theories, and implementing programs, I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do.

I used to drive 45 minutes each way twice a week to school, and eventually moved back to Indy. I was looking for a job and came across an opportunity with Story Cottage. It was a residential home for people with Alzheimer's and dementia, and it just clicked with me. I love caring for people—and I love to cook and clean—so it felt like a natural fit.

Story Cottage Interviewer:
That’s awesome. How long have you been with Story Cottage now?

Sarah Johns:
A year!

Story Cottage Interviewer:
Happy work anniversary! Tell me more about your journey as a caregiver over the past year.

Sarah Johns:
It’s been amazing. A lot of learning—figuring out how to connect with different residents, working with families, and growing personally. I’ve always wanted to help people, but my past CNA jobs didn’t quite fulfill me. At Story Cottage, I’ve been able to build close bonds with residents. I worked with the same eight ladies for several months—some for nearly a year—and really got to know them and their quirks.

The experience helped me grow as a person. I’ve developed better communication skills—working with nurses, staff, managers, and families.

Story Cottage Interviewer:
You’ve probably formed some strong relationships. How do you balance being a full-time student, working, and volunteering?

Sarah Johns:
It can be hard to find motivation sometimes, but I remind myself of my goals. I want to further my education and have a meaningful career. Volunteering helps build experience, and I genuinely enjoy my work. I try to bring a positive energy to Story Cottage—I’m that “Good morning!” person when I walk in.

Story Cottage Interviewer:
That’s such a bright presence to bring. I know you just got back from Zambia. Tell us all about it!

Sarah Johns:
Yes! It’s a bit of a funny story. I wanted to do something for spring break and travel abroad. I found International Volunteer HQ, which had an elderly care program in Zambia—something I’ve always wanted to do. It was perfect.

Story Cottage Interviewer:
What did your daily routine look like there?

Sarah Johns:
We volunteered from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday through Friday. I took a trusted taxi each day to the old people's home. The experience was a culture shock—especially since I work in such a clean, structured facility like Story Cottage.

In Zambia, the concept of time is very relaxed—what they call “African time.” We served meals, cleaned, helped with basic care. I gave someone a basin shower, helped feed people, and prepped food. Sanitation was lacking. They used the same knife for raw chicken and cabbage, and washed everything in a small sink—bugs and all.

Story Cottage Interviewer:
I'm sure it was so much different and again such a culture shock. They live different lives than we do in the states.

Sarah Johns:
It really was. The differences were drastic. At Story Cottage, everything is spotless. There, we washed dishes by hand, and hygiene standards were much lower. The elderly women didn’t have wheelchairs—so they scooted on the ground. It was heartbreaking. One woman had flies on her face while scooting to the bathroom. That moment really struck me—it felt like I was in one of those powerful images from a mission magazine.

Story Cottage Interviewer:
We're you able to do anything to help?

Sarah Johns:
Yes—I went to the market and bought cups and plates, since many didn’t have proper containers for food or drinks. They were using old bread bags and unwashed Tupperware. I’m not sure if they’re using the new items now, but I hope they are.

Story Cottage Interviewer:
Thank you for doing that. What were some of the most meaningful moments?

Sarah Johns:
Building relationships with the locals. At the old people’s home, even the small acts—like giving someone a shower or feeding them—were so meaningful. One volunteer played the harmonica, and the residents loved it. Those moments stood out.

In the afternoons, we were free to explore. I went on a safari in Botswana, whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River, and even visited Victoria Falls. There’s a photo of me and a friend with a rainbow behind us and a butterfly flying by—it felt magical.

Story Cottage Interviewer:
That’s incredible. Were there any other challenges during your stay?

Sarah Johns:
The living conditions at the volunteer house were okay—no air conditioning, and the fan in my room didn’t work—but we had a toilet and shower. Compared to the old people’s home, it was luxury. There, food was cooked on charcoal grills, and supplies were minimal. Many of the women were paralyzed and had no mobility aids.

Despite the challenges, I’m grateful for the perspective it gave me. I’ve come back even more appreciative of the care we provide at Story Cottage—and more motivated to keep helping people however I can.

And a lot of the women are paralyzed from the legs down.

Story Cottage Interviewer:
Oh, wow.

Sarah Johns:
And they don't have wheelchairs. The men have wheelchairs, but the women don’t. I don’t know if that’s a cultural thing—I didn’t ask questions. But the way they got around was by scooting on the ground.

I have a distinct memory of trying to help an elderly woman to the bathroom. She was scooting on the ramp, and when she was sitting in the bathroom, she had flies on her eyes. That was only my second day there, and it really struck me. I remember thinking, This is different. It felt like something you’d see in books or magazines about missionary work, but I was living it—it was real.

I was trying to help her onto the toilet, and I think I just ended up scaring her. She didn’t realize I was trying to help.

So I tried to do small things—like helping people eat or get clean. A lot of the elderly residents didn’t have cups or plates. They used old bread bags for food and a dirty Tupperware container that looked like it had never been washed for drinks.

The market was conveniently located right across the street, and going there was an experience in itself. A friend and I went and picked up some cups and plates to try to improve things.

But the next day, they were still using the bread bags and old cups. I just kept thinking, I hope now that it’s been a month, they’re using the extra resources we brought for them.