I have been fortunate to spend my mornings shadowing and learning from the doctors and nurses at the Zambezi District Hospital. The first day I spent in the hospital, I was overcome with emotions: feeling like an imposter, waves of gratitude for my life, and sadness for the state of the hospital. I witnessed volunteers performing medical treatments that, from first glance, seemed unsuitable. I followed Dr. Clayton (one of two doctors in the hospital), hearing him tell several patients that they need blood transfusions. But the hospital doesn’t have a blood bank, so the only course of action was to wait. I saw many patients sick with malaria, but lacking treatment due to the hospital running low on antibiotics. I walked away after my first day with frustration about the care people in this community were receiving and the lack of resources that are needed to sustain life. I decided to take a step forward and entered the study table.
Over the course of the next few days, I invested my time into learning about the history of healthcare and exposed myself to new realities. Today, I was introduced to Saviour, the public health environmental specialist for the district hospital. He welcomed me and Ellie into his office with open arms and shared some of the goals of the public health department. After a few minutes of getting to know each other, he stood up and ushered us out of the room. We got into a car and drove to the District Council of Zambezi, where we met the public health director, Miyoba. She shared with us her journey into this role, challenges she faces as a female in power, and answered almost all my nagging questions. I learned that the volunteers are working to pursue further medical careers and spend their time helping however they can make a difference. These individuals are driven, and provide the nurses, doctors, and patients with uncanny support. I recognize the challenges this hospital faces, such as lack of funds, and I respect the work ethic individuals have and their desire to make the best of what they have. I learned about the weekly outreach programs to support immunizations and safety checks to villages and the educational programs held throughout the community. I encourage you to join me at the study table. Reflect on uncomfortable moments and treat them as an opportunity to learn, grow, and challenge yourself. As a former student who went on this trip shared with us, “Temporary discomfort leads to permanent improvement.”
One of my goals for my time in Zambezi was to lean into every moment, say yes, and be curious. I don’t know how to encapsulate all the amazing moments and connections I have had here, so a small list is the best I can do for now.
- During the scavenger hunt, we met Wonda and her sister who took us to their home and gave us a bag full of lemons when we only needed two
- Starting meaningful conversations with my homestay family by defending my personal beliefs opened room for respect and curiosity
- Riding a motorcycle with Sarah to go to a church with our homestay family where we were welcomed by everyone through singing and dancing
- Spending the day cooking and connecting with Mama Katendi and Mama Kristine…we ate A LOT of gnocchi
- Connecting with the students in the health class and seeing their growth throughout this past week by engaging and understanding difficult health topics
- Watching the sunset and connecting with everyone in the ZamFam
- Playing against the Zambezi Boarding school girls soccer team, which we unfortunately lost 2-1. Don’t worry, though, they challenged us to a rematch
These past few weeks at Zambezi have been full of love, community, growth, and resilience. As a group we have faced and overcome a variety of challenges ranging from ongoing toilet (and water) problems, navigating how to cultivate meaningful relationships, planning engaging content for the daily classes, what to do with the mysterious milk in the fridge, and for James, losing an intense game of cribbage after some absurd trash talk. A mere waf-waf as some might say. Despite these mishaps, we have come together to provide support and compassion for each other. Daily routine and mundane tasks turning into dance parties and games, trips to the market, playing with the kids outside, and nightly reflections have shaped our community. A community where everyone and every idea is accepted with grace, with recognition that we all share the human condition of love, hope, meaning, pain, and loss. As we enter the second half of our time here in Zambezi, I hope this group continues to see how amazing, inspiring, and determined we all are. I am excited to be present and enjoy accompanying you all now, and even when our time here comes to an end.
Thank you to all my family and friends for your love and support during this journey, I could not do this without you. Mom, I miss you and maybe it’s a good thing I can’t get those weekly plant picture updates. Can’t wait to see you and Nana soon. Jonathan, I love you and thank you for your unconditional support, I am so excited to hear about your Germany adventures. Miss you all!
Love, Sloane Wehrman
Class of 27
Helloooo to all of Zag fam!!! Through Sarah’s love of life I am able to comment on all of the Presence, Love, Compassion and Connectedness that I feel reading your blogs. I am Sarah’s Mimi that loves her bones! All of you have grown and understand so much more about Humanity and yourself that will be with you the rest of your lives. I have always known that Love is not an emotion it is a “strength”, and each and everyone of you demonstrates that daily.
Can’t wait to hug my Sarah and have her hug Casey(he misses your hugs).
Thanks for letting me comment on the heartfelt circle of life in Zambezi.
My heart is full 🙂
All my lemons and hugs
Mimi
Sloane,
It has been wonderful to read about your shadowing days at the District Hospital with Ellie. I can’t begin to imagine the capacity in which how insightful and emotional it has been for you. How wonderful it is that you are able to learn and ask your “nagging” questions which I’m sure are all important and powerful. I love reading this motif of education and growth within all these stories, it brings a smile to my face knowing that you all are experience such new and different environments – I admire your determination to be open to adventures and education from what I read is such a welcoming and loving community. The way in which you have all shared your abilities to loving and grow through these new experiences is admirable and omnipresent.
Ellie- I loved hearing a bit of insight into what you are getting up to with Sloane, I’m sure you have been quite inquisitive. I know what I’m saying seems repetitive but I couldn’t be more envious of your opportunity of growth. What you are doing is inspiring and I am proud of your determination and dedication to a new form of education in so many regards. I can’t wait to see you and hear all about your adventures. Portland is as you would imagine, there’s sooo much to update you on. Also I’m still applying to jobs lol. Anyway I hope you continue having what I hear is an incredibly wonderful time. Miss and love you!
Sloane,
So thrilled to read about your experiences and how your mind and heart are processing this adventure. Seems as if you are intentional about getting as much out of the trip as you can. Love that! And love the study table concept- yes, I will meet you there! So fun to hear stories and anecdotes of the whole ZamFam and how you all are integrating with your work, classes, meals and soccer! I’m incredibly impressed to see how you are “leaning in” to this adventure. Although could have skipped imagining you on the back of a motorcycle (hopefully with a helmet). Nope, don’t tell me. I’ll keep imagining the helmet…
Love you dearly and can’t wait to give you lots of hugs.
Love, Mom
Sloane,
What a great adventure you are having! I’m glad you are saying “yes” to everything except the motorcycle rides…
Your mom misses you and always smiles when reading your trips blog .
Enjoy this journey!
Mari g
Sloane – Your honesty, curiosity, and compassion shine through every word. Thank you for sharing.
These blog posts have become a part of my day that I truly look forward to—I love sitting quietly and reflecting on this amazing opportunity for the Zag family. So moved by what you’re witnessing and learning—keep leaning into those moments.
Caroline – still miss you 🙂 and have started thinking about all the stories you’ll bring home from Zambezi. Can’t wait to hear how this journey has shaped you and all you’ve learned along the way. Love you so much!
~ Sarah (Caroline M’s mom)
What a vivid picture of your experiences you’ve shared here, Sloane! I’m so proud of you and your “leaning in” approach to all these experiences. hey will become deeply important memories to last your lifetime.
Your smile and caring expression will undoubtedly be an asset in easing the pain and fear in the patients you encounter, helping comfort them.
I can’t wait to hear more about the study table and how that works.
Enjoy every moment and the relationships with your comrades and these dear Zambezians.
Love you and can’t wait to see you in a few weeks.
Blessings on you and all your good work!
What a vivid picture of your experiences you’ve shared here, Sloane! I’m so proud of you and your “leaning in” approach to all these experiences. hey will become deeply important memories to last your lifetime.
Your smile and caring expression will undoubtedly be an asset in easing the pain and fear in the patients you encounter and helping comfort them.
I can’t wait to hear more about the study table and how that works.
Enjoy every moment and the relationships with your comrades and these dear Zambezians.
Love you and can’t wait to see you in a few weeks.
Blessings on you and all your good work!
Sloan – Thank you for sharing your experiences with the hospital. It sounds like your “Temporary discomfort” will lead to “permanent improvement” as your perspective as to how you can care for people with limited resources will likely be expanded into things you hadn’t thought of before. What an eye opening experience for you all!
Natalie – You may be missing a few items from your room when you come home, and Hazel is sorry. I think she misses you! We love you and can’t wait to hear about everything you have been doing in detail!!
Wow this is so cool thanks for my shout out really means a lot. Miss you and hope you come home soon.
Just arriving home after Mia’s stepsister’s high school graduation. With only an hour before we have to leave for her celebratory grad dinner … had to run home to grab my laptop, some caffeine and check the blog, hoping for the day’s post … and YAY. Here it is! My favorite part of the day. Sloane’s turn! Time to take in your words and stories, and settle my heart into a softer, more curious and open place.
Sloane, thanks for encourage us to join you at the study table — for challenging us to not run from our uncomfortable moments, but to reflect on them as an opportunity to grow. I love seeing the Zambezi sun set behind you three in that soccer photo and hearing about your ZamFam taking in sunsets together. As you describe how close you are becoming as a community, I imagine you back on the Gonzaga campus next after having shared such close connection in Zambia. Even with different friend groups and houses and majors, you will always have this with each other — you will always be connected by this experience. And your posts make me wish I could know each and every one of you (and many of them make me feel like I already do).
Choppy’s at the Claremont tonight after Avery’s grad, Mia (‘natch). Bennett graduates tomorrow and you’ll be sorely missed (grad outfit negotiations settled). I wonder every day how your teaching is going, what challenges are the toughest for you to manage there, what you’re loving, what you’re learning. Next to this blog, my favorite thing right now is running into people who ask how you are/what you’re up to. Each time “Zambia” comes out of my mouth, I’m in disbelief as if I’m just learning for the first time you’re there. BECAUSE IT IS **THAT** COOL WHAT Y’ALL ARE DOING. It truly is.
9:16 PM in Oakland. 6:16 AM in Zambezi.
Blessings on you all and good morning!
xoxo,
Elisa (Mia’s mama)
Hey Sloanie!
I was SO excited to see your blog post. I couldn’t be more proud of you and your willingness to lean into this experience. The maturity and emotional dedication to this community you have demonstrated here is beyond me. It is lovely to hear how your heart responds so vividly and compassionately for your community. From your beautifully written post, I can tell you guys have a blast over there! You all are making the world a better place for real! I am so lucky to hear what a wonderful time you are having, and look forward to more update of the days 🙂
Continuing to grow and lean into life will always be a lesson I will hold close with me even if I’m not abroad in Zambia. You make me a better person Sloane and I thank you lots for this extra official “update of the day.” only 18 more!!
I love you and I miss ya face
So very Proudfish!!
What a great photo/sunset!!!
Taylor 40/37
It’s my favorite part of the day…the Zambezi update. Sloane, I knew from your title that I was going to love your post, “Pausing To Lean In” and it did not disappoint. I admire how you are leaning into each and every moment within this incredible experience and are allowing yourself to fully experience all of the emotions necessary to foster meaningful connection. I admire how you are reflecting on each moment and are viewing your reactions as an opportunity for learning and growth.
Taylor- can’t wait to hear the update on the soccer rematch. I know the Mularskis hate to lose but I have to say that it HAS to be a bit easier with that sunset as a backdrop! Love you sweetie!!
Sloane,
It’s interesting reading you post and seeing your initial feelings of pity, disappointment, and sadness with the “unsuitable” conditions (all of which comes from a place of judgement) transform into respect, and observation of resilience, and a deeper understanding of how heath care works there, how devoted people are to it and one another despite the conditions, and the pathways ( often volunteer and probably unsuitable or unsustainable themselves) toward jobs and careers in a fraught system. It’s clear that you are challenging yourself to meet people “where they are”…I’m sure this is extremely difficult and will serve you well for the rest of your life, and benefit all those you work with. I’m reflecting myself on the fact that when we are always surrounded by such privilege, and comfort, it’s probably much easier and much more common to not recognize our assumptions and our judgments and the inequalities that do actually exist all around us. Perhaps we get conditioned into a place of complacency because the inequalities are either more subtle in our direct experience or if they are stark, they are somewhere else or theoretical. It seems like the experiences you’re having on your trip are stark and immediate and unavoidable and it’s amazing to see the learning and recalibration that you and the others are demanding of yourselves. Looking forward to hearing so much more on these posts for the rest of your trip and hearing all of Piper‘s stories, when I see her later in June! This also gives me hope for what you will all continue to do in your lives and your pursuits and your future careers…
Sloane,
As someone who believes deeply that words matter, I just had to reach out—because what you’re experiencing right now is nothing short of extraordinary.
Hearing how you’re truly letting go and leaning in fills me with so much joy. That kind of openness, courage, and presence is rare—and it’s powerful. I can only imagine the mix of emotions: the deep empathy you’re feeling, the frustration at the lack of resources, and the overwhelming desire to do something about it. But know this: your presence, your heart, and your willingness to show up matter more than you know.
You and your ZamFam are making a real impact—not just in what you do, but in how you show up. That kind of energy is contagious, and it creates ripples of change.
I’m so thrilled this journey is becoming a life-defining moment for you. In fact, I checked with your mom—and we both agree: this is 100% a tattoo-worthy experience. Just sayin’
Your mom misses you like crazy, but she’s also bursting with pride. You’ve stepped into something big, and you’re embracing it with everything you’ve got. Keep soaking it all in. Let it shape you. Let it stay with you.
Enjoy every single moment—and safe travels home when the time comes. We can’t wait to hear all about it.
With admiration and excitement,
Todd
Sloaney,
I can’t even put into words how proud of you I am. You are taking this adventure and turning it into something magical for not only yourself but for others. You always have that effect on people :). Your desire to help, support, improve, and to love is so strong and intentional and it’s beautiful to watch. I can’t wait to go on one of our McDonalds runs and get large Milkshakes and for you to tell me every single detail!! I am so proud of you for leaning in and embracing the unknown (I knew you would). I can’t wait to see you and give you the BIGGEST hug. I will always meet you at the study table I love you so so much. KEEP KILLING IT MY SLOANEY!!!!!!!
Love,
Katiebug
How different life would be if we all went to the study table first!! Thank You for a remarkable post. You are a contemplative in action, Sloane! Love to you and this amazing community!
Michelle