As our first Sunday comes to a close in this lovely Zambezi community, we all share our diverse experiences received through our homestays. For those of you not informed of what a homestay entails, it is simply a chance for this Gonzaga group to truly experience the typical life of a Zambian by spending a night with a local family. Although there are many extreme extroverts in this group, I know I speak for many of us introverted Zags when I say that I was beyond nervous for this experience (one of us may have even thrown up in anticipation… No it wasn’t me mom). However, we all knew that it would be one of the most memorable, illuminating, and exceptional nights of our lives based on the accounts we were given by previous Zambezi travelers. Still, one can’t help but get butterflies in his or her stomach as you hear that it’s your turn to meet the family you will be staying with for the night. My time came as I was removing my freshly cleaned clothes from the clothing line in the courtyard out front of the convent. Mainga strolled inside and Josh selected the two males closest to him, which happened to be Michael and me. While Mainga carried much of the initial conversation, the nerves began to fade on the walk to the Simoonga’s house as we realized that our gracious host was not just friendly, but one of the most easily likeable individuals I have met in my life. At their lovely home, Michael and I were privileged to have great conversation with Mainga, his brother Domity, and their father Alexander. These conversations ranged from what a typical day was like in both cultures to whether or not the first moon landing was a hoax. It was truly amazing how quickly we felt comfortable with this incredible family.
Although there were many similarities between our interests and daily happenings (watching movies, playing video games, and participating in different sports and other outdoor activities), many new and exciting events took place for us. Among these were trying fresh sugar cane and cooking a traditional Zambian meal, which included nshima and, as a whole, was absolutely delicious! It was so refreshing to see the warmth and genuine affection that we were shown as we became a part of their life for that night and following morning. This is a quality that I hope to embrace and internalize when I return to the United States, as I feel that this can be absent in many American’s lives. This, I believe, is due to an emphasis on material success instead of building meaningful relationships and truly experiencing the individuals one interacts with. It is a trap that our culture sets for us, and we must be able to recognize it and overcome it. This is not to say that all Americans are this way, illustrated by the deep and insightful postings we receive by our loving family and friends. I just think that more awareness would go a long way in the US.
At the risk of taking up more time than our long-winded priest did this morning (53 minute sermon = beautiful but long in two different languages), I will just make one more observation pertaining to Zambian humor. I laughed harder with the Simoonga family than I have in quite some time, except perhaps with my fellow Zags on this trip, as they are an extraordinary group. Mainga and Domity kept us entertained with fictitious tales about the origin of things or happenings in their lives. They embellish in a way that leaves your eyes watering and your abs in pain. For an extremely brief example, Michael and I were told a story about the origin of Michael Jackson’s dance moves. It involves and awkward young MJ and a cockroach that worked its way into his clothes. I’ll let your imagination take it from there.
Although each of us had unique experiences during our homestays, from homes with televisions to those in the proper bush without running water or electricity, we all were able to experience the incredible culture, personalities, and authenticity the Zambians had to offer. As we discuss these events, it quickly becomes apparent that these memories will have an impact on how we view the world as we move on with our lives. I can’t wait to spend more time with the Simoonga family, as I am sure we all will with our respective host families. We all owe a huge huge huge thank you to all the families that welcomed us Zags into their homes. They helped ease the sadness of missing our friends and family back home, while also helping us settle even further into Zambezi, our home for the next two and a half weeks. A special thanks to the Simoonga family and to all Zag family and friends back home that are giving us an immense amount of support.
Tunasakwilila mwane (Thank You)
Garrett Sutton, Class of 2014
Garret…wow! I just read your post out loud to Katie’s Dad and 11 year old sister and had to stop several times to wipe the tears that were rolling down my cheeks! Thank you for writing so beautifully, for explaining what a homestay was and for the very detailed blog! We love hearing about your daily routines so much!! Not sure how many of the group is missing their Starbucks coffees, but like Hailey mentioned yeaterday, who needs Starbucks when you have the roosters to wake you up, right? 😉 (Katie I remember that wake up call so well when I was in Rodrigues). Your morning Starbucks will be there soon enough;)
A year from now this adventure will be just a distant memory. One that will have touched each of you in its own way, but from what I’m realizing there is a common factor that none of you can deny…”in 2013 you’ll all be leaving a piece of your heart in Zambezi, and taking a piece of Zambezi home with you”. The experiences you are having and sharing with us in the blogs are so touching and its evident that the reflections are coming straight from the heart..THANK YOU! Along with the memories you are making, dont be shy, dont wait for the perfect photo opportunity, or think its a pain to take just one more picture ;)…I know it’s been said over and over but remember pictures will keep the memories alive 😉 Kate, I know you’re probably rolling your eyes, smiling and thinking “okay Mom, we know, we got it!” I can see you quietly shaking your head 😉 but now that I’m done throwing in one last “take lots of pictures”….I’m off to drink my coffee. I love you Kaitlyn! (((Hugs))) all around!! Xoxo
When I heard my mom yell across the whole house that there was a new post, I was very happy that I got to hear more about your amazing trip. I think that everybody is looking forward to reading all of your fantastic posts and getting to hear more about your trip. It seems that you all are having a great time there, and are having an experience of a lifetime. I have missed you so much Katie, and can not wait until you get to come home. I am sure that you all are having fun, and do not miss your home-made dinners. If you do, just enjoy what you have there and dont think about it, just take it all in, because before you know it you won’t have it anymore. Soon enough, you will be back home safe and sound with your family. When my mom was reading this to me, all I could think about was how much fun you all must be having. Enjoy the time you have in Africa, and take it all in. I miss you so much Katie, and can’t wait until you go to Switzerland and we get to FaceTime and see your beautiful face. Have fun in Africa guys!
Love Wendy
GARRETT not Garret! I wish I could blame that on autocorrect but it was more likely the tears welling in my eyes! Thanks again for the amazing blog that I’ve read a dozen times already…and I’m sure I’m not done! Keep embracing it all! ~Katie’s Mom
Thank you Garrett for the great update! Of your introverts and extroverts, I’m pretty sure I can guess which group my son Michael falls into. Sounds like you guys had a great time on your homestay! What great memories you’ll have!
Thanks for the post. Sounds like the homestay is a great way to engage the community and a great way to embrace and experience the culture. I am sure you will all learn and feel more as you continue to share your homestay stories with each other. I bet the uniqueness and similarities of each story will bring out many different feelings and emotions. Take it all in ~ reflect ~ relax ~ enjoy. Keep smiling and sharing your love. GOD BLESS! Monte
Hi Conner! Looks and sounds like you are having a wonderful time/experience of your lifetime! I am sure there is much more to see/hear and learn! Enjoy the beautiful country of Africa and look forward to reading your blog one of these days. I have been reading the blog entries eaily. Love You! Grandma Ginger
Garrett, thank you for your reflection. A year ago, I had the opportunity to stay at the Simoonga’s and wow, seeing them in the picture of how they look now “lights up my world like nobody else.” (yes, that is a One Direction reference) I’m typing this on my front porch overtaken by allergies, and looking at the many cars that drive by and wow, you’re so right. We are too focused on material success… Enjoy the nshima, the sugar cane, and the quality conversations. There’s something very exciting about picking at a brain of someone that has a different mindset than you or the brain that doesn’t have the same thought process, the same questions, or the same perceptions. However, you’ll find so many commonalities that make you realize that people are just people. Thank you for the updates and gah! Keep them coming because I LOVEEE THEM!
Tamryn- blah! You drew out in my mind that moment of overwhelming positive emotions, thank you. Hailey, oh how scary that bridge is and how FUNNY Traygo is… Thank you for your thoughtful reflections.
Jason: T-3 days, thinking of you and sending you positive thoughts. So excited to sit on a Crosby lawn chair, lounge, and talk!
Mateo: hope your flicking your hair like it’s nobody’s business and making all the Zambian girls sqweem for you. HA, tell them all your cousin says hello. Especially Mama, Domity, John (insert heart), and is Brother Terry still there?! 😉
Hailey: ResLife Pride.
To all the amby’s HEYYYYYYYYYYY, hope you’re putting your walking backwards to good use.
Doctor Josh: Glad you’re presenting Homeboy’s in Zambia (whoot whoot!) On a serious note, thank you for giving up part of your summer to experience this with fellow Zags. Hope your dance moves are treating you well.
Sending love to each and every one of you. Kisu Mwane 🙂
Hikaru
Garrett, your mom just forwarded your blog to me. I loved reading about your family outing. It sounds like you stayed with an amazing, kind-hearted family with a great sense of humor! What a beautiful experience you’re having that you can treasure the rest of your life! Just think, this is just the beginning of your trip with all sorts of new and exciting things to learn in the weeks ahead. When you get back, I look forward to sitting down with you and hearing all about your trip. Take lots of pictures – I love to look at them and it almost makes it feel as if I was there too. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Africa! By the way, I didn’t know you were such a good writer – you really know how to express yourself and make your trip come alive for everyone! Aunt Pam
Garrett, yes thanks to you and the others preceding your post, on wonderful updates. It sure gives us a small glimpse of what you are doing, seeing, and taking in. I too know what group my daughter (Ally) would fall into when you describe the introverts and extroverts. I will be curious like the rest of the parents on what the other students experienced, but I so appreciate all the posts, and yes I have tears streaming down my eyes when I read this blog, and also I enjoy the parents comments too!!! Thanks to everyone….. Love mom
Reading your posts makes me smile and cry at the same time. I have been extremely nervous to post on the blog but figured this was the perfect time!
I’m so hesitant to post because I fear that my reflections and thoughts won’t be nearly as profound and inspirational as the ones I have read thus far. But thinking through this fear the past couple days, I have come to realize that people fear being inadequate all the time. However, this is one of the most irrational fears because the beauty of relationships and communities is finding inspiration, truth, and journey in others. As I have read the blog, I am filled with so much happiness to know that the types of relationships that are being build over in Zambezi are genuine and full of laughter and compassion. We rely on others to help guide and even expand our reflections beyond ourselves, to understand how those reflections and truths we find within ourselves can ultimately make a difference to someone else. Hopefully, we can balance the lessons that others have learned with our own to create a harmony between what we know and what we have yet to discover. So while this post may not be the most profound and thought provoking, I hope to communicate to you all in Zambezi that I absolutely love reading through your thoughts and your journey there! I wish you the happiest of adventures and safe travels!
All my best,
Sue
Garrett, fantastic post! What a wonderful experience, and I’m positive all of you have much to take away from it- new memories, lessons, and relationships. You gave more than you may understand too. Entering someone’s home and eating a meal together is a very intimate experience where you share not only food but culture, history, stories, friendship and little pieces of yourself- which you captured perfectly in your reflection. H, one of the things I miss most about being apart are our dinners and long talks after. I can’t wait to have more of those this summer, but for now enjoy your time there. Live it to the fullest (though I know you already are)! Miss you and love you so much! xo
Great post and the picture captures how at ease you are with them. It sounds as if you are all learning how to appreciate and incorporate the cultural differences into your own lives and personalities. Keep up the learning and growing.
Love ya Megs,
Gotta go
Dad
What a remarkable opportunity to immerse yourselves into the Zambezi culture. Kudos to your professors for orchestrating such a well thought out program allowing you to experience varied aspects of the community while providing service to others.
Garrett, your words were both heartfelt and humorous. You had both your Dad and I in tears. You’ve shown us one more characteristic we have in common around the world – humor. It is not only universal it is contagious. Humor isn’t tied to our accomplishments or material possessions which you pointed out are not important things. Laughter is something we all understand and can share with one another.
Those of us that can’t be there thank you all for the glimpses into your time in Africa. We love reading all the posts and learning about your activities and adventures there.
Garrett, love to see your wide, bright smile in the picture. Love you, Mom & Dad
Garrett- totally agree with your insight into how all of us could slow down in life a little bit and enjoy each other with less distraction in the modern world!
Glad to hear the group is having such wonderful experiences in the community and look forward to reading about more adventures!
Conner- Missed you at the annual father son fishing tournament! Had a lot of fun. Grandpa caught the biggest fish (24 inch walleye) we all missed you a ton- however, we know you’re having an experience of a lifetime.
Chad drove great on the way to Moses Lake and back- he too is growing up!
Miss you and love you,
Dad.
What an awesome experience staying with Zambian families! Thank you for your reflection, Garrett.
Conner- We can’t wait to hear of all of your experiences! I’m certain you’re capturing a ton of memories on your Nikon! I hope you haven’t seen any big spiders or snakes!!
Love you so very much, Mom.
So proud of your Garrett. What a beautiful post from such an amazing and life changing point in your life. I will look forward to following your trip through this awesome blog!
Love your sister, Phil Jackson;)
Hi Garrett,
I knew you were going to Africa but the impact of your trip really did not register until I read your blog. It sounds like you stayed with an incredible family who showed you a different version of what is important to other cultures. I truly enjoyed reading it and will continue to follow your trip. Treasure every moment as this amazing trip is a once in a lifetime experience. Safe travels and enjoy…the rest of your trip.
Alice and Dave
P.S. Bri says hello!
Thank you Garrett for the amazing post! I loved the picture too! I was laughing when I read about Micheal Jacksons dance moves! Memories for a lifetime. 🙂
Soak in every moment!
Hailey we were at the cabin and the rhododendron tree was in full bloom! Beautiful! We love you!!! All of you are in our thoughts and prayers!!
Greetings Garrett!! I loved reading your post. It truly takes me back in time to 2006 when Jill went to the Philippines to immerse herself in their culture for six weeks. She returned to us with even a kinder heart and a bigger thirst for knowledge and a greater understanding of other cultures and ways of life. It’s impossible not to be impacted and forever changed when such hospitable people open their doors and welcome you into their hearts and homes. You describe your experiences so well! Gonzaga is very fortunate to have you in the group representing them and soaking up these life-changing experiences. I’ll look forward to seeing some pictures upon your return to NE!! Steve sends his best wishes your way. God speed! We are sure proud of you!
Hey Garrett,
Reading through your blog reminded me of the Dodger/ Rebel days and the nervousness that we (you) put ourselves (yourself) through. Sounds like an amazing and eye-opening experience so far. Can’t wait to catch up with you once you’re back in the States!
Jeff
Garrett,
Thank you for the post. You make many good points regarding the important items in life. It is a blessing that the group is able to see happiness in a very true and simple sense. I am sure the evening reflections of the group are very meaningful and insightful. As we celebrate Pentecost Sunday I pray that the Holy Spirit will touch all of you.
Thanks for sharing about your homestay, Garrett! I’m sure that everyone had a great experience- what a cool way to immerse yourselves in the community! Already anxious to hear more stories. I am thinking of you all often and sending lots of love your way 🙂
-Katie
Dear Garrett,
It was so wonderful to see the picture of you smiling with your dear host family. . . . I knew all was well with you the minute I saw it, without even reading further!
Garrett, you are so right about relationships and connecting with people, being the essence of a very fulfilling life on this earth. Between your good heart, and excellent eye contact with others, you make people feel accepted and respected, so I can only imagine what wonderful experiences you will have ahead of you in this life, connecting with all different kinds of people all over the world. You took a big step out of your comfort zone connecting with the African people, and it sounds like the pay off has been huge as far as a learning experience. Keep enjoying and learning from every moment there, Garrett. I’m so glad your are representing us to the Zambezie people. . . .hopefully they will think we’re all as delightful as you! Take care, Garrett! Judy Iwata