When I first started martial arts, my teacher introduced me to an exercise that has become a key element of my warm-up routine. The exercise goes like this: you stand with your feet hip-width distance apart, and you imagine you’re a tree. On your first breath in, you imagine your feet are roots drawing in energy from the ground. As you breathe out, you push that energy back into your feet, sending your roots deeper into the ground. On your second breath, you reach up, imagining your arms are branches, soaking up the sunlight and absorbing energy through each part of yourself. This exercise not only gets you ready to move but helps you feel connected to the earth, which is an essential part of any martial arts practice.
I have found that the dichotomy of roots and branches present in this exercise is an apt metaphor for my time in Zambezi. There is a certain cyclic nature to our time here; duality is an essential part of this experience. Every day, all 21 of us are asked to maintain a constant balance between reflection and experience, between thinking about the things we experience and using those thoughts to enhance our experience.
Soaking in the sunlight refers to the ways in which we engage with the Zambezi community. Whether it’s through our community classes, school placements, or hospital visits, every single one of us spends a significant portion of our day out in the community, engaging with local Zambians as they go about their daily lives. For me this week, that looked like teaching a class about nouns using an in-class skit about a market, helping a kid named Glory learn phonics, and having a 20-minute-long conversation with Prince, a local vendor, about the similarities between zucchini and okra, among other things. That engagement is the bread and butter of this experience. We are here to exchange knowledge with local Zambians, to learn from them as they learn from us. The only way we can do that is through these conversations, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Guess what song we like to listen to.
Especially when it’s uncomfortable. This week, we listened to our Lunda and Luvale teacher, Mr. Kasepa, talk about the traditional coming-of-age practices in the country. Quite a few glances were exchanged when he started talking about how circumcision apparently prevents someone from getting HIV/AIDs. He’s a great language teacher, but maybe we shouldn’t look to him for public health advice. There are other, more general moments of discomfort as well. It was uncomfortable when our homestay hosts kept referring to us as “real whites” and kept trying to get us to take a bath before we left after our many attempts to politely decline. It is uncomfortable when I am immediately swarmed by a gaggle of children, enamored with the strange visitors whenever I step outside the convent and am forced to choose between telling them I need some space or just allowing them to follow me wherever I go. Still, without these uncomfortable moments, our understanding of the Zambezi community is one-dimensional; we need to experience the community with all its nuances.
In the quieter moments, we honor the roots aspect of this dichotomy. We take the sunlight, and we reflect on it, whether that’s through our journals, our nightly reflections, and deep conversations with our Zambian partners. Those moments are what allow us to take those moments of sunlight, process them, and apply those lessons to our own lives. This week, I have found myself consistently thinking about something that a teacher at the boarding school, Daniel Phiri, said to me: “You cannot lead those you do not love.” A couple of days later, he gave me some other advice, which was to find moments to connect with your students as human to human, not teacher to student. Today, I remembered both of these things, and I took time out of the civics lesson I was co-teaching (shoutout Joe) to ask students about “Salt-sana” a popular political meme in their country (For those that are interested, it is basically the Zambian equivalent of “67” which, for anyone that knows me, is a meme I love to overuse). In that moment, laughing and joking alongside them, I felt a beautifully humanizing connection form. By spending time within the roots and taking the time to love and respect my students as humans, I was able to experience a beautiful moment of sunlight.
I also find roots and branches in moments with my fellow Zags. I find branches in the way we all go to the market together and buy bars of chocolate (and suspicious bubblegum soft drinks) from Delta Camp, the way the education group sings our lungs out on the way to the schools in the morning, and the way we all collectively roast Jeff day in and day out. I find roots in the comforting shoulder rubs people give during the tears that often fall during blog comments and in the thoughtful insights everyone gives during our nightly reflections.
As many others have noted on this blog, this experience is intense and complicated. But day in and day out, I see my fellow Zags navigating the roots and branches in their daily experiences with a smile on their face and laughter in their hearts. As we all seek to achieve this balance in our Zambezi routines, I find myself incredibly grateful for all the wonderful people I am undertaking this experience with.
To honor both the roots and branches is what allows us to get the most out of Zambezi. Just like the community itself, our experience here is rich and nuanced. Some days are good, and some days are bad. In every day, there are moments of joy and there are moments of melancholy. There are moments of triumph and there are moments of defeat. Every emotion is found in every moment here. Roots are found in every branch here, and branches are found in every root. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Peace,
Sean Coughlin, ZamFam ‘26
Messages
Marco – Happy graduation dude! I am sorry I can’t be there, but I am so proud of you and am very excited about seeing where you go next.
Caroline – Sis, I don’t know exactly when you “graduate”, but I wanted to let you know just how proud I am of you and your perseverance these past few years. You are a very kind, creative, and funny person, and I’m very excited to see you when I get back. Give Oreo a big snuggle when you get back from San Jose for me. Also, 5.
To all my friends, Gonzaga and otherwise – Some of you should comment on this or something. Insert thinking emoji Anyways, I miss y’all very much and can’t wait to fill y’all in about my adventures when I get back! Jack, I look forward to resuming our GamePigeon games.🐳 Jeff says hi.
To Kale, from Liv: “I am very proud of you, and I can’t wait to talk about it with you when I get home. I love you, please comment on the current blog post.” – ZamFam 26
To Lily, from Joe: Happy one year!! I miss you and I can’t wait to catch up when I get back and have a few months actually in the same state haha. Have an amazing day! ❤️❤️(heart emoji) x2
To Andrea and Rob, from Meg: Hi! Is Greece totally out of the question for your daughter in approximately 2.5 weeks? Not quite ready to let her go. Also, I gave her a haircut (with kitchen scissors)!✂️
To Andrea and Rob, from Sam: Mom, I have a bob now!
Hi All- I hope you all are well and continue to learn and grow. We think of you all every day and love reading your posts each day.
Meg-Greece in 2.5 is COMPLETELY reasonable- if Sam doesn’t want to join you…can I?miss you and keep an eye on Sam! PS- thanks for putting your beautician skills to work!
Sam- I was literally just wondering if you’d come home with a “Peace Corps haircut”…..and I’m so happy you will. I’m sure you’re as cute as ever. Everyone needs a haircut from a friend with kitchen scissors- builds character. Any games of Pit? (Loudest game ever). Roland Garros Finals on Sun- we will keep you posted! Miss you so much and can’t wait to hear about it all. Love you more.
Nah Sam is staying home
Loved this post–may you always keep growing towards the sky. Lots of love to all, especially the bobber.
Wonderful post!
HAYDEN- Phoebe Bridgers is going on tour! She will be in Seattle on October 23rd Emma is trying to get tickets and I told her you would probably want to go ( not sure if/how you can answer this but if you can let me know if you want to go)!! I hope you are slaying every day! Miss you so much and sending much love!!
ALLIE! Yes yes yes plz buy me tickets for Phoebe Bridgers, I’m literally begging! Miss you so so much and love the wicked press tour and beaver mention!
Sean, you articulate so well that tension between experience and reflection that so many have felt during the Zambezi trip. Every day (who am I kidding! Every hour!) brings some new experience that puts you WAY outside your “comfort zone”, and even the nightly reflections aren’t enough to process even a fraction of it…
But that’s all good: the experiences will all be there, working their magic under the soil for your roots to seek out and make sense of and draw nourishment from, helping you to building stronger and stronger branches as you reach for the infinite (and offer shade and shelter to those who need it).
Please give Katendi, Christine, Jeff, and Cade – and all the Zamfam – a huge hug from me!
Sean! I have been waiting for this moment and of course am crying my eyes out. I knew this was your blog when I read the first sentence about martial arts-LOL. I love the metaphor of the tree/branches/roots/sunlight and how you intertwine each one of those into each part of your experience there.
When you were talking about connecting with a student as ‘human-human” it reminded me of Mr. Gibson and how he did that for you and that relationship ultimately led you to want to become a teacher. His impact on you specifically is such a testament to how one connection can impact a life.
I have full confidence you are doing the same in Zambia not only with the students but with the community, your ZamFam and ultimately with the students you will eventually teach upon graduation. And if your path leads you elsewhere, I have no doubt you will have a significant impact and make your mark in this world no matter where you go. As you already know, you have made an indelible imprint on my heart and in my life and I love and miss you so much! I hope you continue to experience the full gamut of emotions, appreciate what they offer and soak them up like sunshine.
And we need to know what song the education group sings on the bus? Don’t leave us hanging!
Sean, as a high school teacher and coach for almost 30 years, I agree with the advice Daniel Phiri gave you. I also liked the connections you made to roots and branches with your ZamFam group.
Lily—Texas won the title and Jordy Frahm is the new pitching coach at Nebraska. PCA had a walk off hit for a Cub’s victory yesterday. Love ya and miss you!
Meg, Phoebe Bridgers announced her tour today so me and Mo are freaking out of course. I might just have to quit rowing to go see her in Seattle/Vancouver in October. No album yet though 🙁 she’s been performing a bunch of new songs at her pop up shows but they take away everyone’s phones. Sam, I’m dying to see the haircut so I’m requesting that future posts NEED TO INCLUDE PICTURES OF SAM with her hair down. Clare’s at the house right now and sent me a tour, it’s looking super nice! I’m absolutely stoked I can’t wait to be back with you guys.
Teehee guess who…
(Here’s a hint your gorgeous, talented sister)
I popped over to Colorado for a long weekend.
I literally cannot wait to see you and hear about your adventures and give you all of my life updates (there aren’t many)
Toodaloo
Surprise! Schmelliot is here. It is HOT HOT HOT here- not ready for high altitude summer w/baking sun. Thinking about you lots and our past fun adventures. If it cools off we will go to the Botanic Gardens and for a hike. Love you bunches- mums
Ps Merk merk got some hospital crud and has been down for the count…
Seaners!!!!!
What a wonderful post! As always, I can hear your “heart” in your writing. I can’t wait to see you in person and hear all about your adventures, new friends, and life lessons.
Marco’s graduation was last night and super nice. Jen, Nona, Gramps and I just got done visiting Uncle Jerry in Carmel Valley who is back in the hospital but about to come home. He looks pretty good. The cousins including Matteo and Tony are back in San Jose having fun. We all missed you last night for the cousin and family pictures.
Love you – Dad
PS. Wheels on the Bus?
Sean,
A wonderfully written blog. I love you very much. We miss you.
Love, Nona
Sean!! So awesome to read your words. I could really picture you there. I’ll show your post to Marco. He had a great graduation and we took lots of pix. We can’t wait until you come home and hear all your stories. We love you!! Auntie Jen
Great metaphor Sean! It also really captures the importance of balance that others have mentioned in other blog posts – thinking about rooting in your reflection time and then absorbing and growing in these new experiences. Thanks for all the examples of this you shared. It’s a gift to us at home to get these perspectives each day. They feel unique to each of you and also paint a shared picture.
Graley, I was texting w Liz today and told her about this trip. She wants to FaceTime and hear about it when you get back! Tonight we are all going to the Cameo to see Mandalorian and Grogu. Happy to see it again when you’re home, don’t worry. Finn is about to make our second Hello Fresh dinner. The last one was delish! Can’t wait for you to try them out. Still missing you too much, but hanging in with it. Love you sweetie!
MRS. SANDERS I LOVE HELLO FRESH
Sean,
You are on an adventure and experience that you will never forget. It will most likely change you forever. What a gift! We are all so proud of you. Your blog was amazing.
Love, Aunt Ro
Hi Sean!
I took a photo of the quote you shared in this post..”you cannot lead those you do not love” to share with staff at my school. It’s really true..leading from the heart and connecting with the essence of love is really powerful in any relationship or leadership position. Loved that! Also connected to the up, down and all around of the experience you all must be having. So cool to hear about all the singing! Must be so different without using phones all the time and just connecting with the people, the area, the experience, and each other.
Liv-I texted Kale your message, so hopefully he gets it! What I am learning as I am sharing the Blog is most of the ppl are like “I could not find the comments” omg. Well, I know Kale knows where they are-he just has to post to the current one. All is well over here <3 Thinking of you and praying for the same. Cannot wait until I hear your voice! We are going to give you the biggest Livi hug sandwich EVERRRRRRR!! Love youuuu! Your dress finally came and I figured you can get it tailored if you need to. The reviews said they all run long. I thought you'd be happy to hear it's here though! XOXOXO Love you again!
It’s amazing to read these blog posts day after day and see how the experience is evolving for all of you. The experience is become increasingly nuanced and complex. I really like that. What a wonderful thing to be alive experiencing.
Love you so much Olivia. Wolfgang and I are going to see the new He Man movie tomorrow and eat at double mountain. Wish you could join us.
Love you sooooooo very much!
Sean! What a deep & thoughtful reflection during your adventure. I hope Josephine and Felix have the chance to do something like this when they get older. I know your time there is at points very difficult, but I think you’ll find those experiences are the ones that change you the most AND where all your growth and resilience will happen…roots and branches alike!
Great post Sean! You’re a fantastic writer! Looking forward to hearing all about your adventures when you’re back home!
Sean-roots and branches, joy and melancholy. What a lovely way to think about dualities in life.
Sarah- hot hot day in Colorado. However I refuse to put on the air conditioner this early in June, but it may be ok to have ice cream. Dobby and Bean are very excited to look out the screen window and watch their squirrel friend, Harry. DU just had their last day of classes (finally). Now summer can actually begin. Or it will be, when you get home and go to your first concert at Red Rocks. Who will it be this year? Remember when you took me to see Caamp (at Fiddlers Green) and we had to stand in the pit and wait for 2 opening groups before they even got on? Love you to the moon and back. xoxox Momma
Sean, loved the lessons learned through martial arts and how you can connect it to your current experience. Particularly, I enjoyed that your metaphor provide a visual rhythm to your thoughts. These are rich lessons and I am filled with joy that all of you are learning them at such a younger age.
Graley, I spoke with Rick today from North valley Friends. His Nephew and wife have purchased property in Zimba. I’m told it’s about and hour from Livingston. They are planning to build several duplexes there to provide housing. They are connected to the Medical centers in the area somehow that work with the Wesleyan Church Global Partners mission. If you are interested I’ll try and get the website for you.
Anyhow, still missing you, but so happy to hear all the great things that people are reflecting on. I really wish I new more about what was going on for you. I suppose we will have plenty of time to catch up when you return in a couple weeks.
Luv ya,
Pops
Sean,
Everyday we read the blogs to get a glimpse of what you all are learning and when I read the lines “Every day, all 21 of us are asked to maintain a constant balance between reflection and experience, between thinking about the things we experience and using those thoughts to enhance our experience” it gave me a really good sense of what you all are asked to do each and everyday. One of the challenging aspects of my work as a therapist is helping people live in the tension, the duality, the dichotomy of life in all the varying aspects. Thanks for bringing us closer into this reality you all are challenged with each and everyday.
Rhett
ps Hayden, mom wanted me to tell you that Phoebe Bridgers will be in Ft. Worth October 17 and in Seattle October 23. That’s a Friday night in Seattle. You will have a car then as well. Sounds like a great road trip with friends? Love you and miss you a ton!
Sam, hopefully you been seeing all my messages cus I been sending them in the evening/afternoon while you’re prolly fast asleep. Im excited to see the haircut, it was getting quite long. I also got a haircut btw, not a buzz cut js the usual. How long you gonna be in Greece?? Maybe I’ll see ya some time July/August. Love ya!
Also late response to Katie D: I just caught up on reading your post and I’m so glad you’re having such a meaningful experience! I worked at an early learning center for kids with disabilities all throughout high school and your reflection is definitely inspiring me to go back and volunteer when I can. I also miss playing telestrations and going to the scoop with you! I think I’m gonna have buy a telestrations for my house so you can come over and play because when we played on your birthday was actually the funniest thing ever. Keep crushing it, see you in a couple months! xoxo
“A constant balance between reflection and experience” might just be the most perfect way to describe Zambezi and this trip, Sean. So many moments require experiencing them and then taking time afterwards to reflect. Continuing with your metaphor of trees, over time trees grow getting taller and older, and then fall/winter comes around and that growth is slowed down, leaves leave (lol) and the tree “resets” in preparation for the year ahead. I think that metaphor is a great way of what Zambezi represents… we grow and grow and grow, show up in Zambezi, are forced to slow down into Zambian time, and enter into a period of time of shedding previously held beliefs or ideas and “resetting” in preparation for the many years to come. ALSO OH MY GOD IM USING “SALT-SANA” IN MY EVERYDAY VOCABULARY THAT IS THE BEST THING I’VE EVER READ ON THIS BLOG!!! (Nope I definitely don’t like 67 as a joke hahahah)
Jeff (and/or Cade), do you know Professor Emily Clark? She teaches “African American Religions”!! I wanted to take the class but it filled up immediately during registration, except she just opened a new section so I get to take it. I’m hyped!!!! Hoping it further complicates my experience of religion in Zambezi.
MP and Graley, CLC updates from the groupchat: Leila is working at a preschool and listens to screaming all day. Natalie said that love island is the only thing getting her through babysitting all day. Sarah has been spending time with her home friends. Nat had an “adventure” in Costa Rica and not a vacation. She’s also finishing her last week aupairing in Barcelona (you’ll love the photo she sent of her and the family). Kate moved into her Spo house and has been spending time with her sister! Ok love you both, you’re in my prayers!
Finished my first 40-hour week, how cruel that humans thought we should do this for the rest of our freaking lives. I’m just tired, it was a good week!
Love,
Weenie
7:37pm in California, 4:35am in Zambia
Sean, That was a great reflection. I love the metaphor of the tree for your experience. I also think of the tree in relation to my job as a parent. We as parents sink roots so that our children have a base of support and our children are the branches that reach out into the world. The sunshine is how I feel about seeing them make the most of their lives. Like Noah being there with all of you in Zambia. Thanks for sharing more of your daily activities with us.
I love you Liv!! I hope you are still having a blast and I can’t wait to fill you in on everything I’m so excited!! You are so awesome and I can’t wait for you to be home beautiful girl!❤️❤️❤️
Sean, Great info on your journey and disposition. It sounds like you are challenged and building friends for life. We missed you at Marco’s milestone, another classic event. See you in Portland. Can’t wait for all the stories. Love, Gramps
Thank you Sean! I hope you are doing well and having fun. I look foward to seeing you this summer so you can tell me all about your trip.
Sean enjoyed your blog I loved the roots and branches exercise first thing in the morning keep up the good work in the classroom
Lily miss our phone calls also miss you in Michigan we will catch up soon Enjoy all your new challenges Love Gram and Gramps
Hi Morgie!
Finally completed the last day of school yesterday, but my summer vacay doesn’t officially start until the 17th – I signed up to work a week of summer school and attend a training afterwards. Yee!
The temps are risin in CA. I’m thinking of a beach trip when ya get back. What say ye? Miss ya boo. xoxoxo
Hey Seannnnn, its caroline ur favorite person ever i know. I graduated but I havent got my diploma yet. Thank you for ur sweet words! I miss you so much and can’t wait for when you come back. I will give Oreo a big snuggle for you and just know that he misses you so much. Hes been sleeping on ur bed like all day every day, its so cute. And yes, five. (or maybe 6 or 7)
Sean, I absolutely loved everything about this. “Roots are found in every branch here, and branches are found in every root.” What a beautiful and perfect way to describe Zambezi. I have been thinking about you all a ton the past two days. I got to talk about Zambia during my first day of my internship when someone asked all the interns about our favorite place we’ve traveled to. Safe to say I talked about Zambia for a solid few minutes; about accompaniment, becoming mutually indebted with the community, teaching classes, etc. It was my favorite part of the day. And then today, I was sitting at my cousin’s rehearsal dinner, and looked down to notice one of my beaded bracelets I got in Livingstone last year was gone. My heart immediately sank and I texted Weenie completely freaking out. I was trying to think of all the places it could have fallen off when all of a sudden, one of the waiters came up to me with the bracelet and said “is this yours?” I have literally no idea how he knew but it definitely felt like a God moment. Weenie responded with ACCOMPANIMENT (in all caps of course) and that’s pretty much how I would describe it. Well, those are all of the places I saw Zambezi roots in my PNW branches these last few days.
MP: I am stuck watching all these KPMG training videos. I cannot figure out for the life of me if the people in the videos are accountants who are terrible actors, or actors who know nothing about accounting. Also, at the rehearsal dinner I got seated at the most random table, right next to a Jesuit priest. I fear that was planned. Anyway, he knows Fr. Krouse! Lowkey was a fire table.
Taylor: are those smiley face slippers I see in one of the photos? Major convent footwear upgrade!
Love,
Caroline
ZamFam ‘25
“Jeff is about to be so annoyed” “Dude I know he rolls his eyes every time Caroline and Caroline is said” – me and Weenie when we see how long our comments are
You know you love us. This blog is too much freedom for 2 yappers named Caroline
I LOVE seeing your big smiling face, Isa!
Papa has been sending pictures from Mexico. I’m not sure how long is been since Nana and Tata have worn swimsuits. I think you’ll really smile when you see pictures of that (and them covered in towels by the pool, not sure if it’s because they are cold or avoiding the sun).
Love you!
Hi Sean! You have such a gift with words; tying everything together through martial arts and using the metaphor of a tree was so cool to read. This reminds me of quote I once saw that says to “look at everyone as trees,” because humans rarely judge them, but embrace the unique/complex qualities in each one (seeing them for their beauty). I also love how you talked about human to human connection, and the story of your “Salt-Sana” conversation:) Your reflection was lovely and it was wonderful to see parts of Zambia through your eyes!
F$&@-“= firewall
Sean,
Well done! As you were describing the trees, I pictured an Oak. So I looked it up and found out that Oaks “ perfectly embody a sturdy, majestic presence that grows wiser and more beautiful over centuries.” That seems to fit well with your experience. Thank you for sharing that. I thought it was great and I will definitely put that into practice.
Kathryn,
I’ve read an re-read your post and all of the comments no less than four times. I love all of it! I’m so happy and proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on this experience.
Ok so all of the animals clearly still miss you. They all hang out in your room. Charlie is in Irvine this weekend for a tourney with Noah. And Jack now has a GF. Can’t wait to catch up when you’re home.
Hi Miss Morgie,
My door bell rang last night and guess who came to visit. Melvin and Haven. They stopped by on their way to the playground. They asked for marshmallows, which I didn’t have. My snack supply is low. I thought about Powell’s book store the other day. Wish we could take a trip up there to stock up on reading materials.
Love you sweetie, Grandma
I missed commenting on yesterday’s blog, but Katie having a big heart for and being able truly connect with kids who have special needs is an incredible gift. Your impact seems to be astronomical!
PS I thought it was funny when you said “When I started teaching math (if you know me this doesn’t add up) to the class” HAHA you got a math pun in there:)
During game 1 between the Spurs and Nicks, a fan ran onto the court mid-play and tried to get a picture with Wemby (who is 7 feet 4 inches), BUT the lil guy missed cause he wasn’t aiming the camera high enough. The guy is now banned from all NBA arenas for life but how will they ever keep track of that?
Taylor Swift came out with a song called I Knew it I Knew you, for Toy Story 5, which there is so much to unpack because connection to Gracie too??! Also Toy Story 5? Andy must be in retirement.
My update is that I made bagels from scratch and let me tell you, for having less than 6 ingredients those bagels are as stubborn as I’ll get out. But, they turned out pretty good. Today I played volleyball again, and then the sunset behind the mountains was gorgeous! I’m curious to see what sunsets in Zambezi are like. Tomorrow, I am watching Allison’s dog and I have never watched or taken care of a dog a day in my life. It’s for less than 24 hours so fingers crossed it’s a smooth sail.
Finally, I got a chuckle out of Meg and Sam’s comments about the haircut and then Sam’s mom’s response. I hope the bob life is treating you well, Sam!
Sorry for all the comments- firewall. Have an awesome Saturday!!
Shout out to the whole education group. Sean, thank you for sharing your experiences and for the picture. I spy my girl, Lauryn!
I can imagine all the kids are loving each and every one of you. The advice you received about connecting with your students human to human is very impactful.
Lauryn, last night we had senior awards night. We have a Cedarcrest Athletic Hall of Fame member in our house! Kiki also received the Business and Marketing departmental award.
I know you would have loved to be there to support your sister. We are very proud of her. It’s Friday night here and she was writing a speech for Baccalaureate.
The big DECA car show and Duvall Days is tomorrow. Unfortunately, it is supposed to be raining most of the day. Only one week until graduation! I will be making some candy leis this weekend.
Missing you and loving you! We are so proud of you and am looking forward to hearing about all of your experiences. Can’t wait to give you a big hug! XOXO
Love seeing the photos with Lauryn and following their journey!
Can’t wait to hear about your trip when you get back!
Hi Sean! What a great quote…you can’t lead those you do not love! While reading your blog it was obvious that you have held onto this concept as you navigate life in Zambezi. I admire how you are taking the time to acknowledge the uncomfortable moments and still persist in working to build relationships.
Taylor- I’ve managed to stay up way too late again and so my post is a bit late / early?!!! Anyway- tomorrow is my Starbucks “run” with Ann. Now I think of you every time because as I’m dying on the “uphill” all I can think about is that I’m still slower than your half marathon pace and I’m only running one mile!! I think I need to start my own “slow runners club” like has been mentioned in the blogs…50 year old version of course. Anyway, thinking of you always- while running, while hiking, while teaching…. Speaking of teaching- we had s’mores at camp this week and for one of my kids it was his first s’more ever! How cool is that?!
Sean (hi name twin!), what an outstanding reflection about your experience thus far. I really love the visual of being grounded and growing your roots, while also being open to branching out with new experiences. The balance of reflection and experience is such a difficult one to strike; I remember feeling like I was barely processing anything, but then I tried to reflect too much and was missing out on the experience that was happening right in front of me. And, with a little over a week left, this is the moment when it feels really easy to get caught up in whether you’re reflecting or experiencing “enough” — as if there is some magical metric of that. I hope you’re able to stay grounded and continue to branch out, despite having to navigate this balance and especially amidst all the discomforts you describe. Lastly, I really admire the quote from Mr. Phiri; it’s true that you cannot lead those you do not love, and I appreciate your application of “love” as “humanizing” someone else. Realizing that relationship between human and human, not just teacher and student, was an important takeaway from my time in Zambezi, and one I continue to ponder and learn from today. Hopefully you’re all able to spread branches and grow new roots in your experience of Dipalata — I can’t wait to hear about it! Salt-sana, salt-sana, salt-sana (hopefully I’m using that correctly…)!
Sean,
I’m posting late – got tripped up with the firewall last night. I loved reading your post. You are a gifted writer and your metaphor of the tree created a visual backdrop for your reflection. So well done. The quote you shared resonated with me. Leading with love truly helps us to create the sense of belonging that others in the ZamFam26 have commented on. Keep branching out and finding new ways to be rooted in your remaining time in Zambezi.
Kathryn, guess what! I’m graduating from the coaching program this weekend. It has been so great. And, I’m excited to move forward. Other than that, it is a quiet weekend here. Getting super excited to see you in a couple of weeks!! Keep being you, lean into the challenging moments and have fun. Love you.
Hello Cousin,
It is nice to hear from you as always, especially through your beautiful way with words. Also glad to hear you are learning a lot on your travels. Be like a sponge: absorb the lessons and experiences and then squeeze and pour the knowledge onto others. Love you,
Diego
Sean! Loved reading your post. What a great experience! We missed you here at Marco’s graduation, but look forward to seeing you soon and hear all about your travels.
Love you.
Trying again – I have been getting blocked by the firewall. Sean, loved your metaphor of being grounded while also reaching out. Wonderful life philosophy. Meg, we are now in Badlands – did the Notch Trail today and had a number of adventures we will share when you get home. Hoping this comment goes through – love you soooo much.
Great post! Hannah, hope you are still doing well. Some of my posts have been getting blocked but that doesn’t mean I don’t love you, don’t worry. Teddy has been very cute lately and will be ecstatic when you come home. Sending love from Boulder, it’s been very hot here.
We didn’t see a post today but sending a comment here to say greeting to you all and know that you are missed and loved. Your reflections continue to be shared widely back home and there are so many folks praying and thinking of you every day.
Graley we had a power outage last night and got to make good use of the two big batteries we have. They worked well and I woke up at 6:50am to the lights coming on. Today I went to one grad party for Sara B and tomorrow is Lisi’s. Then we drive into town to see an old 80’s band at the Crystal Ballroom. I still think our night there seeing Finneas is a favorite moment with you! Pops says to pass on hi. Tonight at dinner, he described the Minions as ‘the tiny yellow people’. Same old Pops. We love you.
Sean — what a great reflection. I appreciate hearing your perspectives on your interactions with the Zambian people. Wonderful to hear about soaking in the sunlight.
It is also nice to hear about the education pod since Hannah is with you every day. I can’t wait to hear what songs were on the ban ride …
Hannah your family misses you so much. Love you and can not wait to talk to you soon! Love Dad
Sam: I am so proud of you- getting out of your comfort zone is exciting. The relationships with your fellow Zags will be long-lasting and your daily experiences will be fondly remembered. Great prep for the PC! Can’t wait to hear all about it when I see you in early September in Strasbourg. Much love, Grandpa.
HOLA SAM AND MEG!! So excited to see the haircut. Meg, glad to see you are continuing to hone your skills. SAM, Mirra Andreeva just won the women’s final at RG yesterday. She’s who I wanted to win, so that’s awesome. TODAY is the men’s final, and I’m sure Zverev will win but I hate him so I hope he doesn’t. I’m currently learning how to play Piano Man on the piano, so I will have to perform it for you while we’re abroad. Meg, Fiona is very interested in applying to Notre Dame. Looks like I may be able to visit you after all this summer…I hope you will be the one to give us the grand tour!!
Sean, what a lovely reflection. I am amazed at how you all continue to be so insightful every day, with new ideas and metaphors and lessons for all of us who are not there! thank you for this! I enjoyed the image of you stretching up to the sky and also staying grounded and how that part of martial arts prepares you for what comes next. You are reaching and growing, and also bringing your roots to keep you strong during those uncomfortable moments. How wonderful to be connecting with humans in the classroom. We are thinking about your group and are so grateful for these messages each day.
Mary Pearl!! we love you and we miss you! I opened my note from the fridge yesterday – I held out a long time didn’t I? It was so nice, so very MP, and filled my heart with warmth and joy. thank you! I am grateful for you, and excited for this great adventure you are having! Ellen and I did a “woodpecker” walk in Tryon yesterday, but it was raining so we were the only two besides the ranger and we didn’t see any woodpeckers LOL. But we did hear some and learned a lot. It was fun and beautfiul to be in the forest. We were thinking about how different it is where you are. I hope you are seeing some cool birds. Love you so much!!
xo
Mom
Great post Sean, loved it.
Hannah, is it June 16th yet? I’m finally back from Emma’s graduation, had so much fun seeing your cousins and John and Kim but I’m ready to be home for a while. They now have 3 horses, 16 chickens, 3 cats and 2 dogs. I’m hoping Lily will come visit boulder and I told her you might be in Omaha sometime this summer. I hope you are doing great and missing us just a little because I miss you (and your hugs) so much! Anytime I’m downstairs and walk past your room I can smell your perfume and it’s like you just walked out of the house, and somehow that comforts me. Love you beauty, see you soon. Ps. Teddy cries to get up on the new couch. I’m going to have to start watching tv downstairs so I can cuddle my little bowling ball.
Hey Sean,
Man. I did not know you could comment on these. I wish I had known that earlier. I’ve been checking this blog intermittently, and it has been a true pleasure keeping up with your experience. It’s made me wish we did something of the sort here in London! What a beautiful way to reflect on your experiences and share it with people you care about!
Your post was deeply heartfelt and thoughtfully written. I’d expect no less from such a storied journalist like yourself, but it was wonderful to see. I am delighted to hear that Zambia is as enriching as you thought it would be. I cannot wait to share our stories from our respective times abroad when you’re back in the States, and I cannot wait to make our own stories abroad shortly thereafter.
You’re a damn good dude, and you deserve the best. Glad this experience has been giving it to you.
Greetings Sean,
It took me a bit to figure out that the comment space was all the way at the bottom:) (and then I had a firewall issue that your mom is helping me navigate) As always, you are a marvelous writer and I appreciate the clarity with which you brought us all into the world in which you are immersed. Also, I am quite honored to have been referenced in your post and it is gratifying to see that the teaching is being incorporated so richly in your experience. After 30 years as the head of a classroom, I do not believe that you could have a better motto than “You can not lead those you do not love”. It has a wisdom that will only become truer and more eloquent as time goes by-it would be a good thing to have framed on your wall. I wonder if you realized that I had a sign at the back of the class, above all your heads, that simply said “Breathe”- it was my cue to find my center and my heart when y’all were acting like 14 year olds!
I often think about you and wonder what new experiences and challenges you are having. I have no doubt that this will be one of the pivotal periods of your life and I am so thrilled for you that you dove right in-just look out for the crocodiles:) Peace and love to you
Now, for the love of Buddha, get back in horse stance!
That above post was from Rob Gibson-super 8th grade science teacher and Kung Fu teacher and all around amazing human!