A quick disclaimer, please do not read the previous blog written by Erin or it will make mine look like it was written by a third grader. Beginning to write this blog, it has occurred to me that we as a group have experienced so much. The Zambian people have touched our lives and our hearts in less than a week and we all look forward to learning from them in whatever unexpected way. These experiences have begun to meld together to form a picture of who the Zambian people are. However, many of our experiences have been of welcoming and happiness, starting with the singing and dancing we watched on landing in Zambezi to the warm hospitality we found on Sunday in Church. As we continue to live and teach here, the different programs are beginning to realize the harsh realities of a developing country in poverty.
As a part of the health program, today we were allowed the opportunity to shadow Mama Winifreda, one of the administrators of home based care, to witness first hand the HIV/AIDS problem in Africa. We met a beautiful girl named Christina, who was an eight year old girl diagnosed four years ago with HIV. She was smaller than a usual eight year old and had a large rash on the back of her leg, typical for a girl with HIV. The reality of her situation was clearly understood when we learned that both of her parents had died from AIDS, and her aunt and uncle taking care of her could only afford one meal a day. We learned that many HIV patients become sick when taking their medicine if they do not have anything to eat, and so becomes a problem for poor HIV patients. After we met with the girl, Josh asked me what I thought and all I could say is “it’s real”. I feel like this is one of the realities that we must see and understand to truly comprehend the true dynamics of the Zambezi community. The country of Zambia has an extreme HIV/AIDS problem, with nearly 1 out of 5 people affected by the disease. It is this problem that we all want to address and solve, but the solutions are often blocked by even larger problems. The reality is that there is HIV/AIDS in Zambia and that many children and adults are affected by this debilitating disease.
Another reality of Zambezi that I have seen though, is the compassion, love and care that people have for one another. The reality is that all of the home based caregivers are volunteers. Without any payment these caregivers, who are often the same socioeconomic class as their patients, walk miles to see and care for their patients. They spend countless hours with their patients and often provide food and money that they do not have themselves. One home based caregiver even walked 27 km (about 3 hours) just to meet with us and learn about caring for patients with malaria. It is this reality that gives me hope for the village of Zambezi. These caregivers have become my role model, as their unselfish dedication for the sick in need is unmatched. Despite the overwhelming challenges of HIV/AIDS in this poor country, we cannot help but to continue to hope because of the people like the volunteers at home based care.
Jonathan Droessler, Class of 2013
Wow this post made me tear up.. Definitely does not seem like it was written by a third-grader, it was so raw and true! Thank you for the reminder of how hard life can be in poverty-stricken countries. HIV/AIDS is such a REAL problem for these people and it’s amazing that all of you get to experience it firsthand. It’s something that most of us can only read or hear about from others but what a different perspective it must be to see it with your own eyes. And the hearts of the volunteers is so beautiful. I have so much to learn from them. They show me what true community and sacrificial love looks like.
PS. Hi Hikaru! I wish I started commenting earlier but I thought it would be creepy commenting on other people’s posts….. haha. Can’t believe it’s already been a week since your trip began. Soak up ALL that Zambia has to offer and can’t wait to hear your stories when you get back! Love you and miss you!
Jonathan,
Don’t think for a moment that your struggle to find words to adequately describe what you’re witnessing and experiencing is at all indicative of how much it means to you. One can read testimonials, watch documentaries, and listen to the news describing the efforts of aid organizations and volunteers such as yourself in order to understand the problems that plague our world, but it pales in comparison to the moment you have to share with someone like Christina, when you catch a glimpse of her smile or find yourself capable of providing her with a momentary reprieve of the purest, childish giggling. Words don’t do this kind of brutal reality justice, for no one will ever understand the kind of life outside our “developed” American world until they experience it for themselves, as you all are now.
Just remember that as you continue wading through all of poverty’s ruthless manifestations, there is always joy to be found, even in the darkest of places. When your unruly middle school English class isn’t paying attention, take a break and teach them a song to sing/dance with you; when your leadership students are falling asleep in class and you’re feeling discouraged, find solace in the fact that you were probably doing the same thing less than a month ago in a classroom in Spokane; when the down-trodden home-based care patients need a smile, help by showing them your finest chindele dance moves; or more importantly when your banana boat is filling with water and 7 of you are in danger of sinking; rock the boat with your laughter. Nothing cures the problems of the world quite like the unabashed, full-body laughter of someone in need of a smile.
love and laughter to you all,
Lynsey, Team Zambia 2010
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Jonathan…Reading your post brought tears to my eyes. I have known that AIDS/HIV is an endemic problem on the African continent for decades, but I have never personally known someone that has experienced it themselves in Africa. It is both frustrating and so sad to read your post and see how an already life-threatening disease is complicated and made worse by the lack of enough food. I am sure that your time in Zambia, and everything you are experiencing will stay with you forever. Take care Jonathan. Nanette Walden
Beautiful reflection, Jonathan. “It’s real” says a lot about the highs and lows you are experiencing! Thank you for sharing this, and keep doing “small things with great love!”
Jonathan,
You’ve only begun to experience the heart-break that is Zambia. There will be more moments such as this for you in the next few weeks in Zambezi, Lusaka, and Livingstone. However, what I found when I was there last year was that for every moment of sadness there will be ten moments of joy. Be sure to take in the little joys, because those will help you remember that despite 1 in 5 Zambians are afflicted by AID/HIV, they are a proud, hardworking, and dedicated people who work everyday towards improving not just their own lives, but the lives of their community and those around them. You will always remember the tragedies of Zambia and they will weigh heavy on your heart, but if you keep a space in you for the joys and happiness you experience as well, you will realize just how much Zambezi will change you.
Kisu mwane,
Josh Wallace
Gonzaga-in-Zambezi 2011
Like many chronic health conditions that take a toll on the person, their family and the community one of the most important things to remember is that listening and genuinely caring is as critical as medicine. That you and your classmates share your love and interest with the peoples of Zambezi does make a difference. The fact that you’re able to articulate and share the struggles and joys of the Zambian’s is only further service to them as you help others, like us, know their reality and how we too might help from afar. You already are making a difference.
Thank you for sharing. Keep the blogs coming!!
Excellent blog, Jonathan. You seemed to have captured the ‘reality’ that is part of Zambia, and your mother and I are very proud of the work you all are doing there. Someone once said: ”Being there at the moment is everything.” You all are there helping, and that IS everything. Hope this finds you well, having fun, learning and having the time of your life. Can’t wait to see you and hear all your stories. Oh, and the Padres were swept by the Cards in STL, Rachel is in Blythe where it was 93 degrees at 10pm last night, and Reggie is missing you. Love, Dad
Jonathan,
Your blog was a wonderful surprise to wake up to this morning!!!! I know that you may feel that you do not have perfect words but what I know is that you have a perfect heart…always open to new experiences and ideas. You will find a way to touch many people in Zambia as I know they have already touched you!
I love you! Mom
Jonathan: your description of the dedication and compassion of the caregivers to take care of HIV/AIDS patients was truly moving. I really enjoyed reading your blog. It seems like you guys are learning so much and having so many great experiences so far!!
Erin: I don’t know what to say, really. I miss you, and stuff. You’re pretty cool. If you’re ever around, we should hang out. Nobody wants to watch Anne of Green Gables with me. It’s very frustrating. I love you!
Megan
Jonathan,
It is real, and I also teared up. Years ago I was Confirmation sponsor for the younger brother of my lifelong best friend. This young man was an early victim of HIV/AIDS in the United States. He died having barely reached 30.
You are ambassadors to Zambia. You are showing the best side of America, and yet you will be the ones that gain the very most from your short time there. Soak it in and never forget. You will be those that affect real positive changes in the world.
My love to all the Zags, especially to my Aubrey, and also to the Zambian people.
Larry Weber
Thank you for reminding us how real HIV/Aids still is in this world
Your words were touching
Jonathan! Great post! There is so much pain, yet so much joy in this beautiful place. Thanks for sharing how nursing is going. Continue to be open to the opportunities that lie ahead.
Aubs! Love you and miss you. Cant wait for your post!!!!!!
Kisu Kisu,
Katie
Jonathan! Beautiful post! I love reading about your experiences and am truly moved by everyone’s words.
Hiks!!!!!!! Fearless came on in the car yesterday and it reminded me of winter training when we put on a concert downstairs in the lodge for our exclusive audience (the middle school band kids hahah!) Oh my goodness I miss you sooooooo MUCH! I’ve had a few Ah-ha moments over the past couple weeks that I’m excited to share with you and hear your thoughts on 🙂 OH MY GOSH and okay remember that one time when we were walking to class and you asked me what insect I was most afraid and I responded with a wasp. And then Age proceeded to say something to the extent of: A wasp!? Go into the depths of Africa and then tell me again what you’re most afraid of. Hahahah Ahhhh classic! But on this (extremely credible) website a wasp was listed as #3 out of 10 for most painful stings on the planet, by the self-sacrificing man who tried 150 different varieties in the name of science. BOOM! What up A.J.!!! Thought you would enjoy this immensely 🙂
LO! Okay, so I’m holding out on trying lobster until we reunite, BUT I tried Talapia and oh my gosh. I love fish! So in addition to lobster and crab we’ll have to have an additional seafood night! I can’t wait to dine and discuss our plans to change the world 🙂 Miss you and love you!
Jonathan, wow… thank you so much for sharing this. It definitely brought tears to my eyes. I am so inspired, excited, anxious, scared, etc. to share in this experience! It’s amazing to hear about such hope and love in the midst of such terrible disease and the heartache that goes with it. It touches my heart to recognize (again) that love and hope are such universal and powerful weapons to combat the worst of human conditions and situations. Death and dying are indeed very real, but so is the power and sustainability of love, and in a different way, education as well. Stay strong, be hopeful, be inspired, and keep on doing what you’re doing. I can’t wait to be there and be a part of it all–the joy and sorrow, laughter and tears. One thing I think, will be certain–we will all be awakened and disturbed in the best way possible, I hope. It sounds as though you and the others in Group 1 already have been. In the meantime, be present. Hold hands. Laugh. Cry. Love on little Christina and those kids who so desperately need it!!! I can’t wait to be there to share in it all. I hope the lessons are all going well! Hello to Christina, Kellie, and Natalie as well!!!! See you all on the runway! 😀
JONATHAN!!!
Thanks for the disclaimer. It made your blog an easier read. Haha… JUST KIDDING.
But really…
I am glad you are having such and enlightening experience in Zambia. You best be a changed man when you come back. Haha. Keep on aiding those Zambian people doing what you do best. You know everyone at home is here and cheering you on, like a proud mama. I want to hear all your stories when you come back. Through all your experiences, good and bad, I hope you learn a lot, come home and share stories, and, most of all, HAVE FUN!
-Tien
See above. Also, we miss you.
-Taylor
I don’t.
-Tien
Wow. Awkward.
-Taylor
Thanks for finally writing about > It