As I reflect on these past few days since we arrived in Zambia, I immediately think of all the new things I have learned. From the adjustment of Zambia driving on the other side of the road, to staying in rooms with 2-8 people at the hostels, we are all learning how to adjust to new environments and changes. Although I have some experience with trips similar to this ,since I’ve been to Honduras 3 times and conditions are similar, adjusting and/or readjusting can be a challenge.
For those who don’t know me, my name is Carly and I’m going to be a junior this upcoming school year. I’m a Community, Culture, and Language major and hope to teach 1st or 2nd grade after graduation.
On the 3 Honduras mission trips I mentioned above, I was lucky enough to travel with my immediate family as well as my Grammy. On these trips, my Grammy has taught me something that has changed my outlook on trips such as this one. Ever since her first trip to Honduras, she has always said “We need to be Gumby.” For those who don’t know who Gumby is, he is a green character/action figure that was advertised as “very stretchable and bendable.”
You may be wondering how this relates to being somewhere such as Zambia and why I’m bringing up a random character. Throughout past trips I have been on, after we quickly change plans, adjust timing, have issues, etc. we always refer to them as Gumby moments and say that we deserve the Gumby award. Throughout the first few days of this trip, there have already been countless Gumby moments and many times I believe we all deserve the Gumby award. As you can see in the picture above, “being Gumby” can also look like moving seats on a bus in order to support other students.
(And yes, that is Jeff turned away and being a party pooper hahaha)
Yes, that is Jeff turned away being a party pooper!
Today specifically I believe was a Gumby award worthy day. We spent about 10 hours in a small bus with no air conditioning and minimal stops. On top of that we had the funny funny challenge of trying to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on the moving bus. Caroline, Sean, Piper, and Natalie stepped right into action and made a “sandwich assembly line” in which there were a few spills, some sticky hands, but some amazing sandwiches.
Additionally, the ride took longer than we expected. We expected it to be 7-8 hours total but it ended up being 10. Even though we all were trying our best to stay positive on a bus we wouldn’t typically have volunteered to go on, we all remained friendly and social from the start to the finish.
With all this being said and many other times both past and future that we will all be “Gumby,” an important takeaway for me personally as well as other students is that it’s okay to be uncomfortable with the unknown and that becoming comfortable in the uncomfortable will take some time and adjustment. Additionally, as we familiarize ourselves with the customs, food, and culture of Zambia, I know that we will all become more comfortable not only as Zags but as friends.
As we continue to learn and grow in this amazing experience, I can’t wait to push myself out of my comfort zone and practice patience. With many exciting events lying ahead and our safari in the next few days, I’m excited to make amazing memories with everyone.
For the reason listed above as well as many more that will occur throughout a trip like this one, I believe that we all deserve a Gumby award!
With love from myself and the trip stuffies,
Carly Fassio
Gonzaga School of Ed., Class of ’27
PS, we leave for safari tomorrow morning, so don’t expect another post until Friday!
Carly,
What a beautiful post! I remember the long bus ride to Livingstone and boy was it long haha! The bus ride was one of my favorites as it’s the perfect time to get to know each other. I love the Gumby moments and you will have plenty of them along the way. I definitely agree with that it’s ok to be uncomfortable with the unknown, because you learn important life lessons from those moments, I know I did. Have the best time on the safari!
-Ellie Powers, ZamFam ‘24
To Carly and all the Gumbys!
I am so excited for all the adventures ahead that will test, teach, and strengthen you, and help you make this world a better place. Your Gumby moments will give you stories to tell for a lifetime. The experiences you have and the people you meet will change your lives forever. Be safe, be healthy, make good decisions and take care of each other!
Traveling with you in spirit,
Carly’s Grammy
This is all so amazing! And sticky or not, I’ll bet it was one of the best peanut butter and jelly sandwiches they have ever had 🙂 I recognize that froggy stuffed animal in the middle–he was waiting for Katy when she came home from the hospital! So much love to all of you Zags!!!
Such troopers. I can’t believe you all are still traveling. Love the pictures. Can’t wait for more. So excited for the Zam Zags. Wear sunscreen Ellie
PB & J assembly line manned by some awesome people— sending so much love to the crew!
Carly what an amazing post. Being Gumby is such a beautiful analogy on how to travel the world and experience new cultures. And let’s go PB&J assembly line is absolutely essential! Also I’m not entire sure but for me growing up in Costa Rica I was so excited by the similar flora and fauna of Zambia and maybe it is similar to Honduras.
Can’t wait for you all to go from fellow Zags to friends to family!
Amazing, Thanks for the updates. I am checking this several times a day hungry for more. From logistics, to culture, to your team, learning to be adaptable is so cool and so important. I know Piper makes a mean PB&J! Can’t wait to hear more!!!!
That’s our Pipes! Putting her head down and getting right to work!! Savor those beautiful sunsets on Safari!
You are all such incredible gumbies!!! Sending love to all of you guys and hope you are having the most wonderful time . Cannot wait for more updates!
The Gumby analogy is perfect — such a great reminder to stay flexible and open when things are uncertain. So proud of you all for embracing the unknown with courage and heart! Love you, Caroline M.!
Steppin’ up for PBJ efficiency– not a surprise from my boy!!
Love seeing these updates and cannot wait to hear about the safari! You know that’s on my bucket list! Have so much fun!! Love you!!
And don’t forget Gumby had Pokey to lean on when the going gets tough. So lean on each other when you need support. And have loads of fun!
Beautifully written, absolutely needed not only when abroad, but in any and every relationship. Thank you, Carly.
That’s my girl! I love that you are drawing from and sharing past travel experiences and Grammy’s wisdom as you embark on this amazing African adventure! Already this looks like a fantastic team of friends and travel mates! Keep on smiling and making those bus sandwiches!
Going on a safari with Piper and Karin several years ago was one of the most life changing experiences I’ve had. I hope your journey is amazing! Take lots of pictures, try not to accidentally delete them all, if you do, don’t cry, and if you cry you can pretend that some sand blew in your eyes! Piper took the best pictures!
SEAN AND PIPER!!!
Ciao da Trentino, Italia!! Mi manchate ragazzi, I miss you guys!
Trento has been magical so far, and I hope you can say the same about your travels. No surprise to see the two of you stepping up to help make some sammies. After the opening tour in Stresa, we took a van to Trento, driving up through a beautiful valley full of vineyards. We will be living in Villa Sant’Ignazio, a Jesuit co-op situated at the top of a VERY steep hill that you must climb to get to and from town (this was quite fun after dinner and festivities last night haha). I can’t wait to share photos of the views: northern Italian architecture in the city, framed by deep green hills and the Alps in the distance. The air smells like mountain trees, and cigarettes lol.
I know you are learning all about leadership, community, and yourselves! Let me know how you are doing, as you can 🙂
The team is so lucky to have you there.