"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone"

Today marks exactly 6 days before I leave for my trip to Dhaka, and I can officially say I have been continually growing more and more enthusiastic as my departure date approaches! Although fear and anxiety of traveling alone to a country on the other side of the world has begun to sink in over the past few months, my excitement and passion for Bangladesh certainly exceeds any doubts I seem to conjure up in my mind. The once abstract idea of going to another country has rapidly transformed into one that I am avid and certain about. I have been incredibly blessed in countless ways throughout the foundation of this field experience, and am left feeling more than prepared in all ways currently possibly due to those blessings.

I will be shadowing doctors and researchers at the International Center for Diarrheal Disease, Bangladesh (icddr,b) concerning Vitamin A and Zinc deficiency. For more information on these topics and how they are important to global health (as well as information on icddr,b in general) I would encourage you to check out their website at icddrb.org

So, some of you may be wondering, "Why does Caitlin want to go to Bangladesh???"

My motivation in going to Dhaka resides mostly in the deep feelings of compassion I have for those suffering from diseases and acute illness that restrict them from a healthy life. I have an overwhelming love for empowering others to accomplish the dreams and passions they wish to pursue in their own lives, by their own standards. I strongly believe that health is a human right and is necessary for prosperity in all areas of the world. What does a peroson have if they do not have health? Health is life.

I also find it crucial for us, as individuals, to omit comfort and familiarity in order to fully allow ourselves to grow. If we are not challenged and met with people and circumstances that contrast our own beliefs, customs, culture and experiences-- how will we ever learn and grow? Think back to a time in your life when you were faced with an uncomfortable, new situation. I can almost guarantee that experience has taught you a lesson that cannot be described to you by any teacher, parent, mentor, or book.

Life has incredible things to offer if we are willing to step outside of our comfort zone and take them. 

I am hopeful that in keeping up with this blog I will be able to provide an array of information, experiences, emotions and personal struggles throughout my six weeks in the beautiful country of Bangladesh. I look forward to sharing my passion of Global Health with each of you and hope that you become encouraged to follow your own passions as well.

Always with love,

-Caitlin