Every morning around 6am, I receive an unintended wakeup call in our cozy, yellow room. No, this wakeup call is not the rooster that crows every 30 seconds; Rather, it is the relentless honking that I hear on the distant, sandy roads of Zambezi. For the first few days here, I found myself asking the famous question that I verbalize at least 20 times each day about life here in Zambezi: “What does that mean?” Like most things in this exquisitely thought-provoking place, it didn’t make sense. It was after much speculation that I found out that the noise I was hearing was the bus system. As buses arrive at their stops, they honk like there is no tomorrow. They do this to warn people who need a ride that they are there. This way, they can account for the people who may be running late, or who don’t own a clock to tell the time. They announce their presence in a way that allows them to be noticed. In a sense, the way the buses announce their presence somewhat reminds me of the profound announcement of our presence in every place we go here.
“Chindele! Chindele!” shout the little kids sprinting out of their home after Emily, Katie, and me as we trudge our sandals through the thick sand to the market. This phrase roughly translates as “white person,” and it is not an unfamiliar sound to our ears. It is nearly impossible to walk anywhere without being made aware of our differences in this community. It makes the idea of accompaniment very difficult when your presence is a profound contrast to the lifestyle and atmosphere that exists here. The moment I stepped off the bush plane onto the airstrip in Zambezi for the first time, numerous little hands immediately swamped me- touching my blue veins and stroking my fingernails. Faces of confusion and awe accompanied these hands. I remember being at my homestay with five of the most curious young girls who yanked my hair into tight braids and asked, “Chindele! Where did you get this blonde wig?” It has been moments like these that have allowed me to recognize that my presence here is unusual and that my position in this place allows my head to be constantly packed with questions like the relentless sounds of the buses.
Perhaps the most prominent observation I have made since coming here is that you sometimes have to make a fool out of yourself in order to create genuine meaning of situations and mutual understanding with others. After this trip, we will be receiving the title of “Professional Fools” because we have successfully made ourselves look like confused tourists who are walking around without a map in almost every location we enter for the first time. Although this has proven to be very humorous in many situations as we struggle with the language and trying to follow the talented dance moves of Zambians, the concept of being a confused tourist has been one of my hardest struggles.
During this trip our Health team has been thoroughly exposed to health practice in a country with few resources. Today, our ZamFam had the opportunity to spend the day in Chitokoloki to teach lessons and get a tour of the hospital. The hospital here is the best hospital in the region because of its resources and healthcare providers. As our Health team received our own tour, the doctor walked us into many wards, without the same privacy considerations we have come to value so much in the States. It was interesting to see how the concept of privacy for patients contrasted with our expectations for healthcare. During the tour, I became overwhelmed when I realized how easy it is for me to gain access to a doctor or healthcare whenever it is needed, whereas here in Zambia, individuals go through great sacrifice to encounter aid. Although it was tough to encounter some of the patients and the healthcare differences in relation to what I am used to back home, it was a great learning experience to figure out how to accept the differences in healthcare practice and acknowledge the way this nation uses its resources in creative ways to care for those in need. This opportunity left me with more questions than answers, and helped me to recognize that although some things are not easy to witness, it is important to acknowledge the differences between our cultures and find value in the way healthcare is provided in other parts of the world.
Although I am battling with the tough question of my role here and the struggle to see such simple fixes to complex problems, I have also found great passion for the Zambian people. One aspect that I have fallen in love with here is how it is hard to find a Zambian who is stressed out by the concept of time. We Gonzaga students come from a place where we are constantly burdened by time constraints and stressed by the lack of time we have to complete every commitment we have each day. However, here in Zambezi, my eyes have been opened to the concept of patience and slowing things down. It is in the three and half hour long church services, the students that arrive 45 minutes late to Health class, and the slow and graceful way women walk down the tarmac road in the blistering sun with baskets on their heads that I realized the beauty of slowing down. Zambians have this incredible way of contemplating questions we ask for longer than expected, for speaking in slow and soothing demeanors, and for looking everyone they meet in the eye. Time is not a constraint that keeps them from having genuine and intentional reactions with the individuals around them. I noticed this when I was sharing a Coke with my friend Mumba the tailor, who failed to lose eye contact as he spoke to me about the challenges of education in Zambezi, the rewarding struggle of providing for a family of 10, working in the market, and sharing his love for Jesus as a pastor. I noticed this in the Head Nurse at the Zambezi hospital, James, as he calmly injected 100 babies with vaccines, while simultaneously teaching our Health team about healthcare in a developing nation and helping to ignite a passion for medicine within us. I noticed this in Mama Violet’s warm embrace as she tended to me after a clumsy and hard fall at a metal playground. The list goes on and on, but the point I am trying to make is that as Americans, we come from a place where we constantly think the world expects so much of us. Personally, coming here was a big adjustment for me because I often struggle with overextending my time to ensure that I am constantly doing my best not to fail. However, my time in Zambia has helped me to realize the importance of stopping, looking up, and observing the way God made the world and how it has so many raw and important lessons to teach me.
This intentionality is reinforced by the interactions that we have with this community on a daily basis. It is illuminated by the eagerness Zambians have to learn. On my third day here, a friendly man stopped me on the road and said, “Hello! Last year, I took First Aid in the Health class, and I was wondering if this year you were offering a Second Aid class?” At first this seemed silly, but as time went on I recognized that it was just the first exposure to the contagious enthusiasm Zambians place towards learning. My time here has taught me that the power of education is stronger than any other force you can bestow on others. Every morning at 9am when I look into the eyes of the individuals in my Health class as I teach about water safety, pregnancy, and high blood pressure, I see a sparkle that I have never witnessed before. These people want to learn anything that they can get their hands on so they can actively start making their community and their world a better place.
Through making a fool of myself here in Zambia, I have come to realize that humanity is universal. Although on the outside, we may appear different, and our cultural practices may contrast, at our core we are all longing for the same thing: To be loved. The other day, my friend Sylvester/Paul (he won’t tell us which is his actual name) stopped me in the market to say, “Zambia may not have a lot of material goods, but the people make it so rich!” I don’t think there is a better quote to sum up this place. Amidst all of the confusion and battling with questions as to why things are the way they are here, I can be sure of this: the people here illuminate a welcoming and compassionate beauty that I have never before witnessed. One of my favorite quotes by Karl Barth states, “Each fellow-man is a whole world and the request which he makes of me is not merely that I should know this or that about him, but the man himself, and therefore this whole world.” Zambia has taught me to not undermine any human because each individual has infinite worth and represents an entire world to be discovered. However, sometimes that discovery isn’t easy, and you must loudly pronounce your presence like a loud and foolish horn in order to vulnerably step into their beautiful world.
Tunasakwilila mwane (thank you) Zambia, for showing me how to open my mind and heart to the beauty of slowing down and recognizing the inherent worth in the eyes and hearts around me.
Sincerely,
Molly Bosch
Ps- Hello Bosch fam! Don’t worry; contrary to the last 320 days of this year, I have been surprisingly healthy! Missing you all, sending hugs and love your way!
Pps- Hannah, Chiwala is still alive and thriving. He wants me to tell you that he is so proud of your accomplishments, and that he misses you immensely. He also wants me to tell you that he wants my family to adopt him even though your family already adopted him, so we can make one big family. (We’ll talk about logistics when I return?) Love you, and I thank you everyday for encouraging me to come to this place.
I was so excited to read your blog, Molls, and it was beautiful and genuine, just like you! Glad you have been healthy and I cannot wait to hear all your stories!!! All is good on the “Couv” front! Sadie says hello and the goldfish continue to thrive!!! We miss you and can’t wait to have your smiley face in this house again! I think Breda is getting bored with just hanging with the parents and needs her sis home for your regular local adventures!!! Love you more, and keep making a difference and enjoy every minute!!!! P.S. – you will be happy to know that we have mostly been eating healthy meals :)!!!
Molly, what an experience! I can see the impact Zambia and their people have made on you, and I can only imagine the impact you have made on them. Thank you for sharing. If you ever decide that nursing isn’t for you, court reporting should be on your list. Great English grammar and punctuation!!
Love you tons!!
Hot pockets!!!
Ugh.
Molly you are incredible! All of the experiences and emotions you expressed in your blog are so important, but I think the most important piece of this that I got to hear is your realization on time and the need to slow down. The amount of things you take on in your life is too much, as you know, but it’s your heart that can never say no. I appreciate that quality so much, but it also gives me relief and pride to see how the Zambians have impacted you in this way.
I am already inspired by you taking on this adventure and I can’t wait until you get back so I can see you light up as you tell me these stories! Also SHOCKED that you haven’t been sick yet (but thankful, obviously). Keep up the amazing work, I can only imagine the impact you’re making in that community!
Ps please come back. Sadie’s a good listener but she doesn’t tell jokes like you do.
Lastly, much love to all the ZamFam homies. Katie, Matt, Zac, Hayley, Justin, Emily – love and miss you people! It has been incredible reading all of your stories!
Molly – yes yes yes yes. So excited that your name was at the end of this post. Whenever I see you on campus I’m so amazed how you are genuine with yourself. You don’t seem to be afraid of being yourself, whether it be genuinely listening to a conversation or being silly, and I think it’s great that Zambia has challenged you to get out of your comfort zone and form a home that does allow you to be yourself and make a fool of yourself. Your leaving such beautiful handprint on the hearts of your students and the children you play with , you all are.
Justin – your reflection was so so beautiful. Again, I awkwardly cried in my room with people watching me and listening as I read it out loud. It’s so cool how you can find so much meaning out of your experiences with the children and in your classes. Thank you for the honesty and care in your post.
KP- stumbled across a savanna dry at the portabello road market today and felt tons of joy in every sip. Thinking of you and hope all is well. (I also came to London with 4 books and have purchased 3 more, 1 of which I already own, but everyone needs the British version of Harry Potter. Also, it’s been suggested that I stop buying books, so naturally I plan on getting more & I’ve been on the lookout for a nifty lil Jane eyre)
Handy – went to Harry Potter world and died a little inside. You were right. It was magical. Literally, seriously, omg cannot wait to see you and talk to you about Zambia.
sending love to you all – Venezia
Molly. It is so heartwarming to live the excitement you are experiencing. True dedication as you learn and live another way of life. We learn quickly how good we have it only to find the conditions in other countries are at times troubling. Again we find that these folks make pleasantries with what they have. Bless you for your will to help others. God is great. Your spirit will live forever in all those folks you meet . Keep the flame moving all the way from Vancouver to Zambia. G’Pa Bosch.
Well well Miss Molly Patricia. I read this three times and it got better with each read. There is such a beauty to the way you are analyzing this experience that surely must be impossible to put completely into words. Your reactions to everything around you are so honest and genuine, and I have no doubt that the connections you are making will stick with you forever. I loved the part that you talked about time as a restraint and thinking the world expects so much from us. You inspire me so so so much with how you continue to see the best in every person you ever meet, and I can’t wait to deconstruct this experience with you over Burgerville milkshakes when you get home.
Keep doing cool things and making a fool of yourself. Much love sista,
Ashamatash
P.S. Last week I found original footage from your 2nd grade talent show performance. Hope you and all the rest of the Zam Fam have a perfect day 😉
Hey Molls, sole sister! Looks like kids are taking to you. What a shock..lol. look for Culberto Peter Valenzuela..he is a friend in your area. Love yoy!
MOLLY!
This blog brought me right back to my time in Zambia. It gave me chills on this 85 degree day. So excited to hear about the ways this beautiful country and people have challenged and embraced you. Keep letting the slow work of God do it’s thing. You have so much of God’s joy to share with the world and I feel blessed to have been a recipient of that.
JEFF DODD So happy you’re back in Zambia and wishing my best!!
PS Hi Matt, proud of you. Can’t wait to hear about your experience.
Molls!!!!
I have been refreshing this page all day waiting for your blog to post and it exceeded all of the excitement that had been building!! Your sincere and genuine reflection was so incredible to read and brought tears to my eyes!! It is amazing how much you have come to observe, question, and understand since you got there. Your ability to engage with those around you in order to understand the world better is one of my favorite things about you and seems to have led you to some beautiful relationships and life lessons. It is wonderful to here about how much Zambia is impacting you and how much you are impacting Zambia through all of your relationships, health classes, and more. What beautiful lessons on time and worth, I hope to Focus on those things in the days to come. The photo of you warmed my heart, you look like you are in your element with the kids – I hope they show you some new dance moves! So glad that you are staying healthy, maybe Zambia is actually the cure to all of your crazy illnesses?
You are in my prayers every day and I love you so so much!!!! Can’t wait for you to get back and to hear about the rest of your journey!
So much and love and so many blessings my dear!
Claireby
Your posts continue to impress me! The journey is only half full and I can’t wait for what comes next! Take care everyone!
Beautiful pictures! We anxiously await every new blog post to stay connected and to keep learning from each of you!
Be well, Zag’s! Blessings, the Rapp family
Molly, I was so excited to read your blog. As I have said before to others in your Zag Fam, your insight is impeccable. Thank you for sharing your whole heart. I look forward to meeting you soon. May God bless you as you continue this special journey.
Much love to you and everyone in your Zag Fam! Hayley’s mom
Molly!
I was excited to see your post today and so very impressed with your reflection. I loved your thoughts on time and how the people you’ve encountered have helped you learn to slow down and be present with those around you. You do this so well Molly. Whether you know it or not, you have a way of making the people you interact with feel like a million bucks. You show up. You ask thoughtful questions. You listen. Your presence is powerful and it’s very cool to hear that this is something you’re realizing and reflecting on.
The photo of you makes me so happy to see you in your element being goofy with those kiddos. I really admire the way you embrace the awkward and uncomfortable with such grace and humility. You may make a fool of yourself every now and again, but you don’t take yourself too seriously, and I think that’s so important.
Sophie and Justin – I wanted to say that I really appreciated both of your reflections. You two are so thoughtful and articulate. While you may not be the most outspoken or extroverted, your quiet and reflective way of processing is very valuable, and so needed in your team and community.
Sending lots of love your way,
Makayla
Molly Bosch! I was so excited to read your beautiful article. You are such a powerful light so full of joy and understanding. This is obvious in the gorgeous picture at the bottom of the page of you surrounded by smiling children. (I know they are smiling due to yours being so contagious. ) Love and miss you.
-Katie Hammond
P.S. I was fist pumping when I read you are healthy with no blisters on your nose.
To all my amazing and adventurous friends…. You are all such amazing role models to everyone back home. You are all constantly in my prayers and thoughts.
Emily- Im your prayer partner for CLC this week. So youre in my prayers double.
Elly- Today your mother started a group chat with ligia and I. It was a pretty exciting moment, but it goes to show you how much youre loved.
Dakota- Happy belated birthday!!!
Molly, greetings from Sasquatch music festival! I love hearing your thoughts and am so grateful to know that Chiwala is still thriving, at the ripe age of what, 83 now? I see you and Chiwala being the best of friends. I love who you are and what you’re learning, Molly. Keep learning and thriving, team- you amaze me!
Molly,
Such a lovely and insightful story you tell… And the photo of you with the children is so YOU! That is the engaging face I met in CM in August of 2014 – and at GUSR basketball in February of 2015. Glad to see that you share YOU wherever you go!
Speaking on behalf of all those back at home reading this blog, we are incredibly blessed to have this link to Zambezi. I am CERTAIN you are all on the short list for a Pulitzer Prize in Literature. Seriously – the visuals you are all painting for us and the introspection with which you share is incredible. We see the yellow walls… We hear the buzz of the lights… We feel the children’s hands in ours… We giggle about the potential of a class in “Second Aid!”
I told my best friend this week that I feel like I’m on a restricted diet. I know it is GOOD for me – but I don’t want to be on it anymore. I miss you, Elly! We back at home are LOVING learning right along with you, but in this digital age, a several-week “no bars” status on our one-on-one connection is – well – just LONG. So yes, I DID start a group chat with Katie, Ligia, and Morgan to inform them that no 20-somethings has texted me, called me, or asked me for money or advice for almost 3 weeks… You have GOOD friends, all three dutifully updated me on their lives. Morgan had just returned from a fun weekend in Spokane. Ligia is leaving for TN next weekend. And of course, Katie said she could use some cash!
ZamZags, we love you, we miss you, and we are praying for you. I thank God every day for the work you are all doing – within Zambezi, within yourselves, and within the lives of each other. SOAK UP every single moment, as it will likely be pizza, pavement, SUV’s and business as usual when you return.
Love you the mostest, Elly Belly!
xoxoxoxo,
Mom
Zam-Fam 2016,
I was slightly behind on blog posts, but this morning I finally caught up. You all are teaching me so much as I relive Zambia through your perspectives. Also, I’m so happy everyone tried caterpillars! Even if you didn’t like them, it is still fun to see people’s reaction when you mention it!
Sophie – I’m so glad you are starting to find your voice. You always have much to contribute through language but also through your smile and love. Your post was absolutely beautiful and inspiring. It makes me so happy you are building deep relationships. Can’t wait to hear more about your trip!
Molly- I was so excited when your name popped up on the blog screen. It sounds like you are doing well in Zambia, and I’m so proud of you! I was always amazed by the Zambians’ perspective of time- it definitely makes you think how absorbed our American culture is time and how our schedules dominate our lives. I can’t wait to hear more about your experiences! (P.S. Breda posted a picture of our ZVC team last night; it made me wonder how you were doing. Needless to say, this blog post came at the most opportune moment! ☺ )
Jeff and Jennifer – I hope Zambia is treating you well. I miss hearing your insightful thoughts and being challenged by your questions.
Abbey – I hope Zambia is becoming home for you. It sounds like you all are having an amazing time. I loved talking to you about education last semester, and I would love to do it again, especially about your experiences in Zambia and Chileña Primary School.
Much love,
-Jo
Molly,
These are some valuable life lessons and incredible experiences you are learning. You have a unique way of forming lasting friendships that are founded in both laughter and deep connection. That is something I’ve always admired about you. This is a quality, among many others, that will make you an incredible nurse. You have a continual drive to make a difference and a passion for love. You are inspiring to the people of Zambia, to the Zags, and to me, just by being you. I am blessed by your friendship!
With love always,
Maddie Schmitz
Molly & Moira- P.S. Don’t forget to think of your 3 things! I know I am(:
Handy- We moved into our house! Thinking about you every day as I walk by your sad empty room… But can’t wait to play “My Heart Will Go On” on my recorder to welcome you back to America. You’re welcome in advance!!!
Bolly Mosch,
Wow I miss you so much.
This post was raw and real. When you wrote about humanity being universal, it really struck me. That’s so important. We are all human, we all want to be loved, and we all need each other. Thank you for reminding us all how important that is through your writing. I am glad to hear that you and the rest of the group are having such an incredible experience. That picture of you with the children makes me smile and I know that you are sharing your wonderful spirit with them. I hope you’re telling them some good jokes and breaking out those dance moves!
I have always been amazed by your resiliency and your strength, even in your hardest and most stressful times. I’m glad to hear that you are using laughter and foolishness to get you through those challenges, I’m pretty sure that’s how we got through this past year. I will never forget the day you lost your lab notebook and your key card and everything seemed to be going wrong, but we sat there and got through it and laughed about it after everything was found. You’re one of a kind Molly B, your sparkle cannot be dimmed!! I’m so happy you are feeling healthy, learning lots and taking it all in. I can’t wait to hear about your stories when you get home.
To all the other Zam Fam, I am praying for you all every day. You are all incredible, and I am in awe of your courage and ability to push yourselves out of the comfort zone. You inspire me!
Dakota, Elly, Hayley, Handy, Sam, Justin, Moira, and Davis, your posts were beautiful. I miss you humans.
Much love,
Don hoolia