Our time in Zambezi is too quickly coming to an end and I face the fact that only two full days here remain, a great deal of thoughts seep through my mind. While attempting to live in the past and present as the people do here, I have noticed that recently it has become a great challenge. I find my mind wandering to the future, to goodbyes, and to the adventures that are to come. I have begun to recognize that the lists of “finals” have started to settle in here in Zambezi- our final mass at Our Lady Fatima, our final mound of nshima, our final leadership class, our final hug from our homestay parents, and our final lock of hands from a little friend. However, this list of lasts also hold so many firsts; so many unforgettable relationships, so many memories, so many lessons, and so much love that has gripped my heart, similar to how the kids here grip our hands. I take confidence knowing that each of us will never let go or be forgotten.
As I look back on the firsts, I ponder the journey we have so recently embarked and can not help but think of a vivid image of a Zambezi road. This road is dirt, often thick with sand, quite uneven, the occasional deep pothole, and full of people with intense desires to get to know each other and live loving lives. Everyday, each of us travel these roads in one way or another- strolling to the market with one another, interlocking hands with a child as we walk to the sunset, or driving to Chinyingi or Chilenga to teach and to be taught. Each travel holds a multitude of adventures and stories. I quickly realized these roads are quite similar to our time here in Zambia. They are different from the ones we have at home, at least at first glace, just as the cultures here are different from those in the United States. But when it comes down to it, there are so many similarities, each holding a very comparable yet unique purpose.
On the Zambezi roads there are thick sand pits and uneven surfaces that while running in the morning or even walking to the market can be seen to some as a slight inconvenience. To us, they are all part of our fantastic adventure and fail to slow us down. Similarly, daily we each encounter small challenges. Lately for me, I have been pondering the questions that have arisen that do not appear to have simple answers. Why don’t they use manure as fertilizer? How can we help as they wish? Are they learning as much from this experience as we are? While this was quite challenging to accept at first and still pulls at my strings, I have come to learn that these are the questions that make me grow. There is not always an easy solution but the challenges have been accepted, and I know all of us will continue to search for some sort of answer. These questions have definitely made our minds wander, our journals full, and our conversations deep, allowing us to discover more about ourselves.
The potholes are the larger struggles we face. Each of us have been confronted with diverse challenges. Recently, I have been struggling with serious culture shock. I would have assumed that this would have struck me when we arrived here in Zambezi about three weeks ago as opposed to just a couple days before our departure. This culture shock has left me with an immense feeling of confusion. I have felt the most mentally and physically uncomfortable in my life in the past couple days which leads to a longing for the most comfortable place and people I know- home with my friends and family. With only a couple days left, I do not want to get lost in this feeling of confusion. This would be quite difficult on my own, but I know I have my Zam Fam here to support and walk along side me. Because we have each other, I know that overcoming obstacles is only a bump in the road and finding the beauty in each individual, continuing to form those loving, meaningful relationships, and truly being present is what will prevail.
And finally, on every road you travel in Zambezi, you will encounter loving, lively people. These people have taught me the importance of taking time to get to know individual’s stories, to love with all I have, and to be intentional with every action. The people are the most important aspect of the Zambian roads. Sure there are obstacles, potholes and sandpits, but the Zambian people are those that help you through it, they tell the stories I will remember for years to come, they love with an open heart, and they have built such great relationships with us that I consider them family. It is the relationships, the people, and the love that last lifetimes.
These Zambian roads now make up a very important part of the path of our lives, full of learning experiences and loving friendships. While our time here is Zambezi is coming to a close, the roads are far from ending- they will be incorporated into our daily routine back in the United States. It is all part of our life journey.
To all those following our adventure, we love and miss you very much. I know I speak for everyone when I say that the routine of reading the blog posts every morning at breakfast has become a wonderful part of our journey and something we all look forward to. Thinking about you all!
Kisu Kisu Mwane
Hayley Medeiros, Class of 2015
P.S. Family and Friends! I love you guys so much. I miss you like crazy and hope everything is going well at home, and for Taran in Chimfunshi. I am thinking and praying about all of you all
Hayley…what a joy to read your reflection! Be sure and text us when you are safely home so we can scratch the surface of visiting about your trip. I know a certain Taran, will enjoy emails from you when you can! Til we see you, hold these wonderful times close to your heart, which I’m sure you cannot help but do! just don’t let them ‘fade’…
Blessings! xo….C, M & B
Hayley, I was driving back from Fred Meyer with my 11 old daughter Wendy, I had her check the link and YAY ;)… The rest of the drive home she read to me, she wasn’t finished when we pulled into the garage so we both sat in the car while she continued reading… Neither of us said anything when she was finished and we just sat there in silence…soaking in everything you just said! To see that you have all even pulled at an 11 yr olds heart strings is so touching! What a beautiful reflection, like all the others you opened up so many emotions . None of us back home can even nearly begin to imagine the roads you have walked/run, the difficulties you’ve experienced, the obstacles and the culture shock but you are sooo right when you say ” it is the relationships, the people, and the love that last lifetimes.” I am completely amazed at how much you have all taken in and understood what matters and whats important to live a beautiful life! Thank you for being so open, for recapping and sharing your version of the Zambian chapter!
Here in Tacoma it’s the second day of SUN and I’m loving it…blue skies and lots of yard work! Katie I’m still thinking about your blog yesterday and smiling 🙂 We got Jason and Rene watching G.o.T. yes I’m excited for tonight’s episode…can’t wait for you to be home so i can rewatch with you and you can keep me straight with who’s who. But for now, I’m loving today and hoping you are enjoying your last couple days…soak it up, take another picture, get addresses (if that’s an option) to send letters once youre home and give out lots of hugs! I love you and think of you every minute of every day! (((Hugs))) to everyone…xoxo
It is so great that you used the analogy of the different roads and types of paths that you have seen in Zambezi and surrounding areas, to the whole experience you have had. Very appropriate and you have put into words what I think all of you have struggled with while there – so many different paths and journeys for you individually as well as what you have witnessed with the local Zambian community.
Your time is coming to a quick close in Zambezi. In some ways, I’ll bet it feels like you have been there just a few days, and in other ways, I’ll bet it feels like you have been there for a long long time. Don’t forget to capture all of your feelings and experiences in journals. Once you arrive back home, wherever that may be, you may get caught up in family and friend activities (totally natural by the way), your summer job (oh yes Shaun, City of Snohomish Public Works department…..boy howdy), your girl/boy friend, daily drama, etc. Make sure you hang onto to all that you have encountered and learned while in Zambia and refer to your journals and pictures often. You will never forget these feelings – just keep referring to them and looking at those stars at night and seeing the faces of those you have met in Zambia.
Yes I am sure you all looking forward to your first “real” hamburger, slathered with cheese and bacon or who knows what else. Or in Shaun Marti’s case, you are looking forward to the endless salad, soup, and breadsticks at Olive Garden. But also remember that the majority of the world’s population does not live like we do and that more people live like what you have encountered than do not.
I sure hope we have some future Peace Corp employees in your bunch!
And thanks again to Dr Armstrong. Now let’s see if I was first blog responder today!!!!
Carole Marti
proud mother of The Shaun
Well put Hayley. Culture shock is difficult. As was mentioned in an earlier post, you all have gone thru the ‘honeymoon’ phase. You won’t be there long enough to get to the next phases, accustomed to the new culture, so that it makes sense for you. It’s great that you have questions. As you say, that’s what will help you grow and understand what you’ve experienced.
Michael, all is well at home. Love and miss you. Dad
I did not have a chance to comment on Katie’s blog on living in the now. It is a great reminder for all of us. Because I am over 60 I can say that living in the now is something that gets easier with age. As you realize that you have less future you naturally become more occupied with the present. At 20 I would not have had any idea about what you were really saying. And it is that insight you have developed which makes Hayley’s trip down the Zambian Road more of an adventure in itself rather than just an inconvenience for your final destination.
Garrett, all of us in Lincoln, Los Angeles and Spokane are looking forward to hearing about your exploits firsthand and having some direct contact with you. Please know that you are greatly missed by all of us. I love you, Dad
Hayley- Wow. Keep asking questions as I believe you now have insight into experiencing what truly is the most important aspect of life: “It is the relationships, the people, and the love that last lifetimes.” Your struggles have more than likely led you to insight that some of us may never experience- go with it and soak up everything around you your next several days in Zambezi.
Conner (you big 20 year old you!!)- Love you a ton!! Mom, Dad and Chad.
It’s been lovely following you all on your African journey and I’m intrigued by the mental and physical changes you’ve been enduring. People say high school is the time you find yourself but I don’t think that’s true. The time when you leave home, like for college or for another continent, and walk and talk alongside people from different paths of life is when you really start to learn of the person you are and configure the person you want to be. This is a beautiful post Hayley and I can see through your writing your process of transformation–it’s amazing. Cherish these last couple of days and know that the people you miss are missing you even more. See you all soon!
Also S/O to Shaun Andrew Marti! Miss you! Your post was inspiring and I can’t wait to hear more.
Sco dawgs,
Molly O
Through your blogs I feel like I have been able to picture every adventure and image that you have all created with your writing. It might sound a little crazy, but just by reading all of your blogs I feel like we have had a small glimpse of these bumps and pot holes that you have all crossed over during your time in Zambezi. I loved reading your blog Hayley!! Each of you has such a powerful story to tell and I can honestly say every time there is a new post I stop what ever I am doing just to read it! You are all such beautiful writers!
Katie!!
So I cannot believe you only have 2 days left in Zambia… Enjoy those 2 days because I know they are going to fly right by! Although I hope you are having THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE I really do miss not having you here in Northeast Tacoma, and I am ready for you to come back! So last night Mac and I went and saw the Fast and Furious 6 and it was SO GOOD! I think it was my favorite one so far.. Lots of abs and muscles.. haha 😉 I think we need to watch the Great Gatsby together when you get back! (If I could use an emoji I would use the smiley face with the hearts for eyes on this one!) 😉
Well I miss you and cannot wait to talk to you! Love you bestfriend!! 🙂
XOXOXOXOXOXO
Another amazing descriptive Blog writing. I am at a loss of words to even describe how much these Blogs means to me. The comparison of you all travelling different roads and encountering potholes and the uneven surfaces in Zambia is so relevant back home. I wonder if the experiences you are enjoying now, will help you when you encounter potholes back home. I can only imagine it will.
More than one blog has mentioned children holding your hands. Remember to take pictures of the hand holding. It will bring back so many fond memories. The kind of memories that make you stand there and get transported back and smile. The kind of memories that touch your heart and soul.
Megan…with only a couple days left, I hope one of the days will be you writing. Today is sunny in Seattle, the kind of days you love. It makes me miss you in the hammock with a book and a sleepy look on your face. Well, truthfully everything makes me miss you. Dad is quite jealous of your trip and the fact that I beat him writing today..Love ya sweetie…
See you soon…
Love
Mom
Thank you for the awesome post and reflection. I was drawn to this sentence in the post:
“There is not always an easy solution but the challenges have been accepted, and I know all of us will continue to search for some sort of answer.”
Embrace the challenges in your lives. Know that this experience will help provide you answers to future challenges. Continue to search ~ be open to what God is calling you to be and to do and to experience. Move forward with authentic love in your heart. You will make people smile. You make me smile. GOD BLESS! Monte
A P.S. to my comment to Michael. All is well at home except for what happened to the freeway bridge in Mt Vernon last week. Part of it fell into the Skagit River after being hit by a truck pulling an oversize load. No kidding (you can’t make this stuff up). There are detours in place, but it’s still causing all kinds of traffic headaches. The pictures on the news are quite a sight. I haven’t had to drive that way yet, but we’ll get a close look at it on our way home from the airport.
PPS. Grandma is probably not happy. One of the detours goes by her place.
It’s so great to hear about all of your experiences and encounters in Zambia. It is so evident in each of your blogs how much all of you have learned and grown and been humbled through this trip of a lifetime. We are blessed to have people like you guys in the world!!
Katie, I seemingly always have you on my mind now, especially after getting to read your post. I keep dreaming and day dreaming about having you back, and it can be so frustrating at times! I really miss you a lot… But I thought I should fill you in on a few things that have been happening state side. Sam got confirmed this morning!! It’s crazy, I feel like I was confirmed just yesterday, and now my youngest brother is all done with it. He also played guitar in the band for church this weekend too which is awesome for him, I guess he did really good. You might have it on your ipod, but they played the song your love is strong by jon foreman. You’d recognize it. Jake also got a really prestigious award from Aviation High School for his dedication to his school work and his pursuit of a career in aviation! My whole family says hi and wishes you well, they miss you and can’t wait to hear all about your experiences! I on the other hand have just been relaxing in Spokane thinking and talking to everyone about you. I’m addicted to reading the art of racing in the rain now, I stayed up really late last night reading. “Your car goes where your eyes go. Simply another way of saying that which you manifest is before you.” Love that quote. Also I helped Tessa move into your house today!!!!!! IT’S SO COOL!! I cannot wait to hang out over there with you. I’m sure it is going to be a lot! haha Your backyard is absolutely amazing too. Seeing that just made me miss you so much more though. I can’t wait to see it with you!! Anyways, I need to go ride my bike before it starts raining again… I love you Katie McCann, continue to be safe and absolutely enjoy your last few days in Zambezi! You’re an amazing woman.
Your best friend,
Christian
Hayley-
Finally! It’s so nice to hear from you! I’ve enjoyed reading each and everyone of the blog posts. In reading your post, I can only imagine how amazing this experience is for you and the incredible journey within yourself that you’re on. Seeing life lived in a different way than your own must be enlightening in so many ways. Different cultures, different traditions but all created from the same god. As I said in an earlier comment, god is good and its amazing to see how good he is through the differences you’re experiencing. You’re encouraging, you’re inspiring and you’re a true blessing to each and every life you touch Hayley. Thank you for sharing with all of us and I look forward to seeing you soon!
XoXo,
Liz (Dad, Bobby, and Jack too! We love and miss you!)
Hanna,I was glad to see you still had a smile on your face along with Haley. It looked like you both were enjoying yourself. Even thou I’m looking forward for you to come home in a way I’m still sad that you have to leave this adventure. In the realm of things 20 days isn’t very long. I hope this experience has meet all of your expectations and more. I’m sure you have been a great teacher of leadership along with your team. The Zambians are lucky to get to know you and you are lucky to get to know them. Have a great last of couple of days with your new family in Africa. Always thinking of you.
Love Mom.
Good Morning Zag’s, Hayley said that the group enjoyed the e-mails from home at breakfast, well we can not even find the words that say how we at home have enjoyed reading all of your blogs. I find such inspiration each day by reading your wonderful blogs, and even tho I will be so happy to have Hailey Baker back home, a little part of me will miss all of your adventures. Thank you for giving us a window on your Zambian experiences. Have a wonderful last week in Africa. Love you Hailey Baker.
G-MA and G-PA-T.
H, You can’t imagine the amount of excitement I felt when I saw the picture of you dancing with the Makisha-so you, overflowing with life! I knew that, finally, this must be your post.
I read it several times- eyes glued to the screen- and let each phrase sink in. I could hear you as if you were in the room with me reading aloud like you did when we were younger. I’d get to the end then start again. I wanted to keep hearing from you.
Your reflection was thoughtful, well-written and genuinely the H I know and love. I’m so happy to hear that you’re doing well and am comforted that you have your Zam fam by your side. I love the metaphor of the Zambian Road. Your relentlessness to continue to search for answers, your optimism in the face of adversity, and your belief that life and roads are best traveled with loved ones- not just friends and family but every heart you meet or journey with along the way- came through in your writing. It reminds me just how amazing you are and how lucky I am to travel so many many roads by your side. I wouldn’t be who I am today without your love, friendship, support, and guidance. I love you girl!
Things are going well here. I moved in to my new house, and I love it. You have to come visit me! I’m having a lot of fun in DC but am excited to go home. I can’t wait for Tahoe days, s’mores nights, and family dinners with stories of the adventures on the Zambian Road!
But for now, keep holding hands with the children, dancing with the Makisha, and enjoy every moment (They aren’t lasts. They stay with you written on your heart to be revisted again and again).
I’m praying for you. Love you and miss you! Mik
Dancing and singing! Smiles and family are so important in the road of life. Enjoy the end of the ride as much as the beginning. Great ready for the scenic beauty that is Africa. Love you, Hailey Baker and the whole group for sharing your experiences.
Hayley, thank you for another descriptive, uplifting blog posting. I’m sitting here with a heavy heart as a result of just hearing about an unspeakable tragedy to a member of the Blanchet High School family so I really desperately needed another illustration of our beautiful world. The images you convey made me smile just as I began to wallow in despair about the savagery of our “civilized world. The picture I see in my mind of those innocent children surrounding you with laughter, smiles, songs and love will stay with me. Zealously embrace every experience as you live them and take a lot of pictures.
Megan, We’ll fill you in on details when we speak but I don’t think you know the person so that might “help”.
Love you and miss you,
Dad
One more comment since Shaun Marti and his family live in Lake Stevens where a tragedy did occur last night and it involved a member of the Blanchet High School community mentioned in a previous post. And Shaun will know qyite well two of the first responders as members of our parish community who are both grieving today. We spent a lot of time talking this evening and trying to work through our thoughts and confusion. Lake Stevens is not this kind of place or community where thoughtless acts occur. We are all praying.
Hayley, you are so incredible. I love that you clearly recognize the picture as a whole; seeing the difficulties as well as the silver lining. I recently read a book called The Complaint Free World (I recommend it to all you self-help lovers!) and the author inspires readers to continuously find the blessing behind the challenges. Isn’t that a cool way of thinking about things? In this moment, what is one thing that you want to continue to hold/practice as you return to the US? I’m actually seriously curious. Hayley, gah, this post is so filling, thank you.
Jason! Are you hanging in there? Giving you a virtual big hug to recharge your battery and sending lots and lots of love your way. Love what you hate today (I know hates a strong word but I felt that got my message across more) and know that myself and many others are thinking/praying for you! Hugs on hugs on hugs.
Mateeeeeeooooooo! Seriously though, every time I type your name I just picture that huge smile. Fill your day with gratitude today; gah I love that word, gratitude.
Josh, so excited for CLP with you!
Pause and hug the person next to you, just do it. You are all wonderful and so so loved.
Hikaru
I really appreciate the thought and effort that each of you has put into these reflections for our benefit. I imagine that what you have shared is only the tip of the much larger iceberg of memories that you have all been recording in your journals. When you return home, these journals will be your link to a place and time that you can revisit anytime you need to be re-grounded. Hopefully you can all get together for a Zam fam reunion after you have had a chance to be back home for a while.
Michelle, everyone here at home is doing fine and I can’t wait to talk with you about your experience. Too bad you have to head off to camp so quickly.
Please join us in praying for the family of the BBHS Freshman girl who died yesterday. Although we do not know the family (and doubt any of you do either), my heart goes out to them in this difficult time.
HAYLEY
I am lolling at your post because I read it at quite the ironic time today. I was on the freeway in Seattle heading to ewwww dub (UW) when I decided I was due for my hourly assessment of how fast I was going. I glanced down at my speedometer to find that 1) I was not going NEAR fast enough if I wanted to make it to the campus in world record pace and 2) right next to my speedometer was my gas tank meter sitting at well-below empty…I was not sure how long it had been empty, so I proceeded another 10 or so miles until it looked REALLY empty and pulled off at an exit to find some gas. Long story short, my nav system took me to five different “gas stations” that turned out to actually be either large piles of dirt, construction sites or sketchy warehouses. After arriving at the fifth failed location, I decided to screw it, take my chances, get back on the freeway, and see if I could make it to the University exit where I was confident real gas stations would exist.
So here I am racing down I-5 trying to reach this beloved gas station when all the sudden my lane merges on the left side with 4 other lanes of thick traffic. My car is literately about to just completely give out smack dab in the middle of all these cars, so my mind started racing to think of all the potential ways I could control the situation if I ran out of gas- I was figuring out if I could sneak across four lanes of traffic, without breaking or taking anyone out, to the emergency lane.. I was assessing how far I would be able to travel using solely pelvic thrust momentum once the car gave out…all these ideas were racing through my head until I realized that I simply had no control over what was going to happen. So naturally, upon realizing this, I executed Black Beauty’s extra-extra-emergency procedure that I have never used before in my whole life. I grabbed my phone, pulled up Spotify and started blasting “Jesus Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood. I then started to slowly release my grip on the wheel, and raise my hands and head towards the heavens- until I realized that that was perhaps one step too far. I put my hands back on the wheel, kept driving, and driving, got off on the exit, and just as the verse was crescendoing into the final chorus, I looked to the right AND WHAT DO I SEE? A sign that says “Hell”. I assumed this meant my gas had given out and I should admit defeat until I did a double take and turns out the sign actually said “Shell”!! I might have concerned the Shell employees with the amount of exuberance I filled my tank up with…I probably looked like I didn’t get out much as I snuggled tenderly with the gas nozzle before putting it in my car…but it was during this moment of pure bliss that I pulled up your blog and found it reassuring that someone else had recently gone through a bumpy ride.
I was going to include my extended metaphor of how different parts of this incident related to your feelings, but I think this post is getting longer than the entire McCan family’s combined so I will share it with you all later…but the gist of the metaphor is: God gives us the power to choose whether we turn left or right, but he does not give us complete control over where the car will ultimately end up. God has given you guys the power to plant a seed in Zambia, to make a difference, and you have done just that, but he has not given you complete control over the entire future of the people you have met. No, you won’t be able to watch over the children and help guide them as they continue to grow up, but God will. At first, it might be extremely frustrating to not be able to permanently stay with and nurture the people of Zambezi, but remember that they will ALWAYS be in the trusty hands of our powerful, loving, protective God. You have done an incredible job in these past 20 days of steering the Zambezi car in the right direction, now have faith that God will build on your work and deliver the car to places even better than a Shell gas station.
Love you guys,
Swendy
PS- MEGAN POST SOMETHING DAMNIT IM GOIN CRAZY NOT HEARING FROM YOU
Hayley
I have loved living your experience as I read the postings of everyone on this amazing journey! The joy on your face and the changes in your spirit speak loudly of the passion of this project and it blesses my heart to see the difference you are making in the lives of those that God has put in your pathway. May this be the beginning of a life well lived and of giving away the love you store so deeply in your soul. I look forward to your return as we have all missed your sweet and smiling face!
Terri
I can’t believe you guys have two more days! I have most definitely been keeping up with the blog posts, regardless of my different geographical locations, I download them when I get wifi and read them right before going to bed at least every other night. Thank you guys for sharing your thoughts and emotions so sincerely with all of us, they have been truly beautiful.
Hay, you are so right with the analogy of the Zambian road, it is part of a lifelong experience. I have always thought of it as a painting, a work of art. My man Leo (DaVinci, that is) is quoted to have said “art is never finished, only abandoned” and the concept stuck since, but same idea as yours.
The Zambezi journey honestly did not even begin in Zambia, it started much before when we realized the importance of living and learning from those who have less but more, when we worked on creating lesson plans, when we dreamt about the adventure, when we recognized a calling to step out of our comfort zone to serve others and ourselves; and we transitioned our preparation in the best way we could into the real Zambezi road. For months we worked on building a bridge that would best connect our older road with this new one regardless of the contrasting differences between them– and we managed to do it. It’s the transition of roads, I think, that often proves to be most difficult, but is the most crucial. Otherwise we will all end up with a number of beautiful roads leading in different directions.. A number of sketches that perfect no painting.
So many beautiful places to still see, so many inspiring people to still meet, that we must, regardless of how hard it seems while on the Zambian road, find the best way to build a bridge that incorporates this journey to the next.
I feel as though we owe it to the people and the experiences which have influenced our lives to find a way to bring their shapes, their brushstrokes, their colors, into our personal masterpiece, so that we can share and help inspire others to continue painting theirs too.
Apparently I’m on the analogy mood this morning.. Whoaza. Anywhosies, safe travels to you all! Can’t wait to hear about the next part of your adventure 🙂 hold up, I believe there were a few birthdays already. Victoria Falls bridge bunjee jumping– now that’s a way to coclude a celebration.. just sayin…
Lots of kissus not so many mwanes,
Constanza
Megan, as I read all the blogs your group has written It helps to feel we are all sensing the roads you are traveling. This experience of love you have offered and the love you have received will always make roads you travel a little easier. The smiles we see in pictures are what your trip is all about. (Loving each other). The Zambezi people will not forget you all and what they have left with all of you will never be forgotten. Enjoy your last few days with great remembrance. Love you Grandma (No baby yet)
Wow, thanks for another great post of a glimpse into the daily routine of what your experiencing. Every post just gives me that more of an idea what you are going thru, but like the other posts, can’t wait to actually see my daughter and here her stories.
Allison I know you and Megan won’t be home for awhile, so please contact us when you are able too. Love to catch up, everything is fine here, just work, and not much play time. Looking forward to the weather warming up this week (so we have heard) but as I look out my window I see alot of cloud covering. Love to you and best wishes to everyone on the rest of the trip! Thanks for all the work and effort all of you have done, I know it is greatly appreciated.
Hayley,
Your anxiously awaited post has now been read five times by me. Each time creates a flood of emotions. I try to step back and compose some sort of meaningful response, unsucessfully so far.
Your comments are about life. Obstacles, large and small, exist for all of us. We have choices as to how we deal with them. The trick, as you note, is to enjoy the road. There are challenges that don’t have ready solutions. Some questions don’t have answers. You know already that relationships matter most. Relationships ease the strain when solutions and answers cannot be found.
I am blessed to share my journey with you, Mikaela, Bobby and Jack. You all provide strength, wisdom, love, laughter, pride and joy. So, thank you for sharing your journey with me.
I love you.
Dad
H,
PS Enjoy the rest of your trip. I can hardly wait to hear all about your adventure.
Safe travels.
Hello Hayley and All!! I just finished a power read of all the posts and found myself in tears, with a huge smile on my face and laughing to myself as I read each entry. For those I know personally, I could hear your voices of wisdom in each word. Thank you all for writing about your experiences in Zambia and for being real.
I wish you all a safe trip home and a memorable close to your trip!!
Much Love!!
Hayley,
Since you blogged you have left Zambezi and are embarking on what I would’ve originally believed is the fun part of the trip. But, your message has made me realize that there are many types of “fun.” There is a deeper fun in the relationships you’ve built, overcoming challenges, enjoying and helping those in need, and much much more. You and your ZagFam are certainly living the message sent in the Prayer of St. Francis: Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace…where there is despair let me sow hope; where there is darkness, light and where there is sadness, joy….for it is in giving that we receive…
Now a motel, a long hot shower, a safari and visiting the Victoran Falls. Wow! We miss you and can’t wait to hear about your many journeys.
Love,
Mom and Bobby