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

Table of Contents

• What was the Zambian market like?
• How did the Zambian experience shape your view on caregiving?
• What personal growth did you experience in Zambia?
• How did you stay grounded during your trip?
• What is your next step with the Peace Corps?

What was the Zambian market like?

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!

How did the Zambian experience shape your view on caregiving?

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.

What personal growth did you experience in Zambia?

Sarah Johns:
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.

How did you stay grounded during your trip?

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.

What is your next step with the Peace Corps?

Sarah Johns:
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.