“5, 4, 3, 2, 1, JUMP!” This was the last thing we heard before plummeting down towards the water below us, trusting the rope would catch us.
Today 17 of us jumped off Batoka Bridge with the mist from Victoria Falls on our faces and adrenaline pumping through our veins. Standing on the platform, looking down at the river 111m below, my heart raced, and I questioned my decision for a split second. With Lily tight to my side, we stepped off the platform. As we dropped and swung at the bottom, our adrenaline and fear washed away. We admired the beauty around us and talked about how glad we were that we did it despite being nervous. This trip has been full of leaps of faith, not just when jumping off bridges.
Even though it has only been a week, Zambia has challenged us to jump in, in more ways than bungee jumping. Time and time again, we have jumped into new experiences and situations that are not always easy. For me, learning to adjust to a slower paced lifestyle and going with the flow more has been a challenge. I still ask Jeff for the plan for the day, or month, despite knowing it does not always work out how we planned. I am learning that it is okay and there is beauty in the unknown. Running on Zambian time allows for deeper conversations with Zambians and Zags. By putting my faith in Jeff, Cade, Taylor, and the rest of the ZamFam, I step out into the unknown knowing they will catch me before I fall.
There have already been several opportunities to immerse ourselves in Zambian culture. Today, we jumped into conversations with Zambians at the market and took on our second curio shopping spree (more successful this time). At home, I do not usually take time to talk to all the vendors and people I pass because it is easier that way. Zambia has taught me to embrace the uncomfortable. Taking time to learn about the people I meet makes interaction more meaningful. The first time Jeff threw us into the curio market, we left stressed and overwhelmed. Today we chose to jump into it and left excited from our growth. Taking the leap of faith into bungee jumping, markets, and the other experiences Zambia throws our way is nerve-wracking and stressful at times, but in the end, it is so worth it.
Tomorrow, bright and early, we leave for Zambezi. Right from the start we will be jumping into schools, hospitals, and community classes. I am more nervous about that than I was jumping off the bridge. The situation is new, unknown, and a bit scary. I have only had one classroom placement and now I will be working in the schools and teaching community English classes. Like bungee jumping, there is doubt creeping in whether I am up for the task. Despite the nerves, I will hold on tight to the people around me and take the leap of faith. I know when I am at the bottom, looking at beauty, I will want to do it all over again.
Isa Arredondo
ZamFam ‘26
To my family and Joe: I love you all so much and miss you. I cannot wait to recount my adventures when I get home. Mom, please continue commenting on the blog I love hearing them. The rest of you need to get on that. I will see you in a few weeks!
To TILA: My rose is being here with this amazing group of Zags and reading your comments. My bud is going to Zambezi. My thorn is missing people at home.
To Franny from Katie D and Noah: Happy happy birthday Franny! I love you so much and I hope you have the best birthday! I miss you so much!!! XO, Katie D and Noah
Whew! My stomach dropped reading your post Isa! You are all so brave! I’m loving this window into your shared experience. And I am so impressed by your collective awareness that many of your experiences are metaphors for life.
Trusting the process, learning you can have control when you let go, the importance of being engaged in community and to always be curious. Love by these lessons will carry you far!
That’s a big leap Isa! I am so impressed!! It looks beautiful and terrifying. Wow!!!
I can tell from your words that you all are very ready to encounter what comes next – you have newfound cultural awareness, a sense of the people in this part of the world and how your fit in, and you have already tackled several hard things together as a group, supporting each other and celebrating successes. You can do this too!
Mary Pearl – we miss you and love you! Can’t wait to hear the stories from Zambezi.
Glad that’s over!
Scenery looks beautiful! Seems like an activity right up your alley.
Ah. When I read your blog, I was remembering last summer when you, your cousin Daphne and your dad decided to go skydiving. You had to sign all the waivers In case the Ground come up at you too quickly. I think I saw some of that hesitation, fear, encouragement from each other, because you didn’t want be the one to back out, and Than the excitement and exhilaration after landing, made us all excited. I am so happy for this life adventure that you’re a part of I know that you’re going to land on your feet. And if you tumble a bit, by the grace of God, you will get up ready for the next challenge. I love you, Nana.
I am proud of your adventurous spirit. I look forward to hearing all your experiences when you get home but for now enjoy every moment of this trip.
Love you.
Isa
Growth doesn’t happen by hanging out in a comfortable space. Way to grow! I’m proud of you all but also super glad I didn’t have to watch. That would have freaked me out. Sarah I’m glad you leaned in, leaned on friends, and leapt! Love you to the moon and back. Miss your face. Xoxo
We are so proud of you Lily. It is so amazing to see you continue to challenge yourself on this amazingly beautiful journey. You continue to grow and reach for new heights with a fearless mindset and you were never afraid of new challenges. We are so excited to see that mindset continue as this chapter of your journey continues to grow.
Thank you Isa and all the ZamFam members who have been posting about this adventure. You are allowing us to see this fantastic journey through your eyes and that is such a gift!
PS Grandma and Grandpa O’Malley – love you and are thank you for sharing.
Well, Isa, you can check that off your bucket list. I’m glad you got to experience it, although I will say, I was nervous from 9,000 miles away. I’m glad the “be safe” part of my mantra held true, and of course the “have fun” as well.
Love you much! Be sure to have someone give you a few extra hugs from me today.
Isa, what an amazing post! You are so right that in a few weeks you will be looking back at your time in Zambezi wishing you could do it all again. Last year’s group talked a lot about feeling “nostalgic for the present,” and the feeling got stronger as time went on. Make sure to be present in every moment. As you begin your classes, take each lesson one at a time, and remember that you will get more confident. It will get easier as you get to know each of your students. Hope the bush planes went well!
MP: I thought you were turning your phone off because you left for Zambezi already. Maybe it was because you didn’t want to talk to me anymore? Just kidding! Can’t wait to hear about that first chicken sighting. Love and miss you as always!
Taylor: Thank you for jumping off that bridge with me last year. I have been thinking about it often and use it as a reminder to take a leap of faith and try new things. Thank you for always pushing me to be my best. I went on my first run today post marathon, and let me tell you, it was rough. Miss having you there with me!
Love,
Caroline
ZamFam ‘25
Wow! What an amazing experience and beautiful views!
So excited for you all taking leaps and stretching yourselves to venture into the unknown.
Morgs, did you JUMP??
Isa,
Not to freak you out or whatever but I’ve been doing a lot of things for 58 years and I’m way more scared of people things than life and death things. I try to remember if a bunch of people have done it before me and most of them lived, my odds are good! You will be fine.
I hope emu jumped off the thingy hanging by the bungee and sweated profusely and lived. Because that’s certainly on thing I would never do in one bozillion years so she has that on me!! I really hope there is an after photo… you are my hero on this adventure!!!
Mark-Mark
Before you all left, I didn’t want Katie to bungee jump; now I hope she was brave enough to do it. I love that you are all going outside of your comfort zones – with this trip in general and in learning how to talk with strangers at the markets. Keep having fun and pushing yourselves past your previous comfort levels.
Emi has been jumping off things first, and then thinking about whether it was a good idea afterwards for as long as I can remember… Very relieved there are no reports of another concussion.
It’s so great to see everyone jumping in, but also reflecting and thinking at the same time.
Emu – keep jumping, and also reflecting – love you much – mums
Isa,
I’m glad you’re having so much fun so far. Have a safe trip to Zambezi tomorrow and enjoy every experience there. I love you and miss you
Isa-thanks for your post today. My desire is to comment on each post as you all have so much wisdom to share and it is truly the highlight of my day! I do read them daily! I will go back and comment on each one this weekend! I love how you are embracing the unexpected and not having a plan. Being ok with the unknown and knowing how and when to pivot is such a valuable life skill. You all are amazing humans!
Sean-we miss you so much. Caroline sent you a pic of Oreo sitting on your bed today and then she realized you probably didn’t get it. So just know, Oreo misses you and is telling us that by laying on your bed. Us humans will show our love typing here with our opposable thumbs! We love you and hope you are having an amazing time!
ISA!!! I smiled so big when I saw you made today’s blog post. I loved it! BUNGEE JUMPING- HOLY BUCKETS! I am so happy for you, and your account of all the leaps you have taken and are going to take is inspiring.
there is a firewall so I might have to pull a Siena and do sentences at a time but it is meant to be read altogether lol. Thank you to the person reading this out loud:))
Hi Isa,
It’s tio Fred. Who would of thought that there would be an Arredondo in Africa! Africa is a long way from Tecolotes:) Remember, as a mexican, you should not be surprised of keeping a schedule . Praying that you don’t fall for an African (Sorry Joe). Lol! God Bless and praying for you and your group.
Tio Fred.
What a great adventure and opportunity to be emerged into another culture. Knowing how natural and friendly you are, people will enjoy being with you. Maybe you will even teach them how to say candy in Spanish (candee), according to Antonio. I’m really looking forward to read more of your experiences or challenges you’re facing.
If there are 18 people on the trip and only 17 jumped… I’ve been told it was probably Sam but I hope she did jump. I bet it was sick. Miss you a lot but I’m glad you’re getting to fully experience Zambia in all her glory! See ya soon ❤️
ISAAAAA!!! I can’t believe you bungee jumped, and I am SO proud of you!!! This trip has been such a leap of faith, and I know that you are getting pushed out of your comfort zone every day, and I am so incredibly proud of you. I know you’re going to kill it in Zambezi!
My rose was starting work today and getting to spend time with some friends after work. My bud is going up to Spokane to move into the house in a couple of weeks! My thorn was that work felt long today, but overall it was good!
Question of the day is “Would you rather travel on the highway or the back roads?” I would pick the back roads because I just like to meander and see all the sights!
Love and miss you so much roomie!!!
Testing for firewall!
This firewall is KILLER
Ok maybe this will work?
I have realized, especially this past year, that when you meet new people, they tend to care more about someone’s presence and learning about who they are rather than any educational aspect that can be taught. The people you are about to meet are probably so eager to get to know you. You are genuinely one of my favorite people to talk to, and you possess the power to brighten the day of anyone you are around. Like you said, there are moments that are unknown and intimidating (and leaning on the people around you is always a good idea), however I totally believe you are more than qualified in any role you encounter. The world craves community, and the best gift you could give the world is to be Isa. Be confident in who you are and in your authentic self, because that alone is enough to make your time together worthwhile.
LAST THING! Another phrase my mom told me when I was nervous (she’s on a roll) is: “be open to the possibility that you were put here for someone, in this space and time, and likewise, someone might be here for you as well”. SO many memories and relationships are about to be made.
ANYWAY, all of that to say that you are going to crush this, and I have full faith in you. I am so excited to hear what is to come!
I love and miss you,
Claire Sladovnik
I fell behind on posting. I had my time zones confused. So when Mary Pearl said in her post that there wouldn’t be a post until Friday, in my mind that meant my time. So this AM I was happily reading Noah’s post first thing, only to realize that there were already lost on comments. So I need to get this right.
Noah, your post was amazing. I thought that your picture of the toilet hole mouse rescue was really funny. I did also laugh at thought of everyone seeing the “toilet” for the first time. It must have been really funny seeing the horrors on a majority of the faces. Any way great job with your post.
Isa, your post was also great. I can’t believe that so many did the swing. I watched a video on it. IT LOOKED TERRIFYING! So glad that you all are trying new things and pushing yourselves outside your comfort zones. Best of luck on the trip to Zambezi. Your concerns for jumping in right away in Zambezi are very valid. But, like many things in life, the faster your can rip of the Band-Aid and get it started, the more time that you have to learn from your new experience.
Kathryn, don’t be mad at me, but Winnie got her Summer cut this week. She looks so CUTE. She is like a puppy again. And, she seemed ready for it this time. She wasn’t embarrassed. She came strutting out of the groomer, like she owned the place. Charlie graduates today. I can’t believe that everyone is done with high school. But he said that he is ready for Ole Miss, so that it awesome!
Have a great trip today. Keep sending pictures!
This was beautiful Isa! 111m is insane. I would’ve questioned for more than a split second for sure. SCARY. But I’m so proud of you all for making the jump! To everyone, I wish you luck as you continue forward and start your placements today and hope that you get the chance to embrace the unexpected and revel in the beauty of the present. Mary Pearl, Lauren found a documentary on Stanley Tucci you might want to check out when you return, and Graley we drove by the Nike headquarters yesterday and thought of you. All my love!
Isa! Thanks for these reflections on taking a leap of faith. I recall the same nerves and adrenaline steeling myself to jump towards that faraway river — I’m glad so many of you experienced the beauty and awe that comes with that leap of faith. And, even more so, am I excited to see how you all leap into the upcoming journey and experiences of Zambezi. Though I know things seems nerve-wracking, and you may be facing doubts and fears, I hope you find ways to continue to embrace that comfort and feel at peace with taking in all of the experiences, no matter the discomfort. Dive into what you will experience the moment you touch down in Zambezi — I’m certain you’ll be in awe of the beauty and grateful to be experiencing it.
Noah — I ran into a firewall issue last night after trying to comment on the blog several times. Suffice it to say I wasn’t a smart jackal and didn’t learn from all the other commenters who experienced something similar earlier in the journey. No matter — I loved the lessons you took (and didn’t take!) from the bush animals, and I hope you continue feeling happy with where you are and who you are with.
Well wishes for everyone on the bush planes — maybe don’t pull any guinea fowl antics!
Love you Megs! Flew over Washington today and thought of you like always before I remembered you’re off on your big adventure!
My girl!! I love you and these words more than anything! I am so proud of you for doing the jump off the bridge and for the jump going to Zambezi! Yes to asking Jeff the plan (I know he loves it lol) but learning the hard way that details will be minimal and that’s okay!
Yay yay yay for Zambezi — it only gets better from here. It is a million percent normal to be nervous, and better to be that than overconfident. You’re in my prayers that nerves subside and trust grows! Take the leap and know all the beautiful things that wait in store for you.
Today, Paige and I spent the whole day at BottleRock (music festival in Napa) which was surreal. Music of all kinds and from all directions. We danced and sang our hearts out, and yet, I found myself wishing to be in Zambezi dancing with the community and Steve at our home stay. I am so beyond excited for this group to experience it all!! Cannot believe you will be reading this blog from the convent!!!! What!!!
Love,
Weenie
11:02pm in California, 8:01am in Zambia
Hi Isa! The moment I read your countdown my hands started to sweat!!! I continue to admire how you all have “jumped” into this experience and have embraced all of these incredible (and terrifying!!!) moments. I am so excited for you all to arrive in Zambezi and to live and work within the community! From one teacher to another…the fact that you feel nervous about your upcoming lessons demonstrates that you care deeply about your content and future students and I can’t imagine a more important quality for a teacher to have.
Taylor- I can’t wait to hear about the half marathon! I went for a run today and decided I have aged out of running uphill.
Sam: Your family misses you. Website firewall keeping them from commenting on blog. Meg in Day 2 of States.
What an awesome experience! I’ve been waiting to hear about the bungee jumping so I’m glad it went well and everyone had a blast. I hope you guys have a safe trip to Zambezi and continue to have lots of amazing experiences!
Sarah M: I miss you so much and am so excited for you to go to Zambezi and make such a big impact. Wish you were here so we could watch TV but I know you’re doing big things. Also did you do the bungee jump thing? Seemed SCARY!
This post reminds me that we parents also took a leap faith and swallowed some fear when we said “Yes! Go!” It is a gift that you are sharing this adventure with us. And…if anyone is not hearing from people at home many of us are struggling to comment through a firewall. You are all loved and missed! To quote Sam’s mom Andrea, “Stay strong, take lots of pics, have conversations with new people and take time to absorb the little moments.” Sam, you are your mom’s favorite oldest daughter. She misses you tons! Meg, we love the postcards. Your words always touch our hearts. Hugs!
I have goosebumps thinking about it and looking at the photos!
Miss you Meg – so proud of you !
Isa,
What an amazing trip and learning experience so far. So much of our human nature and American culture is the need to be in control. To know what we are going to do and how we are going to do it. This is a good reminder that we need to commit our ways to the Lord and he will direct our paths. To take a leap of faith and to not trust in ourselves and our own abilities but to trust God. I can’t wait to read and hear about the rest of you trip.
Zeke
Hannah, i cant help but be reminded of the last time i watched you swan dive off a bridge and it brings back such great memories. I know your adventurous spirit is strong beneath that sweet, mellow exterior! Continue to take risks over these next few weeks (but not dangerous ones!) and dont forget to journal through it all. You will LOVE reading that in 30 years, trust me. Isa, im guessing you’re not alone feeling nervous about the next leg of the trip, to be honest im nervous for you. What you’re about to do takes tremendous courage and embracing of the unknown. But i have complete confidence in all of you and cant wait to hear all the stories!
Hannah you are missed here in San Diego, like the last puzzle piece that fell off the table and so there’s a little empty space in the middle of something beautiful. Grandparents send their love, and just know we are all thinking of you even though not all are posting here. 🙂
Isa,
Great work on this! Good to see we have another writer in the family. I’ve trained you well. Love you and miss you. Can’t wait hear about everything, but you know I care more that you saw one of the best waterfalls in the world than just about anything else 🙂
Antonio
I know this was an anticipated highlight for Meg. Trust it was spectacular. Such incredible adventures that are forming such strong memories for you all. It is such a joy to follow along! Firewall is blocking some folks – Sam, your parents pass on their love and your sister is in day 2 of States!
Meg – miss you sooo much. Can’t wait to see you and hear all about your experiences!
It sounds like you guys had an awesome adventure at Victoria Falls today! The experiences you describe sound amazing and I can’t wait to hear what you guys do tomorrow. Have so much fun in Zambezi meeting new people and trying new things!
Sam! I’m so excited to see all of your pictures from this awesome trip and to update you on all of the tea when you get back. The draw for RG came out and Gauff is unfortunately a little bit cooked but Fritz is supposed to do well! I love you and miss you! Wolfie says hi!
Meg, I hope you catch a baby in Zambezi!
Lily, the bungee jumping sounds amazing! I miss you and am excited to hear about everything when you get back. The mountain marmots and the river dwellers miss you! (the evil city ones say hi too)
This trip is FULL of jumps like this! I’m so proud of you for learning to go with the flow, I know I don’t know you lol, but I had a similar experience in being anxious for the unknown. Say yes to everything you can, and take it all in. I’m so happy to hear you all are heading back to Zambezi (your home for the next 3 weeks) I encourage you to make it your home away from home as much as you can. Decorate- fill the walls, invite people in for conversations after class, and explore the market with curiosity and the willingness to meet new people and make new connections. Know that your time is on time, you’re never late if you spent that time making a new friend, even if Jeff says you are. Taylor— give the mamas HUGE squeezes for all of us in zam fam 25, have so much fun! Wishing you all of the best
Katy (Jeff’s favorite student)
#zamfam25
Sam- miss you tons! Bonshaw Ct isn’t the same without you and Wolfie isn’t visiting as much- he must know you’re traveling the world! Stay strong, take lots of pics, have conversations with new people, and take time to absorb the little moments. There will be emotional and physical ups and downs but you will be stronger, as a group and personally, for making it through together! You are my favorite oldest daughter- love and miss you tons Sammers! ( and hello to Meg too)
ISA!! What a way with words. I am overjoyed to hear about the experiences you are having, they sound absolutely spectacular!! BUNGEE JUMPING!! That is one thing I don’t know that I would do. SO PROUD !
Anyways, things have been pretty slow here… I go back to Portland tomorrow and am excited to see everyone there. Except I found out Meredith is staying in Corvallis this summer so I am sad I won’t get to see her as much.
My rose is that the weather is awesome and we’re going on a hike today.
My Bud is that I get to see my dad and friends next week!
My thorn is that I…. I don’t know! So I guess no thorn for me.
I hope that the rest of your week is filled with so much adventure. I am sorry if I am not commenting in time. I check the blog multiple times a day to see if you posted and I am not sure when you read them….