Far from home and surrounded by the Red Sea, desert, and wild animals of East Africa—my teacher, Cailin Molina, began her 120-day adventure in the city of Djibouti [Juh-Boo-tee], located in the Horn of Africa.

Upon arrival she was greeted with a strong hot and humid breeze and a warm welcome from other service members. “From 2021 to 2022 the Air Force Reserves sent me to Camp Lemonnier, a U.S. Base in Djibouti City, Djibouti,” says Tech. Sgt. (Technical Sergeant) Molina, a third-grade teacher at Immaculate Heart.

During her deployment, Molina recognized the importance of the mission to support anti-terrorism. She managed 218 vehicles and equipment for several countries valued at 32 million dollars.

She also visited orphanages and refugee camps. “I was sad to see so many sick, hurt and hungry children,” she says. Molina also volunteered to work with K-9 officers to design and build a shade enclosure for the K-9 kennels.

In her free time Molina had several unique experiences. One of those included swimming in the Red Sea with a snorkel and encountering a huge whale shark. “I couldn’t believe it was right in front of my face!” Another time Molina states that she was coming out of her housing unit when a mongoose scurried by. “I quickly ran inside and got my camera and was able to take its picture,” she says.

“I was also able to travel and learn about other countries and cultures; however, my favorite experience was flying in the Marine helicopter over the ocean and desert," says Molina.

 Molina says she cherished her time in Djibouti but missed her family and school community very much and was eager to pack her bags and go home. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve my country and bring my experiences and knowledge back ito the classroom and my students," says Molina.