In the Gonzaga University Student Chapel, on the Monday of Spring Finals week, gathered students, faculty, staff and parents of the Zambia Study Abroad programs to participate in our “missioning” service. We heard poems and verse from each program, inspiring words from Dr. Raymond Reyes, and a blessing from Fr. Frank Case. However, I was touched deeply by the reflection from student Brady Essmann, Zambezi ’12.
Brady articulated the advice of many Zambia alums: try to manage your expectations. Just enter into the experience. However, she had some thoughts on expectations that I found to be very insightful. Brady shared with the gathering,
“So what can I expect, you ask?
In the most base way, expect to take shorter showers.
Expect to be pushed beyond the limits of your comfort in the best way.
Expect to be the happiest you’ve ever been with the least you’ve ever had.
Expect to get dirty. And expect to have to be okay with that. Be okay with the dirt.
Indulge in the happiness of the people around you.
Expect to feel exposed in the healthiest way.
Expect to arrive preparing to teach, and depart having learned more than you could ever imagine.
Expect to live in this concept of “Zambia time,” perhaps for many being departed from the distractions of technology for the very first time.
Expect to need to trust what your heart knows, even despite the desolate sights your eyes may see. Let you heart truly understand and feel what your head knows. Expect to look past the poverty to understand the meaning of kinship.
Expect to have your heart broken. And be changed, if you let it. Keep your heart wide. Your eyes open.
Wake up each day wondering, “what will I see today, who will I meet?” And be aware that every interaction you have, you have something to learn. And that’s not just in Zambia – while I may have learned it there, it is something I continue to cherish most about that experience because I know that this happens wherever I am.
Go expecting to find the beauty in the small things. Because those are the moments I remember most. A conversation over a cup of tea. A long walk home. A small hand intertwined with mine. A rusty, broken gate.”
I hope you will join us on this journey. Each day, another Gonzaga student will be updating our blog as we work to accompany others in this learning experience in Zambezi. Our journey begins Tuesday, May 14.
Dr. Josh Armstrong
Brady, this is a beautiful reflection! And Zags in Zambezi ’13, I can’t wait to follow your journey!
blessings and prayers as you go…we are all aflurry here with last minute laundry and checklists and a last screening of “Harry Potter” as Lucy packs. Her father and I could not be more excited and proud of her as she (and all of you) embark on your adventure. We have the list of participants handy so that we can pray for you by name as you travel and experience all that God has for you in this journey. Know that you are lifted up and those of us back at home are DAILY thinking of and praying for each one of you.
Bon Voyage!
Mom and Dad Baldwin (Lucy’s parents)
GO ZAGS!!! Have fun on your flight everyone!
Thinking of you all as you begin your epic travel today. Enjoy British Air!
What a beautiful reflection and a perfect way to set up the expectations for this wonderful journey you are beginning. Congratulations on taking the first step and packing up your (tiny) bags and getting on that (long) plane ride. Wishing you all the best of luck!
Megs, We’re praying for you to stay healthy, happy and wise. We’re awfully proud of who you are and what you’re doing. Hopefully you already know that.
What an amazing reflection of what to expect, what to look forward to, and what to take away with you all on the beginning of an adventure that you will all hold dear to your hearts from this day forward! Praying you all have a safe journey…soak it all in and enjoy every minute, as the weeks will fly by…let Zambia see what we all know…we’re sending some really beautiful and special people to their land! Kaitlyn…I LOVE YOU All the way to the moon/Zambia and back! Missing you already but couldn’t be more proud! Xoxo Mommy