In the beginning of November, I received an email notifying me that I had been accepted into the Gonzaga in Zambezi study abroad! I was ecstatic and had no trouble pressing the button to confirm my acceptance into the program. In the days leading up to our departure, I accepted that I was about to go on this trip that would undoubtedly show me new perspectives. It wasn’t until our plane landed in Zambezi that the weight of the trip landed on me. It seemed as if, out of nowhere, I had created sky-high expectations for this trip that I did not have prior to boarding the plane. I am not even sure what these expectations are, much less how to describe them, but I keep hitting a roadblock eating at me while in my classroom. Rather than confront these overwhelming expectations, I let it consume me until I felt ready to go home after spending a few short days in Zambezi.
When the education group toured Chilenga, we were in the head teacher’s office when I heard that they have a special education classroom. My ears perked up and I asked if I could be placed in this classroom. I requested to work in the special education unit because of volunteer work I do at home and at school. I am in a club at Gonzaga called GUSR, and this club means the world to me! It is a club for adults with special needs, and they are some of my favorite people in the world. Through my years of working with people with special needs, I have grown more aware of the injustices that the community faces.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I walked into the classroom on my first day, but I left feeling conflicted. The teaching styles that are used in the classroom range from harsh—yelling and telling the students that the work is “very simple”—to the more familiar style of teaching I’ve seen in American schools. There are two teachers in the classroom, one who uses the harsher technique and the other, Prince, who has a style of teaching we might see in the US.
During my time in the classroom, I have enjoyed talking to Prince and learning how he ended up working in this classroom. When Prince was in university, he was studying physical therapy and education, but eventually added Zambian sign language to his course load. He added this class because he admired the teacher, who was not deaf but learned ZSL, and he now teaches people with hearing impairments. Through this teacher, Prince learned ZSL and eventually went down the path of education and special education. Prince has a caring demeanor, jokes around with his students, and is willing to give feedback.
In the classroom, I have noticed that the students are rarely praised for their work. When I started teaching math (if you know me this doesn’t add up) to the class, I called students to the chalkboard and asked them to help me solve the problem. When they finished the equation, whether they got it right or needed some assistance, I started giving them double high-fives. This pattern has continued for a few days, but now the students are the ones initiating high fives. When they started doing this it made me so incredibly happy, which led to a realization. That joy I’ve seen in the high fives gives me a similar satisfaction as GUSR, and my interest in the learners in the Special Unit reflects my passion for serving those with special needs at home. All of this is leading me to consider whether I might want to work in a special education classroom. Looks like I might switch my major…again!
Xo,
Katie DeMello
Zam Fam 26
Messages!!
To my friends! I miss you all so much! I can’t wait to catch up! I miss your hugs and humor!!! Also, Samie there is a cat here that you would love! Her name is Linus!
Emma Isabel Nielsen: DUDE WE ABSOLUTELY NEED TO DO TEMPORARY TATTOOS!!! Also yes yes yes to Sun Splash and Chicago Fire!!! I’ve genuinely told everyone about the restaurant!
Aunt Sheila, Lila, and Heidi: I miss our weekly phone calls! I can’t wait to see you this summer! We must do the face masks!!
To my family: I am so excited to catch up on what has been happening at home! Thank you for all the comments you have been leaving! I really appreciate them!
To my cousins! I’ve played hide n seek two times on this trip! Let’s just say the years of us playing are paying off!
Loved your post. It takes someone special to serve the special needs community.
Hi Morgie,
Hope all is well with one of my favorite grands. Missing you sweetie. Can’t wait to see you and hear first hand about your experiences. We are starting to make tentative plans for the Chicago trip. Hopefully it will coincide with your October break.
Love you, Grandma
Katie-
Loved your post, especially the story of the double high five celebration to make learning fun. We can’t overestimate the power of a smile, having fun, and spreading joy in even the simplest of ways. I imagine your celebration a has started a tradition that will at carry-on after you leave Zambia.
Jim
Sean – Marco, Diego, Caroline, Auntie Jen, Uncle Jorge, Nona, Gramps, Sonia, Monica, Gio, Matteo and Tony say hi!
Hi Zags- Another great blog entry. Thanks Katie!
Sam- Saw Wolfie yesterday- his fur finally looks “ reasonable”.
Dad heads to WY tomorrow to see Eric. Kate is busy with work and yoga. Megan is locked in for Chem and Spanish finals! We miss you tons and hope that each day is filled with learning and love. You’re my favorite oldest daughter. Jersey Mike’s in less than 2 weeks.
Hugs to everyone and enjoy your weekend away- I assume it is this weekend. Go ZamZags!
Katie! SpEd major here, I loved what you said about GUSR, I did it freshman year, and it is definitely a special program. How cool that there was a special ed program at Chilenga — I’m not sure our group figured that out… maybe they did though, and I was just in my own little Zambezi boarding school bubble.
Everything you said is so true; especially the piece on how Zambian teaching styles differ so much from American style. Keep giving high fives — there’s definitely something to be said about Zambezi teachers having more control over their classes than let’s say, my practicum placement classes in Spo… but, there should ALWAYS be praise and reinforcement for positive behavior!!!!
Selfishly, your last sentence made me soooo happy. The SpEd program is so freaking special!! If you have any questions, lmk when you get back. There’s also a SpEd minor so that could be a good compromise if you want to keep your major. :)) Also, lol to the “tree-t” caption. Use this last week wisely: take more photos than ever, visit your favorite market vendors, and soak up every bite of the Mamas’ food. What’s the plan for this weekend? Chinyingi Mission hospital? Spicengers? Can’t wait to see how this weekend further complicates your experience.
Love,
Weenie
12:29pm in California, 9:29pm in Zambia
Hi Katie. I can tell you have a big heart and care deeply. I love how you involve the students at the chalkboard and then double high five. And now they do it! That is such a great affirmation of the impact you are having. They clearly love the praise and acknowledgement of their hard work. It’s so obvious that you have a heart and passion for the special education population–they will be so lucky to have you as a teacher! Very excited for you.
Wow Katie!!! I’m so beyond proud of everything you are doing, it is so inspiring:) Reading your blog made me so happy, you pushed through the uncomfortable times and it paid off!!! Those students are so lucky to have you❤️ Keep up all the amazing work. Love and miss you tons
Kathryn, your post made my day, heck maybe even my week. We have been patiently waiting for your day. My heart is filled with joy reading your post. And, I can’t say that I’m surprised with your evolving purpose. Education seems like your calling. And you have always found it easy to make connections with people with special needs. I love your clsssroom observations.These different styles undoubtedly impact learning. And the tree-t!! Love seeing your humor shining through.
Love and miss you so much. Keep high fiving and doing your thing!
Mom
KATIEEEEE!!!! I’m so happy you’re having such a fun time!!! i miss you so much! i’m so proud of you and all your doing!!! have so much fun and keep being your fun amazing self! can’t wait to see you when you get home!!! jelous you played hide n seek without me.. Love you lots
Oh my goodness Katie! My eyes produced some water while reading this. I am beyond proud of you. Pushing through the hard and staying optimistic is the key to success in my eyes and it seems you have figured that out as well.
It makes me so happy to hear you have found exactly the reason you were drawn to this opportunity, you have a gift of making people feel seen and your class is so lucky to experience your gift.
I love you Katie!!
Love your insanely proud cousin
Hi Katie! It’s so great to hear from you!! You are making such a positive impact there and I can tell you are learning so much. I love how you are to take everything you are learning from Zambezi and GUSR into the classroom. I also love how you added in the dad joke that made my day. I miss hearing them. Can’t wait to see you soon!! Love you lots!!
Katie–Thank you for sharing this honest and reflective experience. Your openness to discomfort and your care for the learners really helps crystallize your emerging sense of purpose. It’s powerful to see how this experience is helping you recognize a passion that has been with you all along.
Sarah-loved your picture today. It is super hot in Denver and I’m wishing for a quick dip in the adult pool this afternoon (but instead will have another meeting). We’ll see you in just a few days! Unbelievable. Keep taking pictures and journaling. I’m so looking forward to learning. Love you to the moon and back. momma
Kathryn,
I”M SO PROUD OF YOU! Your post was AWESOME! I loved the pictures. I loved that you are making the classroom your own and implementing your own teaching style. I loved the part of the “double high fives” and how your students are starting to do it on their own. To me, that means that you have a great connection with your class. And of course I absolutely loved the Dad joke thrown in there. Don’t ever lose your sense of humor. You have a great one and it is very special.
Zam Fam 26,
I’m so proud of all of you for going on this amazing adventure and for continuing to support each other. In reading all of your posts I see that you all have had tough times and you all have had break throughs. I think that it is amazing that you all are in it together. You have an amazing shared experience that you will have for the rest of your lives.
I’m so happy for all of you!
Hi Katie, How great it was to read your post. The best part was to read how happy and immersed you are in this incredible adventure you are on. Funny, but when you are happy and excited I feel it in my bones too. Your enthusiasm is contagious!! Thank you for sharing. Like the rest of our family I miss you and I can’t wait to see you when you get home and learn more about your journey.
We can share stories. I’ll tell you about my amazing trip to Ireland.
I love you,
Popsi
Katie, Loved reading your post and how you were able to create such an honest and compelling narrative that I felt like I had experienced it with you. Extra high fives to you for your bravery and commitment that helped you stick with it, even in times of discomfort. So glad you persevered until you found a spot you could thrive while helping others thrive. Sounds like your kindness is creating wonderful ripple effects with the special ed students who are lucky enough to have you teaching them. Proud of you! With Love, Terri
Katie!!! I’m so glad your having fun in Zambia and you’re experience has been so impactful.
To all my other ed babies and everyone else in Zambia, I miss you so much and I hope you’re having so much fun! I’m so proud of all of you and I’m wishing you the absolute best.
Sarah and Hannah,
I miss you both and i just redid my nails. hannah i think you’d really like them and sarah i think you’d like them because they’re orange. i know i never gave you your flat stanley of me but im cheering you on and wishing you the best from here. maybe draw a smiley face on a rock or something.
anyways i miss you all so much, stay safe and have so much fun!!!
Liana
Loved this post. Your professional careers will be jungle gyms–sometimes climbing, sometimes going to the side, sometimes it seems like you are going down. Glad that you are enjoying the trip.
Sam–it’s been some pretty amazing tennis. We gotta go to Paris and watch sometime! Kate and I are still laid low, so didn’t qualify for the French open but should be back for Wimbledon. Meg is on a hiatus as well as she studies for finals. Love ya!
Katie- I love that you are making connections and finding your purpose!
Emu- I’m interested to hear how the clinic/ hospital experience has been going since your initial post and impressions. From the health group posts so far it sounds both meaningful and intense.
Doing daily home updates makes me realize how much of a routine we are in. Merk: on a teaching shift and napping; Lilah: eating and napping; Scouty: barking at every delivery person; Tiny Grace: on the verge of a dog heart attack b/c of the number of squirrels trying to get into the bird feeders on the front porch; Me- abandoned knitting project one and started a summer top but can’t seem to focus to save my life and I keep f’ing it up and ripping it out – there’s a lesson in there somewhere. Love you lots- keep absorbing your time there and bring home lots of photos and stories.
Katie,
I so appreciated hearing your story of working with students with challenges, it’s a special calling. How genius that you gave them a positive takeaway with a high five! They won’t forget that.
To Liv,
Miss you! Made rhubarb sauce today and thought of you:) Lots of good things happening for you now and so looking forward to hearing about it all when you return. Love & Hugs
Cheryl (Liv’s Nana)
High fives to you, Katie, for helping the students feel good about themselves. That is so important.
Summer is coming to Falmouth. The weather is getting warmer, traffic is increasing, and I have a new beach sticker! I’m looking forward to your visit with your family.
Love you. Grandma
Katie! This is so amazing! What an adventure you are on. Getting to work in the schools and make these connections is something that will stay with you forever! You are going to be a wonderful teacher. You are such a gift! I am so proud of you and all that you are doing.
Enjoy it all!
Love you,
Aunt Erin
Katie – Great post. Doing what you love is an important aspect of a happy life. For you to have the opportunity to find that on this adventure is even more exciting to read about. Education is everyone and for you to connect and find joy in people who may not understand the joy they deserve and to be a part of watching them embrace that is what teaching is about. Thanks for sharing. Keep diving in and following the kindness with in you.
Lily – Chicago news. Caleb Williams is on the cover of Madden27. First time for Chicago ever. Cubs are crappy right now and not really fun to watch. Thank goodness college baseball is still going.
Music – Tswift has a song in the new Toy Story. She is building it up like always.
Harry gave a shout out to his Pilates instructor.
Things here are so different this summer, but Dad and I are surviving.
Love you always and forever. Keep TPWK…. Mom and Dad
P.S. A lot of people are looking forward to giraffe pictures. Personally, I want to the elephants.
Wow what an amazing gift of praise you are giving these students through a simple act. Proves that it does not take much to brighten someone’s day or darken it. Glad you are there to brighten days!
Love and miss you immensely Olivia. Counting the days to your return!!!
Love you!
Katie, I loved reading your post today. The high fives are great! It sounds like you have a passion for special education, and life is so much easier if you are doing what you love. The love shines through to those who are around you. It would be awesome if this trip leads you to your life’s passion. High fives to all of you!
Katie,
I loved reading your update, especially since it touched on something that is so near and dear to me as well. When I started working at an elementary school, it felt so fulfilling, but the day they had me work in the special education program we have there, I felt like I had found my calling. I love seeing the students’ faces light up when they complete challenging tasks. Being the person to help them achieve that true feeling of accomplishment, is so wonderful. I know you will do big, meaningful things in this world, no matter what you decide to do!
Life has been pretty crazy here since Kenzie was born, but it’s a beautiful new chapter in our lives and I look forward to what the future holds for us. I can’t wait for you to come visit this summer and all the fun that awaits.
I hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Zambezi.
Keep changing the world – one high five at a time!
Safe Travels,
Hailey
Katie, I loved reading about you finding your purpose through the special education classroom! I can picture the joy the students feel when you give them the double high five. Undoubtedly an example of accompaniment in the truest form of the word — a small action to show someone that you’re right there with them. It reminds me when we sang happy birthday to David, one of our students last year. He lit up and so did everyone in the room! It sounds like you have such a special gift.
MP: had a successful first day in the corporate world! I wore my sacristan pants and think that must be the key. The office has an insane view of Mt. Hood; you would love it. I verbally said hi when I drove by your house on the way to work. Did you hear me? I am now in the car with Brian driving up to Seattle for Katie’s wedding. I thought you would enjoy knowing that my bridesmaid job is holding her lactaid pills for her.
Taylor: I texted you this (but obviously you won’t see it), so I’m telling you here that 1 year ago today we made chocolate chip pancakes together for breakfast! I hope you’ve whipped them up again this year!
Love,
Caroline
ZamFam ‘25
MP: Brian just turned on his Taylor Swift playlist and is signing You Belong With Me
Loved the post Katie, it sounds like an awesome experience! Proud of you for finding your niche over there and making memories! Hope the trip continues on this trajectory and you have some more awesome experiences! Can’t wait to hear more when you’re back. Love you! – Jack
Hello Katie! As Joe will tell you, nothing makes me happier than seeing teachers, interns and peers treat students with disabilities with respect, kindness and encouragement (and nothing makes me angrier when they don’t….) Thank you for modeling this in the classroom in Zambia; you saw what your students needed and you provided it. What a terrific special education teacher you already are! As Joe will also tell you, I am a school SLP and if you ever want to come hang out with me for a day and see what that job in special education looks like, I’d love to have you. I really do have the best job ever. Keep up the great work -it’s so important.
PS- Hi Joe! love ya, miss you and seeing you in this picture also brings me great joy. See you in two weeks
Katie, I hope you are having a great experience and giving tons of high-fives, I can see how much this means to you. The students are lucky to have someone who cares as much as you do. Proud of you.
Isa,
I hope the classrooms have been going well. I’m sure it’s a very different experience than at home and the walk may be a bit long. I’ve been cleaning apartments the past few days and I’m covered in dust at the end of the day. It’s good to have something to do though because I’m bored and I miss you. Right now I’m feeding Crosby popcorn on the couch. See you in less than 2 weeks. I love you.
Whats up Sam, its been a sec but nothing much has changed. The women’s RG final is Mirra Andreeva (you’ve prolly heard of her) against Maka Chwalinska (she got through qualifiers which is crazy). Men’s semis is interesting, Zverev vs Mensik and then two Italians Arnalid and Cobolli. Some terrible NFL news, the reigning Defensive Player of the year and single season sack record breaker from the Browns was just traded to the Rams, so I’m in shambles that my Seahawks just twiddling their thumbs. They confident in their players and coaches, so I will be confident as well. Enough about me, I’m excited to hear more about your perspective from the trip, hopefully from another blog post and when you’re back home! Continue to live it up in the big Zambia, don’t take it for granted!
*Maja not Maka oops
Wow Katie!
Your post was so real.
It’s so awesome you feel like you are getting clear on your path and also seeing these different ways of teaching. I’m a teacher, and that would be really hard to watch. It’s awesome you implemented the high fives and some more positive feedback in the classroom. Wow-what an experience.
Hi Liv! Odie got a Starbucks cardboard thing stuck around his nose today and decided at the same time he wanted a ball. So he had the cardboard Starbucks thing around his little snout and a ball in his mouth prancing around LOL. That’s life around here! I’m working hard…this new job is going to surprise you. Love you SO much! Hugs and Kisses! XOXO Mama
P.S. Thinking about you all the time and hoping being in the classroom is going really well!
Katie, it’s so wonderful to hear you talk of perhaps having discovered a new purpose or path for your life. It’s clear the impact you’re having on students — and they’re teaching you such valuable insights too! I also feel for the tension and complexity of what classroom expectations and teacher behavior looks like in Zambian classroom. I admired the passion I saw in so many of the teachers, but I also recall wincing when a teacher waved around a yardstick threateningly or snapped at a misbehaving kid. I wish I had tried to reflect on this discomfort a little more during my time — perhaps I could’ve been braver and initiated difficult conversations with some of the teachers on our different approaches and expectations, while trying to learn their perspective and understand the unique context. Keep up the accompaniment with your students, though — they are lucky to have as kind and encouraging a teacher as you, and it sounds like you’re lucky to have had this purpose-shaping experience with them too!
Awesome post!
Hayden- I keep seeing the cutest beaver reels and the best wicked press tour edits instagram must know I miss you! Whenever I use our slang at home everyone looks at me like I’m crazy, and tells me that “no one has ever said that” but you know they just don’t get it! I’ve been listening to Noah Kahn a ton and super excited for the new Olivia Rodrigo album NEXT WEEK!! I hope you are still having a wonderful time, embracing new experiences and learning SO much!! Love you
I love the high fives, a universal celebration and a great way to spread joy! I also appreciate the honesty of wanting to go home and questioning techniques that are different. It sounds like good has come from those more difficult moments.
Isa, I’m excited to hear about your classroom experiences. I’m so curious about the kids, teachers, lessons – all of it!
I picked strawberries today with Antonio and Lillie. The berries were amazing! So many, big and juicy. I’ll make jam tomorrow and freeze some for smoothies.
Love and hugs.
Hi Katie! I loved reading about how you requested a specific placement within the school and now are channeling your obvious gift and passion towards understanding different perspectives and methods. This process of grappling with the best way to challenge and support your students is perhaps a teacher’s most important work! It sounds like you have a natural gift…and that goes without mentioning your discovery of the universal language of the double high five. I love this!
Taylor- Dad and Eddie moved your bed downstairs so you can look forward to that extra long twin when you get home (at least for a few days). Love you so much! ❤️
Katie, I see the double high fives in my head as I read your entry. Speaking as someone who has spent most of my career in special education, I will tell you it’s a career of passion. Not always easy, but a passion and I can spot a special education teacher without that passion from a mile away. I applaud your thinking and the kindness of thought and action you are providing the students you are working with.
Graley, all is well here. Gorgeous day in the valley. We lifted up you and your team tonight at the Meeting. Folks were asking lots of questions about what you are doing and how you are doing. Paula, who’s kids have traveled all over the world doing peace work was consoling me, knowing that I was missing you and rooting you on from afar.
Be Well.
Ferrari is going to win Monaco,… Go Hamilton !
XO
Pops
Katie, it sound like you started a positive and energizing tradition in your classroom. Great job, or should I say, high five!
Graley, Billie is screaming her head off right now in her nightly routine. So far I haven’t seen what stuffie she’s chosen to gift us with tonight. Finn headed up to town to play Magic w a group of Sam’s friends at Guardian games, that store we visited in Portland. Pops had an elders meeting tonight – starting to plan to hand that role off to someone new. You know, things haven’t changed a whole lot back at home. Except that we miss you tons! Sending you a high five and a hug!
Katie, this was such a good reflection about teaching styles and how it can be hard to see those different ways, but it seems you have found YOUR way! And special ed is the best major, if you decide to switch (definitely no bias here)
ISA! Sorry I have been MIA, but I started work at a kid’s hair salon and also a sports summer camp, so I’m keeping myself busy here. I can’t wait to hear all about your teaching experience and how everything is going! I keep seeing baking TikToks, and they make me think of you. Also, there are a few good transitions you have to let me film when you bake in the kitchen next year:) Ok, last thing, the question of the day is “What is the best gift you’ve received?” Miss you lots!
Katie!!! We miss you so. It was so great to hear your voice through your writing. Getting through the hard moments can be the most influential and powerful parts of life. Double high 5s to you navigating your way through them. I am so glad you have a great community to experience ALL of this with. You are so special and loved and I am so glad your students get to work with you. Yes to face masks (non-foaming for me please) and calls when you are home. love you!!!
Katie loved your post It is so life changing Keep up the good work
Hi Katie! I’m so glad to hear that you’re liking Zambezi! It sounds like an amazing time and you’re leaning a lot! Can’t wait to catch up this summer!
Hello Katie! It was so nice to read about what you are experiencing. Using these experiences for self-discovery is wonderful!. Bravo to you for taking the leap to accept this opportunity. Well done and keep up the good work.
Katie – I loved this post. I’m so happy you are finding your purpose and following your heart. I also must say that I LOVED the picture of Katie Squared. I miss my girl and it was nice to have proof of life (hint hint, KTG!)
Katie G: On the plane heading back home from DC. I had to buy a new neck pillow this morning as I realized I really do need it on the longer flights and I didn’t bring my cute pink one. I’m excited to see you and squeeze you when you get home. I love you so much! Mama
Katie,
I absolutely love your story about the high fives! Not only because you are modeling what it looks like to give praise and encouragement in the classroom, you are bringing joy to learning and building self confidence. You have also started something that hopefully will continue long after you go as Prince, and the students, carry it on. How fun is that? I know it must be troubling to see the harsher techniques being used by the other teacher, but I am praying that God would allow your influence to plant seeds and impact him or her as well. You are making a difference and you are right where you are meant to be. All of you are. Don’t forget that! I also love that you may have discovered your purpose. What an incredible gift! You’ve found something that stirs your heart, ignites your passion, and brings you joy. Keep following it!
Hayden – we miss you! Dad and I have been going on our nightly walks with Riggs across the street to the park and you wouldn’t believe the way the volunteers have completely transformed the flower garden. There are so many unique flowers I’ve never seen before and they are all in bloom, and you know how I love flowers. Also, they painted the most beautiful mural in the crosswalk. I can’t wait to show you. I hope you’re doing well and have adjusted to all the new things. Have you gotten used to the showers? Also, I hope all of your packing choices are working out. Love you!!! mom
Hello Meg! Just checking in so you know I’m being a loyal reader. Nothing too crazy going on. I am shadowing an ER night shift this weekend which should be interesting. I hope you’re doing well!
Loved hearing about your experiences in the classroom. So cool that you are able to help people Katie!
Sam, Meg: I am officially back in MN after being in Vermont for a few days. Had lots of fun, and it was very hard to say goodbye to Jo. I miss her so much! Just as much as I miss you guys!!!!!! I hope you guys had a wonderful day and that you are finding time for some fun each day. I wish I could be there to hang out with you guys!
Love you,
Julia
Katie – this is a lovely reflection. I enjoyed reading about how you are choosing to be with kids who have special needs and bringing positivity to the classroom with your encouragement and high fives. How wonderful to find that this is your calling! It’s clear you are making a big impact on the students – these gestures go a long way! Keep up the good work!
Mary Pearl! We’re enjoying reading all the blogs and seeing pictures. I hope you’re having fun with your work. I’m curious if you have tried your hands at LSL? I guess it must be completely different than ASL. Is there any overlap at all? The St. Clare balloon launch happened and as usual 3 of them landed in our yard. None in the trees this time though! Dad returned the balloons this morning – they were all fairly intact because it has not rained. We miss you and your infectious positive energy!
Love you lots,
Mom
Katie,
I’m so glad you found your place at Chilenga, and also that there is someone there who can both teach you and learn from you! And now you have ANOTHER language (ZSL) to learn, on top of Lunda and Luvale! 🙂
Like Popsi says above: your energy and enthusiasm are contagious and the people you connect with in Zambezi will remember you for years to come!
All the best to everyone there!
James
Katie: Love reading about your discernment journey. It is a lifelong challenge to build a life that supports your passions.
Meg: Count down is on for Sean’s graduation. One week from today. We get on the rod tomorrow. Going to do a lot of the things we did on drive to Gonzaga. Hopefully without our friend the bear. Love you.
Thank you for the post Katie! I’m sure your positive energy and approach is impacting these students in ways you can’t even imagine. Follow your heart and stick to your teaching style!
Hi MP, Hope you are having a good week and enjoying your classroom time. I am sure you are bringing your unique style and positive vibe to the students. Your positive energy is infectious and I’m sure that the students are enjoying your time together. It seems like your time there is flying by and I can’t wait to hear all of your stories! I hope you are soaking it all in and taking moments, when they come, to take a deep breath and enjoy the people and the sights and sounds. Mental pictures and memories stay with you and I hope you are having these moments. We miss you. We did use your room as a storage space when G and P were here but we will remedy this before you get back.
I ended up with jury duty this week and I am sitting on a jury for a 2 week long case. The judge did not excuse me so I am not going to the Bay this weekend for family time and work. (had to cancel travel). That is too bad but I feel like it’s good for me to be sitting on this jury. It’s the right thing to do but not easy for a lot of reasons. I can give you the download when you are back.
We are going to see Paul play in the village tomorrow night which is always fun. It’s nice to have a good friend who is also one of your favorite musicians! I will be singing along to some of his original music which admittedly is a little funny!
Hope you are well. We are having a little rain this weekend which is welcome. I suppose Summer will be here in full swing at some point but not quite yet! Love you more than a continent! Dad