PROGRAMMING NOTE: We were having some internet issues that we believe have been resolved, so blog postings should be more reliable (except this weekend when we travel to Dipilata). Now, on to Helen’s blog (happy birthday!!)
We are getting into our rhythm here. Our stomachs are adjusting to new cuisine, our brains to the new form of alarm clock, our skin to the direct sun, and our hearts to temporary family here in Zambezi. I can second all of the wonderful things that my fellow Zags have blogged about the Zambian people and the uninhibited love they have thrust upon us since landing in Zambezi. I have no doubt that the world would be a different place if we all put as much heart into a single thing as the Zambian people put into everything.
Their mentality of care for other people has intensified an idea that struck me one morning when I realized that the only mirror I have seen since we got here is the handheld one we brought: the Zambian people don’t seem to take interest in surfaces, as we tend to do when we look into a mirror. From what I have seen they don’t value the fluff and ornament that we seem to privilege so highly. They focus their attention on essential human relationships.Our attention is the greatest thing that we can give to someone or something.
The students in our leadership class come each day eager to learn and participate fully in every activity. On the second day of class I couldn’t believe the effort that each student had put into the homework assignment. I immediately found myself questioning my abilities and wondering, “who am I to be assigning homework and ‘teaching’ these individuals who are twice my age and who have more wisdom and strength than I probably ever will?” I later came to realize that this contemplation can go one of two ways:
Who I am to be in this position?
or,
Who am I to not be in this position?
The former places all of the attention on myself: my lack of wisdom, my lack of experience, and my lack strength. It fails to recognize that the people in front of me are just as deserving of everything I have. The latter focuses my attention equally on the individuals in the class—whom I am here to serve—and myself—who my new friends are serving sorichly. The privilege I was born into has given me a responsibility to share the knowledge and education I have received for no other reason than because there are people in positions around the world deserving of and eager for this knowledge.
I had a Zambian tell me the other day that he believes Americans are the most lonely people in the world because in a country of 320 million people we feel connected if we have a cell phone and companionship if we own a pet—two things I will admit to giving a large amount of attention to.I give a good majority of the greatest thing I have to give, my attention, to an electronic device and a four-legged ball of energy and gas (Love you, Tate). I could easily expand this list to a hundred things that I give my attention to that when stripped away have little significance to me. This façade of contentment causes us to become complacent, and I find my attention again falls easily to the other comforts of life rather than the very people right in front of me.
Taking the time to step away from my normal has helped me realize that for every misconception we have of Zambia or of Africa in general, they have one of America. And for every thing missing here, there is something of equal value missing at home.
Cheers,
P.S. Mom and Dad, 21 awesome years later. . .thank you for everything. Miss and love you guys. Still under the same moon.Xoxo
Helen!!!
First things first, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Can’t wait to celebrate when you return 🙂
Your realization of the responsibility that comes with the privileged lives we lead is one that can be hard to learn and easy to forget. When you return home and the routine of everyday Zambian life is no longer in your face, our privilege no longer stands out and it is easy to return to our reliance on phones and 4-legged things. But remembering that you are blessed with the responsibility of privilege is what will give you purpose and direction as life goes on. Thanks for the beautiful reminder this morning of my own responsibility.
All my love,
Kate
P.S. Maybe you can teach the kids our song, “I like to eat tortassssss!”
Helen! First things first Happy 21sr birthday! Your post brought me right back to that leadership classroom – similar thoughts and questions ran through my head. Your reflection is very beautiful and very wise. This past Sunday I was in DC for my sisters graduation and the president of the university mentioned something very similar, that graduating from college or even going to college is very rare but with the knowledge we gain we are given the opportunity to share that with are brothers and sisters around the world that might not have the same opportunities. But what is most important is that while they may have a lot to learn from you, you have just as much if not more to learn from them. So do your thing girl! Build those relationships and keep on teaching and learning.
Josh: congratulations! I remember you telling me that this trip marks one year of your life in the Zambia (I hope I remember correctly) . I bet you’re reflecting like crazy on the relationships you’ve developed and the change that has occurred in Zambezi and I can’t wait to hear your wise words!
Conner: while you’ve been gone I’ve taken over the role of president. Better watch out because I’m having too much fun as the big man!
Shannon: when are you going to post!!!!!!!! I can’t wait to hear from you!
Han, Paxton, Lilly, Helen: keep that mind open about Zambia gold! Especially this weekend!
Susan: how excited are you for this weekend?! Miss you! And know you’re parting some great knowledge on everyone in Zambia!
Whaaa! Love you all! Love this blog! Keep it comin’!
Praying For You All,
Hayley
I echo Hayley’s comment to Shannon.
However, I will refrain from applying any pressure since I know she will post when she is ready.
Glad to see the blog back up!!
Be safe.
Donna Clark
Helen,
Happy Birthday! Although I don’t know you too well, being good friends with some of your housemates has given me a glimpse of what a wonderfully caring and thoughtful woman you are! That being said, I feel so blessed to be able to share Zambezi with you. Your post was so insightful and heart-warming. What a perfect metaphor to contrast our two lifestyles in America and in Zambezi! I remember being in Zambia last summer and becoming accustomed to life without cell phones, mirrors, make-up, or an expansive wardrobe (let alone hot showers or reliable electricity). It was the most refreshing, wholesome feeling and I told myself to continue appreciating that same simplicity once I returned home. Regretfully, this wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. But I am so happy and grateful to you all and your thoughtful posts so that I can once again adopt this mindset and become conscious of how privileged we truly are. I can tell you’ve really been using this experience to grow and learn and your observations are testimony to what a thoughtful gal you truly are! Continue to challenge yourself and like Kate already said, I too want to thank you for the reminder of our own responsibility here at home.
Giant hugs to Conner, Mark, Josh, Cecilia and Susan, and all my love to the entire Zamily!
Katie McCann
PS- Good luck in Dipilata…
Happy BIG 21st Birthday, Helen! Thank you for your reflection- very interesting perspective of Americans through the conversation you had. There is most likely truth in his statement! Glad you are soaking up the culture and learning new perspectives.
Conner- I have to say looking at your jeep parked in the drive way is just too strange as when you’re home, you’re always on the go……seeing it sit idle is kind of odd. In short, we miss you and love you a ton!! Mom, Dad and Chad.
Helen! Happy Birthday and thank you for the beautiful blog post 🙂 So glad I got to meet you in microbiology lab and can’t wait to swap zambia stories next year! Love you all and have a great day!
Helen,
Loved your insight on focusing our attention on those who we are with. Continue to enjoy your stories of the Zambian people. We miss you! Tate getting big.
Mom
Hey alien!
Just wanted to wish you a late HAPPY BIRTHDAY and thank you for sharing your insights with us. The comment about Americans being the most lonely people in the world really struck a chord with me; it forced me to ask if I’m spending the majority of my time in an authentically meaningful way, which is a hell of a question to stare in the face.
Thanks for the ever-relevant reminder mama. Keep livin, lovin, and learnin 🙂
Love on love,
Bbo
Conner, was thinking of you a lot on your 21st birthday and Mom said I hadn’t scrolled down far enough to leave you a comment. Love you and I am sure you have many wonderful stories to share with us when you return back home. God be with you! Love, Grandma