Twenty-some odd hours in planes, thousands of miles travelled across two continents and two oceans, some serious sleep deprivation, and a lost bag upon our arrival in Zambia…, but we are finally here and the adventure has officially started! Everyone on the team was nothing short of phenomenal – displaying attitudes of grace, flexibility, and unwavering enthusiasm in the midst of the challenges of travel (a big shout out to Taylor for responding so well to the loss of her bag). And now that we’re finally on the ground, the same gracious attitudes, along with a real spirit of Zag helpfulness (and humor) continue to shine out even more brightly in the lives of our student team members
Even packing into a rental bus like sardines in a can (check out those smiles) or funky showers with no hot water at our Lusaka hostel (kudos to you Noah) can’t dampen the enthusiasm and obvious sense of enjoyment among us (just check out those radiant smiles). Even more importantly, even though it’s only been one day, we’re already beginning to fall in love with the Zambian people. Thank you Carttess, C-5 Eucharia, and Father Sydney Lubinda for sharing your light with us this afternoon and at dinner tonight. With people like you as our teachers and a month of ‘in-country” opportunities to learn from in front of us, may our time here in Zambia end up being the stuff of real and lasting transformation. The flame has been lit. Now let it be nurtured in us both by what we glean from the experience as well as by what we give. May it grow and spread in our hearts and may we never be the same as a result.
Cade Christensen
English Language Center
ZamFam ’26! You’ve made it, how exciting. After what feels like *years* of traveling, you are finally in Zambia! You are about to embark on such a meaningful month. There are so many amazing experiences to come, sights to see, people to meet and memories to make.
Also, oh no Taylor! First the phone last summer, and now the bag…. I guess it’s an opening week tradition. I know you’re taking it like a champ though.
Trust the process in the face of lost bags or funky showers, and know that there is so much in store to soak up in these next four weeks. Keep that Zag spirit (that Cade refers to) alive. So excited to read along and cheer everyone on from back home. P.S. give Jeff some sass for me.
Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead 🙂
It’s good to see all those smiles!
It sounds like the adventures have already begun and you handled then well, so you’re ready for more.
I hope you get some good sleep.
ZamFam 2026!!
Tearing up just reading this and seeing the pictures! Take a sensory memory on the bus / during the first week (Taylor will explain what that is). Open your heart! Open your mind! Take deep breaths and lean in. So much to come.
Sending love to you all.
Loosh
ZamFam ‘24, ZamFam ‘25 TA
ZamFam 2026!!!! You made it! This next month of LIVING is sure to be something special so get ready to embrace it all…lost bags, long bus rides, and just community with others. We can hardly wait to hear your stories!!!
Smiles is right. All of those excited, beautiful smiles say it all. Despite the long days of travel you are finally there and getting started on an amazing adventure. Keep the pictures coming so we can all live vicariously through you. It looks like a blast so far. Have Fun!
Glad you guys made it. Have a great trip down to Livingstone. Wolfie misses you already!
Seeing all of your excitement-filled faces just glowing despite many miles and hours of travel bring joy to us at home! How wonderful that you’re building community on your very first day. I am already excited for tomorrow’s experiences or maybe I should say today?!? Breathe deeply and be present today.
So excited for all of you! Enjoy your time time together, leaning on each other, and exploring new places and unique ways of being.
Taylor, we will be lifting you up in particular, hoping that you are able to problem solve the situation without too much of a headache and inconvenience.
Jim,
Graley’s dad
Glad you all made it without too much trouble! Wouldn’t be an adventure without a few bumps in the road. Hope everyone is getting settled in and ready for all the amazing experiences to come!
Wow! Your adventures have begun! We’re glad to see all your happy (tired) smiles and know that you’ve made it to Lusaka. Thank you for sharing the joyous picture of you all on the bus! Travel makes for amazing funny memories and I’m sure you all have plenty to laugh about already. We are praying for you as you get immersed in the culture of Zambia – so much learning and wonder ahead! Sending our love to you all!
So so glad to hear that everyone is staying positive. Love the energy and love to hear everyone is settling in. Updating Sam and Meg on WCCs: Varsity 8 took 4th unfortunately, but all other boats took third in their races. Great racing though, and couldn’t be more proud of the team. Sam: Roland Garros starts one week from tomorrow. So excited!!
Glad everyone made it safely. Looking forward to reading more about your adventures.
I’m so excited for you all. This is a life-changing experience for each and every one of you. Soak it all in. Know that you are all so fortunate to have this experience and we look forward to reading the blog to travel along with you!
Proof of life! You made it! All of those beautiful smiles on the bus bring us so much joy. What an adventure you’ve already had, filled with so many funny memories to look back on I’m sure. Every challenge is an opportunity for God to show his provision, so we’ll be praying for your bag Taylor, and for any other bumps in the road ahead. Hayden we saw the most amazing double rainbow from the backyard on Friday night – wish we could send you all a picture. Looking forward to the next post!
The answer to the question is “Sean is both!” He’s a complex guy!! My heart swelled when I woke to this first post this morning. All those smiling faces after long travel-so much joy!! Marinate yourselves in everything Zambia has to teach you in these next 4 weeks and take good care of yourselves, your new Zambian friends and each other. Looking forward to the next post!
Totally agree! Neat story about Sean – He disappeared at his own birthday party when he was 2. I found him upstairs in his room quietly reading some books to recharge his batteries away from all the busyness of the party. Love you, son. Looking forward to the next post.
Hi Morgie and friends! So excited for you all and this transformative journey you’re on. Soak in every moment – it goes so fast!!
Wonderful to see all of the smiling faces – enjoy all of the experiences!
Glad you all made it safe!! Looking forward to reading about your experiences.
Love you Morgie!! Xoxoxoxox
Zam Fammm!!!!! Wow I’m so happy to see these photos and hear about the first few moments of travel!! It’s not as memorable of an adventure when it goes to plan (Taylor had hives and a broken phone last year….. she’s not scared of no lost bag!) soak in all these moments, journal, take a deep breath and be present with those around you. This is going to be so special. I’m so excited for all of you!!! Sarah, I’m thinking about you, you too Jeff. And to the rest of you that I don’t know as well, lean on Taylor, she’s there to support each and every one of you.Trust your leaders! I’m in awe of the incredible human that Taylor is. Ok, I’ll check back in soon!!
Any PB & J dance parties on the bus ride?
Get a shared album going if you haven’t already (but be sure to not give access to Jeff… unless you want to indulge in his incredibly unique music taste)
Peace and love,
ED
Looking good!! I hope the lost bag was not Meg Baxter’s ❤️ Miss you meg you’re awesome, I’m flying home from Hartford today
I am so glad that you all got there safely! I love seeing all of your smiling faces. What is a little cold water when you have a chance to take a shower? I can’t wait to hear about more of your adventures!
Awesome!! So glad you made it safely and so excited to follow along the rest of your adventures!!
Glad everyone made it safely, bet all the plane rides were super comfy. Devastating that Sam was near the back of the bus and her smile was all blurry and covered. I’m excited to hear more about the trip in upcoming posts but in the mean time Jannik Sinner continues to dominate, becoming the 2nd player and youngest to win all 9 ATP Masters tournaments while Carlos Alcaraz cries on his coach at home with his injured wrist. French Open here we come. Availablity is the best ability.
Glad to hear you are all safe in Zambia! Keep laughing off the bumps in the road and taking care of each other. Enjoy the cold showers and pray the toilets don’t mysteriously shatter.
Taylor, oh no!!! You should make a spotify playlist about losing you bag lol. But for real, that is a huge bummer and I hope you are able to get everything you need <3
SARAH!! so glad to see your smile