Preparation for being

If you’ve read this blog at any point over the last 19 years, you have likely done so to follow along as a loved one or friend embarks on a journey to learn about, from, and alongside the community of Zambezi. As significant as that learning can be for many students, a past traveler on this program recently reminded a group of us who’ve taught in Zambezi that a fundamental purpose of our presence in the community is to focus on truly being with the residents of Zambezi we meet.

We will be departing with the 2026 group in two weeks, and this reminder has been on my mind. During the upcoming Gonzaga-in-Zambezi trip, we will undoubtedly be engaged in knowledge and culture exchanges as we travel in Zambia and Zambezi, and the blog will certainly be a space to share about those kinds of observations and experiences. At the same time, I look forward to leaning into the work of being in present and attentive community with a group of 18 Zags who will experience Zambia for the first time. And, I look forward to this blog being a space where you can read about that work.

This will all begin to take shape as we depart Seattle on May 14. Please check by this space again soon after then. We are excited to share this journey with you!