Our Zambezi Leadership Class
New experiences flow in and out of our lives with each breath. They each bring about different triumphs, trials, questions, or answers. Throughout each of my experiences, I hope to uncover some sort of universal truth. A universal truth that can attempt to connect these trials and triumphs of the world, perhaps unite us all, or at least provide some explanation for twists and turns of human life.
So far during my Zambian experience, I have been frustrated, inspired, welcomed, confused, lifted, and a slew of other emotions I have yet to find a word to describe. All of these emotions leave me with numerous unanswered questions and most of these questions will probably never be answered, a conclusion that I must learn to accept. Yet despite so many unknowns, I was able to uncover what I believe to be a universal truth. And this truth can be described as the constant thirst.
Often as Westerners we hear about the issue of water sanitation that faces many developing nations, especially in various parts of Africa. Being here now, I do see the need for sanitary water to nourish the thirsty bodies. Yet, throughout the conversations I have shared and images I have seen, there is an even greater thirst than the thirst for clean water. And that is the thirst for education. The incredible Zambian people I have met share a deep desire to gain and share knowledge. The requests to learn, read, or teach are never-ending. Zambians are craving for this thirst to be quenched, a craving that is expressed in numerous conversations and events throughout our days here.
Soon into a conversation with one of the children who wait anxiously at the gate of our convent, you will find they ask for books or to be read a storybook. Last Sunday, a girl named Sarah asked me to read to her. Within minutes there were at least 20 children crowded around me straining to hear about the adventures of Scooby Doo and Shaggy. One of our most treasured Zambian students and friend, Julius, asked how many classes he needed to take from us to receive a diploma, in hopes that we would be providing him one after his third year of taking the leadership class. And like Julius, many other Zambians will do anything to realize the dream of possessing a diploma, a tangible representation of possessing the knowledge they desire to soak in. Even when the leadership team met with the District Councilman the other day, he explained to us that Zambia would only truly grow if they invested in creating more higher learning institutions. And when we asked what we can do while we are in Zambezi, he didn’t ask us to give money or encourage Americans to send aid. He simply said we should go to the local market and share what we know with the people who must work all day long to make a living.
Yes, people do ask us Chindele (aka “white person” in Luvali, a common phrase shouted in the streets whenever we walk just about anywhere) for money or donations, but at least what I have found so far is that the overwhelming question is for education, books, or the chance to take university classes.
And the best thing about this question is that is can be answered, unlike so many of the other questions that are plaguing all of our minds in Zambia. Now maybe we can’t provide books for every child that wants one, but we can retell our favorite childhood story and paint vivid pictures in their mind. Maybe we can’t pay someone’s tuition for university courses, but we can take time out of our day to sit and converse with them about the topics discussed in a 101 psychology or biology course. Every person has a unique and beautiful knowledge within them crafted from the wonderful and challenging occurrences of life. You may not be here in Zambia with us right now being surrounded by numerous daily requests to learn, but the thirst for knowledge is everywhere. Look around you and see how you can share the amazing knowledge within you. Sharing that knowledge creates a connection that cannot be broken by war, cultural differences, poverty, or violence. A connection created by a universal truth to unite us all.
Team building exercise
So there are and always will be the unanswered questions that have presented themselves here, but at least I know that when I do have to say goodbye to this incredible community, I will be bringing home one piece of my life puzzle. It may be a daunting universal thirst to quench, but the experiences, stories, and people here that showed me this universal truth will be my inspiration and source of passion. I can now carry away with me a greater sense of purpose in my life, a gift given to me in only a week of living here. And for this gift, people of Zambezi and all those in my life that have shown me this truth, I will forever thank you.
Agape,
Lauren Ferguson, Class of 2014
P.S.
Mama, in all my travels and experiences, along with the universal desire for knowledge, I have found all over the world the universal strength and influence of women. The loving hearts of incredibly strong women often shape cultures, families, social movements, and communities. Yet, out of all the insanely wonderful woman who scatter the globe, I will never meet a woman who puts the same strength in my soul, love in my heart, and inspiration in my life that you do as my mother. I am truly and forever blessed. Love you and miss you. Bubby, love and miss you too, you better be taking care of her.
P.S.S.
To all of our family and friends, thank you for the love and support you have shown through your posts. You leave us in joyful tears each morning we read the blog posts at breakfast. I know each of us is thankful for the influence you have and will continue to have on our lives. You are loved and appreciated.
Each day as I read the blog I feel that in a very small way I am living this experience vicariously through you . We hear about it on the news, read about it in magazines and newspapers but your posts makes it real. The thirst for knowledge, education, health and safe drinking water are all things we take for granted everyday. Each of you are making a difference by sharing a story, teaching a class and leaving your footprints in Zambezi. I have enjoyed every post and love the pictures,. These are what make it real.
Thank You!
Oh BTW I love your shirt Joe.
CHINDELEEEEEEEEEES!
Hello all!! It always twists my gut a little bit to read about the Zambezi world that still so vividly overwhelms my memories but knowing you all get to experience the drop dead beauty of the country, the people, Mama Charity, the crazy children, the sunsets, and the smells counters that feeling and makes me feel so darn excited for you all!!!
Sweet sweet Katie, Jonathan, Aubrey, and Lauren… Oh my I am so glad you are all there. Please be sure to store every memory away so you can share them in detail with me when you return. Your group sounds wonderful. Those are for sure some lifelong friends right there.
Tally girl, I will set aside my overwhelming jealousy that you are back without me to say I loved your blog and it brought me right back to the day we met Rebecca and were awe struck at her tears and banded together to make sense of it. I’m sorry I never texted you back my Skype name but when you get back, SteveO you and I will have a skype date where you will bring us back to the land we love. Also, did you hear Seth is going to Israel for medical school? He just one-upped our whole Zambia nursing group right there for sure.
Armstrongs, keep up the good work. I’m psyched to meet sweet Grace.
Dance on chindeles.
Kisu mwane, Nicole (a chindele in 2010)
Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!! Lauren I am speechless. Each day I read the posts and ponder all day about what to reply and finally today I wake up and there is my baby who I miss with all my heart and soul in front of my eyes. I wait each day to formulate my responses to the posts but today I cannot wait because I want to reach out and touch you! First, I must say I am touched to the core by your message to me I will keep those words in my heart everyday of my life! Thank you my life and you my inspiration come from you and you make me a better person everyday through your gifts. Second, I am overwhelmed by the feeling I got when I saw the picture, the way the young man is leaning his head into you….tells a thousand stories, most of all it depicts how people feel when they are in your presence warmth, love and inspiration and I see the smile on your face and know they are providing you with what you give to others everyday! Thirdly, as soon as I read your headline I KNEW you were in a place where you were experiencing the true meaning of your core values, your personal “thirst” is being quenched through this experience and you will always carry that thirst with you throughout your life especially now you have lived life with these incredible people.
I don’t want to close this post because it feels like saying goodbye again, so don’t be surprised if I post later. Constanza you look amazing and your beautiful warm smile will melt your Mama’s heart when she sees the post! We are keeping each other company and miss you girls like crazy, we may never let you out of sight again so that means we may have to move to San Diego with you 🙂 !! I am savoring those wonderful three days I spent with you before you left and can’t wait to see you in London! whoop whoop!!!!
So Lauren, I will close in saying I am going to “Tatoo your words on my heart” . Keep learning, loving and most of all just keep being you! You are the wind beneath my wings my love!
Love with all my heart and soul !
Mama xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo (sometimes I text that to myself at night hoping it makes it to you in Zambezi 🙂
See I told you I would post again! I cannot scroll back on my ipad so when I go back and read my post after I send I see my typos…I am sure you figured out my sentence but here is what it is supposed to say: Thank you my love, and you know my inspiration comes from you and you make me a better person everyday through your gifts .
xo mama
oh lauren!! what an incredibly wonderful post. the way you describe the feelings, encounters and just overall experience….it gives me goosebumps. and oh have you pinpointed an amazing truth! ….your idea of a universal thirst is one that we should all take with us. i love how you said that it unites us all, that thirst to learn and to carry knowledge. thank you for that, it is something i will carry with me as well. 🙂 miss you love! sounds like you are doing and experiencing amazing things over there! so proud
much love,
kate
also, shout out to my other loves, katie and kellie. miss you girls! i always get the urge to text or call you only to realize of course you wouldnt get it….soo instead, i send my thoughts mentally to you hoping you will somehow feel my love 🙂
after hearing from the lovely lauren it makes me anxious to get to hear from you two as well! what a treat.
as always, sending love to the whole group! you guys are amazing!! xoxo
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LOOO FERG!!!
I am speechless. This is such a beautiful post, so honest & true. I am so proud of you. It sounds like you have really opened yourself up to new things and are soaking in absolutely everything in Zambezi!! Life is so precious, along with education and most things we take for granted here. I miss you guys!! Shout out to Katie, i keep wanting to heytell you..gahh haha cannot wait to hear more about y’alls experiences! 🙂 I feel so inspired by each & every one of you right now!
xxxxx.
All my love,
-Olivia
Ohhh this post, to me, seems to tie in so well with the previous one about how there is only so much one can do with their short stay in another country. I love that you are offering them what you can, though. Those short stories and chats about biology and what-have-you probably mean so much more to them that we know.. Hopefully one day, education will be as readily available to the Zambian people as it is to us but until then, groups like this one are so important in reaching out and finding ways to help!
I don’t know any of you except Hikaru but it’s so nice to read these daily blogs and to know that you guys are all reading and appreciating our comments together! 🙂
Lauren, what an amazing post…..your beautiful reflection made me tear up and your mom’s words too.
Each day I look forward for the new post…..your everyday words make my day shine, and believe ( even at my age!) that one day this world will give at least some opportunities to everyone to be able to reach their dreams, and I truly believe that education is the most powerful tool to make it possible….. Lauren I LOVED when you wrote ” Sharing knowledge creates a connection that cannot be broken by war, cultural differences, poverty, or violence. A connection created by a universal truth to unite us all”
Thank you very much to ALL for sharing with us your reflections and your thoughts in this incredible blog….your words give us the opportunity to have a “magic” window to see through your eyes and learn from your hearts.
P.S. Constanza I’m so exited to see you at the picture,this beautiful image helped me to frame you in Zambezi, you look gorges wearing your chitengue…. Even knowing you are so far away I felt you were close enough to hug you!!. ….If you listen to the wind very carefully, you’ll be able to hear me whisper how proud I’m to have you as a daughter and how MUCH I love you!
What a beautiful post! Your description of the Zambians’ thirst for knowledge is truly inspiring, and makes me so excited to be there experiencing the thirst personally in just a couple days! I can’t wait to see what the students have learned from you all in the Leadership group!
Little shout out to E: Love you, buddy. Missing you oodles. I hate being an only child. Let’s be siamese after this, okay?
Peace!!
Megan
Lauren! Words cannot express the incredible sense of pride welling inside me right now! This is what it’s like to be speechless! Life has shaped you into beautiful, intelligent, giving soul, and your ability to touch each and every person with whom you come in contact is truly inspiring. Your grasp of the human experience takes my breath away. Cherish every second of this adventure, for your time in Zambezi will serve you the rest of your life.
Lauren, I am proud to be your cousin Kris!
Love and safety,
Kris
I think within your first sentence I could tell this was going to be a post from you, Lauren, and it lived up to the expectations and more. A beautiful and thoughtful reflection, and I’m grateful to have heard it.
Joe, Constanza, and Lauren, those pictures of your leadership project look great! I hope you’re incredibly proud of the work you did (I certainly am proud of you for it). More then anything I hope it’s allowed you to build some meaningful relationships.
Enjoy the rest of your stay in Zambezi, and treasure the rest of the time with your group. It’s an incredibly special bond that is formed, and one you will carry with you for a long time.
I am thinking of each and everyone of you often, and hopefully I’ll see some of you on the runway in Zambezi.
Nolan
Lauren, my sweet love! In all sincerity, your post was truly a pleasure to read; I was moved to tears (as were my parents). You are such a beautiful individual and impress me every time I have the blessing to hear you speak of insightful reflection what always amazes me beyond your years. The wisdom of your words and expression of your experiences is incredibly moving — I already feel such a passion and connection to the people of Zambezi through you and it touches my heart. I know and trust you are sharing your stories with an earnest compassion for the human spirit which nourishes the “thirsting” souls you encounter — those of both the Zambezi and Zag community alike.
Keep on keepin’ on. It’s blog reflections like this one that remind me every day what a blessing this experience is/will be in our lives. I love you. I love you all.
___
Constanza, I miss you like crazy and think of you always. Every day. Right now. All the time. I can’t wait to have a dance party/cry sesh/story time for daaaaays in our house next fall as we recall our individual adventures.
Blakeley — As I know you, I KNOW you will be finding the intentionality of every action you take while in Zambia. I also know Constanza brought along “The Celestine Prophecy” to read on the plane and I hope the coincidences of the human connection are bringing much joy of the purest form to your experiences. You are such an incredible being and I cannot wait to hear and recall stories of our teaching lessons. I value your friendship and I can only imagine how inspiring your passionate outlook on life and love for people is for all you meet.
Hikaru, Brittney, & Katie — I can’t wait to give you all the biggest hugs of your lives. Literally, I might smother you with love. You are all such empowering young women and I treasure reading about your adventures.
All my love to you!!
-Brady
Absolutely beautiful, Lauren! I love your passion to teach and learn… inspiring. I think I am equally touched by your mom’s response to your post, that’s love 🙂 Miss you!
Lauren,
I am so glad to say that I finally found the blog! It took me awhile. Then I found it while Facebook stalking you. I have to say that I am so impressed by your post! In reading the comments above I am in total agreement with everyone. You’re view is so honest, thoughtful, and humble. I am so proud of all you have learned and will continue to learn and experience on this trip. I miss you like crazy, but I know that these six weeks will be such an inspiration throughout your entire life. I’m thinking about you and can’t wait to hear about your trip first hand! I love you so much and am proud of all you’re learning, doing, and seeing. I am so sorry I can’t spend your birthday with you, but will have to make up for it when you return!
P.S They have a funfetti blizzard at DQ right now, so I’m going to be treating you to one of those when you return! LOVE YOU!
XOXO
Annie
Lauren! When I read this post, I honestly felt like you were speaking to me! You have such a gift with words, capturing your passion and experience in a way that truly takes us on the journey with you. Powerful and beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂 Miss you tons! Sending my love to you and the rest of the group!
Hiks, I just wanted you to know that One Tree Hill is SO good (YOU GOT ME ADDICTED) I balled entire the last episode (embarrassing? I think not.) I won’t tell you what happened because some people may not have seen and it would terrible to spoil it for them…But lets just say Brother of Danny… Jimmy Edwards…high school lock down….NOT TRUE!!!! Ahhhhh OH MY GOSH! Okay well hopefully you catch my drift, if not well, we’ll talk 🙂 Ruvv you!
Lauren,
It was great reading your post. Despite being in a completely different culture, it is evident that your ability to ask questions has remained a constant. Also, I thought I would leave you with some jokes that I stumbled upon. No matter where people are in the world, everyone needs to laugh, right?
1. What kind of music do chiropractors listen to?
“HIP-POP”
2. What did the traffic light say to the car?
“Don’t look, I’m changing”
3. How do you fix a broken tuba?
“With a tuba glue!”
Enjoy the rest of your time in Zambezi, excited to hear more about it.
– Ian
Lauren,
It was so nice to finally be able to hear your voice through your blog. As Americans, we too often take our access to education for granted while so many people in the world are craving that same knowledge. I know this experience will only deepen your own thirst for learning and social justice. I hope you’ve also been able to exchange dance moves with the Zambians – they love that knowledge too.
Blessings on you, love,
Neshia
P.S. John, you articulated your frustration so well. I struggled with the same question of accompaniment when I was in Zambezi last summer and continue to wrestle with it in my own life at home. I wish I could give a satisfactory answer, but I can only tell you to keep asking those questions. Never forget the angst you feel, but also do not let it overwhelm the beauty of the relationships you are forming.
Constanza, it’s so good to see a picture of you! Hope you’re having a blast and enjoying every sunset. Give a big hug to Mama Kawatu for me.
Josh, Tyler Hobbs and I just got back from our first Krista Foundation Conference in Spokane. It was such a beautiful experience and I am so grateful for the support I am already receiving for my life of service. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and wisdom. Give my love to your growing family.
Thank you Lauren,
Your post was beautifully written! May all of you continue to share your stories, your knowledge, your dance moves, and be in the moment. those gifts you share will come back to you 10 fold.
Lauren-
Just like I said after reading Katie’s blog it is so wonderful to hear your voice! As I read your post I felt like we were sitting on your bed chatting about all the things in the world we have to learn. It sounds like you have reflected and thought about some incredibly interesting and important things. The people of Zambia are lucky to have you and it sounds like you are truly blessed to have them. I am so excited to hear more from you all and am so happy that you have had such a wonderful journey so far. You guys are really doing wonderful things for the people there, for each other, for yourselves, and for the people home like me who get to hear about it!
So much love and so many prayers to you and the group!
Sarah
Yeah, Thanks to preston I found you, Lauren i have never been more proud of a person in my life. You have reached the stars girl in your adventure. It is so good to hear how you are doing and nice picture by the way. i hope you are healthy and continue to spread the love that you have for others, you are truly amazing lady Lauren. I will keep in touch better. Much love Your Daddy
Lauren,
What a wonderful blog!! It sounds like you are learning as much from the people of Zambezi as you are giving!! What a wonderful gift! You have written so well and are learning life long lessons! Beautiful picture too! So proud of you! Take care and can’t wait to see your pictures and talk with you when you return!!! Love Momma Laurie 🙂
Happy birthday my sweet daughter, you are in my heart and prayers, Your daddy loves you and hope you are well. See you when you get home XO