Tuna Sakwilla Mwane, Zambezi

1. I asked Mama Josephine today how to say ‘I love you’ in luvale. She has been teaching us luvale a couple times each week. She replied in saying “ngwakuzangn”. I had to say it numerous times to get the pronunciation correct – seeing it spelled out is daunting. In this however, the word sounds (to me) just as it does in saying Gonzaga. I don’t think that’s much of a coincidence.

2. One night we went to a Mikishi ceremony. I observed from the back at first like I usually do when uncomfortable, and made my way up to the dance floor towards the end of the event. The Mikishi called me into the center of the circle to dance with them. I did, following their moves as if that was the correct thing to do. Mama Violet and Mama Josephine soon came into the center, cheering loudly and clapping around me. Walking back to the convent arm-in-arm with Mama Violet, I asked what it meant when she and Mama Josephine had come into the circle with me. She replied joyfully, “Ah, it is to bring emphasis to you”. I felt warm and speechless.

3. I have some friends in the market that plat (braid) people’s hair. One day I said hello and showed interest in how they inserted and platted synthetic hair into their client’s natural hair. From then, I have felt as though I was a part of their business as well. With help and guidance, I have platted parts of 3 client’s heads, and even have a braid myself. The other day, one of the platters, ChiChi, told me she wants me to plat her whole head (I didn’t). My braiding friends shared their talent and many laughs with me each day as I would stop by to visit and contribute. This shared happiness is something I will forever cherish.

4. It has been an honor to teach the Leadership & Business class. Today we had our graduation. Each of the students were so overjoyed and proud of themselves in completing the course. In the afternoon, one of the students, Burton, had stopped everyone to read a very kind letter to Chase, Taylor, Grace and I. The letter thanked us for our work, and showed great appreciation for the class’s growth and confidence in making a difference through leadership and business. Once he had finished presenting the speech, the entire class cheered so loudly. Maureen, another student, looked to me, as she cheered as any Zambian woman would. She was waiting for me to join her in the celebration too – so, I too, yelled with pride and love in what the class had brought to us all. Additionally, I took a photo with Burton and he picked me up. He picked Grace up for a photo as well. I’ll have to show you the photo sometime when I know how to upload it.

5. At lunch today I sat next to Fr. Dom. As I would pass him food after serving myself, he would look to me saying, “I shall give as I have received”. He would take his part, and pass to Val to his right. This happened many times, as there were a lot of bowls of assorted food today for lunch. I was mean to hear this as much as I did for a reason. As my time in Zambezi has come to an end, I am to recognize all that I have received from this new home, and prepare to give it to more people back home in the states soon. I too, shall give as I have received.

6. Last night we had the Accompaniment Dinner. Each of us invited one guest to which has left a mark and light on our time here in Zambezi. Beautiful faces and chitengi were everywhere. I had an awesome time. As Jessie sang her song to all of us, the guests and chindeles alike joined in with her. As Jessie had sung this song to Gonzaga, it is time for Gonzaga to sing it to Zambezi.

“Time has come to say goodbye, time to say goodbye,

We hope to meet and rejoice again, hope to rejoice again.

We appreciate your love and care, we appreciate your love and care,

We hope to meet and rejoice again, hope to rejoice again.

Sad to say goodbye, sad to say goodbye.

We hope to meet and rejoice again, hope to rejoice again.

Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye”

Ngwakuzangn, ufuku mwane,

Kelen Ahearn

P.S. The happiest of birthdays to our very own Jimmy! We had a great time celebrating him and his time here in Zambezi today.

P.P.S. Last week I counted 21 bug bites on my body. I have for sure gotten more since. Thank you to the bugs that bite in Zambezi too, as you have loved me, I have loved you too