I’ve always been fascinated by the way places look. My imagination and curiosity always involved different places, making up a person and what their house looks like, how they get to work, how downtown looks. This goes hand in hand with my interest in geography and the game GeoGuessr. I’m also a chronic Google Maps browser, sometimes just finding random things and odd attractions (did you know that the world’s largest thermometer is somewhere in rural southern California? The town name eludes me, and I unfortunately can’t check Google Maps). One of the reasons I love history and museums is because it gives a glimpse into what someone’s home, city, or country looked like in a bygone era somewhere across the world.
I feel like it always stopped at the visual, or at least I’ve only had the opportunity to explore the visual. Flying over Zambia in the front seat of a Cessna 258, I was transfixed by all of the rural communities we passed, the footprints of the buildings, and the paths between them. Every travel day so far, I’ve been one of the most awake travelers, just drinking in the new places. On bus rides, I was peeking into alleyways, trying to catch a view of the streets. In Lusaka and Livingstone, I was so interested in what the various neighborhoods looked like, how the market was laid out, and obviously what the view of Victoria Falls would be. On the safari, I kept an eye out for what plants and animals I could see. But that was the thing. It was all curiosity about what the place looked like, not as much how it felt.
This initially continued yesterday as I caught sight of Zambezi for the first time from the plane. I stared at the runway, the streets, picked out the market and imagined people’s walks from their homes to the bustling strip of metal roofs. As soon as we landed, however, and were greeted by around a hundred people with songs and performances, my fascination, curiosity, and focus shifted from the visual, logistical interest in the town to how it felt, the people, and the community. We walked to the convent holding the hands of the masses of kids that had come to greet us. I then spent an hour with Isa, Mary Pearl, and Jeff dutifully following Mama Katendi around the market with a grocery bag, hoping to be honored by her placing an item in my bag over the others. I was thinking how it felt in addition to taking in how it looked, which is something I can’t figure out how to put into words just yet.
Today, we went to mass. Again, initially I focused on the construction, how it was almost a cross shape, the blue walls, and the overwhelming smell of incense making it hard to breathe. Then, as the choir started singing and the community came to their feet, and announcements went on and on, I started to focus more on how it felt to be in there, and to focus on the people. Near the end of the service, we got up in front and introduced ourselves and our classes. The congregation was very welcoming but seemed unenthused. We then sang a song we had learned the previous night in Lunda. You could tell just how much this changed the perception of our group in the community, and left me hoping I can continue focusing on the feelings and people in a room in addition to the place they’re in. After the service, we stuck around outside and tried to meet new people. Most of my previous interactions with Zambians have either come from a vendor trying to sell me something or someone I’ll never see again after our brief exchange in passing. This was different. This was a community I will be learning from and living with for the next 3 weeks. When I’ve traveled in the past, its always just been the tourist activities, which promotes this “how things look” mindset. Now that we are out of the tourist’s Zambia, away from the vacationing Floridian couples who are shocked that Zambians speak English, I feel good. Nervous and completely unprepared and out of my depth, but excited and ready to look to people and not just places in our new host community in Zambezi.
Joe Olson
ZamFam ‘26
GU class of 2029
For my loved ones:
Lily, I hope you’re still finding joy seeing friends and family and hanging out with Rosie! Miss you!! You’re one of my favorite people on earth, and I can’t wait for our month debrief when I get back!
Mom, Dad, and Xan I miss you guys! I hope Mom and Allie are teaming up and picking terrible movies for you Dad. I know you’re probably used to it by now. Say hi to Nar and Francis for me!
Also, Laith I’m not sure if you’re actually reading this, but happy late birthday! You always send me pictures of interesting books from crazy bookstores in other countries, so I was excited I was able to return the favor. I did not buy them unfortunately.
Love you guys.
Hannah says: Congrats on graduation Claire! I wish I could be with you! Love you!
Noah says: Happy Birthday to my mom! I hope you’re having a good day and not going crazy without me!
Joe, enjoyed your letter on all the events of the day and the account of the Mass and the people and your singing .
NO FREAKING WAY IM THE FIRST COMMENT!! What an honor. Joe, your comment about Maps made me laugh because I remember being home and trying to find the convent and market to show my family.
What an amazing squad to be following Mama Katendi around the market! I hope you read this, and she’s at the table, hi Mama!!! If you really want to feel like a local, following her day is the best way to do it. One of my most memorable days was being her assistant. Lucia, our TA last year, shared with our group a term she coined as a “sensory snapshot”. It happens with a moment you would like to remember: so, 1) close your eyes, 2) go through all 5 senses and feel it all deeply, 3) focus on who you’re with and what your body feels like, and 4) soak it all in. These sensory snapshots are what I go back to when I miss Zambezi, and I’m instantly transported onto the convent couches or being squished in the trunk benches of the Jeeps. Please take snapshots!!!
It feels surreal to know you are in Zambezi, living a different way of life than I am right now. Sitting with my strawberry matcha in hand as I write this seems a little performative… enjoy the Cadbury bars and every. single. moment. Remember to journal!!!
Love,
Weenie
1:58pm in California, 10:58pm in Zambia
Retweet the sensory memory/ snapshot moments. Will never be able to get the smell of the fish at the market out of my head (ever.) Seriously I am picturing the smell right now.
This makes me remember I need to pay attention to which senses am I using to experience a new place. When Meg visited Gonzaga for the first time she said, “I like the way it smells.” The scent of pine reminded us of summer weeks in the Sierras. A happy time and place for our family.
Meg- We miss you. Right now Indiana smells damp. The mailbox peonies are starting to bloom. Phoebe graduates 8th grade on Tuesday. I love you more! -Mom
(And it is Baker, CA. The thermometer can be seen from the highway on the drive between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.)
Excellent reflection — How to feel a place with all your senses. Smells or sounds can trigger a memory far better than a sight. And your Spidy senses, too. Just the vibe of a place and people. I picked up the parishioners were underwhelmed by your introduction — be open to that being cultural. Might be a sign of respect or curiosity. You’ll get to know a lot of these folks, I’m sure.
I left a comment in the earlier blog post instead of here. Hope you read all the new comments regardless!
Joe thank you so much for your post. It is so amazing how history lives everyday in the connection you are feeling with new people. Looking forward to learning more about what you learn the next few weeks. Keep enjoying this new chapter.
PS Lily Oklahoma LOST. Love you always and forever.
Great post and gives me sense of the environment you all are entering into. Brings up familiar feelings for me. I am envisioning Olivia in these experiences which is wonderful. Olivia I am at an experiential workshop currently and wear your track jacket every day which causes a lot of comment. It makes me feel close to you to wear it. Miss you and love you!!!
Joe! OK, I KNOW I said that I would NOT leave a bunch of comments but as your mom, I get a free pass once in a while. Reading your words lets me know all is well and you are making the most out of each day of this experience and that brings me so much joy. I hope that you feel all of the love, support and encouragement that I send out to you every day as I pass your room at the end of the hall. Even when you don’t feel super prepared, you always rise to the challenge. I have full confidence in you as you begin with your students tomorrow. Good luck Joe (even though I know you don’t need it). Love ya, Mom
Joe- nice way to engage with a new place. Let your brain get the layout and locations then let your senses take over. Thats how memories stay anchored.
Sarah. We enjoyed our hike today and escaped a rainstorm we we watching in the distance. We met up with a pet rescue person who was looking for a lost cat. So Caroline and I meowed quite a bit on the trail to see if we could find it. We did not. Missing you a ton. GSDILY. Xoxo. Momma
Really appreciate your post Joe, and I’m looking forward to hearing from you all and what’s it’s like to be in that community for three weeks. It’s so great when we get to move from being a tourist to actually having the opportunity to embed ourselves in a community. Thanks for sharing.
This brings my heart so much joy! I can just picture your arrival…the warm welcome with singing and performances and the masses of kids that came to greet you. An overwhelming experience as you take in all the details about your new home for the next few weeks. I’m so excited for you all and the connections you will make with the people you meet while you are there. I’m also so proud of all of your for putting yourself in these unfamiliar places, outside of your comfort zones…open to learning and growing and being changed by it all.
Samantha – I meant to comment yesterday to say that I found so much wisdom in your words…my favorite quote:
“Sometimes growth is learning how to lean on others without shame. Sometimes it is allowing yourself to be changed by people, placed, and experiences instead of trying to control them. Sometimes it is understanding that courage is not the absence of fear, but a willingness to move forward while trusting that you will not do it alone.”
So good!
Hayden – Granny & Granpa arrive tomorrow – we will miss you while celebrating Grady. The Jellycats for the girls were a hit – thanks for the suggestion! Everyone was asking about you at the grad parties. I keep watching the video of you on the bungee swing and it makes my stomach drop every time. We miss you and so does Riggs.
Hey morgie! We’ve been having difficulties posting on the blog…Hopefully this will get through. Booboo is on an all liquid diet due to a surgery she recently had. She keeps talking about the food she can’t wait to eat. Here is her current list:
1. Olive Garden stuffed chicken mozzarella with mashed potatoes
2. Salty’s pulled pork or cabbage sandwich with fries
3. Bacon/onion ring burger
4. Enchiladas with Mac and cheese
Joe, this post perfectly captured the emotions of seeing Zambezi for the first time from the bush plane and landing on the runway to such a warm welcome. I remember walking hand in hand with so many kids to the convent and having such mixed thoughts that they knew exactly where to take us. Zambia is complicated, and you will find that complication all around you. It’s the best. Also 10/10 backup what Weenie said about the sensory memories. I can still taste the dust.
MP: I thought about you at Mass today. I hope you loved your first Zambia Mass, I think it’s the closest thing I’ve ever experienced to a Jesuit Mass if you know what I mean. Also, survived Nordstrom without seeing Shane, and almost laughed out loud when I saw the balloons and remembered our shenanigans last summer. Love you!
Taylor: I better see a Strava post recreating our route from last summer! Praying for no stomach emergencies.
Love,
Caroline
ZamFam ‘25
ALSO OH MY GOSH MP this confirms you have officially seen a market chicken. How are we feeling? It made me so happy to hear you already got to experience the market with Mama Katendi! She’s a pro!
Hey Joe, thank you! It’s good to finally see you write on here, I liked the part about Geoguessr, the plane ride sounds amazing. I also appreciated you sending me the books you discovered over there. Let me know if you find any more.
Joe – what a wonderful post. Your group is so brave to sing in front of strangers in a strange land. Looking forward to hearing more.
If you ask Katie G, she will tell you I always say “this smells like California,” or “this tastes like college.” I totally relate to your post, Joe.
Katie: we got the chicken run started yesterday, and Berto worked on it more today while I made food for a family bbq tomorrow. I added olives to the pasta salad since you won’t be here. I got flagged down by Aydin today. He’s doing great and looks good. He has an interview with an MLB team for an internship in Sacramento. Fingers crossed he gets it.
I miss you every day – especially when I get in the car and would normally text or call you. Those conversations will have to wait. I’m excited for your journey over the next three weeks. I love you mucho mucho!
Joe, your words pulled me right along with you and then I started flipping through my mental box of slides from all the places I’ve ever been which is like a million!! Each one of you writers is really pulling me into your wide awake, looking listening smelling feeling experience over there and I just love it. I’m a zero fan of travel writing and I don’t do restaurant tv shows but this particular gang is singing my tune and I am sooooo enjoying it!!! Thanks for the effort and for your authenticity and enthusiasm. It’s real juice!!!
Emu, I fed mums sushi and desert and she’s in a coma surrounded by dogs and unfinished knitting but she loves you dearly and misses you every day just like I do. I can’t wait to get you at the airport and hear one zillion more things!!
Love Mark-Mark
Great thoughts on leaning into experiences with our mind and emotions. I love that you got to experience a church service and and warm Zambian welcome. Both deserve logistical and emotional curiosity and processing. There’s a lot to take in! I like Caroline’s advice on how to savor and remember what you are living right now.
Isa -Diego and Antonio went on the hot air balloon this morning with the family. Antonio (Google Maps in person) gave a play by play of all the roads he saw, entertaining (aka driving crazy) Diego for the first part of their flight.
Joe, I love how you’re shifting from the visual to the experiential and the feeling — that’s what’s truly transformative about being in the community. I recall, also, the difference between what I saw of the “Google Maps” view from the bush planes, and then how it felt to be walking hand-in-multiple-hands with the masses of eager Zambezi children. I love the line about being honored by Mama Katendi placing an item in your bag at the market — that’s the perfect description, and if you’re listening to this, Mama, I miss you and hope this year’s ZamFam is just the slightest bit quieter for your sake! I hope you all continue to lean into those feelings, beyond just what you see or hear or any of the other basic senses. This community does indeed begin to feel like a home, and I see the beginnings of that in what Joe writes here. Best of luck as you begin classes (tomorrow?)!
Hi Joe! I loved reading your descriptions of the places you are encountering on this journey and admire your efforts to both see AND feel these unique, beautiful, and challenging moments. I love how “awake” you are to this experience! Also, how cool that you got a front seat on the Cessna!!
Taylor- I got in the pool for the first time today, but don’t worry I’m saving my back dive until you are back home! ❤️
Joe, your reflection almost made me tear up, and being able to feel a place and connect with the people in that way is so special; you captured that beautifully. I also wanted to add in that I too am a fan of Geoguessr. I’m sure you’ve heard of it, but if you haven’t, I highly recommend Wordle if you ever get bored and want to test your knowledge more:) It’s Wordle but you guess the country!
I bet mass was awesome! I think it is so cool to go to mass in new places- the structure of it is the same globally, but each place makes it their own. It sounds like Zambezi is a good place to be:) Also, everyone being welcomed so warmly makes my heart happy- that must’ve been radiant.
Anyone from Colorado that cares, the Avs just lost their third game against Las Vegas, and they have yet to win one, so we are looking kinda screwed. They were up 3-0 today, then got scored on five times. Horrible. Never in my life have I cared this much about the Avs or hockey but now I’m kinda hooked. Please send good vibes going into game 4.
On the other end, Mary Pearl, some good basketball news for ya is that Azzi Fudd had a career high game of 24 points today against the Liberty and the Wings won. She had six 3s that set a rookie record for them AND she scored 17 of her points in the 3rd quarter, tying the record for second most points in any quarter for a rookie in the W. The highlights were beautiful, and the basketball IQ was exquisite.
Graley, I went on a run in my neighborhood and there were crickets by the stream, and it sounded lovely. I thought of your voice memos and I hope you have been taking some while in Zambia. I am excited to hear all of the new ones you acquire:)
Sarah, I look forward to your parents’ comments every single day. I also really miss you. I keep seeing your car and want to text to hang out but then remember you’re in Zambia, so thank goodness for the blog. I also keep getting matcha at Starbs but it’s not the same as our Saturdays, and so I think we should find a place upon your return to go to here. Starbucks did come out with a butterfly drink and it is purple, pink, orange, and has orange popping boba and it was honestly so fire. I don’t know if that is of interest to you, but I wanted to tell you anyway *laughing emoji*
So much love,
Claire Sladovnik
Holy cow just posted that and I’m embarrassed but how long it is. I’ll make my comment smaller tomorrow. OK BYE
Wow! This post made some tears come. Just thinking about all the people there to greet you and walking holding hands with the children. It really hit me that this is so incredibly life changing and connecting. I love how you talk about shifting perspectives into feeling. What a great lesson for us all!! Thank you for such a thoughtful and vivid reflection of where you are and what it’s like!
Liv-I’ve been living on Starbucks and Lilos Hawaiian Cafe since all the people I love are off traveling!! It’s just me and Odie! He loves that I get Lilos because..well..smoked chicken. I got to meet little Nora yesterday and she’s SO cute!! She’s going to make you laugh! Super observant and curious. She gets really mad at belly time because she pancakes her arms out instead of putting them underneath her. That’s so frustrating to her! But oh boy will you ever love her!! Love you!! Everyone’s asking about you & I’m giving updates from the blog (greeatttt blog!) love love love youuuuuuu
Great reflection Joe. And what a poignant reminder to travel with all of our senses.
Kathryn, not much to report from home. aunt Sheila and Heidi are here for volleyball this weekend. Fun having them stay with us.
Hello all- I love reading all these entries. I am happy you all are “ home “ for the upcoming weeks. I imagine the Zambezi community will embrace you and sooner than you realize it will feel comfortable….and even homey! Enjoy your work over the next weeks, learning from friends, old and new, leaning on each other while celebrating the wins, struggling through the difficulties and hopefully, laughing and learning along the way.
Sam- We love you and miss you! We had dinner with John and Anne tonight. They say hello and enjoy. The Office Marathon with Kate and Megan tonight. No Wolfie visit- that cat! Megan somehow found out you can rent out the OHS gym for $30 a night and she and Kate are strongly considering it- ha!
Meg-fingers crossed you have an opportunity to catch a baby- wear a big shirt!
All our love and long distance support to you all- we are proud and highly impressed with your passion, commitment and willingness to embrace the unknown.
Zags–thanks for another great post. As amazing as the sights are in Southern Africa, the people and relationships you make are the true amazing part of your travels.
Samantha–glad you made it through the flight and best of luck teaching. Enjoy each day–soon enough you’re going to be at the Y and on automatic in the job. Love you!
Joe,
You did a great job with your post. I love that you said “I feel good. Nervous and completely unprepared and out of my depth, but excited and ready to look to people and not just places in our new host community in Zambezi.” I have found that the times that I have felt like you, are the times that I have had my greatest growth. I hope that you find the same thing to be true.
Kathryn,
Today we hit up a grad party for Charlie’s friend Aiden, went to Heidi’s volleyball game and showed Mom the new store space in Roseville. The dogs were missing you today. I found both of them on your bed this AM. Have a great time with all of your new adventures and friendships. You’ve got this!
Joe – thank you for your description of how it felt to arrive in Zambezi. Your words make it come to life for us. I love hearing that Mass came to life with singing – and that you all had learned a song to sing for them!! Such a gift to be able to share music and build community through song.
MP – we miss you! I bet the market was amazing. So many sights, sounds, smells and people!! Love you so much!. xo, Mom
Joe!!
I miss you so much, but it was so nice to read your words and get a glimpse into how you are thinking about your adventures and starting to make real connections with the people you are meeting. I’m so glad you made it safely to Zambezi and I can’t wait to hear all about it!
Lily
Joe, what an awesome reflection. I loved your recount of the different sights and smells you experienced during mass, I could really imaging what it looked and felt like to be in your shoes. Hoping you all have many more amazing experiences like this to come
Sarah: I had chipotle today and thought of you with every bite I took. Miss talking to you every day I feel like we have broken up but can’t wait to hear all about it upon your return. Love you lots -Julia
Beautiful writing! Sounds like SUCH a cool experience both on the flights and meeting people! Enjoy all the newness of people, community, love, and experience—what a truly wonderful welcoming to start the journey ahead!
Morgan, I hope you survived the bush plane flight without too much drama and I just know you had a blast with the post-flight welcome! I also know you’re living in the moment, which is good because you’re not missing much at all in terms of pop culture and news and whatnot. Keep spreading your love to the group and the new people you meet, it’s infectious.
Thinking of you all with much love,
Cooper
Hi ZamFam! I got a bit behind so will be responding to Sam’s as well
Sam! What a beautiful blog. Thank you for sharing. One thing that stood out to me from your blog was how fast the idea of being fully independent kind of falls apart there because of the pace of life, the shared struggles, and how connected everyone becomes. I liked your point about life-enhancing power showing up in normal moments, talking after long days, eating together, laughing when everyone’s exhausted, or just sitting with someone who’s struggling. Zambia made me realize that connection can actually keep people going, and that strength has more to do with being open to people than trying to handle everything alone 🙂 also lol at Jeff wanting to see a specific kind of bird.
Love seeing the photo of the porch. I can bring myself back to pumping water or sitting outside for a quick journey. Know you are enjoying that space.
Hugs to all
Loosh ZamFam ‘25, ZamFam TA ‘26
What stood out most to me was the shift you described when you arrived in Zambezi and were welcomed by the community, especially the moment with Mama Katendi at the market. I really appreciated the way you described about moving beyond the “tourist mindset” because living somewhere requires openness and a willingness to let people affect you in meaningful ways. That is why moments like singing in Lunda at Mass mattered so much, since it showed a desire to meet the community where they were instead of staying on the outside observing. Keep leaning in!!
This is to Joe ^
What a brilliant post I loved it.
Joe, Thanks for helping me to “see” the welcome you got upon arriving in Zambizi. I can just see all of you walking surrounded by children. It sounds like a wonderful experience. I look forward to hearing about what you all are doing every day.
Noah, thank you for the birthday wishes! I had a good day, but it wasn’t the same without you here. You have been so good at calling me all year, so I think this may be the longest I have gone without talking to you. I love you!