We’ve touched down in Zambia!

I feel honored to have the chance to write this blog on my second adventure in Zambia. Just about a month ago, I had the opportunity to give an enthusiastic ‘YES’ to Gonzaga in Zambezi again as a TA. Shout out to my ZamFam 2024. 

When I left Zambezi last year, my mind and spirit truly had flourished. I felt like a new being had just come out of its shell. A human with more capacity to love, to ask difficult questions, and to lean in to all that Zambia has to offer. 

Being a TA this year has offered blessing after blessing. For those of you who may not know me, my name is Lucia and I just graduated Gonzaga last Sunday!! I graduated with majors in Public Relations and Religious Studies and a minor in Leadership Studies. I am ecstatic to accompany the students on this 2025 adventure. In this TA position, I just can’t wait to see the students flourish in their own unique ways.

After 3 long travel days we have made our way to Lusaka! We spent our first couple of hours getting to know each other at the airport, chatting about how some of us like, Cate and Becca, took the LightRail down from Becca’s house. Taylor drove over from Spokane the morning of our flight, and Caroline O. took an early flight from the Bay Area. At the airport, we giggled at the already active What’s App ZamFam 2025 group chat where Sean and Piper sent a video of taking their first malaria pill or giggling at how Jeff sent a picture of him, James, and Kamy. We also chatted about how excited we are for Caroline M. to bring her drone to Zambezi! 

But no matter how we ended up at SeaTac or how active everyone has already been in the group chat or in class, I can feel a deep commitment to the journey from this group. Although, a very curious bunch, maybe asking too many questions at times… I applaud their willingness to get to know one another and already lean on each other. I know we are ready to dive into complex and life giving experiences that Zambia has to offer.

After the long 14 hour flight where I got to sit next to Ellie, James, and Kamy, we made it to Dubai. I chatted with Kamy about how she went to the same high school as one of my best friends Merle and talked to Ellie about why she decided to watch Sound of Music on the plane. We then made it to Dubai with 20 other Zags!! This year there is a Gonzaga trip through the Biology department going to Zambia as well. We have split ways, but we had the chance to hang out with them on our Dubai tour! 

After the tour, I walked back to my room I shared with Sloane and we chatted about our Gonzaga experiences, her love for the Gonzaga club volleyball team, and how I was feeling about going to Zambia a second time now as a TA. 

Already during our time at the airport in Dubai we had Alea braiding Sarah’s hair, Kathleen chatting to Jeff about a book they both read, Carly chatting to me about her time in Kenya last year, and Katy reviewing some McDonald’s donuts. I then walked into the flight with Mia, both nervous but more excited about the flight. 

 Finally, we landed in Lusaka!! We went to a delicious meal at a restaurant called Chicagos, explored the mall, and gathered some shampoo and conditioner for the group from the grocery store. Natalie and I got especially into the game of wavelength at dinner and laughed at silly answers and questions together.

After long long days of travel, we made it to our hostel in Lusaka. Now, we are all prepping for the long day of more travel in the bus tomorrow down to Livingstone!! 

More and more I am realizing on the trip to Zambia once again that the journey is human life and life needs company. I can not wait to explore this journey with the group and accompany each other ever step of the way. 

To Alex, Mom, Dad, and George thank you for supporting me in my journey to get here (again!). 1018 girls, Soph, Gi, Cat, Cam, I love all of you and am thinking of you all more than you know. 

ZamFam 2024 🫶🏻 Connection. 

And my entire community I just can not wait to share this experience with you all when we reunite!! 

Love,

Loosh