As our time in Livingstone comes to an end, I can’t help but reminisce on everything we were able to do. Being able to see Victoria Falls and going on safari has given all of us an overwhelming sense of gratitude and appreciation for the world around us.
Today was the last day we spent in Livingstone. A few of us decided to go back to the falls (including myself) to bungee jump, swing, or zip line, while others stayed at Fawlty Towers hostel to enjoy a massage or read by the pool.
As I and a few others made our way to Victoria Bridge, we were immediately in awe of the view before us. It was in that moment that I realized how transformative viewing the world through a camera lens can be. Before this, I had really only viewed the beauty of the falls from a distance or through a camera.
Becca and I quickly decided we were gonna do the tandem swing together. As we were standing on the edge of the bridge ready to jump off, I realized just how quickly one’s perspective can change. All of a sudden, we were facing the beautiful horizon as the water rushed beneath us and the rainbow shined through the mist from the falls. This sight felt strangely unfamiliar, not like anything that could be captured by a photo or video.
While photos or videos can capture a moment’s visual essence, they lack the emotion and feeling that often comes with it. These real life encounters can make familiar scenes feel entirely new, reminding us how perception deepens when we step outside of the frame.
As we continue our journey to Zambezi, we not only embrace the evolution of our own perspectives but also inspire one another to question ideas and see the world through broader, more open lenses.
Cate Mastroni
Psychology Major, Gonzaga Class of ’27
Welcome to Zambezi. I awoke this Saturday morning to photos of you all on the tarmac from our Zambezi friends. You have arrived. The welcome and first hours in Zambezi are overwhelming. Remember this is why you said YES to this experience – to accompany this community for the next month. I also hope you would hold onto this quote from your upcoming readings, “don’t go because you’ve fallen in love with solvability. Go because you’ve fallen in love with complexity.” There is such amazing learning in the complexity and I know you will find it.
Kisu, mwane Zags – please give a big hug to Katendi, she and others have been working hard to create this living space for you.
Thanks for the update, Josh. Does this mean that the first trip by bush plane has been completed?!? So glad to hear that you have arrived safely.
Cate, thank you for your wonderful post on perspective-taking. So true… many times when we find ourselves in disagreements or differences of opinion, if we are able to step back and realize where the other person is coming from, what lens they are seeing through, we can better understand their thinking and reasoning. Indeed, broadening our lens is so important.
Another part of your post that spoke to me was the feeling that cannot be captured by photo or video. Many, if not all, of us have had that experience of taking a picture of that rainbow or sunset and then being disappointed when it does come out like we remember (parents, remember when we needed to wait a week before getting our pictures back from the store??)
Yes, the real life moment with all of its feels and emotions is irreplaceable. While I love reading about all of your adventures, I know that this blog is only a tiny tidbit of your life-changing experience. Be present and enjoy every moment and all that is has to offer.
Sean, we are thinking about you often. You will chuckle that I needed to look up hints on the first day after you left, but you will be proud that I have “connected” with ease on the subsequent days. Watched your 2 videos as a family last night and I will share them with Leah so she can see. Sending big hugs and snuggles from Jax and Avery as well. Love you!
Glad you’re enjoying your time in Zambia! Happy to hear about your amazing adventures! Love you Cate!
Thank you, Josh, for posting they arrived safe! I am super excited to hear stories and see photos of the final destination! I am going to guess you are all going to fall in love with the people there. What a gift! Looking forward to the next post! I Love you bug bug!!
Fil de Pinna (Sean’s Grandma) says:
So glad to learn that you have arrived safely and enjoying all the sights, both in Dubai and Livingstone. Thank you for posting videos of your bungee jump – in honesty I was sitting at the edge of the chair and so glad that you did not inform me about it before your jump, it would have meant a sleepless night. I thank God for keeping you safe. Blessings to you and your companions. Big hugs, Mammie.
Oh how I love reading all of your posts and perspectives and hearing about what you’re experiencing both outwardly and inwardly. I’m sure it feels surreal to be taking it all in- the landscape, the people, the smells….keep journaling.
As we gather over Memorial Day with old friends in a beautiful landscape in North Eastern Oregon- we find ourselves talking a lot about Ellie and what she’s up to- how much excitement was in her voice and fast talking when we connected on Thursday for the first time. We love it!!! Thank you to this program and people for making it all come together.
Now is the time when Ellie is going to share our favorite gathering song with you all. The More We Get Together. hugs and love
Coco (Courtney -Ellie’s mom)
What a powerful reflection—thank you for sharing it. I’m in awe of the courage, openness, and deep insight this group continues to show. It’s clear this journey is shaping not just your view of the world, but your understanding of yourselves and each other. So proud of all of you—keep leaning in, learning, and leading with heart.
Caroline M. – so proud of you and so grateful you are safe. Love you so much!
We have enjoyed reading everyone’s post about this exciting adventure. It is a wonderful lifetime experience that you will carry in your heart forever. The community of Zambezi is in for a treat having you all. Enjoy your time and adventure and we will be anxiously awaiting your return with stories and pics. We love you bunches. Grammy and Pop
What a courageous group of Zags we have! Cate and Becca, the footage of your jump took my breath away!!
We are grateful for all of the incredible perspective-broadening opportunities this trip is providing and are so very thankful for the awesome group of students and professors with which you are sharing it!
As you head into this next chapter in Zambezi, keep meeting every experience with faith, courage and openness! You are all in our prayers! Love you, Cate!!
Soooo glad to hear you have made it to Zambezi safe and sound … tears are dribbling down my face as I type this! So many emotions for us from abroad..: mainly sheer joy and excitement leading to happy tears… with a little bit of relief tears mixed in. Cate and Becca… wowsers! What an incredible place to bungee jump! While I have never been brave enough to do it, I can imagine there is no place more stunning to experience that in! Keep the incredibly well written blog posts coming! Miss you, Ween! Continue to take it allllll in! Love you and proud of you for choosing to partake in something outside of your comfort zone so you can grow as a person!
Thank you for this post, Cate! The leap you (both) took is a metaphor for this entire experience. I love hearing your awareness and intention around broadening and opening your lenses, hearts and minds. I love that you became “part” of the falls today — not just a remote observer of them. Bless you (and all) as you take this week of life-changing experiences and sights and move onto your new community that awaits you in Zambezi.
We are all rooting for you!
xoxo, Elisa (Mia’s mama)