Over the past five days in Zambezi, I have been shown nothing but compassion, grace, and love from both the Zambezi community and my peers on this perspective-changing and challenge-seeking journey. Each new place we have encountered, I have been welcomed with open arms that set a precedent for a relationship during my time in Zambezi. To start, the moment I stepped off the bush plane I immediately heard the voices of the Chilenga School Choir. Prior to this moment we had gotten absolutely soaked by the mist of Victoria Falls, watched Caroline and Taylor almost being taken out by an elephant in Opi’s rig, and jumped 111 meters from the Victoria Falls Bridge, and instantly looking to Cate, saying, “can we please do that again.” Yet, through all the chaos, hearing the choir was the first time I was able to visualize the impact the Zambezi community would have on me over the next couple of weeks. As the choir was singing, children from all directions were running to see us. After the choir was done singing, the children led us hand-in-hand and guided us to the Convent. This simple act of young children shows how simple it can be to welcome absolute strangers and forge a community. This principle has only grown as we have started to create connections with other community members. In a conversation with Jeff yesterday, in our living room, study space, game room, late-night journal room, and hangout spot he challenged my thinking by saying, “don’t correct all the inconveniences.” Though Sean, Piper, Cate, Kathleen, Carly, and I are currently enduring not having a toilet which could be labeled as an inconvenience, my thinking has changed
A couple of days ago, Jeff sent us on a scavenger hunt all throughout the market. Quickly Caroline O., Taylor, Caroline M., and I ran into a woman named Wendy, the owner of a chitenge store in the heart of the market. Amid all the busyness of the market, Wendy did not hesitate to temporarily close her shop and lead our group through the tight alleys to find lemons. She then guided us to her friend Tina, who simply gave us the lemons. Though this was definitely an “inconvenience” for Wendy and Tina, their guidance allowed for us to make further connections both in the community, while providing the opportunity to serve my peers. I hope Wendy and Tina are proud to know that Sarah, Mia and I squeezed thirty lemons to make lemonade for the ZamFam25.
Yesterday, I went to Chilenga Primary School in the Special Unit, I had three students and what I thought was going to be an observation, quickly turned into teaching a full lesson (by myself) to students that do not speak the same language. Though at first, I thought this was a major “inconvenience,” I quickly turned my thought around and took time to forge a connection with the three students, who were quick to laugh at my crooked writing on the chalkboard. Then, during our English class, focused on reading, we often have students trickling late (Zambian time), and today I noticed one student, Philippians, walk into the backyard. Instead of thinking that him coming in late was an “inconvenience,” I took the time to read the passage with him one-on-one. After a couple of minutes Lucia came over and we all took time to read and understand each and every word, celebrating his victories together. For example, when he nailed the word recognize and institution in the reading. After class, Phippians came up to me, and vocalized his excitement for class tomorrow, showing me that connections are never inconvenient.
Within the convent, yesterday I worked alongside Mama Christine and Mama Katendi. To them, instead of labeling me as an “inconvenience” they took the time to learn my aglio e olio recipe and teach me how to cook. The mamas embraced my limited knowledge and turned it into moments of teaching and connectivity. That has flourished into my deepened knowledge of Zambian culture through food.
I have learned to love the Zambian communities and culture. I credit my fellow Zags for guiding this experience and creating lasting memories, from reading the blog around the table, crying happy and sad tears. From watching the sunset on the Zambezi River, to playing mini Uno, to navigating how to be genuine, compassionate, and fun-loving individuals, with a newfound global perspective as a global citizen. Jeff, James, and Lucia have been guiding our group with such selflessness and have all challenged our perspectives in our naïve and limited knowledge of Zambia. It is not an inconvenience to help those around me. It is not an inconvenience to walk to the market with Mama Christine to buy our eighth jar of peanut butter. Most importantly, the people of Zambezi have shown me that it is not an inconvenience to slow down and take time to create and cultivate authentic relationships.
To my Mom and brother, Eli, have fun visiting Alyssa at the Duke Lemur Center, and please eat a slice of pizza at the Mellow Mushroom for me. I love and miss you all so much and I give the most credit to you all for teaching me how to be a kind, fun, and human-centric person.
Becca Hershey
School of Ed, Class of ‘27
Becca,
What a beautiful note to end on. It is not an inconvenience to enjoy those mundane moments of life. I needed that reminder. I am so impressed by the ability to change you all have expressed in your blog posts. The lack of self righteousness and acceptance of the moments as they come are clear in your writing. In our culture it is so easy to take moments of connection as distractions towards the tasks lined up in a day. Just reading these blog posts have reminded me that life takes place in these distractions. Thank you for this reflection. These connections sound timeless. I admire you all.
I am so proud of all you are doing Ellie and amazed by your ability to throw yourself into uncomfortable situations. You are a force. Can’t wait to see your face again and hear your stories. Your way of living life has always reminded me to nourish the relationships I care about. I have so much to learn from you still. Miss my momsisterlover.
Becca! I am so glad you are taking time to reflect and build relationships while across the world. It sounds like you are learning so much about culture and being a global citizen. I hope you are having so much fun and learning a lot. We miss you here!!! Bummed you can’t come visit next week too. Love you!!!
I’m glad you have this opportunity and are becoming a global citizen. We are proud of you and I hope you can share your experience with Forest and Luna. Maybe someday they can follow in your footsteps! I sure hope so.
Becca that was such a great reflection! You guys are doing something so cool and impactful and I am so excited to hear all about it from Ellie when she gets home. Proud of you guys and I hope you continue to keep learning and having the best time! Ellie love you! Miss you and can’t wait to see you when you get home (:
To my grand niece who has grown into her middle name of Grace. Grace to embrace life to its fullest, Grace to learn from life’s difficulties and grace to share and love and grow with the circumstances and people you have encountered in this journey we call life. Can’t wait to hear all about this wonderful experience in person and get one of your special hugs. So proud of you!
Best part of my day is reading these! And solid effort on the lemonade!! And I of course love hearing about cooking, too 🙂 What a great perspective on looking to opportunities when inconveniences are presented–maybe I should try that sometime right Katy? Hmmmmmm… 🙂 Katy we watched Stella the dog for a couple of days and she was sick with a stomach bug. Made me think of you and your Tinkerbell underpants and I’ll just drop that right there for your friends to wonder what in the heck that could be about ha!! Also, Hawk wanted me to tell you hello and he is doing just fine. Even took a nap in your bed yesterday 🙂 We miss you Katy Bug I hope you are feeling well, I hope your skin is doing ok, I hope you are making so many new Zambian friends and I love you so much 🙂 Love, Mama
this made me laugh-
katy, loving these blogs, i hope you are loving and taking in every moment, and i’ll see you when you get home. i know being away is hard but i hope this experience is worth it and will stay with you always,
love Big K
Hi Katy Honey! I thought of you today as we are rehearsing for a concert of all Sound of Music songs. Edelweiss is one and it brought back sweet memories of you! Today was in the mid 80’s….perfect! Your Mom was here so we went and started cleaning out my big storage unit….ooooofffff!!!!! I love those blogs and love you to pieces!!! Hugs of love, Mimi
To my kind, fun and caring granddaughter. A girl who I’m so proud of. Thank you for reminding me to enjoy the mundane moments in life.
Can’t wait for you to get home and share all these experiences with us.
Love you!
What a great experience for you and your team to share your lives with such loving
people. I look forward to hearing more about your trip at family vacation.
Love you
From Grandbumps: Dear Becca, read your blog, enjoyed every word. I envy your youth and exuberance for life and its situations. You are making some life memories, something to cherish in your old age. I enjoy mine at 80 years old. Anyway we love you and miss you. Hope to see you soon. Grambumps.
Bec, your blog touched my heart. So often, we miss amazing opportunities for connection, relationship, and experiences because we label them as inconveniences. We get so busy trying to accomplish the next thing we miss what is right in front of us. I am so glad you are taking the time to reflect and grow through this Zambia experience. And I am glad I didn’t know about the swing or the bush plane until both your feet were safely on the ground! I love you and am so proud of you.
I can’t wait to hear all about your trip when you return. We will be sure to eat a slice for you and to say “hi” to Zooboomafoo (or his lemur grandchildren).
It has been such a joy to come to the blog and read each of these new entries and I look forward to following along every day! This one definitely put a smile on my face, I loved how you truly made the word inconvenience connote something much more powerful and joyful. Thank you for sharing all of these moments with myself and the fellow commenters, I am now going to get some lemonade after reading that and inconvenience the cashier with a how are you! Ellie – I hope you are enjoying these comments just as much as I am enjoying leaving them! Back to Portland today Sarah and I will be missing you at the Mac tomorrow!
Thank you for sharing such a positive perspective with us sweet Bec! I love hearing all of your stories, and the overall message of striving to see the small details in the bigger picture of life (even when it isn’t convenient) is so important. I have always found that some of the deepest connections; to yourself, others, and the greater world, often happen during times of inconvenience. Your ability to find joy in new experiences even when things aren’t perfect is inspiring. I hope you’re planning to bring back some delicious Zambian recipes for family vacation! Love you!!
Becca – Thank you for connecting “inconveniences” with lemons and lemonade.
You have deeply and beautifully expressed what we commonly share with one another about making life’s lemons into lemonade. It will be a long time before I encourage someone to make their lemons into lemonade without remembering your description of the generosity of the women in the Zambezi market.
Becca, thank you so much for your heartfelt post! We are very grateful for these glimpses into your daily life as you all settle into Zambezi. I love your meditation about finding the beauty and growth in the moments of “inconvenience.” It is such a blessing that you all have this incredible opportunity to gain a global perspective which is important now more than ever! Love you, Cate!!
Nat-
Loved seeing your cute face in the back of that first photo-I miss you! It looks like you’re having the coolest experiences and learning so much. I think opening yourself up to all of these experiences is going to make you such an amazing teacher. I’ve been watching my 10-year-old cousin this week and kept thinking about you- your future students are going to be so lucky:) (and you’ll get all of their niche references that are going right over my head- apparently I’m old and lame now??).
Love you lots,
Matea xx
Thank you for this, Becca! Scavenger hunts, mini-Uno, crooked chalkboard writing, 30-lemon lemonade, foraging for peanut-butter jars, celebrating Phillipians’ classroom victories. Thank you for helping us picture so much, giving us all precious glimpses through your own experience. Laurie (Katy’s mom) said it best in her comment above: “Best part of the day is reading these.”
Mia: Love seeing your smile in that sunset group photo! Miss you a TON and so grateful you’re having this experience. Tomorrow is B’s last big performance at BPC — will feel your presence during the dramatic/giggle moments. Chloe & Nick visited me at O’Dowd today — fun to have them on campus. Keep making lemonade and connections, Mia and ZamFam’25. You are loved and prayed for!
6:43 PM in Oakland. 3:41 AM in Zambezi.
Sweet dreams, all of you.
xoxo, Elisa
Becca what a wonderful perspective and a great reminder for me as well. The busyness of life often leads me to mistake opportunities for connection as inconveniences. You have perfectly captured how a changed perspective can make a difference for myself and those around me. I loved the glimpse into your time in Zambezi and how you have embraced ALL of the moments to form valuable connections with others. These memories will last a lifetime for sure!
I loved the pictures and seeing everyone’s smiling faces. I am confident that I can speak for all of us that the sunset picture made our heart soar. Just a little glimpse of my girl was the highlight of my day.
Thank you for the time and thought you all have put into this blog. I am just so darn proud of all of you and feel so moved by your words and perspectives.
(BTW- Taylor how close was that elephant???)
Becca! What a perfect post and one that will hopefully have a ripple effect on every one of us who was privileged enough to read it! The mind shift is so important and your blog will definitely stay with me as I pause when considering “inconveniences”. I actually will read this at my next team huddle on Monday morning, as I think it’s a reminder we all need! The beauty that surrounds you seems lovely! So many wonderful memories are being made by both you and the Zambian families you are connecting with. Philippians (what a super cool name!) will surely remember the teacher who took the time to help encourage him instead of giving him a hard time for being late. The scavenger hunt sounds like it was so fun – love that Wendy shut down her market to take the time to help you guys! The lemonade surely hit the spot!
I am not sure which Caroline almost got run down by an elephant – ha! But glad all was well! Since the subject of Katy’s Tinkerbell underpants came up (haha) – guess I can now sign off by sharing how much I miss my Weenie! I mean, it really will make it easier to now distinguish the two Caroline’s:) One is Caroline and one is Weenie:) She can explain to you all how that nickname has come about and how much she absolutely loves it! It has been a tough week for me not having your cute little face around me! I have begun recording long videos (which you will likely be bored to tears watching, if you do happen to get through them) at all hours, texting them to you (knowing you won’t see them till your return), sharing our latest and greatest, asking you questions about your day, that you clearly can’t answer. I have missed the blogs for the last few days due to May craziness with our other kids, and hate that I have! Won’t miss more! I soooo wish I could hear your voice. Sooooo proud of you all for growing in so many regards during your time in Zambezi! Go Zags!
Hi Zags in Zambezi – I too wait for these posts, desperately refreshing my screen throughout the day to see if there is a new one to read. I also find myself looking at the weather and time in Zambezi multiple times a day.
I think all of you should publish a book on your reflections, they have all been sooooo good. Inconvenience is something we strive to avoid in our current culture – either experiencing one or being one. The grace applied to the word is a lesson for all.
Kathleen – love you tons, I wore my matching skirt today.
Becca – love your blog post and such a wonderful lesson for all to consider and live by. Thank you! Thank you for sharing the photo too!
Caroline M – I loved getting to see your sweet smile in Becca’s photo. Your face shows a genuine happiness, which fills my heart. Daddy up with Sean in Ireland yesterday so it’s Jack and me at home, and we are missing you all. Jack loved his time on your bed today! We miss you so much and keep you in our prayers!!! Love you!!!
Wow! I’m so very impressed by all these blogs and yours Becca does not disappoint. Thank you for all the detail and putting everyone in the picture. I miss seeing Caroline’s face!
Your description of the children leading you hand-in-hand is powerful—it captures the essence of pure, unfiltered hospitality. There’s a kind of wisdom in the way they welcomed you without hesitation, reminding us how openness doesn’t have to be complicated. And Jeff’s words—“don’t correct all the inconveniences”—feel like something that will stay with all of you far beyond this trip. It’s a simple and gentle nudge to sit with discomfort, not to immediately fix or escape it, but to allow it to shape you which I’m sure it has done.
We miss you Caroline O.! Lily graduated 8th grade last night in the longest ceremony on earth. Who knew it could take 2.5 hours for 40 kids to get a junior high diploma. Emme started driving your car and she may or may not have accidentally hit the mail box. 😉 And I’m saving all my tennis stories for when you return. I know you miss hearing all about them! Love and miss your face!
Piper and Becca,
I just love reading the stories you share about your daily life especially the market, bathrooms, chickens and lemons. Thank you so much for including descriptions of the people you are connecting with there and photos!! It is really inspirational for me to see in your text how you are growing through vulnerability and inconvenience to become exceptional young women. So happy for you both!
And Sloane- you’ll be thrilled to know that the tomatoes and basil and marigolds are in the ground. I’m sure you miss seeing the daily progress in the garden So much excitement overflowing around here….. please send more fun stories and photos. Love and miss you! Warms my heart to see your pretty face
Mom
I love reading about all your new experiences in such a place that is so beautiful, new, inconvenient and so very different than Home. I spent my junior year abroad in Tanzania and had so many of the same experiences of being embraced by generous, kind people while being exposed to so many strange inconveniences that were oh so eye opening. Its so amazing to experience such a different culture that gives you a whole new perspective on where you came from and how you see the world. It is so big and yet so small. I love seeing my Colorado College classmate Brian Krill (Hi Brian!) on here with his daughter on the trip. We are all so lucky. Embrace the inconvenience, enjoy the little struggles. And thank you for keeping us all in tune with this amazing trip!
All the best!
Dingo I love you!!
Oh Wow, so ironic , I just had a conversation today about struggling can be a good thing. And I love the idea of embracing the inconvenience. Opportunities of learning don’t always come in nicely wrapped presents.
I hope when you all come back home, (and wait a few weeks,) you will revisit this blog, and remember the feeling and emotion you had at these moment.
Plus, you all are such great writers!