Wow. We have been in Zambezi for nearly one week, yet it feels like it’s been a month away from home. Throughout this time, I have been continuously struck by the kindness and trust that has been offered to me by others.
I think of Wendy, a local tailor and friend of Jeff’s. A few days ago, she graciously welcomed me, Emily, Kalie, Mackenzie, and Jeff into her small store where she sells chitenge. Inside, beautifully patterned cloths laid over the edge of the countertop while premade shirts and dressed hung from a rope attached to the ceiling. I was drawn to this beautiful, bright yellow fabric adorned with blue flowers. It was gorgeous, but I was worried it would be too bright or not look good on my complexion. In that moment, I decided to place my trust in the hands of the other women in my presence. I asked them to choose between the bright yellow chitenge and another more subtle blue one. In an immediate consensus, they agreed that the yellow one was perfect. Then, as if the universe decided to reciprocate this trust, Wendy responded with a yes when I asked her if I could hold her baby, Melania (pronounced meh-lah-KNEE-ah). She carefully untied the chitenge that held Melania on her back and placed the three-month-old in my arms. I was ecstatic and surprised that Wendy would let me hold her baby despite us meeting about ten minutes prior. She had placed her trust in my arms.
I also think about my time at the Zambezi District Hospital. The Health Outreach team, comprised of myself, Tyler, Emily, Mackenzie and Kalie, has engaged in volunteering at the hospital’s MCH (Mother and Child Health) clinic. Here, alongside our fellow Zag Caroline, we support the nursing and community health staff to provide care to expecting mothers, new mothers, and their children. Yesterday was the day for mothers who had given birth within the last two weeks and their neonates (babies). When we first arrived, I again placed my trust in the hands of the nursing staff. I hoped that they would have the time and the patience to teach us about the services being provided. In a way, this did actually happen. Eucharia, our friend, nurse at the hospital, and one of the most empowering women I have met, explained and taught us some of the services. With the exception of Mackenzie, we have no significant clinical experience, but Eucharia placed her trust in our hands. This choice was not only impactful for us as students, but for the mothers as well. She taught me and Tyler how to administer oral polio vaccines to crying babies that were less than fourteen days old. When she placed the dropper in my hand, my nerves faded away as her trust allowed me to trust myself. Conversely, the mothers watched Eucharia trust us, which helped assuage any concerns they might have had about two college students learning how to protect children from polio. In this instance, the trust of the mothers and Eucharia was placed in our hands.
Now, we have also had experiences of placing our trust in the hands of others. Kalie, with our wary trust in her hands, took it upon herself to create hand-drawn portraits of everyone in the group. While we were all nervous about her creative talents, it was wonderful to “see” ourselves in a place with no mirrors. Each day, we place our trust in the hands of our peers and the Mamas to cook our meals. We trust that they will shop and prepare nutritious meals that we can bond and laugh over each day. We place our trust in their hands. After buying our beautiful chitenge, we trust local tailors like Jessie, Mary, Brenda, a different Mary, and Ben’s sister (no one has managed to catch her actual name) to craft beautiful skirts, dresses, shirts, and bags. We trust the experiences of others and the skills of the tailors to make our fashion dreams come true.
The wonderful yet scary thing about trust is that it can be hard to extend to new people. We all know people who have betrayed or violated our trust in the past. It can be hard to move on. Yet, this trip and these wonderful people around me have helped me to realize the liberation in learning to let go. It can be stressful to not know where we are headed next or if I will like our next meal; but it is also incredible, freeing, and wonderous. I am excited each day for what the new day will hold. It is a blessing to be here, and I am grateful to our family, friends, neighbors, and others in our corner for placing your trust in our hands to create the meaningful, new relationships with Zags and Zambians alike.
With love and gratitude,
Jazmine Newson,
Gonzaga class of ‘23
Wow. We have been in Zambezi for nearly one week, yet it feels like it’s been a month away from home. Throughout this time, I have been continuously struck by the kindness and trust that has been offered to me by others.
I think of Wendy, a local tailor and friend of Jeff’s. A few days ago, she graciously welcomed me, Emily, Kalie, Mackenzie, and Jeff into her small store where she sells chitenge. Inside, beautifully patterned cloths laid over the edge of the countertop while premade shirts and dressed hung from a rope attached to the ceiling. I was drawn to this beautiful, bright yellow fabric adorned with blue flowers. It was gorgeous, but I was worried it would be too bright or not look good on my complexion. In that moment, I decided to place my trust in the hands of the other women in my presence. I asked them to choose between the bright yellow chitenge and another more subtle blue one. In an immediate consensus, they agreed that the yellow one was perfect. Then, as if the universe decided to reciprocate this trust, Wendy responded with a yes when I asked her if I could hold her baby, Melania (pronounced meh-lah-KNEE-ah). She carefully untied the chitenge that held Melania on her back and placed the three-month-old in my arms. I was ecstatic and surprised that Wendy would let me hold her baby despite us meeting about ten minutes prior. She had placed her trust in my arms.
I also think about my time at the Zambezi District Hospital. The Health Outreach team, comprised of myself, Tyler, Emily, Mackenzie and Kalie, has engaged in volunteering at the hospital’s MCH (Mother and Child Health) clinic. Here, alongside our fellow Zag Caroline, we support the nursing and community health staff to provide care to expecting mothers, new mothers, and their children. Yesterday was the day for mothers who had given birth within the last two weeks and their neonates (babies). When we first arrived, I again placed my trust in the hands of the nursing staff. I hoped that they would have the time and the patience to teach us about the services being provided. In a way, this did actually happen. Eucharia, our friend, nurse at the hospital, and one of the most empowering women I have met, explained and taught us some of the services. With the exception of Mackenzie, we have no significant clinical experience, but Eucharia placed her trust in our hands. This choice was not only impactful for us as students, but for the mothers as well. She taught me and Tyler how to administer oral polio vaccines to crying babies that were less than fourteen days old. When she placed the dropper in my hand, my nerves faded away as her trust allowed me to trust myself. Conversely, the mothers watched Eucharia trust us, which helped assuage any concerns they might have had about two college students learning how to protect children from polio. In this instance, the trust of the mothers and Eucharia was placed in our hands.
Now, we have also had experiences of placing our trust in the hands of others. Kalie, with our wary trust in her hands, took it upon herself to create hand-drawn portraits of everyone in the group. While we were all nervous about her creative talents, it was wonderful to “see” ourselves in a place with no mirrors. Each day, we place our trust in the hands of our peers and the Mamas to cook our meals. We trust that they will shop and prepare nutritious meals that we can bond and laugh over each day. We place our trust in their hands. After buying our beautiful chitenge, we trust local tailors like Jessie, Mary, Brenda, a different Mary, and Ben’s sister (no one has managed to catch her actual name) to craft beautiful skirts, dresses, shirts, and bags. We trust the experiences of others and the skills of the tailors to make our fashion dreams come true.
The wonderful yet scary thing about trust is that it can be hard to extend to new people. We all know people who have betrayed or violated our trust in the past. It can be hard to move on. Yet, this trip and these wonderful people around me have helped me to realize the liberation in learning to let go. It can be stressful to not know where we are headed next or if I will like our next meal; but it is also incredible, freeing, and wonderous. I am excited each day for what the new day will hold. It is a blessing to be here, and I am grateful to our family, friends, neighbors, and others in our corner for placing your trust in our hands to create the meaningful, new relationships with Zags and Zambians alike.
With love and gratitude,
Jazmine Newson,
Gonzaga class of ‘23
Wonderful and truly thoughtful reflection Jazzy!
I like how you acknowledged difficulties around trust, and how this experience that is still so new has already opened up your mind and heart in ways many don’t think are possible.
I cannot wait to see this cloth that you write about, I envision it beautifully in my mind, which means it must been 100x more beautiful in person. The talent in Zambia sounds otherworldly, and you’ve done a wonderful job conveying it in words.
It seems like you guys all have a task, or a job, and each person doing their own little part contributes to this whole huge picture of a family. Each little talent contributes to a huge and welcoming community.
We miss you more than you know, yet we are so incredibly happy that you haven been given the opportunity to open your mind to new experiences and learn and grow.
I love you jazzy, I cannot wait to hear more about this wonderful time you are having in Zambia. 🙂
Karina
also, love the family portraits.
Beautifully written my precious baby girl. Trust is hard but it can also lead us to wonderful relationships. Continue to stay open minded to learn from those that are eager to enlighten you. The lessons you’ll learned from this trip will stay with you forever and I’m so excited to hear you’re doing well. I can’t wait to hear about all about it.
I love and miss you but I’m just as excited that you’re in Zambezi! See you soon baby girl.
Love, mom
This sounds like truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I completely understand the feeling of letting go and going with the flow. Leaning into uncertainty and discomfort is hard, but such a unique experience can come from it. What an incredible experience it must be to be administering polio vaccines – it’s amazing to think about your role in continuing to keep polio eradicated in the world. Like Karina, I’m excited to see the yellow cloth and can’t wait to hear more about your experiences.
Love you loads, Jazzy, and sending a big hug!!
<3 Joni
P.S. Glad that your flight went alright, and you and the group made it there safely!
Love this Jazzy! So proud of you and thanks for taking us along with you during this amazing journey. Experiencing it through your eyes makes it more enriching! Continue to soak up all the richness of your African travels!
Love you to the moon and back!
Uncle B
Every day I look forward to reading your blogs: love keeping up on what you’re doing and seeing What a “once in a lifetime experience” for all of you! Kalie, we love you so much grmp&grm
I’m am so glad that you were able to embark on this journey through life and I know that they’ll be many more to come. Seeing the beautiful smile on your face as you were holding that baby brought me so much joy. Sometimes god puts us in difficult situations where we have trouble trusting but we have to know when to let him take the wheel, and you clearly know when that is. I’m so proud of the amazing women that you’ve come to be and I can’t wait to here about the journeys yet to come. Love – auntie Bri
Wow, that was amazing! If I close my eyes and listen to your words it as if I’m there with you all. This sounds like a wonderful place with wonderful loving, giving, and caring human beings. Life is about different experiences. I’m glad you and your outstanding schoolmates are soaking in these life changing revelations. Although you are dearly missed, I know you are where you were destined to be! We are so very proud of you. Please give the Zambian brothers and sisters our love and support. Love and miss you.
Dad
Amazing reflection Jazz! We’re all so proud that you get to experience this amazing opportunity. The babies are in great hands.
Love and miss you
Jazzy your beautifully written piece and description of amazing Zambia, the experiences you’re enjoying is nothing short of miraculous
I felt as if I were experiencing the joy along with you.Of course we all miss you very much
Lots of people desire to visit it Africa, including me.Through your experience it’s as if I’ve been there
Breathtakingly beautiful country
Grandma loves you very much
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us Jazmine. It’s a reminder that “…not all classrooms have four walls.” This trip will forever change you and how you see the world in all the best ways.
Love,
Becky
Mija Jazzy!
What beautiful words you offer that give life to your experiences for us, thank you! Your words about trust is very interesting, and though it can represent many things to many I loved how you tied it to liberation. I agree it is 100% liberating when we can trust and it is 100% honoring when someone can place their trust in us! Mija it is so cool that your honoring of others allows them to trust you! Enjoy to the max your time there in the mother land of your ancestors!
Bendiciones Gma Deb
So well written! I love being able to see Kalie’s incredible artistic abilities just spring to life in a new country. She probably will not boast about this hidden talent…but this is all done without one high school art class! Mama is so proud.
This was beautifully written. I’m really glad that you have the opportunity to write to us and share your experiences/memories. I am so excited to see you again in a couple of weeks and see the new items that you have bought. Everyone misses you (including the dogs). I love you dearly to infinity and beyond. Stay safe sister!
-Lucy
Thank you for sharing Jazz. I looked up “chitenge”, very cool, and I’m sure the colors you had to chose between were vibrant. I think it’s amazing that you’re fully immersed into the culture. Keep shining.
Yellow is the color of the Sun, it’s hope, encouragement . God’s healing your heart and issue with trust. Listen to your quiet spirit it will never miss leading. Sweetheart your more powerful that you realize. There is a special calling on your life, the world is waiting on your gift. Let your light shine brightly. You were born with your eyes open, my take is you’re ready for world. Shine your eyes and heart . Love always Nana don’t forget I keep you in my prayers
Jazzy,
Not many people have that gift of being able to make other people “trust” them; especially in such a short amount of time. You have that “special something” in you that’s hard to describe but makes other people feel trustworthy of you. You’re so kind-hearted I’m not surprised strangers are placing their confidence in you. I’m so happy to read about all the wonderful experiences the group is having. God bless you and may you and the group continue to be enlightened. Love, Lucia
Seeing you embark in this journey is truly inspiring . What your doing is so amazing, not only does it take a tremendous amount of courage to go across the world without family or phones to reach out but it takes heart and dedication. The acts that you and your fellow members are doing are amazing not only are you helping these people physically but mentally as well. Keep up the good work I am truly astonished at how wonderful and kindhearted you are have an amazing trip. Love – Bailee
Dear Jasmine
What an amazing, awesome life experience you and your peers are living!
It is fantastic (isn’t it) to see the world through others eyes, and thrust them to do right by you. As you so eloquently put it, you opened your heart ♥️ and the people around you did so in turn, and then….. The Universe unfolded!
I love reading the writing of your experiences, thank you for sharing your beautiful school trip with us. Keep trysting the process jovencita
Leticia Nakonechny
Hey Jazzy,
Wow. Thank you for sharing your experience. Your experience with Wendy moved me, not because we share the same name, but because I hear and feel a lot of the love you’ve felt there. The fact that she immediately trusted you with no hesitation is awe-inspiring and heart warming…you barely knew the woman, yet the trust was immediately there after your brief interaction. Your intentions to connect were genuine and she recognized that. The world should be like that. It can be difficult to build trust with others but we learn a lot about others and ourselves through every connection we make in life.
The trust we build and give to others really does help us create the trust within ourselves. We doubt ourselves a lot in life, but when someone believes and trusts us we feel that within ourselves. Sometimes we can’t see certain aspects about ourselves, but other people can help point out these beautiful factors. We think that cloth was mean for you too. In the beginning you doubted yourself but the universe knew it was meant for you and the ladies at the store helped expressed that message. Yellow is your color… its strong like a sunflower, always going to face the sun to shine. And the blue flowers beautifully accent the yellow and brings out more of that liveliness.
We wish you well, can’t wait to hear more. Soak up all the love and continue spreading it. Continue connecting and bring back all the learning you’ve gained from others in Zambia and those in your Gonzaga group. Continue changing.
Love you mama,
The Quintana’s (Wendy and Gabi)
Absolutely divine! Seems like just yesterday you were talking about going to Zambia and now look, you are fully immersed in a new culture, administering polio vaccines, buying chitenge, holding beautiful Zambezi babies, and being around like minded individuals, that’s transformation. Thank your for sharing your journey with us and keep being the authentic women you are. I miss your smile, your laughter and can’t wait to hear all about your experience.
Love,
Shana green
Thank you for sharing your wonderful thoughts and experiences about trust. I couldn’t help thinking that the reason that the Zambians are so trusting is that they are responsible to each other and have created a culture of trust. Geez, have we a lot to learn from this! We can be so empowered if we can rely on others! Your experience demonstrated this so beautifully when Eucharia allowed you to administer oral polio vaccines to fourteen-day old babies, “my nerves faded away as her trust allowed me to trust myself.” Thank you for being sensitive and have the insight to appreciate these important experiences.
Dear Jazzy,
The way in which you write makes me feel as if I was there with you and everyone around in the moments you shared. What thoughtful and meaningful experiences you’ve had so far on your journey in Zambezi. There’s a true and unique beauty behind the connections we make in life and the connections we develop with others. You’re a caring soul who recognizes this beauty. I’m very thankful for the connection we have in this life and to be apart of your journey. Thank you for sharing your journey through the connections you’ve made with the wonderful Zambians, from the talented tailors to newly become mothers and their babies. Y’all made a genuine impact in each other’s lives. Your reflection on trust, is so moving and true. Making connections with others can seem scary at times due to fear of the unknown or past experiences of trauma we have with trust, but you do gain so much more from reaching out, collaborating, the willingness to understand and appreciating everyone for who they are. You’re letting go and making room for so many freeing and meaningful moments and relationships with others. Your willingness to learn not just from school but in life serves you well and will continue to take you far. Can’t wait to hear the many more connections you’ll make during your time there.
Stay present and continue sharing these beautiful moments with those around you. Miss you, but I CAN wait to see you again cause I know this is a growing and meaningful opportunity for you. I’m excited to hear more about your growth in Zambezi and the connections you’ll continue to have there with the Zambian community and Zag community coming together to support and learn from one another.
Love you and always sending you good health and energy.
Sophia
This Is Truly Amazing And Not Surprising To Me !! Jazmine Has Always Been A Very Trustworthy And Dependable Person!! I Like The Way Her And Her Classmates Take On The Assigned Task Together As One Unit !! She Has The Determination To Succeed In Any Given Situation !!