Global Heart & Local Impact: How Story Cottage Caregiver Sarah Found Purpose in Zambia and Beyond

Story Cottage Interviewer:
You’ve shared a lot about your experience in Zambia and how the community there shaped your perspective. I’m curious—what was the market like? What currency do they use, and what did that look like for you?

Sarah Johns:
In Zambia, the currency is kwacha. One U.S. dollar is about 27 cwacha. With 27 cwacha, you could buy a few bananas, and most things were priced very differently compared to the U.S. For example, a one-way taxi ride cost about 100 cwacha, which is around five dollars.

I remember going to the market with a friend to buy fish for dinner. It was a big open-air space with tables around the perimeter. There was no refrigeration or ice—just fresh fish covered in flies. My friend, who was local, asked what kind of fish I wanted. I told him to pick something he liked. My public health background kicked in—I checked that they didn’t smell, assumed they were caught that day, and figured frying would help. I didn’t get sick, thankfully!

The women selling the fish were waving sticks in a half-hearted attempt to shoo the flies. It was such a different experience than buying fresh fish at a grocery store in the States.

Story Cottage Interviewer:
Wow, what a culture shift. Reflecting on your time in Zambia, how did it change the way you think about caregiving and community health?

Sarah Johns:
It made me realize just how much we take for granted in the States. I already knew that, but now I have vivid images to go with it. We complain about small things, while people in other parts of the world live with almost nothing.

Coming back to Story Cottage—a beautiful facility with two washers, two dryers, two dishwashers, and a microwave drawer—I really appreciated the little things more. Over there, community is everything. It’s not individualistic like here. People take care of one another, and that sense of connectedness left a big impression on me.

Story Cottage Interviewer:
That’s such a powerful reflection. Were there any personal moments of growth that stood out on your trip?

Sarah Johns:
Yes—this trip was a real test of my self-efficacy. I’ve done hard things before, but traveling alone to Africa reaffirmed my ability to step outside my comfort zone. I even spent 24 hours alone in Doha, Qatar on the way back, navigating the city, visiting a museum, and taking Ubers by myself.

We often avoid discomfort, but once you start doing the hard thing, it’s never as bad as it seems. In fact, it can be rewarding. Life is about the experiences—good and bad—because they shape who we are.

Story Cottage Interviewer:
That’s so inspiring. How did you stay emotionally grounded during those tough or unfamiliar moments?

Sarah Johns:
That’s a tough question to answer. I think it came down to trusting myself. I’ve faced challenges before, and I reminded myself that I could do it again.

I also took care of myself. I spent time in nature, ate snacks, drank water, and made great friends—both volunteers and locals. Establishing a little routine helped me stay grounded. Honestly, my mental health there was better than it is here. The culture was so different, but it felt like I was truly living.

There was a quote at a hostel we visited that said, “I never knew a day in Africa where I woke up unhappy.” That was exactly how I felt. I woke up at dawn, ready to help, explore, and just live.

Story Cottage Interviewer:
That’s beautiful. So, let’s talk about what’s next—tell me more about your Peace Corps opportunity in The Gambia!

Sarah Johns:
Sure! A few years ago, I was living at home, unsure of my direction. I knew I wanted to do something big but didn’t know what. My therapist suggested the Peace Corps, and when I looked into it, I thought, “This is exactly what I want to do.”

At the time, I didn’t have the degree required, so I went back to IU, finished school, moved to Indy, got the job at Story Cottage, and went to Zambia—all because of that one suggestion.

Now I’ve been accepted into the Peace Corps, and I’m set to leave for The Gambia on October 4th. I’ll be there for 15 months, serving in West Africa. I’m incredibly excited to continue this journey of service, growth, and connection.