We’ve only been in Zambezi a little over a week now and it has already been filled with many new adventures, challenges, and insights. I would be lying if I said I haven’t had moments of homesickness, but shortly following every one of these moments I am somehow reminded of how grateful I am to be here.
Prior to this trip, my cultural immersion So … I’ve had some adjusting to do, and I’ve made a few social blunders along the way. For your comedic benefit:
Incident 1: Dinner
I was the first of the group to be Mama Kawatu’s helper in the kitchen. When she asked me what we should make for dinner, I replied pretty ordinarily “chicken and rice.” I soon learned that this implies a stroll to the market to pick out some living poultry for dinner. Upon our return to the convent, mama presented me the dull butcher knife in one hand, the squirming chicken in the other, and gave me the go ahead. Needless to say, she had WAY more confidence in my butchering abilities than she should have. I’ll spare you the graphic details, but I struggled to finish the job as the chicken bled and seized in my hand. I had to call mama in for reinforcement on that one.
Incident 2: Church
Sunday was our first church service in Zambezi. Somewhere in the middle of the mass everyone stood and began to line up at the altar. Unaccustomed to their traditions, I assumed it was time for communion. But this line was for offering, and I was up there with no money. Too late to bail, I ever-so-smoothly pretended to slip some cash through the offering slot. I thought I was pretty sly, until later when the entire Zamfam mocked me for my obvious blunder.
Incident 3: Home Stays
Come breakfast time at the Simonga’s home, I poured myself a glass of juice, thinking this was a safe bet as far as Zambian food goes. I bet wrong. I took my first gulp and my heart nearly stopped. The family eventually taught us that the correct proportions of this drink are one tablespoon of juice, to one GLASS of water. Naturally, I tried to pawn it off on Christine. She took one sip and handed it back. I was hoping she’d be willing to take one for the team. Forcing myself to choke down at least half of it, I feared I was falling closer into a diabetic coma with every sip.
That’s enough stories of me being a crazy chindele (or white person). Every ignorant, embarrassing moment I’ve had while adjusting here can be doubled by an insightful, or humbling moment I’ve encountered, so I’ll share just a few…
Insight 1: Misconceptions
Americans often have some preconceived ideas about third world countries, at least I did. We hear about the poverty and feel sympathetic, often accompanied by the thought of wanting to fix it. What that usually means is leading them towards our progressive, American lifestyle. Aiding them only to become more like us seems like a crime to me. Within the simple life Zambians lead, most are able to find great joy. It’s quite beautiful. Why would we want to mess with that? How many Americans can truly admit they live a life of joy?
Insight 2: Steadfast Faith
Bessie, one of Josh’s Zambian friends, visited for dinner the other night. One of the dinner topics discussed were the socio-economic classes of the Zambezi people. She described them as poor, poorer, and the poorest. Also touching on the severe HIV/AIDS problem, Bessie brought to our attention the prevalence of orphaned people here.
By American standards, we might expect these people to be depressed and discontent. This doesn’t seem to be the case. I attribute this joy to their unshakable faith in God. I am inspired by their trust in the Lord and the ever-present role it plays in their everyday lives. On the first day of leadership class, we began going over the syllabus and were shortly interrupted by a student wishing to pray prior to starting the material. Mr. Simonga prayed for Christine and me shortly after inviting us into his home. The only explanation I can think of for their overwhelming joy has to be their undeniable faith in a gracious and loving God.
Insight 3: Unmatched generosity
The first day we were here, I ran to the market to buy some eggs for mama. After getting half way there, I realized that I should have asked her the proper price for eggs prior to disembarking. As such an obvious target, I assumed I was about to get ripped off. I bought the eggs after being told they cost 30 kwatcha. Upon return to the convent, I learned from mama I was sold the proper price.
Why should I be surprised by this? Why don’t I give all people the benefit of the doubt that they are fair and generous? Why is it that my world back home has taught me to distrust people’s motives? Why are people so willing to do anything to get ahead? Why does American have such a fixation on money and wealth?
This same day at the market, a 20 kwacha bill unknowingly slipped out of my pocket. A woman chased me down to return my money. This simple example only solidifies the kindness I am trying to convey.
To wrap things up…I know I’ve only scratched the surface of my lessons from Zambia. I’m confident they will continue to be revealed to me even far after I leave. For now, I am amazed by this joyful, generous, and resilient group of people. I realize that I am so blessed to be in this beautiful place that is so full of love, culture, and room to grow. I am surrounded by a fabulous Zamily, to whom I am thankful I can share my experiences.
Love and miss you all at home!
Morgan Harry, Class of 2016
Morgan,
WOW. This was such a joy to read. Your “incidents” had me LOLing and your “insights” were so thoughtful and inspiring. Thank you so much for opening up your mind and your heart for all of us to read here at home.
Your insight about the unmatched generosity reminded me of a story I thought I’d share with all you chindeles sitting around that wonderful dining table. I think I’ve already mentioned this, but when I was there last summer I was in the literacy group and taught at Chilenga. One afternoon, my teaching partner Michael and I finished up our lesson, said our goodbyes and started our long walk home. Having already made it halfway back to the convent, I all of a sudden hear this panting “Madame! Madame!” coming from behind me. I turn around, and one of my students is chasing after me with my water bottle, which apparently I’d left in the classroom. For those of you who’ve made this walk, you know that halfway is by no means a quick trip. And for all of you there right now, you know that a water bottle would be the greatest, most appreciated gift for a young Zambian. The fact that this student found it in his heart to run after me and return my water bottle when he could have easily kept it for himself brought me to tears that day, and serves as just an another example of this community’s unmatched generosity.
I pray that you continue to discover these insights, and that you keep laughing at yourself throughout every incident. Thanks again Morgan, you are an outstanding writer.
Kisu Mwane,
Katie McCann
Wow. You too are a great writer, Morgan! Frankly, you all are! The chicken experience must have been surreal……you are quite the trooper 🙂 Theo and I (Conner’s Mom and Dad) were talking about how nice it would actually be to feel so free as the Zambians appear to feel. We all know folks around the globe have their struggles and I’m certain there are struggles with the everyday life in Zambezi…..I keep reflecting back on what Conner said last time he came back from Africa “the people of Zambezi just live in the moment. They don’t dwell in the past or look to the future.” We certainly can all learn by this- just making it a reality is the challenging part! Continue to be safe, ZAGS!! Love you loads, Conner!!
Good morning ? Zags/childless, I just wanted to write a few lines and thank all of you for the
Posts you have written so far, hard to believe your over halfway? Thru the zambezi experience. Looking forward to the reflections to come. As we (mom and I) prepare the home for chads graduation to come, (I would say mom chad and I) buy as a lot of you can remember, chad is in full end of the year graduation mode, he’s been a pretty busy boy. My point is, this recent post made me realize the fast paced world we live in over here. It’s now memorial day weekend and after reading this blog , I think of the thousands of people rushing out of town for three days to “relax”. Come Tuesday next week back to the daily grind and “another week”. W e take so many little things in life for granted in our country, glad to read about simple things in life being so appreciated. Not just by the zambezi but you all also. Enjoy your day live the moment.
Li
Luv you Conner.
HeLLLOOOOOOoOOOOoo and GOOOODDD MORNING Zags in Zambezi!
It’s 11:31pm here in San Francisco as I type this comment to all of you. Oh my goodness, I just spent the last who knows how long reading each and every last posts that I have not read… Beautiful, BEAUTIFUL words. (Hi Charlie, Christine, and my girl HELEN!)
My heart feels full after reading your posts and a gentle reminder that there is more to life than iPhone 5, checking Instagram, and moving quickly from point A to B. I appreciated the comment from the Zambian who said that American may be the most lonely people… Unfortunately, I agree. The American culture is an avoidant one (anyone a Psych major?? Attachment theory??) we’re so focused on being on the “in” looking at what others are up to or how we look (mirror mirror) that we forget about the beautiful connections we have with PEOPLE. I walked in my chacos today and I feel a sense of peace knowing that those shoes walked the dusty streets of Zambezi with me.
Morgan, your story about Mass is funny. Embrace it! At least now you know and you can laugh with the people about it. Christine and Morgan, I too homestayed at Alexander and the Simoonga family’s. Please extend my love to Domity, Mainga, and Mutinta for me! You guys, yes all of you, this is so so incredibly awesome. What you have written so far is heart-filling and please know that your words mean so much to all of us readers…
Just incase you were interested, Kim and Kanye are officially married and their wedding took place in Paris. Nothing too exciting 😉 (wink)
Connor- Thank you for carrying my letters!
Mark- What is your deepest desire?? Miss you, maybe your life is becoming parallel with the person you met at the breakfast? Keep me posted!
Shannon- Rocking the hair?? Miss you, you are an all-star.
Helen- My girllllllllll HELEN. We never had the cooking contest… Lame! Anyway, I miss you love you and play with the kiddos for me!
Christine- CHOA, love love love you!
Charlie- No master keys in Zambia. Time to be a RESIDENT! 🙂 whoo hooO!
Hannah- you too! No more calling in for dutyyyyyYyyYY!!
Ok, so much love to all of you. And Josh- without you, this trip would not be as amazing as it is… thank you from the bottom of my heart.
ex-oh-ex-oh-ex-oh. Don’t you worry, I will be back…. 🙂
Hikaru
Morgie I am so proud of you and not the least bit surprised by the few experiences you’ve shared and what you have learned! I miss you and love you lots my best friend!
Love, Kaylee