Departing for Africa, the experience of a lifetime, meant that I was leaving two 96-year-old grandmothers and my pregnant sister on bed rest. All very emotionally trying situations. Allowing myself to be worlds away from them, meant that I may miss the birth of my niece or that I may not be there for my family if crisis were to occur with my grandmothers. Both life and death, were sitting on the doorstep of my home, when I said goodbye to my loved ones.
We have been surrounded by so much life every day we have been in Africa, let alone Zambezi. The children have so much life and energy as they greet us with beaming smiles and excitement, whether it be at the convent doors, outside the shops in the market, or even when they charged the planes when we landed n the dirt airstrip in Zambezi. As Brady has put it, the children indulge in happiness. This is really the only way to explain it. We can see such life in the church. We can feel and experience the Zambian’s life through their music and dance. We see so much life, in the way they greet everyone they pass and in the passion and excitement they show in the computer, leadership, education and health classes. We have even been able to experience the miracle of life, when watching a baby giraffe being cleaned and cared for by its mother, only thirty minutes after it’s birth.
While we have been immersed in so much life, death has been in the shadows and present in many situations. On the safari, the realities of the circle of life were in our face. As we watched a leopard chow down on an impala, oblivious to the fact that its time had come. We were hit with the reality of death and how quickly life can end, when we heard the tragic news of friends’ and fellow missionaries losing their life in a plane crash. We could feel the cold shadow of death when we returned a HIV positive woman, suffering with TB to her home. She couldn’t have weighed more than 80 pounds and had to be carried, for she was too weak to stand or walk on her own. We have even seen and heard death, while watching Megan, Melissa and Brady, murder for the first time as they each beheaded chickens, in order for the group to be fed.
The paradox of life and death, the joys and hardships in both, surround us each and every day. I often find myself reflecting on these realities of life, when seeing the sun rise and set. The sunrises and sunsets have been bookends to our days. The sunsets often leave me thinking of the miracle of life, while the sunset, reminds me of how quickly one day can pass, how precious every moment is, and how we must not waste our time on insignificant quarrels or worries.
As I have reflected on my experience here so far, I realize the immense amount of supported I have been given by those who I now consider family, as I worry, hope and pray for the best for my family while abroad. I have realized that the world is much bigger than ourselves. Much bigger than I ever imagined. That we are never alone in our worries. I have come to believe that there is a bigger plan for us all and we can not allow ourselves to wallow in the “what ifs.” That all things, whether sad and painful like the death of a loved one or joyful like welcoming a new life to this world, are meant to happen with or without us, whether we like it or not. They are experiences that guide us, shape us, and teach us.
The biggest lesson I have learned thus far is that no matter what struggles we may face, we must love, we must live and most of all we must be free.
Anne Reid
Class of 2014
P.s. To my family:
Mom: the comments have been wonderful to hear! Keep them coming! I am rationing out my liquids and it looks like they will make it the whole month.
Dad: Happy Father’s Day Dad!! I love you and can’t wait for our golf lessons when I get back.
Joyce: I think about you everyday! Keep that bun in the oven! Also when I see all the chitengis I think of all the cool projects we could do with the fabric. Ill bring as much as I can home ☺
Emily: I got some great elephant photos for you. Oh and the apples here are delicious. I think of you every time we have one!
Shaun and Danielle: I know you don’t get married for another week or so, but this will be the only chance I get to say CONGRATS!!! I am sure the wedding will be amazing. Danielle, welcome to the Reid clan!
P.P.S. To friends:
I love you all! Please keep reading the blog. I miss you all like crazy and can not wait to share all my sorties with you when I return!! And special shout out to Cole Cummins! Congrats of finishing Jr. High, buddy!!!
P.P.P.S TO THE DADS!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi daddy!! Happy happy father’s day!! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful role model in my life. You are simply the best 🙂 love you so much and I cant wait to get home to give you a GIANT hug. Much love always xo- Kate
Papa!! Happy Father’s Day!! I was listening to “Pride and Joy” today by Stevie Ray and I thought about you, as always! I hope that you and Erin and Mom got to spend a beautiful day on the Irish Wake at Chatfield! I miss you more than I can say and absolutely can’t wait to see you again! I love you. – Megs
Hi dad! I hope you and mom are having an amazing trip and I can’t wait to see you in a week and a half! I love you!!!!!!!! Xo – Analise
Dad! I’m sorry I’m not home for Father’s Day but I hope Mom, Colleen, and Sean treat you to something cool! You deserve it ☺ Much love – Kyle
Dad!! I miss you so much and can’t wait to see you soon! I hope all is well at work! Please say hello to the ladies for me. Enjoy Father’s Day! Mom, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You deserve to have the best day ever! I love you all! Xoxoxo Erin
Daddy! Every time I look in the mirror or see a picture of myself, I can’t believe how much I look like you, especially without makeup! I’m so blessed to be your “Roya” and think about you every day. I assume you’re with Dar and the kids today, give them all hugs and kisses from me. Love you Dad and I can’t wait to see you in North Carolina (or Jersey) when I get back! Happy Father’s Day!! -Paige
As we tied a goat to the roof today in preparation for an upcoming meal, I couldn’t help but think you’re enjoying pulled pork or brisket. Happy Father’s Day, Dad! I love you! –Nolan
It is great being here with Josh and the Armstrong family but it was hard to be away this Father’s Day. I hope all is well, I miss you and love you. Thanks for everything. – Mateo Trujillo
I was really missing you today pops! I hope your Father’s Day has been great, can’t wait to be back and have a brew with ya! Hope you are cheering on my team right now, love ya big guy. – Alex Dickman
Hi Daddy! I miss you like crazy! Today at church in Dipalata the choir director used the Martin and the music was wonderful! You would have absolutely loved the worship, considering it was 80% of the Mass! Happy Father’s Day Papa! I feel soooo blessed to have you as my daddy! Love you and miss you! ~Stef
Happy Father’s Day Pops! I really wish I could be there to hang with you. We will have to celebrate when I get back with a Corona and lime. I honestly couldn’t ask for a better father, role model, or best friend. I love you a ton! You da man Ricky J! –Jay Orth
Hey Daddio! I hope you are having the happiest of Father’s Days. Even though I cannot be there to bring you breakfast in bed and jump on you to wake you up, know that you have been on my mind all day and will be getting some great bear hugs on my return. I love you so much. Thank you for everything. -Brady
Hi Dad. Happy Father’s Day! Hope your day is great! Things are amazing here in Zambezi. Hope they are where you are as well! There are certain things here that remind me so much of our time in Egypt together and I can’t help but think of that and miss you. Love you lots, and Happy Father’s Day! Also, happy double-deuce birthday, Mitch! I have been thinking about you and wondering what you are up to, and wishing so much I could have talked to you on your actual birthday. Sending prayers your way for all of your decision-making! Love to you and the fam (Mom, Randy, Matt, Rebekah, and everyone else!) as well! Look for my blog post in a couple days! Love you all! -Melissa ☺
Happy Father’s Day, Dad!!! I hope that you have an awesome Father’s Day with Grandpa Korman! Melissa and I have been thinking about all of you and hope that Liezl’s graduation and Johnathan’s wedding were great! We truly wish we could have been there for all the festivities. We also hope that the first month of your retirement has been great and that you’re having fun and relaxing!!!! Thanks for being an amazing Dad and for all of the ways you have shown your love to us throughout the years!!!! Melissa and I are doing great and really enjoying our time in Zambia and have been very blessed and inspired by the love and hospitality of the people here. You, Mom, Dan, Chris, and Rose are constantly in our thoughts and prayers!!! Love, Dave
Oh my goodness, Anne, how lovely to see your face on the screen and to hear your voice through your prose. It is so lovely and meaningful. It has been a joyful time these past few days as Joyce and I made our way to her appointments and keeping quiet. Billy and your dad should be here any moment in time. It will be wonderful to see them. Prudence will be happy to see Billy. I am not as fun.
Your niece is taking her time in choosing a birthday. Thank goodness.
It has been tough for me the past 24 hours because mom is fading away. She was having a great deal more pain and is now quite sedated. She is safe and getting wonderful care. MaMaBo made it to the wedding (June 16th) and everyone had a WONDERFUL time. Katie and Jonah were the hit dance couple.
You’re right, Anne, life is full of heartache but also full of immense amounts of joy. You cannot stop living because it is uncomfortable. You need to live the happy moments fully and enjoy them when the opportunity is there.
Please continue to have a most wonderful adventure. We miss you so much.
Lots of love, Mom 🙂
Anne, I love your blog entry. It was so beautifully crafted. Baby Emilia Anne (notice the spelling, a decision was finally made) is still enjoying her home although she is kicking me around like crazy. They estimated that she now weighs 3lbs 12 oz. I just have to hang on until Thursday so I can return to Nanaimo. Thursday is also an exciting day because not only is it our 9th anniversary but also the day we get our keys to house. I can’t wait to hear about all your exciting adventures, see all the pictures, and check out that cool fabric. Your trip sounds truly inspiring and one of those experiences you will always cherish. Enjoy the rest of your trip and enjoy that first shower when you get home! 🙂
Love, Joyce (I am sure Billy will want to write a witty entry on his own)
Anne,
I thought a lot about this same paradox, too. The Zambian people know that life is not a guarantee; it is a privilege, and is taken away too soon, too often. But within this loss, there is that African beauty that we can all recognize: the gratitude with which they approach every situation, the love they seek to incarnate in every interaction, the tenacity of spirit with which they live every moment. A beautiful post about a beautiful problem.
P.S. Megan,
(Gollum voice) Murderer!
Yes, that whole scene just played out in my head. Yes, the version that you and I recorded. Yikes.
Also, your Father’s Day post may or may not have made Dad cry just a little.
Also: I’d love for you to come home. When you get the chance. If it’s not too much trouble. Lover you.
Anne and all,
We really enjoy reading your posts everyday. It gives us a small glimpse into your lives and thoughts while you are in Zambia. Thanks for the reminder to always live in the moment.
Alex, Thanks for the Father’s Day wishes. We can golf and celebrate when you get back.I played today and didn’t lose as many balls as last time(although the guys I played with, lost a dozen). I am sure missing you. Mom can’t wait to rendezvous with you when you get back. The Heat just closed out game 3. love you tons, Dad
Another wonderful and insightful post, and more awesome pictures – Thanks so much Anne!
Jay, thanks much for the Fathers Day wishes – I love you buddy and I look forward to the BBQ’d burgers, etc. and hearing all about your amazing time in Zambezi. Love, Pops.
Continue to embrace all that is going on around you everyone!
Rick (Jay’s Dad)
Anne,
The posts that each of you send say so much more than just the beautifully written words. Your sunrise/sunset metaphor has been with me all day…I keep coming back to it and considering all that it means. And, as always, thanks for those pics that keep us just a little bit closer to those we love who are far away.
P.S. Stef, thanks for the wonderful Father’s Day surprise greeting! I heard your description of Mass, got a little lumpy in the throat, and wondered if that might not be just a small glimpse of Heaven. So glad to hear you’re all doing well…you look MAHVELOUS! I feel so blessed to be your Dad and I can’t think of a time when I have been more proud of you than right now. XXOO Dad
Hi Melissa,
It was good to see your post today. Mitch was home for his birthday and started summer class this week. Chemistry and labs 🙂 He moved into his own apartment this week as well and is pretty settled in now. I went down on Thursday and spent time with him and Samantha in Springfield before Mitch came home for Micah Braddy’s bachelor party.
Brad and Thomas came to St. Louis for the weekend and we had a good time and spent time with Papa for Father’s Day. We talked about your trip and how much we all miss you. Everyone was interested in your trip and what kind of roles you are participating in.
I miss communicating with you. You are in my heart and prayers. We think about you all the time and wonder how things are going.
Randy and Mocha say Hi and send best wishes.
I love you!! Mom
Brady, Mom will verify it, because I said it out loud- my Father’s Day wish came true when I received your note today! Great to see the pictures of your smiling face! Stay happy and keep your heart wide open! I love you more! Dad
Anne,
Such a beautiful post. I’m coming to realize our three week exposure to Zambezi unveils an even greater paradox upon the return home, that is, the contrast between the life here and the life there, both of which continue simultaneously “with or without us, whether we like it or not”. Perhaps it’s only the constant search for the universal truths to our nature which will find the balance to such disproportionate differences we’re faced with.
On a different note, your guys notes to your dads are so frkn adorable!
Brades, you chicken killer you, I miss you and all your random texts. I long for the day we reunite and majorly indulge on some Nutella while having the best of life talks! I hope you’re ohhhhh waitttt I totally just remembered that I left some bags with James the tailor!! They’re like little pink zipper traveling baggies there’s only a few of them, would you be a doll and bring those back home with you pweaase? Nutella’s on me 😉 If they don’t fit, you can totally give em to Teo I’m sure he has plenty of room in his pack… hehe. Any who, I hope you’re taking some awesome pictures girly!
Josh, I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU!!!!! Ridiculous. I hope everyone found James Mr. Honey-Man to be as nice of a man as we all thought he was though. Anyways, happy father’s day to you, I hope you were celebrated makishi-style!
Lots of Kissus and not so many mwanes to all 15 of you,
Constanza
Thank you Anne for your beautiful addition to the blog. Another opportunity for us as we follow you all to reflect and grow too. The ripple effects of your experiences reach far and wide! Across the expanse of miles we are connected as we watch the same sun, rise and set.
The inclusion of the father’s day greetings were a treat for all!
Oh Anne,
Thank you for your insights into life and death …sunrises and sunsets. I love your sentence that describes the sunrises and sunsets having been the bookends to the days you are all spending in Zambezi. Words that are so rich and full of meaning….
Each and every blog has given another glimpse of life in Zambezi. What you have been able to share with us, so profoundly, is that amidst the daily struggles of life, the people of Zambezi are amazingly loving, caring, non-judgmental, all accepting and truly appreciate life.
Thank you all for the Father’s Day greetings. I have a feeling that each Father felt that this just could be the best Father’s Day ever!
Love the Gonzaga Family Photo! It is, again, so very heart warming to see all of you! I’m right with you, Mary, I’d love to know who is who in Group 2! However, I’ve gotten to know all of you, at least what you feel in your hearts, a little bit better through your postings. We look forward to each post to come, and to hear from another member of Group 2.
Love and prayers,
Linda
P.S. Stef, I printed your Father’s Day message to Dad and placed in the Father’s Day card you never had time to sign before you left…I truly do think it was the best Father Day’s Gift ever. He’s right, he had a big lump in his throat and tears in his eyes ( I know he didn’t tell you that part in his “comment”, but it’s absolutely true…Jesse can verify!) as he read your message. Hey, I want to attend Mass with you guys and be part of the almost 3 hours of worship. I can only imagine what beautiful music it is to our Heavenly Father. Now that’s what I call worship! It must be amazing to be part of this community of believers, who are worshiping so freely, from their hearts, to their Almighty God!
Anne!
What a wonderful post. I can tell that you are having an amazing experience and I am so excited to hear about it when you return! Capture every moment and make sure to continue to take lots of pictures. Travel safely and I will be thinking about you, as well as the rest of the group, as your time in Africa comes to a close.
Much love,
Emmy
Analise – thank you for the Father’s Day greeting (from so far away…)! Thinking of you and how grateful I am to be your father. We love you and can’t wait to share stories in a few short weeks. xoxo Dad
A very moving post. Tears & Smiles. Indeed, all the posts have been thoughtful, candid and very real. I am so honored to be reading them all…
Keep on keeping on and enjoy your adventure.
P.S. please let Paige know that i read her note and am so happy for her. will see her in NC or NJ soon. Cheers!
Anne-
Thanks for the beautiful post and pictures that help us visualize how you are all doing! I love to read about your encounters with the people of Zambezi, especially the children. I think there is a lesson for all of us in how they respond to their circumstances.
P.S. Meg – nice job on dinner … although I think Mom was a little disturbed. Your survival skills truly do Colorado proud!
Much Love,
Mike Dempsey
Melissa, Thank you for the Fathers Day greeting! We were at Dave & Dianne’s to celebrate Grandpa’s 80th birthday, and everyone is following these blogs and says Hi, and how proud they are of you and Dave! Lauren really liked the picture of you and your “sisters” there.
Yes, Egypt will never be forgotten, and glad there are things there that bring back such fond memories of our awesome trip there. I can’t believe it’s been 5 years already, but I still want to go back (if the government there ever settles down…).
So, according the this blog, I guess I have to now say “my daughter is an ax murderer.”??? I hope they didn’t run around too much after they were beheaded.
Take care in your remaining time there, give Dave a hug from us, and we look forward to your blog!
Love, Dad & Michelle
Hi Anne, it was really nice to see your Blog the other day and thank you for the Happy Father’s note. This weekend was great for me. Started out with Emily taking me to the Dodger game on Friday (seats were great and the Dodgers came from behind and won the game) Saturday the wedding which was very nice. John had a BIG surprise for everyone at the reception and had the USC marching band come to the reception right after dinner and they played about eight USC songs. Needless to say the gathering went CRAZY since most of them were USC grads. Sunday Billy and I flew up to Canada to meet both Mom and Joyce. We are here for the next eight days to help Joyce and Billy move into their new house. Katie and Bill and Trudee will probably arrive around Friday this week to also help with the moving. I can’t wait for you to get home so we can play some GOLF. Continue to have a great experience!! LOVE DAD
Erin,
Thanks for the birthday wishes……we toasted you and all the Zambezians (I don’t know if I just made us that word…..but it fits) at dinner last night with Dad, Maddie, Jack, Buddy and Bapa. We miss you but love following along with the blog.
Who loves you more tha me?????
XOXO, Mom
Anne,
Your blog says so much, and says it beautifully. You inherited your mother’s writing
skills!
Your comments on life, the pluses and minuses, shows how much you have learned from a very different culture. There are things there you will hold for the rest of your life.
I look forward to seeing you some time when you are down here or I am in Spokane.
Glad everything is going so well.
Best always, to my favorite ZAG!
Bob
Hi Anne,
Your post was very insightful. Really hits home to how we should think about life and death. Always big picture items that tend to go unnoticed in the work world. Was really refreshing to hear you address it!
I imagine you’re having an incredible journey and I can’t wait to hear more about it in person. Truly an experience that not many can say they have done before!
Life in SF is going well! Had a great visit with the Bemis’ last week, took dad to the Dodger’s game, and had a fantastic time at the wedding. Was really fun visiting with katie (she pee’d in the middle of the dance floor, if you can believe it!) — luckily I think Billy and I took care of it before people noticed. Not sure if anyone else is aware it happened haha
I look forward to your return and hearing all your wonderful stories. I am also glad Apples can remind you of home 🙂
Em