All aboard the Zambian Rollercoaster! Complete with huge drops, breath taking highs, and loop-de-loops that will make you wish you had an empty stomach. The Zambian Rollercoaster is the most accurate description of my first eight days in Zambia. It is in these past eight days where I have found some of the most fiercely inspiring stories and also the most heartbreaking. I’ve heard stories that have made me feel extremely frustrated and others that have completely empowered me. Many stories are frustrating because you cannot help people if they do not want to help themselves. Other stories inspire and demonstrate how much human beings are capable of even in what looks like the most hopeless situations. We have been living in Zambezi for Eight Days and it is through the power of these stories that I have grown more in these past eight days then in the last eight months.
One of the most frustrating stories I’ve heard thus far was today sitting with the Catholic Home Based Care Workers. Throughout this journey our Health Team has learned to be flexible with our lesson plans but today a curve ball was throw our way. We arrived to do a question and answer with the Home Based Care Workers but conversation quickly shifted into a cry for help. Although we clearly defined our relationship with the Home Based Care Workers they were asking for handouts from the Gonzaga Team. Our focus is not on gifts but on empowerment of the community by focusing on sustainable projects that push the people of Zambia to stand on their own two feet. This put our team in a very awkward and uncomfortable predicament. As Gonzaga students we came here to teach and accompany the people of Zambezi and it was frustrating hearing the struggles of the Home Health Care workers knowing that we had no means to give them the things they asked of us. Hearing the story of the Home Health Care Workers was one of the lows on the Zambian Roller-coaster, but as roller-coasters go after a huge drop comes a steady incline, but not before a loop-dee-loop gets thrown in the mix.
I was naive to think that my sensitive stomach could contend with the differences in food over here in Africa. As I put it yesterday to Mr. Kawatu “losing my breakfast” was my free pass for sitting in the passenger seat on the way home from Chinyingi. (Don’t worry mom, I could not have gotten sick with a more perfect group of people. I am surrounded by two registered nurses, three future doctors, and three future nurses, not to mention the rest of my Zam Fam who are constantly checking up on me and making sure I have a full water bottle and an even fuller heart.) As I rattled and bumped down the sandy savannah road riding shot gun, the African food was not the only thing that was turning like a cement truck in my stomach. The quote Mary Oliver’s quote “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” has been a reoccurring theme that I have been struggling with during my time in Zambia.
The Zambian people have impressed me with their ability to share so openly the stories that have brought them to this moment. These stories have been painted some very clear pictures of different ways people choose to spend their one wild and precious life.
Tanis, now a personal hero of mine, is a nurse at Chitokoloki Hospital about an hour drive outside of Zambezi. Growing up in Manitoba, Canada, Tanis heard about Zambian nurse missionaries and knew from age twelve that is what she wanted to do with her life. After losing sight of her vision during her teenage years she graduated from nursing school and still felt that tug to come to Zambia. Right after graduating she booked a flight to Zambia to see if this tug was actually her path in life. During a Zambian church service a Bible verse from Isaiah leapt off the page. The verse was about helping God’s people and it was right then and there she knew Zambia was God’s plan for her life. She has been in Zambia 18 years now working as a nurse and has mastered every department from surgery to maternity. As a single woman, she has adopted two orphan Zambian girls who are now her world and lives a beautifully decorated modest home by the Zambezi River. It is through Tanis’s openness and willingness to share her passion with us that she allowed the Health Team and Dr. Josh to scrub in for a surgery in the operating room at the hospital. Not many people can say that the first hysterectomy they witnessed was in an African hospital, can they?
Boston, a Human Resource worker at the hospital, is another example of an individual making the most of his one wild and precious life. As Boston toured our group around Chitokoloki hospital we slowly realized that that there was much more to Boston then met they eye. Boston is an empowerer in his community, during his short five year stay at Chitokoloki hospital he has started a successful chicken coop providing protein to malnourished patients at the hospital. Boston also began a sewing room for women to make school uniforms creating a income for these women to help support their families. Both Boston and Tanis are people that use their gifts and talents to make an impact on the community around them.
My time here in Zambia has felt like the longest eight days, but it has flown by. Each day is absolutely nothing like the one before full of new faces and new stories. These eight days have challenged me to address the question in my own life, what will I, Allison Lynn Crha, do with my one wild and precious life?
We only have one life to live (contrary to what the Witch Doctor we met on Tuesday believes). One life full of as much laughing and loving on each other (as Connor House would say) as possible. Just one life. How will you spend your one wild and precious life? Will you be a Tanis or Boston empowering those around you to stand on their own two feet to make a change. Although I don’t have all the answers figured out just yet in my life, I do know that wherever I end up, I will be making the most out of my one wild and precious time here in Zambia.
Kisu Kisu Mwane *claps hands and pats heart*
Ally Crha, Class of 2015
Oh, Allison Lynn Crha, you have done it again. Your kind soul and positive look on life has tugged at me and gotten my head spinning. I read this post three times, so happy to hear from you, and so touched by your words. You are such an inspiration as a peer, a role model, and most importantly, a friend. I am so proud of you and your strength to go one this journey to share your love and laughter with others. It has been a blast getting to know you and becoming such close friends during your one wild and precious life, girly! I cannot wait to hear about the experiences you have had, all the lessons learned, and all the people met.
Gotta go, Megan!
Loves to you and all,
Kels
P.S. Swendy and I were going crazy today waiting for this post, and of course, it was you! How fitting!
P.P.S. The Bachelorette begins Monday! Go Dez!
Awesome post. Yes, you are all on an awesome journey. Not just this short journey to Zambia, but a life journey. Yes, it will be wild and precious. What I sense is that you are all embracing this opportunity and reflecting on this opportunity. I am not surprised about the roller coaster ~ our life journeys are full of ups and downs – valleys and mountain top experiences. Enjoy your one wild and precious life! You make me smile! GOD BLESS! Monte
Ally…my heart dropped reading that you hadn’t been feeling well…saying an extra special prayer tonight that from today forward you’re 100%! I’m more and more amazed every day at how fast you’re all learning so much about Zambezi and its people, and even feeling “icky” Ally, you’re able to soak in so much and have the ability to give us all a shout out back home with such detailed stories…thank you! Big hugs to you…feel better quickly!
Katie…I’ve been sharing all the blogs with Buppa via email as his internet is sketchy and he hasnt been able to get on the website…but he says he “loves seeing Africa, where he lives through virgin eyes”‘ the stories have reminded him of many of his own adventures with Nanny 🙂 He loves that you are there and is so proud! We all look forward to your blog 😉 I love you sweet girl and am missing you lots…! Now I’m off to bed…xoxo (((hugs)))
Ally, simply beautiful. I am soooo inspired even just reading your words!! Thank you for sharing your heart in this reflection. I pray that while in Zambia you find a glimpse of where your wild and precious life is headed. Love you all!
Dear 2013-ers,
For the last hour, I’ve read and reread your postings, attempting to place names with faces, and trying to imagine the “web” that surrounds each of you, and even extends to family and friends of last year’s adventure (like ME!). Entering the saga at this late date, does give me a certain growth perspective. It’s like you were all little dried up sponges when you arrived, but wow, have you ever soaked up the experience…and GROWN! I used to tell my elementary students that “the purpose of writing is to communicate understanding.” I think you all have that part nailed. The realizations and conclusions that are overtaking you enrich your lives, but are also a blessing to each of us who share them vicariously. Keep writing the Zambezi chapter of your lives with the same beauty that you have so far. Throw your hands in the air, and embrace the roller coaster! I am not ashamed to say I feel like a little kid who says, “Tell us more! Tell us more!” You are in our thoughts and prayers each day!
Steve Watson and family
Ally,
Awesome job capturing the ups and downs of life in a foreign culture. I imagine (since I’ve never been fortunate enough to visit a developing country especially in a service role) that the differences are mind boggling. Just remind yourself as you experience these frustrations, disappointments and adversity that it’s really true that you can’t grow without discomfort. I’m looking forward to actually seeing the new person Megan will have become as a result of these experiences. Hopefully the changes won’t be terribly dramatic (like bringing home a malnourished goat, etc.).
Wishing I was there but this computer needs me here, gotta go.
Larry
I was so thrilled to hear from you and better yet to see a photo of all of you smiling! Not only did it bring tears when I read your blog, but also smiles, knowing you are taking in so much and learning something everyday. I pray that you are feeling better, and know that you are being well taken care of. We miss you so much, please know that everyone is doing well here, the dog is still wierd, Katie started her internship, and dad is still working on the house. Like I said your not missing much, other than a rain drop or two! ha I love you and thanks for the fabulous post so we could have a glimpse into the day of the health care volunteers.
Oh Ally, reading your blog post brought tears to my eyes! It sounds like you are having an experience of a lifetime and I know these situations are going to be able to apply so much to your career in nursing. Thanks so much for the update. I have been thinking a lot about you this past week. I am sorry you are not feeling well. I hope you are on the mend soon. Take care of yourself, Ally. I will keep anxiously awaiting your next update. Miss you, love you!
We are impressed each day with the maturity and insight of the GU Zambezi students. Each blog entry reflects the experiences we had hoped for our granddaughter, Katie, and so eloquently expresses not only the accounts of your adventure but the meaning of the experience. We are proud of all of you.
We imagine that a great deal of credit must go to Dr. Josh. The signs of wise guidance and benefits of a Gonzaga education are apparent in the content and quality of the writing.
Katie, we are very pleased that you have chosen this opportunity. When you came to us six months ago and asked our opinion as to the choice between a study in Florence or in Zambia, we didn’t hesitate one moment to cast our vote for Zambia. We told you at the time that breaking out of your comfort zone might well lead to the most memorable and enriching experiences of your life.
You will learn many lessons while you are there in Zambezi. Sometimes it is the unexpected lessons that are the best. Our hope for you Katie, as well as for your fellow travelers, is that you will bring the lessons you are learning home with you. Traveling, living and studying in another country offer an invaluable opportunity to gain a new perspective on your own country, your family and friends, and yourself. Make the most of every moment.
We can’t wait to hear all about your experiences. Love you and miss you lots.
Gram and Gumpa
Dear Allison,
Your empathy and ability to tell the story of Zambia is heartwarming. The basics of life in the third world seem to trump any worries of life back here in Seattle. A fresh reminder that whatever challenge we have today, it is de minimis to what a Zambian life is like. This experience is providing lifelong perspectives that you and your peers are teaching us with every posting. Keep them coming!
Note to daughter: Don’t take you own health for granted. While this is an once-in-a-lifetime experience to drink in a new culture, but don’t forget to drink in lots of good, clean H2O. You’re young and strong, but not invulnerable. Be your own best mentor, be your own parent… Take a day to rest if you need it. Somethings can wait for tomorrow and the roller coaster will always be running. Understand?
Come back to us safe and sound. We love and miss you ,
Sincerely with love,
Your Father
I’m so impressed by what good writers you all are. You are really bringing your experience to life for all of us that are reading the daily blog. It seems that you all are being inspired by something everyday plus seeing hardships. I’m just so grateful that my daughter got to go on this trip because I truly believe it will benefit her as a person and her path in life.
Hanna, I hope your leadership classes are going well. I’m curious if you are running with the group in the morning I know you took your running shoes. I look forward to reading your post and hearing about your experience. Love Mom.
Michelle and Ally,
The authenticity and honesty in your posts proves both inspiring and powerful. It would appear you have begun encountering the heart-breaking, harsh realities of this world, as Dr. Joshua once said, “that stare in your face in Zambia” — through the eyes of your Home-Based Care patients, the people begging for assistance, the children vying so desperately for your attention and love — you have each witnessed this pain.
So now you are faced with the great paradox of Zambia that I still continue to ponder: the abundance of material wealth accompanying spiritual poverty in America, as people depend on “things” rather than on eachother, resting in stark juxtaposition to the overwhelming poverty of resources coupled with the strongest spiritual power there is, the wealth of love.
I am awed by the beautiful posts from your team; I can only imagine the incredible bonds you have built through vulnerability and kinship during your nightly reflections. Thank you for reminding me of what forever remains most important.
Continue to live the questions, remembering your intentions during your time in Zambezi.
Be free and always give love freely.
Mwanes all around,
Brady Essmann
Ps – Jason my good sir, HAPPPPPPPY BIRTHDAY! Did the Zambians happen to “douse” you in any traditions as you celebrated? Love you bud and sorry I’m a few days late. Thinking of you today!
Dear Ally, thank you for sharing Tanis and Boston’s stories. I loved the image in Tanis’ story of the words of Isaiah leaping off the page; God can feel so near in Zambezi. You have such a beautiful and kind heart Ally, and even though the injustices of the world may be hard to bear, you have clearly learned so much in eight days that cannot be taught in a classroom back home. I think that Zambia is a perfect place to reflect on Mary Oliver’s quote “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Thank you for sharing it with us back home, sometimes I think we forget how wild and precious life really is.
Heres a quote that Francis shared with us one night in the convent… “Work, combined with passion, can save humanity.” It is passionate people like you, Ally, that make this world a little brighter 😉
Everyone looks so beautiful and radiant in the photo!!
Lots of love,
Analise
PS the hand clap you noted at the end brought me right back to Zambezi!!
Kisu Kisu Mwane everyone!!
Ally ~ I love reading your a poignant post. What an incredible difference you (and the other “Zags”) are making in the lives of the people of Zambia. Enjoy and grow from the amazing experience you’re living!
Love you!
Auntie Margaret
Ally!
So good to hear from you finally! Your metaphor for your experiences thus far is perfect. I can feel the sincerity and empathy every time I read it. It reminds me that there is so much untapped potential we all have inside of us. I know you are soaking in the culture and experiences that come with this amazing opportunity. I can’t wait to hear more stories!
This is a learning time for both of us, but while you are sitting in on surgeries and helping those in Zambia I am trying to figure out all the Microsoft Excel tricks and understand 401k plans. A little different to say the least, but I’m glad we can both continue on this path of learning in some way. I hope you are having fun and being safe! I’m holding down the house with Roxy, trying to keep Mom & Dad in line and on track with all these miscellaneous projects that seem to keep popping up (you know how that goes). Soak up every minuet of this we all miss you and can’t wait to hear more!
Hurry back it’s not that fun being an only child!
Love you,
Katie
Ally!
It’s great to hear you are having an awesome time over there. Looking forward to hearing more!
Pete
Ally, I have traveled with you all in the stories and heart felt happiness, sadness and knowing that you can be a star of hope in your leadership. You and Megan have that special leadership and what a opportunity to share it together. Our lives given to us our one wild and precious moment and with future leaders as your group from Gonzaga are proving, you will all make a difference in our world. Make every moment count. Hope you are feeling better.
Ally- (Conner House’s Mom here…) thank you for your inspiring reflection and insight into Zambezi health care. I work for a large health care organization and can only imagine, what we here at home, take for granted each and every day. You’re truly having an experience that will allow you to grow and appreciate all aspects of the state of health care. Thank you for quoting our son, Conner. Your Gonzaga team clearly live by AGAPE and are living life to it’s fullest!
Conner- Lova, lova you and miss you very much!! Mom, Dad and Chad.
Ally! I can’t stop imaging what you are going through nor can I help but be jealous! Thanks so much for sharing your stories of inspiration and especially of heartbreak. It is with both that we truly grow. I have always been inspired by your actions and this blog is no different. I am so happy for you all in Africa and I wish you the absolute best! Now I REALLY can’t wait to get back to Gonzaga and hear more beautiful stories. Keep on going!
Much Love,
Katie Dougherty
Ally, I am so proud of you!!! So glad to see you post, hear of your experience and that you are soaking it all up.
Enjoy the journey!!
Love, Amy
Ally – It was such a blessing to read your post (thanks to your mom for sharing it) and hear what you are doing. I’ll be praying for you and your team as you bring God’s love and care to all you meet. So awesome to hear how God is using that wonderful caring heart of yours and I’m sure also that positive attitude and smile that I remember from when you were in my class. Blessings to you on this exciting adventure. Miss Stone
I enjoyed your reflections and the profiles of Tanis and Boston that help to put a face on those making a life helping Zambians. You are experiencing the struggle anyone has who cares for others with unconditional love. As parents well know, we are often having to make choices between what will empower our children when they no longer are under our care and the gifts we would love to lavish on them to see them smile. Let God provide you the strength to love in his way. It must be very hard indeed!
So sorry to hear that the food is not agreeing with you. I would probably be you if I were there. And Michelle, I am not hearing of you being sick yet so I am hopeful that you did not inherit my sensitivity to changes in diet.
Wow, I am impressed. What a truly wonderful group of people all with wonderful smiles. None of you know me, I am a long lost but forever friend of Sherie’s, but I wanted to post and let you know I believe in you and think you are amazing. Enjoy all that you do. God bless you and God bless America.
Allllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllly!!
I know this is only a little snippet of your grand Zambian adventure and can’t wait to hear more about the great experiences and memories you’ll make! You continue to impress me with your eternal optimism and I’m counting the days until I get to see that beautiful smile!!
Lots of Love,
Brady!
P.S. Only you could spoil me when your 7323 miles away!! Thanks for being such a sweetheart!!
Ally – It is said that the greatest gift that God can give is the opportunity to help someone……most people just sit and watch. Thank you for taking God up on His given Opportunity! In times of despair please remember all those years of Jazz dance and do a little number for the audience at hand. Very proud of you!
Rick and the rest of the H-Gang
Ally,
Wow… A roller coaster is the perfect analogy to describe the Zambian experience for Americans! What you shared about the HBC volunteers is something our group experienced there last year as well. It is a very humbling and helpless sort of feeling to be asked for help knowing that our role is to be at eye-level with people, walking alongside them in their joys and struggles, giving hand-ups rather than hand-outs. It is heartbreaking and heart filling depending on if the roller coaster is a high or low. I was really touched by your posting. Thanks for sharing what you did! -Melissa Houglum
Ally,
What an inspriational reflection you shared! We are in awe of your experiences and believe that this is going to be a life changing experience for you. With your amazing patience, boundless energy, gentle hearted-spirit and compassion for all – you are clearly doing God’s work and making such a difference. We are so happy for you- so proud of you and can hardly wait to see you when you return!
Love, Jim and Ellen