Disease is such a real part of life here in Zambia. Unlike back in our home country, Zambian strangers will approach you and extend their hand for a traditional handshake and greeting: “How are you?” In response, Zambians will say, “I am fine,” where in the United States that would usually connote that something is actually very wrong. Here, it means that you are in good health. Over the past few weeks many of our peers and students have fallen ill, including members of our Zags-in-Zambezi group. What is most shocking is that these Zambians are still on the street, acting out their daily routine, because otherwise they would not have the resources to provide for their families. One thing that we have all learned is that Zambian men and women are incredibly strong, whether they are carrying their children on their back or working hard days with little to no access to protein. And this strength, determination, and courage are what will allow this beautifully rich town to develop and grow.
Recently, one of the local women who helps clean our guest house came to work and said that she was not feeling fine—she was worried she had caught malaria. Thinking back to the United States, people with a just common cold would elect to stay home from work. This disease that all of us Zags fear so much seemed to barely phase her.
When the health group surveyed Zambezi 7th and 8th graders on their knowledge of malaria they learned the fact that most Zambians seem to catch malaria a number of times within their life. If it was not for the guaranteed access to healthcare, many of these individuals would die from the disease. A luxury that Americans are fighting for seems to be such a no brainer for Zambians, who are some of the only Africans with access to this right.
The craving for education we are experiencing in our computer and leadership class is admirable. Even with the flu or malaria, our students are sure to make it to each of our lessons because they realize once we are gone they will return to a world where access to education is both difficult and expensive. In our leadership seminar we attempted to identify some of the weaknesses and strengths of Zambezi. Access to education was a theme that came up in both of our sections. Even so, one of the strengths these groups identified and continue to act out is the genuine crave for knowledge. Again, the strength and determination of Zambians has become ever so visible to us Americans and represents one of the many things we can take home.
With only five more days in Zambezi, we are all worrying about how we are going to find closure. But I think that deep down we have all learned, experienced, and seen such amazing demonstration of virtue, communal value, and culture that we will all return to the United States as transformed and matured individuals. So, I conclude with a reminder to my colleagues and our supporters back home to live in the present, live with authenticity, and always reflect and grow from our experiences.
Joe Worthey, Class of 2013
P.S. To my friends and family who have been following this blog, I want to thank you for all the support you have provided me during weeks before this journey and as we come close to our return home. Mom and Dad, I love you.
When I saw the picture of you reading to the two little guys I knew today’s is my Joes post. As I scrolled down to confirm I saw the the last sentence and tears filled my eyes. I knew I would not be able to read another word until my eyes cleared. As parents we strive to raise our children to be caring, loving and respectful adults. I feel blessed that you have become everything I hoped and dreamed for. Your passion for the people of Zambezi is evident in your writing. As it saddens my heart to hear of their illnesses, hunger and everyday struggles as we perceive them, it also makes me envious of their strengths and love. Most Americans would not survive a day in their shoes. As your time in Zambezi comes to a close I know how hard it will be to leave. All of you will leave a part of you in Zambezi and the people of Zambezi will be forever grateful to have met each and everyone of you. Joe you are truly blessed to have been a part of this life changing journey. I can’t wait to hear all about your time in Zambezi. I love you with all my heart and soul. Love Mom
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I praise God for you and what He is doing in your life. He has opened doors for you and given you a carrying heart to lead you thru these doors. He made you to be exactly who you are, a very special man with a vision and a purpose. Know that your Aunt Sherry is so proud of you and praying for you. Carry on my little soldier……
Joe,
Thank you for sharing this testimony to the strength, courage, tenacity, and commitment to hard work (even with little nourishment and/or severe sickness) of the people of Zambezi. Your words paint a very clear picture, that leaves no doubt in our minds, how remarkable the people of Zambezi are. In the midst of all their hardships, the genuine love they have for each other and those they meet, and their desire for knowledge touches all of us.
To all of you in Group 1, we thank you for sharing your experiences and deepest thoughts with us. As I said before, we have read each and every one of your postings, and the comments of parents, relatives, and friends. While reading, we have indeed, laughed, smiled, cried and felt privileged to be a part of this experience with you. Group 1, you will have a bond, through this experience, that will be like no other. For as much as we can read your heartfelt postings and really feel like we are experiencing this with you, our vicarious experience has its limits. It is truly only you, who are there at this appointed moment and time, who know the full extent of all your emotions, all that you have learned about yourselves, all that you have learned about and from the people of Zambezi, and most of all the love that you both share for each other. Oh what treasures these will be as a part of your lives, always. God bless each of you as you prepare to leave Zambezi. Thank you, again, for sharing with us.
One of the words of inspiration that Desmond Tutu gave at this year’s Commencement went something like this…Jesus didn’t say, I’ll draw some. Jesus said, I will draw all…all with an incredible divine embrace of love that won’t let you go…we are all part of God’s family. None, no one is outside this divine embrace…
Blessings to you all.
Linda Watson
Stefanie’s mom, Group 2
Joe!!! Such a great post. Though you seem to be facing some difficult realities, your words reveal you are truly growing from your experience. I love your last line and reminder: to live in the present, live with authenticity, and always reflect and grow from our experiences. This should be a mission statement for humanity 🙂 I can’t help but picture you with Father Baraza (even though he’s not there ahah) but I know he would be proud of you living in Sasa 🙂 Asanti Joe! Hakuna Matata 🙂
Thank you Joe for your beautiful insights.May you all continue to be well or get well soon. enjoy your last few days if Africa. Safe travels
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