It’s the small things. It’s the kind soul who lets one uneasy passenger {me} grasp onto his shoulder during the three hour trip to Zambezi as our five person bush plane dipped and swayed with the turbulent wind currents. It’s the warm embrace of old friends greeting us on the tarmac, as we entered Zambezi for the first time and the firm Zambian handshakes of our new ones. It’s the feel of a tiny hand grasped tightly in ours, fingers curled around ever so completely fitting into spaces we didn’t even know we had. It’s the absolute brilliance of the music we heard in church on Sunday, as the beat filled our ears along with every nook and cranny of the one room church house, until there was nowhere else for it to go but into our hearts. It’s the way the little ones scream, “how are you, how are you!?” after my fellow Ed group and I as we endure the hour long walk home from school each day. It’s how those “how are you’s” evolve from simple questions to conversations, to friendships. It’s the trail of kids that follow our every move, often accompanying us to the market where they will insist on carrying our newly purchased chitenges around, and where Moona, the tailor, turns those colorful chitenges into incredible masterpieces (so far our group’s collection includes, a drawstring bag, some dresses and a few totally sweet shorts). It’s the eagerness in the kids who wait outside our convent, as they ask for a ‘storybook’, a marker to draw with, or better yet, homework. It’s their bright, white smiles, so wide they literally grin from ear to ear. It’s the way Mama Josephine, our friend and luvale language teacher gave us a pumpkin and a bowl full of sweet potatoes as a parting gift for simply visiting her home (which, by the way, had the most incredible view of the Zambezi River). It’s the simple tangerine one of my students places ever so gently in my hand, as they extend such a sincere form of generosity to me, when they alone have so little. It’s the unreal show Africa puts on each evening as the sun paints the sky with a brilliant display of the most vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples I have ever seen. As one of our group members, Jay, whispered to me while on safari in Botswana, “Only God could paint something so beautiful”.
It’s the small things. And the Zambian people seem to get that so well. It’s a simple relationship, uninterrupted conversation, handshake; a direct look in the eye.
It’s the little moments in our lives that awaken our souls the most. It’s those moments that often go unnoticed; moments sometimes no one else sees, yet they are powerful moments where you have a profound experience with the incredible humanity that surrounds us each day no matter where you are in the world. It’s those small, yet powerful moments when you realize we are all the same. We all have the same hopes, fears, wants and needs. Most importantly we all have the intrinsic desire to be loved. I am constantly reminded of how powerful love really is by how freely the Zambian people give it. Their love is starkly apparent in their smiles, their hello’s, their hearty handshakes and amazing ability make anyone and everyone feel welcomed.
It’s the small things. It’s those small moments that make me feel alive; that make my heart full of wonder for this amazing life we are all living…together.
“Remember the little things for one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.”
Kisu mwane, {blessings}
Kate Van Amringe, Class of ‘14
P.s- Mom and dad I love you guys so much. You are constantly on my mind and there have been so many moments that I wish I could have shared with you. I will forever be grateful for all the opportunities you have given me, including this one. You both are amazing and I am so lucky to have such a loving support team. You guys are the absolute BEST.
P.p.s- Linds and Griff miss you guys like crazy. Linds- the elephants were amazing and I was thinking of you constantly during it all and griff I’ve seen some pretty sweet dreads….i may (or may not) be coming around to the idea 🙂
P.p.p s.- to all my friends and family back home I love and miss you all and can’t wait to share all I’ve seen and learned!
Oh and one last thing…..Blake and Erin if you guys are reading…Gram and Sharon’s baby was born!
Dear Kate:
It the small things like these posts that you have all taken time out of your busy day to write and then share that mean so much to us at home.
I have gotten very used to being “in touch” at any moment with my daughter, Anne. Now that it is not part of my every day life to reach out and communicate with her instantly, I cherish these postings and enjoy them thoroughly. Thank you.
Group 2, enjoy this beautiful day.
Fondly, Barbara (Anne’s mom)
PS Good morning, Anne. 🙂 All is going as planned. I’m in Canada with Joyce, and Billy, Katie, Em and Dad are at the wedding in OC today. Ah hah, Phil and Liz have made it official! They are engaged and very happy. Phil gets home on Thursday from Eastern Europe. I love you and miss you. Mom 🙂
Kate and all,
Another teriffic post which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I want you all to know that these posts are absolutely amazing and reading them has become a part of my (and many others) afternoon or morning routines. This week was extremely busy at work, but every morning, during my quiet time, I sat down and read of your adventures – THANK YOU – reading your posts really puts things in perspective. Kate, you are absolutely right – it is the little things in life that are important and if you take the time to pay attention to them they become the big and valuable things in life. Again, thanks to all of you – continue to take it all in and have fun, and be safe!
Rick Orth (Jay’s Dad) – Love you and thinking of you constantly Jay!! – Love, Pops
PS – awesome picture!
Kate and all,
What a beautiful day! Your descriptions are awesome and make our days back home. Love all the little tidbits that paint the picture of your time in Zambezi for us here at home. Keep it up and coming!
Thinking of you all,
Kathleen Murphy
PS….Great pictures! You all look fantastic!
Dear Kate,
I’ve been reading this blog every day just WAITING for your post. And holy monkeys this is so well-written and vivid I can practically picture you right now. I really should have had you edit more of my papers freshman year.
Remember how Bre, Kellie and I always told you that we thought you’d be the perfect Kindergarten teacher? I believe we claimed that this was your calling in life. Well this theory is evidenced by your kindness, patience, craftiness and all the cutesie things you do (like cutting out yellow suns to hang from the ceiling of our room on the first day of spring… even if they looked like the top of Lisa Simpson’s head lol).
And I bet those Zambian kids just gobbled up every bit of your personality. I picture you surrounded by these kids, laughing that cute laugh of yours, telling silly stories or playing some creative game you came up with. And the kids are just laughing along, charmed by your smile and gravitating towards you because you are the living embodiment of a Disney princess. I bet it was a privilege for them to get to know you, just as much as it is a privilege for you to get to know them.
So my point is that while I still believe you would make an excellent Kindergarten teacher, I think that your calling is a wee bit broader. It is to share your personality with as many people as possible. You are always happy and being around you is effortless. The joy you have brought to me, to your friends and family, and most recently to the people of Zambia is so genuine it’s bananas.
I can’t wait to talk to you when you come back. Perhaps you’ll have some new songs to hum.
Sincerely with love,
Ape
Hi Kate,
What a great post! It is a wonderful realization to be able to spot those small, but very significant things you encounter in your life. What’s fun for an old geezer like me (retired teacher) is to see that you appreciate some of the things that I enjoyed in the classroom and on the playground. I must admit that I’d love to be there experiencing some of those priceless interactions with your kids. Thanks for sharing them with us. You will remember some of them forever. Some of my favorite small things are the “p.s.” entries that Group 2 includes, and those of us who respond, tack on. Just small glimpses into families and friends sharing this adventure, the joys and the sorrows, and especially those wonderful small things!
p.s. Thanks again for the pics. They’re worth at least a thousand words!
p.s. Stef, we miss you, and you KNOW we love you! Mom’s putting some serious miles on Vicki! Hope you’ve found some music and made a little of your own. I looked at our bikes and I’m making plans for July! XXOO Dad, Mom, Jesse, Grandma
My sweet Kate and team,
I have been waiting for your post with baited breath! And while I have LOVED everyone’s postings, and imagined others’ words representing your own feelings, I am thrilled to read your dear reflection! With your great description I can feel the church’s beat, the sweet little hands in your…and imagine Moona, the tailor’s deft skill turning colorful fabric into “sweet shorts!” 🙂 And I LOVE that you can recognize the gifts of “little moments”…if you can see that now you’ll be ahead of so many older folk who still think that they have to make “big” moments only to miss the simple ones that bring so much joy! You are so well on your way, my girl, and Zambia’s impressions will be in your heart to guide you for many years to come!
So love your pictures…a mere taste of what we will see upon your return! 🙂 Am I the only parent who wishes for a picture with you all holding signs with your names so we can place who is who?! 🙂 JK as I love seeing all your smiling faces no matter who is who!
Soak up these last days…almost to a 10 day countdown! I am praying continually for you all!
With so much love,
Mama/Mary (Kate’s mom)
hi Kate,
Thanks for your wise words. They made me think about how sometimes it isn’t the view, but the viewer. The sun that sets on every one of my days is the very same sun that sets on yours, and yet my eyes often miss the show. And every day I have a chance to grasp the hand of someone who has something to say, and I might not be listening. Or look into the eyes of someone who can show me a wonder, and I look away.
You all inspire me to stop and think.
Happy weekend!
Ann
PS – Paigey-girl, I’m back in the hood after a good week with G&G. I shared the stories with Grandma, and the photos with Grandpa (he broke both hearing aids!) All is well, we miss you and love you.
Mom
Katie!! Gosh your post was so beautifully written…it brought me to tears 🙂 I can’t even tell you how proud I am of you and how happy I am that you’ve gotten to have this incredible experience and touch the life of every Zambian person you’ve met 🙂 I miss you so so much and think of you every day!! I’m sending you hugs upon hugs and can’t wait to be reunited! Love you and loved picturing you seeing the elephants!! Xoxo times a million
-Linds
Kate!
I’m in Yakima right now, and my mom texted me to tell me you had posted today. I got so excited!
Holy cow I could literally hear your voice as I was reading this. It was beautifully written and truly captures the essence of what you’re experiencing. It makes me miss Zambezi so much! But I would like to agree with practically everything April said, boo she stole what I wanted to say. I’m sure that everyone is loving you and your bubbly and warm personality, especially the kids. I cannot imagine a better person to be there right now.
I miss you so much, there’s some important stuff I can’t wait to share with you when you get home (it’s really not that exciting but it’ll have to wait ha). But I’m so glad I got to see you on the tarmac. Seeing you step off the plane (tears and all), literally running to each other, and giving each other a big bear hug was the best thing ever! I hope you’re having an amazing time. Keep soaking in all the little moments! I love you!
Kel
Kate!! I loved reading your post! It was beautiful and heart-warming! I’m so glad that you are having an amazing experience! I can’t wait to see all your pictures (which I’m sure you have thousands of so far haha) and to hear of all your adventures! I miss you and can’t wait to see you and catch up when you come home 🙂
-Meredith
Katie!!!
I was fighting jetlag and lying in bed at 4 am and thought, all of a sudden– I have to check Kate’s blog! I take out my laptop, and lo and behold, you are the most recent post. Yes, it is the little things 🙂
Your post was so wonderful and inspiring. And as you described how the Zambian people give love so freely and really cherish the little moments, I thought that those are qualities you also possess, my dear. You are motivating me in my work all the way over here in India!! I love you so much, you are so inspiring. Can’t wait to reunite and talk for hours.
Xo
Mich
Kate
The beauty of your writing is only outshined by the beauty of your heart.
Glenn
PS Kyle Hope this post finds you in good health. All is well at home. Love you lots – Dad
Kate,
Thank you so much for letting Blake and I know about Greyham and Sharon’s baby! It means a lot to me. Kisu mwane!
Erin
My wonderful little Kitten,
I know I am late in reading this but haven’t gone a day without thinking “I can’t wait to sit down and hear what she has done!!”….life just gets in the way sometimes, you know?
Your post is so beautiful (side note: thank you for making me cry halfway through). You really are an exquisite writer and paint us such a beautiful picture. You are so lucky to be out there learning these wonderful lessons and the Zambian people are so lucky to have such an intelligent, gentle, and accepting soul as you with them.
I miss you like crazy and I can’t wait to get you home! Please be safe, but enjoy the adventure.
I love you Patty Kate!
Claire
Kate!
Though this response might be a bit belated, I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to finally see YOUR post! This blog continued to inspire me during finals week and made me remember the bigger picture! Your whole program is incredibly inspiring, and your words extend far beyond the computer screen. I still can’t believe you are all the way across the globe in Africa! (And will be in Florence with me soon!! Eeeee!) It was such a delight to hear your voice through these words and, honestly, I’m sure that the sweet, smiley, absolutely beautiful YOU has made as much of an impression on Africa as it has made on you. You easily become irreplaceable in the lives of people you meet – I’m know your fellow Zags agree with me on this! I am so excited to catch up with you when we are both back in the 8-1-8. I am so excited to hear your stories, your epiphanies, and your new discoveries. Your friendship is such a gift and I love you so so much! Enjoy the rest of your journey my love.
(little) Mary