The year was 1971 when a man named Father Crispin decided to build one of the few bridges that stretch across the Zambezi River. After seeing a picture of a suspension bridge in National Geographic, he decided to take on the challenge of building his own version of it (regardless of the fact that he had no previous experience as an engineer). When a small boat capsized on the river, killing its three passengers, Father Crispin was determined to design a safer way across.
Our Gonzaga group had the chance to cross this bridge yesterday as we ventured from Zambezi to Chinyingi. Since its completion in 1974, the bridge has not been renovated or remade. This fact was the source of excitement for some and fear for others, but we only lost one group member to the crocodiles, so we’re all in agreement that it was a worthwhile endeavor. Just kidding! Everyone passed safely over the smooth, shimmering waters, and we spent a glorious day exploring the unknown. Without the bridge, we might not have been able to soak in the vibrant blues and yellows that lit up the walls of the priests’ house, or channel our inner Owen (our director Josh’s 5-year-old son) on the most incredible playground we’d ever seen.
Unless we are willing to cross the seemingly unstable bridges that stand between ourselves and the new experiences that await us on the other side, we will miss valuable opportunities to learn and grow. Our visit to Chinyingi reminded me to consciously choose to step out of my comfort zone whenever I have the chance. Also, much like Father Crispin, we have a picture of what we want to do here, but we aren’t always sure of how to go about doing it. He saw that there was a need and decided to figure it out on his own, regardless of whether he was qualified or prepared to do so. Through our interactions with the people of Zambia, we hope to build bridges between communities and countries through accompaniment and a genuine desire to understand one another (even when we feel unprepared and unqualified as Father Crispin did). Tomorrow morning will be my first time teaching seventh graders in Zambia, not to mention my first time teaching any class in a formal school setting. While we have prepared detailed lesson plans and understand that the students’ English speaking abilities will vary, there is no way that we can fully prepare ourselves for what tomorrow will bring.
Three days into this experience, I am realizing that there is so much about this journey that I cannot control. For example, the power generators have a mind of their own, so we’ve already enjoyed a few candlelit dinners and hours without running water. Dealing with no power and chilly showers is the easy part; we all recognize that our living conditions in the convent are still far more comfortable than those of our new Zambian friends. The challenge comes when I cannot provide a drink to every child who asks me for water. I can’t feed all the kids I know are hungry, or provide a driven student with a scholarship to continue their education. This is something that we as a group are already struggling with, and I know that it will only become more difficult as beautiful people continue to reach out for our hands and find homes in our hearts. That being said, Zambia is reminding me to focus on what I can control rather than the multitude of things that I can’t change during my limited amount of time here.
Whether at home or abroad, we are all forced to deal with aspects of our lives that are out of our hands. However, we also possess valuable assets that no hardship or heartbreak can ever strip us of without our consent: our attitudes and our [Z]ambitions. If all I can give is a few hours of my time or a smile to settle someone’s spirits, then that is exactly what I’m going to do. I will choose to see the opportunities for growth in Zambia instead of viewing its problems and poverty as something that I will never be able to fully fix. I will seek out the serenity of the sunsets and give my undivided attention to each person that I interact with. If the wisdom I gain from Zambezi sticks to my brain as easily as the dirt sticks to my feet, I will return home with a fuller heart than I ever could have imagined had I not known this place. We have hardly begun to scratch the surface of all that our time here has to offer, but I already get the feeling that these weeks will pass us by in the blink of an eye. I aspire to be present in everything that I do in Zambezi, because before I know it, these new moments will have turned themselves into treasured memories.
Keep growing, keep living, keep searching, and keep loving.
“Pain throws your heart to the ground/ love turns the whole thing around/ no it won’t all go the way it should/ but I know the heart of life is good.” -John Mayer
Love on love,
Brittney Boland
P.S. Mom- You wouldn’t believe how fast I take showers here. Once I get home, the only person driving up the water bill will be bath boy. The women here are some of the strongest (in every sense of the word) that I’ve ever seen; they remind me of you on a daily basis. I love you!
T- Since this might be the only chance I have to say it, congrats on graduating! I’m so proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished. I couldn’t ask for a better brother (or a more amazing human to know, period). Today, I listened to “Welcome to Africa” in Africa…it was so surreal! I miss you & love you always.
I am impressed with the wisdom being radiated from the team. It is also inspirational and a reminder on how we all need to embrace life no matter how old we are.
Brittney: I love that John Mayer song, and I loved reading your reflection. Good luck teaching tomorrow, the kids are going to love you!
Speaking of teachers: Erin… dude, I miss you. Hope you are having a scrumtralescent time. Lover you.
Praying for you all!
Megan
Brittney ~
I am moved to tears once again by the beauty in each post. Each emotion is so eloquently stated and the lessons, challenges and person growth illuminates the days of those of us who click the refresh button hourly to feel a “tiny piece” of what each of you are experiencing. I love your analogy of crossing the bridge, so insightful, real and I have the sense that the bridge experience will resonate with all of you for years to come. As a career “teacher” I can say a simple smile is most often the best gift you give a student, it’s universal and it will never fail to send the message “I care”. Keep smiling each of you and as we all await for our hearts to open, break and love through your posts may the blessings continue to shower you in warmth!
Lauren I love you to the Moon and back! You are in my heart every hour of every day 🙂
Smiles & Love,
Kim
brittney girl!
ohh my goodness what a lovely blogpost! how inspiring, uplifting and just overall moving. it makes me heart skip a beat to think of you all over there spreading your love and compassion and gaining new perspectives and wisdom. how amazing! {and makes me anxious to get on over there!! 🙂 }
good luck in the schools! i know you will do wonderfully and the kids will look up to you (and the rest of the ed group) no matter what! i will be thinking and praying for you guys on your first day!!
much love,
kate
ps. lauren, katie, and kellie my loves! miss you guys! and think of you constantly! i can just imagine you, lauren, enveloping everyone you meet with the sweetest hello and warmest hug, katie, letting your deep compassion for people speak through your photos and kellie, allowing your sweet, inviting presence to ease those you encounter and teach.
sending energy and love to the whole group!! xo
Britney,
It amazes me how much you have grown within the time that you have been there. It takes someone with great strength, perseverance, and love to do what you are doing right now. Don’t be scared to teach Brit, even though there are going to be some kids who won’t understand the simple things, you will forever make an impact on their lives. Soak it all in, there is nothing greater than the appreciation and satisfaction you are going to receive; however, I know you are already doing so. That last paragraph brought tears to my eyes, I am so proud of you girl. Whatever you do, please keep writing
It’s not what you do; it’s how you do it. It’s not what you see; it’s how you look at it. It’s not how your life is; it’s how you live it.
Love always,
Katie Rice
Brittney,
Just wanted you to know that I read this, and sat in awe at your beautiful reflection. You are one beautiful soul, and I am so excited for you to have this incredible experience. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers during the next month! Thinking of you!
Love,
Katherine
Brittney,
You already taught your first lesson and you did it amazingly well….the lesson was for all us reading your beautiful reflection!
You will be an incredible teacher, just with your wisdom, your passion, your caring and your beautiful heart…you have all that any teacher needs to be successful.
love/ Gaby Ponce de Leon
Brittney,
Such a beautiful reflection that brought tears to my eyes. I’m so happy and jealous you all experienced the playground and the bridge, definitely one of my favorite days in Zambia. Good luck with your first day of teaching and to everyone on their first day of projects. Something I learned within the first few days of teaching is rather than focusing on the little english the children in the classroom know, or the difficulties they have in your lesson plan, instead focus on the strengths each child has and the ways you can use those strengths in helping each child succeed. Be patient and always show love.
Aubsy Bobs, good luck with computers!!!!!!!! You will LOVE it!! Be open to every opportunity and each person you encounter, especially your beautiful students. Share your knowledge and love and open your heart to all they have to offer. I wonder if Allen is jealous you walked over crocodile infested waters! Miss you and Allen. Sending lots of happy Allens your way!
Lots of love to all!
Kisu Mwane,
Katie
Brittney,
Today was Bay to Breakers in San Francisco and I cannot believe the world of difference you must have experienced in Africa today. It sounds like the people you are meeting have already begun to make such a profound impact on the way you see the world and your positive attitude is very mature and enlightening. I am putting some of your words of wisdom in my journal to reflect on when I am in your shoes in 10 short days. It sounds like everyone is having an amazing time and I cannot wait to hear stories about your travels.
Love to group 1
Analise
Brittney Anne ~
How can a mother express the pure joy and love she feels after reading such a heartfelt and enlightening message by her daughter? I knew in my heart when you were so determined to go on this trip that it would have a profound impact on your life. And to think just a few short days of being a couple of continents away in a foreign land that your insight would already be so impactful and could bring tears and laughter in a few short paragraphs of reflection.
My favorite line was “If the wisdom I gain from Zambezi sticks to my brain as easily as the dirt sticks to my feet, I will return home with a fuller heart than I ever could have imagined had I not known this place.” I know your heart will be much fuller and this experience will affect many of the decisions you make and actions you take over the course of your life. For this I thank God that you were given the opportunity to experience Zambia.
I am sooooo with you right now as you are teaching your first class at this exact moment (can you feel the vibes and prayers I’m sending your way???). Your loving spirit, intelligence, big heart, caring nature, and radiant smile will put the students at ease, no matter what barriers may be in the way. Just keep doing your best!
T totally enjoyed the post as well 🙂 Continue to soak up the experience and know that we love you very much.
Many hugs,
Mom
What an awesome post, Brittney! Thank you for such a great reflection and for putting me right on that bridge with you all. Lots of love to everyone!
What a beautiful and insightful reflection. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your heart with us.
I hope each and everyone of you know how often people back home are thinking of you and loving you. Every time I look at a clock, I think of what time it is in Zambezi and what you may be up to. I think of the time spent in Tilford 117 together, and how in some ways it prepared you for this journey, and how in others there is no way it could. Your journey in Zambezi is still young, and will not be easy. However, treasure and fully engage in the time you have there, and know that everyone at home is incredibly happy and proud of you for being there. Keeping that in mind, as well as recognizing some of the struggles you are sure to endure, and may already be enduring, I’d like to leave you with one of my favorite quotes.
“Your journey has molded you for your greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be. Don’t think that you’ve lost time. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. and now is right on time.”
― Asha Tyson
Kisu mwane,
Nolan
WOW! I cannot believe that another group has made their way to Zambezi already. I am glad to hear that the first group made it safe and sound and I am so excited to be transported back to Zambezi through your posts.
Christina: I just read your blog post and I am SO excited for you to have this experience. I can tell that you are already finding that although Florence and Zambezi are very different places, there are some things that are the same no matter where you are. Passion, determination, joy, and the importance of community are all aspects of the human condition that translate through cultures and languages. I was so thrilled to see pictures from BH2O+ in Florence and I hope that you get a chance to carry water in Zambia as well.
I will be thinking of you all this week as I struggle on my thesis and you work through the first days of your projects.
Did I mention how much I love reading these blogs? I am vicariously reliving (is that the right word?) my Zambezi experience through your words. So I really REALLY appreciate this very thoughtful reflection. As you have found out, Zambia throws some crazy things at you but of course don’t let that stop you from anything. Take a moment, pause, and breathe in the beauty of Zambezi. Just go with the flow group one!!! You got this!!!
I am very proud of you. Continue……..
Brittney,
I have never met you but my name is Joe and I went on the Zambia trip 3 years ago with Taylor Warren (see above). Your blog is fantastic! I first saw that it was posted by Josh and as I was reading it I thought after 6 years of practicie Josh had finally gotten around to understanding how to write a deep and reflective blog (jokes Josh, jokes) 🙂
Seriously though I really enjoyed reading the insights that you have to share. The principles that you are articulate and the lessons that you will learn while you are in Zambia will continue to impact you longer than you can ever imagine. I’m crossing my fingers that Christopher is still around and in good health. As one of Christopher’s past teachers, he taught me to “crave to know.” If you are able to let him know I say “hi”
Wishing you all the best,
Joe M
Thank You Brittaney
for a most beautiful post!
That was a beautiful piece. Hikaru, it’s your birthday here in US and I think you have received the most wonderful gift yet in Zambia: the experience and culture you are exposed there. Happy birthday and enjoy your wonderful trip sis.
Xoxo
BBO 🙂
I was driving down Miramonte Ave (your home turf!) the other day to pick up my younger sister at Saint Francis. She had just taken her geography final and was telling me how she nailed all the countries in Southern Africa. Her eyes lit up as she looked at me and said, “Kyle, don’t you have some friends helping out in Zambia?” This made me instantly think of you.
Reading your impeccable and beautifully written reflection fueled even more admiration I have for you. Your first day as a teacher, which I bet came with a little trepidation, inspired more than you know! As you stated, “whether home or abroad, we are forced to deal with aspects of our lives that are out of our hands” and I know you are getting to know everyone you meet on that deeper, personal level. Never doubt yourself during your time in Zambia.
Keep being your awesome self and a role model to all you serve!
Cheers,
Kyle
Brittney,
Wow. What an awesome experience! And written with such passion.
It’s so great that you can share such a “once in a lifetime” personal experience with others. I can tell that this will impact the person your are and will be the rest of your life.
You have been led by a great role model.
Enjoy this experience to it’s fullest! I know you will.
Safe travels.
John
Brittany, your mom was kind enough to share this posting with friends. What an amazing life experience! I know it is not easy, but you have shown so much wisdom in understanding what you gain from the experience and what you can and can’t do during your time in Zambia. I look forward to hearing about all of your adventures when you return to San Carlos!
Wishing you all the best,
Marie O’Riordan
Brittney!
All I can say is WOW, and tell you that I am in true utter amazement after reading your post. I know that you are having the time of your life and I am so excited to hear about all your wonderful experiences! I am sure you have already realized, but just know that you have changed the lives of the people you have come in contact with, whether that be now or in the future. Keep doing what your doing and you will see not only amazing results within your self but within the many communities that have been graced with your presence!
Much love and I wish you all the best upon your return!
See you soon,
Emmy Steele
My beautiful Bee,
I love that I finally can picture you in Africa. It is an amazing experience to stand witness as someone you love so much comes into their element. Like I said to you before you left, this was something you were meant to do. This is your opportunity to share two of your biggest gifts: your INCREDIBLY compassionate soul and your ability to inspire with your words. The way you tell a story is like magic. I have never been to Africa, I don’t know any of the people you are with, and yet as I read your words I have this incredibly vivid picture in my mind of it. I literally feel your wonder, your worries, your immense LOVE for what you are doing. I could not think of a single person I have ever known who is better fit for this opportunity. I read this quote somewhere and I found it to be perfect for you: “There is a song in this world only you can sing, a dance to which only you know the steps, a beauty which is waiting to be manifested when you choose to reveal it.” As I read the way you have so eloquently captured your experiences, I hear your song! Your beauty in its most full form shines through, and even though I am thousands of miles away, I can tell you for certain you have never been more beautiful than you are right now!
I know you will see and experience things that are hard for you to deal with..but as you said you can’t fix everything. That isn’t what this trip is about. Stay focused on making everyone around you feel loved. 10 years from now the people you encounter may not remember you for what did or said to them. But they will never forget how you made them feel. The compassion, joy, and love I know you will share with them will be something they can carry with them for the rest of their lives..just as you will with the gifts they give to you!
I know you have wild adventures to go on, so I will try to keep this brief..but you know I can’t send you a letter without a little lovin’ 🙂 I am just so proud of you for spreading that bright and shining Bee light all over the world. You positively impact the life of everyone that comes in contact with you. Your courage is an inspiration to me and I can only sit back in admiration of person that you are. I have learned so many valuable lessons just by watching you live your life and I am simply lucky to know such a radiant human being. As you read these comments, I hope you are reminded of how much you are loved by so many people in your life, and how much you have touched everyone around you.
So, in this moment of conclusion, I will choose the simple words “Thank You” and hope that while those words may not move you, that all the emotion, unspoken and unwritten words behind them will make you feel my love.
Cat
P.S. It’s almost 4:00am here (typical late night letter of love right?) and I am laying here wide awake because I can’t get your beautiful images of Zambia out of my head!
P.S.S. Our girl B made her first post-Blue concert debut and just WAIT until you see the pictures on her Tumblr. I die a little every time I look at them. She is ALMOST as fabulous as you!
Counting down the days until I get to hug you to death!
Love you always,
Ssup
[Figure that one out ;)]
You’re amazing Brittney, keep up the good work. I’ll pick your brain for stories next time we’re both in town (Winter Break probably). Good luck, take pictures when you can, and take it all in every day!
-Cousin Justin
Brittney,
Britt,
I loved reading your post. Your writing is so amazing . I am in tears daily and so lifted at just reading those blogs that I can’t imagine what you must be feeling on a daily basis being there.
I think about you often and imagine that you are rocking their world!
You are making a difference.
Look forward to seeing you soon.
With love,
Gini & family
With love,
Gini & Family
Hugs Britt! What a fascinating journey. I am so happy for you, that you are having such heightened consciousness & spiritual awakenings at such a young age. Your writing is brilliant, as your soul is. I look forward to hearing lots more about this trip! Wish I could send you warm shower water & gifts for the children. You’re right, you being there is the greatest gift.
Love the pictures of you! You are awesome, I am really proud of you. Several of my friends who travel worldwide are reading this & experiencing the adventure vicariously, as we are.
Prayerfully & lovingly,
“Auntie” Di xoxoxoxoxoxox ” )