Hello loved ones!
Our last hours and days (however many have passed) included several adventures already. The first, and not the least of our achievements, includes all of us making it to Seattle. Emirates Airlines was delightful. There were foldout menus for individuals to order from, the attendants were nice and helpful, the flight was smooth, and the journey was long. Its fourteen hours were felt down to the minute.
We passed the time in the typical Gonzaga student’s way of making the best of what comes one’s way. Students watched films and programs according to their individual preferences, music was shared, calls were made to specific seats (amongst our party), and many nervous and excited conversations exchanged about what this journey means and what our hopes and dreams included.
It has been great to get to know our students, your loved ones. They are so eager to discover, so incredibly caring and supportive. They have said, as we faculty have, that they look forward to- whatever this is- together.
We landed in Dubai, and it was Davis’s birthday. Our group ensured his time was meaningful, and I think it’s a birthday he’ll never forget. Landing in Dubai, in a light-filled city in the middle of the desert is indescribable. We went to the hotel and checked in, then headed out for brief sight seeing. We went to the mall to see the fountain show (think of the Bellagio on steroids) at 10pm in front of the world’s tallest building, passing through the mall’s enormous aquarium stocked with incredible biodiversity. Our driver, Chamal, was from Bangladesh, and explained about his experience in Dubai. Foreigners make up 80% of the population, most are Indian. Afterwards, we left the mall area and drove further outside of town and dipped toes in the Arabian (Persian) Gulf. The water was warm and refreshing, and it felt so lovely to massage our feet in the rocky, sandy floor below the water.
We returned to the hotel and dined at a buffet, open till 12:30am! Most students filled up and then headed to bed, ready for their 5:30am wake up call and our 6:30am bus trip to the airport to board our flight to Lusaka, which would drop us off and continue off to Harare, Zimbabwe. It was much less crowded than our prior flight.
Upon arriving in Lusaka, we moved through customs smoothly, and earned a lot of stamps in our passports and visas. We were greeted by Father Dom and Guillermo from Flying Missions, the site we’d sleep at that night and whose pilots would fly us the nearly three hours to Zambezi the following morning. Father Dom got us to the mall, outside Lusaka and en route to Flying Missions guesthouse, so that we could exchange US dollars for Kwacha, purchase last minute supplies, and have a warm meal. Afterwards, we drove for about 45 minutes, on a mostly paved road, to Flying Missions. We divided into five different flight groups, three leaving at 6am then returning to Flying Missions to collect the two remaining afternoon flights. Students cleaned up and were ready for sleep, but not before standing in awe under the night sky and giving thanks to see natural lights illumined, having traded in mall glitz and décor for the stars and nature’s sounds.
At 6am, the flight I was on left the red, dirt runway aboard a six passenger plane. We donned ear protection and seatbelts. We passed over the Kafue River and Kafue National Park- some groups spotted hippo, elephants and impala below their lovely flight. Some pilots did tricks, and passenger stomachs dropped and dipped with nausea.
In our plane, Sam, flew as co-pilot, and Hayley officially conquered her fear of flying. My eyes welled up several times witnessing students become more than who or what they thought they were or could be. And we weren’t even in Zambezi yet.
When we landed, students and children and community members had banners welcoming Gonzaga University to Zambezi with songs and dances and games and thousands of iterations of handholding. Each flight’s passengers greeted the next flight that landed, until we all finally made it to Zambezi, settled in the convent and began to write and reflect and prepare for dinner. Some slept. We are here- home for the next three weeks. Our students are safe and wide-eyed and relying on one another in a way that would warm your heart. Sweet dreams.
Abbey Martin
Instructor and Supervisor, Gonzaga University
So happy everyone made it safely! I can’t wait to read more! Love you KB!
Hugs & kisses, Mom and Fam
my family.
you made it! You are in Zambezi. oh my goodness.
I cannot tell you the relief that washed over me when I FINALLY saw there was a blog posted. I read it on my phone as I ran to the car(thanks KP) and rushed home for my laptop so I could read it again and respond. I have been anxiously refreshing this site since what feels like the moment I thought you were landed in Dubai. So thank you, Abbey, for kindly calming my worried heart with such beautiful descriptions of your adventure so far and the ways in which you are holding one another. Hailey, my heart swelled hearing that you made it through the flights-so proud of you lady.(curious as to how Jeff did?) Davis, happy late birthday brother, sending you an extra big and perfectly long hug.
My friends, as you stood in awe of the beauty that is a night sky untouched by city lights, I sat on the back ledge of the courtyard at Bozarth taking in the beauty of the trees and sky also untouched by city lights. I’ve sat there for many hours over the past couple days thinking of where on this journey you are and I talked with God about each and every single one of you. Know that I am holding you in my heart and in my thoughts and in my prayers. Practically constantly. And know that in so many ways I am with you and you are with me. And that is such a beautiful thing and I am so thankful for your love that reaches halfway across the world, I hope mine is doing the same.
I love you all so so much. So incredibly excited that you are there.
Kisu Mwane,
Taylor
I have been checking this website more than I’d like to admit waiting for the first blog to be posted. I am so excited for each and every one of you to embark on this journey.
Jeff, I hope you survived all the planes without too much anxiety!
Is Father Dom with you still? If so, tell him Hi for me! Have a great first day in Zambezi, I’m looking forward to the next post!
Happy belated Birthday Davis!
This is such an amazing journey you are all going on, and I eagerly await each new blog post everyday. Just hearing firsthand from Katie, my lovely RA this year, about how amazing Zambezi is has made me intrigued in one day going on this journey myself. I can’t wait to hear about all your adventures!
P.S. Mercer, Giants won yesterday. Just wanted to let you know.
So incredibly happy to hear that you have all made it safe and sound to that wonderful convent living room! I sure do miss that place.
For those of you who I know well and others who I have not had the pleasure of meeting quite yet, I wanted to wish you peace and strength and courage as you begin your classes on Monday and as you continue to live and grow with each other . You all are doing BIG things, and I am so excited to hear how your journeys unfold. Sending so much love to you all! Take care of each other.
Kisu mwane,
Peter Sherman
I’ve been waiting for this blog the moment you all took off from Seattle! It makes me so happy that you are arrived safely in that beautiful community, which many of us hold so close to our hearts. I can’t wait to see what journeys unfold. I miss you all (both those I know well and those who I do not- as we are now one big Zag-Zambian family). Im looking forward to the rest of the blogs and know all our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Much love,
-Joanna (Jo)
Tyler!
I’ve been refreshing this blog way too much! So glad you have landed safe… The thought of that plane ride is enough to make me sick but I’m sure you handled it like a champ. I miss you so so much already but everyone in Zambezi is lucky to have you 🙂 I can’t wait to hear more about your adventures! Xo Jen
PS…. If anyone gives you a chicken I hope you name it Bert 🙂
As the others have said…I too have been obsessively refreshing the site. I screamed when I saw there was a post. (Similar to the scream in the elevator…..) I had the privilege of driving 4 of these wonderful Zags to Seattle on Tuesday. I have been singing since then…..It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you”, among many other lyrics. The nervousness was palpable in the car, but they are such strong women I have no worries. I am glad to hear all is well as you are all getting settled into your new home. I am so proud of you Kaite P! Also, girls, as I drove over the Columbia River….it was absolutely Gorgeous!!! Go set the world on fire! Love you Kaite Lou!! Be well all of you!
A few quick shout-outs…
Davis… I hope your birthday was awesome my man! I can’t believe you got to spend the night roaming Dubai (I’m almost positive it was in jorts, long socks, and chacos, I’m sure someone can confirm that for me). Can’t wait to hear all about your experience over on the other side of the globe.
Moira… I don’t think I got the chance to tell you how excited I am for you to experience Zambia before you left. I know you will have the time of your life in a culture that will teach you so many new and important things. It was weird walking to Dussault with Matt and not seeing you there. Know that we miss you and can’t wait to see you when you return!
Emily… I miss you. I kept telling myself this would be easy since we’ve already spent 4 months apart before, let alone 4 weeks. I was wrong, what else is new? I had a great conversation with your dad after you left. We commiserated together about your departure, but agreed that you’ll have a life-changing experience in Zambia. I can’t wait to hear more about your new daily routines and see more pictures of you and the group.
So happy to hear everyone made it safe and sound! I can’t imagine what the last 3 days have felt like, filled with sadness from leaving so many loved ones behind and more importantly eagerness to begin this incredible journey you all have waited so long for. I have no doubt that I speak for everyone here in the states, who await patiently for the next blog post, that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
I’m so excited that you have all made it safe and sound! It sounds like the trip so far has been filled with much excitement and I can’t wait to read more about the experience from all of you.
Sending love and luck to you all for a successful Monday of classes. Computer team – I look forward to hearing all about your classes and how your curriculum excites the Zambians.
KP- I hope the reunion was beautiful and full of song (I have no doubt that it was). I’m so proud of you and know that you will grace both the Zambians and Gonzaga team with your love and wisdom over the next few weeks. Can’t wait to hear all about it
Much love,
Venezia Hyland
Hi Sam from the Merritt Sam Fans in Arizona. Enjoyed reading about your travels. Are you the Sam that served as CoPilot? So cool! We love you and keep you in mind. See you 6/10!
Enjoying the Blog Sam! You rock! Uncle Scott
I thought I was the only one refreshing my blog like a crazy person- glad to know I am in good company!
Thank you Abbey for painting such a detailed and colorful picture of the first leg of your journey. What an amazing adventure you have all embarked on. No doubt it will be life-changing for all of you, with the many blessings unfolding for years to come.
This time will go so quickly for you- embrace it!
Lookimg forward to more posts!
Christina and Pat Kenkel
p.s. Can someone please deliver a hug from Kentucky to Katie Kenkel? Thank you! ☺️
Hey family! SO excited you all made it safely. I was so eager to hear about everything I read the post s quickly as I could. Abbey you make my heart melt. You are all in my thoughts everyday, and I’m so proud of you all for making it to the beginning of such an adventurous life chapter. Love you all and looking forward to the future posts.
Hugs,
G
Hayley! We are so excited for you!! What a blessed opportunity you have in front of you. Looking forward to reading more about your adventure! We love you!
Emily I hope you are having fun and your stomach is cooperating. No news here except we miss you so much!
Tyler, we were so happy to hear your group is safely in Zambezi. What an adventure you have in front of you and we look forward to the daily blog posts to get a peak into your experience. Love, Mom and Dad
Katie, you made it!!! Loved the pic you were able to post on Facebook! Stay safe and keep having fun 🙂 Much love—Annette
Matthew, whew you made it. Loved reading about your adventure so far. Love you!
The Blazers lost
G ma❤️
Matthew, so happy to hear you all have arrived!! My heart was racing with excitement when I saw the first blog post and look forward to reading many more! What an exciting adventure you are embarking on. Stay safe and have fun. I love you, Mom xoxo
Zac,
We are so thankful you all made it safely. We all loved reading the first post and enjoyed the beautiful description of the first part of your trip. I can’t imagine what you must feel. We are so excited for you, sending our love. Love Mom, Dad, Tori, Nana, and Papa
As usual I’m late to the party. Greatly relieved to see that I wasn’t the only obsessive blog refresher! I’m so happy to hear everyone made it safely. What a great start to this amazing journey and adventure. To all of you, I’m praying for you. To Ebby, I miss you babe. Enjoy every moment. Love you.
So glad to hear you all made it safely! Moira – All are here visiting, including baby Barrett, and were so happy to read the blog. Will give your nephew a big kiss for you! Love mom
Abbey, thank you for your beautifully written post! Meg shared with us that the group is full of wonderful and amazing individuals, we are thrilled you all have arrived safely, and that the journey is underway! We look forward to future posts that let us know how you spend your days, the type of meals you eat, the people you meet, the challenges and the blessings you encounter. Be well Zag’s! We love you Meg!
Glad to hear you are safe! Hope to see another post again soon. Love you, kid!
I’m so so so happy for all of you and hope you’re all settling in to your new found home at the convent. Also, I hope you’re going to the market and buying ginger beer and eet-sum-mors. When I arrived in Lusaka 4 days ago, the first thing I did was buy a TingLing. If you haven’t tried one yet, go to the market this afternoon and make Jeff buy you one. (Sorry Jeff)
I’m tearing up as I’m reading the blog and writing these comments in the education center at Chimfunshi. I can’t wait for our groups to unite in Livingstone and discuss our different experiences. In classic CLP fashion, lean in and say yes! Then work together to make meaning of all of it. I can’t wait to hear more about it, listen to your stories, and process it together in Livingstone.
Love you all and Kisu Mwane,
Joel Hanson
We are so happy that you are all there safely–how wonderful to read the blog post and eagerly await the next one! Davis, you underestimated your grades–they were terrific! Nothing under a B. Way to go–also, Meridian lost 2-3, so headed to Castle Rock next weekend (remember that trip!?) Dawson played a great game–you’d have been proud. One of the top 16 teams in the state. Dad threw a small surprise party for my 50th last night and your presence was missed, but I know that you are blessing everyone you are with and that gives me joy! Praying you weren’t wearing jorts, socks, and chacos on your evening Dubai romp! Prayers continuing for all of you–Mom, Dad, Jackson, and Dawson!
Thank you, Abbey, for the detailed and delightful post. I can’t wait to read more. Am so excited for the entire Gonzaga Zambezi team – and especially my daughter, Elly. If you read this before her, would so appreciate you letting her know her Dad and the entire family are thinking of her. Such an adventure!
Best and kindest wishes to all,
Blair Zykan
Meg-
So great to hear all is going well. We will continue to think of you and send prayers your way. Enjoy each and every moment. Learn lots. Give thanks. Be safe.
Love from all us Buhlers!