I have never realized how much I use a mirror. Here at the convent, where we are staying in Zambezi, there is not a single mirror. In fact, I have seen very few mirrors throughout my time in Zambia. This small fact speaks volumes about the difference in the lifestyle I am use to, the lifestyle of a middle class, American college student, and the lifestyle of the beautiful Zambian people.
In America, the first thing I do is wake up and look in the mirror. I spend an excessive amount of time in my warm, comfortable shower. I use my overpriced shampoo, body wash, acne cleanser, shaving cream, and razor. I have to make sure that my body and my clothes are socially acceptable before I step outside of my perfectly air- conditioned home. If I am not wearing my freshest Nikes when I go to class or my Sunday best when I go into the middle school classrooms for my field experience, I feel that I will not be fully respected. Why is it that I do this? Do I dress this way for myself or because society has created unwritten laws that I have to look a certain way? Do I act the way I do because it is who I am or because it is the only way to earn respect? Am I being my truly authentic self or am I just being a puppet that western culture is controlling?
Here in Zambezi, I have found that I am loved for exactly who I am. I am accepted not because of the way I appear or for the talents I have. I am not looked down upon because I have a gnarly, patchy beard or because I get my Chindele butt kicked at soccer by children less than half my age. People here look beyond our outside appearance better than anyone I have ever met. The mere fact that we are human and we are living beside them is enough. I can truly be myself here. I can whip out the dorkiest dance moves in the world among thirty African children and be completely comfortable with it. I can walk into the classroom ready to teach in a simple polo shirt, the same khaki pants I have worn all week, dirty shoes, and an unshaven face and get more respect than I ever would in America if I was dressed to impress.
It pains me greatly to think that many of the people here with whom I have quickly created a strong relationship with would be just faces on a busy city street in America. They would be people that society would have convinced me to stay away from simply because of the way they physically appear. I would never have met Joe who hopes to be a pilot when he grows up or young Junior who hopes to be a soldier one day. I would never have met all of the extremely talented members of the choir who so willingly invited me to come play music with them. I would never have met some of the most beautiful people this world has ever seen. While these people are lacking in money and material possessions, they are rich in community, love, authenticity, and compassion. While it is heart wrenching to see the condition in which many of these people are living, I can’t say I have ever seen a community living out its humanity more fully.
This leads me to consider a very complex and possibly unanswerable question. A question that has been on my mind ever since we crawled out of our tiny bush planes into a crowd of excited children. Which country is poorer, the United States or Zambia?
I would like to end with a quote from an article we reflected on as a group titled We See From Where We Stand by David Diggs:
“We see that we are all in need, rich and poor. The poor know they are in need. By contrast, we, the wealthy and powerful of the world, are often oblivious to our needs. We frantically try to fill our emptiness with more and more stuff, more and more activity, but without satisfaction. Our endless pursuit of material wealth is a sign of our spiritual poverty. But being with the poor- as opposed to merely doing things for them- can bring a spiritual awakening and be the beginning of our liberation. We see from where we stand, and, for many of us, to stand with the poor is to begin to see God for the first time.”
Jayson Orth
Class of 2014
P.S. Mom and Pops, I love you more than I can say and miss you very much. I can’t wait to sit outside, eat some barbequed burgers, throw the ball for the pup, and tell you about my trip. You are on my mind every day.
P.P.S. Ry, Enjoy your last few weeks in Houston. I can’t wait to come visit you at your new crib in Colorado! See you soon brotha!
Jayson,
I had a feeling that today would be your “blog day”, and was excited to see that it actually was. From your blog and those of your fellow GU’ers, it is obvious that you are all taking this in and getting as much or more than what you are giving. In a sense I guess that is what happens when you open up and give to others. I really enjoyed reading your blog and as many parents have noted, I read it over and over, and I did hear your voice through it which was great as well. True beauty and goodness does come from within, and true authenticy is key to letting others see within you and for you to see within them. Thank you Jay and all the rest of you for sharing all your insights and experiences, you guys have us all hooked on checking in with you during our afternoon hours.
Your Mom and I love and miss you very much Jay, but at the same time we are so thankful that you are a part of this experience with your fellow GU’ers and your new found, loving friends from Zambia. Continue to embrace everything, and have fun and be safe.
Love, Pops and Mom
P.S. After the No-Hitting the Dodgers on Friday, the M’s are back to their old ways, losing the next two to the Dodgers (but they are fun to watch ;).
Hey my man! Glad to hear you are having a great time in Zambia! Hope the rest of the trip is as enjoyable as the first part. I have thought of you every day wondering what you are doing and how you are liking everything and am glad to hear you are having a great experience so far. I’m sure it truly is the experience of a lifetime. Soak it all in and enjoy every moment. Can’t wait to have you come visit now that I will be closer and can’t wait to hear all about your trip. Keep that beard going, you’ll need a head start for No Shave November this year.
Love you and thinking of you!
Ryan
Hello Gonzaga students. I admire your courage and generosity to give so much of yourselves to others. It is amazing to read about your wonderful, life changing, adventures.
Hi Analise, can’t wait to see you in San Diego in July – we miss you! Looking forward to you sharing your stories and photos with all of us. Love, Aunt Cathy and all
ps- We love seeing you in the group photos!!
Your blog drew me to reflect on Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
I love hearing how God is showing you unconditional respect, approval and love…that is all His goodness. He does this to compel all humanity to act justly – justice treats humankind as they are created to be treated; to love mercy – mercy gives without conditions; and to walk humbly – humility recognizes our place in God’s created order (the creature bringing honor to the Creator).
Press on Group 2! Philippians 3:14 ” I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Duudee Jay. So pumped I got to read your post today. I really enjoyed this my friend. The whole part about being controlled by the expectations for fashion and appearance back home are incredibly true. To a certain extent I think our intrinsic value has been slowly sucked out and replaced with only superficial qualities that we use to give ourselves value. I know what you mean when it feels like our identities are dictated by what we wear or how we look – you don’t feel like you can even be secure in yourself unless you look a certain way or have fulfilled some expectations. We always hear that it’s what’s on the inside that matters and all that, but I don’t think you can really feel that until you go somewhere like Zambezi. It’s an amazing feeling to just be loved for exactly who you are, no strings attached. I remember how liberating it was not being able to check myself in the mirror all the time. Great post, hope you’re having fun – and I hope you are showing off your killer drum skills. Did they let you play at Mass on Sunday??
On a side note, I was riding my bike downtown today and your white buick, or whatever it is, drove by and the driver waved to me, and I got really confused wondering why you were in Spokane and not Zambia, but I realized it was probably Nick Roach wasting all of your gas….either that or someone stole your car. Haha I don’t know man. Well keeping enjoying your time. I’m sure this teaching experience is right up your ally and you are thriving.
Peace & Love to Group 2,
Kurt Guenther
What a great post, Jayson, with so much to think about! Love the quote from the article you all read, that is bulletin board worthy. Gosh, what an experience to be there!
Dear Jayson and all,
I love that you are “in community” with the Zambezi people and each other…I love that you have been stripped of the American layers of products and clothes due to the 25 pound packing limit and …the powers that be that knew you’d figure out what is important once in Zambezi. You each look beautiful! Boy do I love these group pictures! Keep them coming! 🙂
KK- We are reveling in the Kings historic win (LA’s hockey team) against the NJ Devils, Nadal’s French Open victory, and Paynter’s coming in second in the Belmont Stakes (named for a contracter in our town who built the trainer’s house :)…)…yes sports have offered a welcome distraction in our house this week. 🙂 Griff has one more day of Finals and then “Hello Summer!”…it can’t come soon enough! 🙂 I am thinking of you constantly and wondering what you are doing at that moment. 🙂 How is it possible that its already been two weeks tomorrow!? Soak it up my love! Can’t wait to see your pictures!! LOVE LOVE LOVE you! xoxoxo
Jayson,
I really liked reading your blog, and relating to your words. Even us old folks who pay taxes and vote and support our communities stop, from time to time, to wonder if we as Americans have gotten all right, or all wrong. Why do I think that you’ll figure it out before I do??
Ann Brunett
PS – I think it should be a law that your blogs are accompanied by groups photos. It is SO good to see everyone happy and healthy.
PSS – Love you, Paige!
Jay, Its good to hear that you are having such a great experience in Zambia, I am sure you are touching a lot of lives with your presence there. Reading your blog has made us evaluate why we do the things we do. Thanks for sharing. This could be a life changing experience for many.
Hope you continue to have a great experience.
See you when you come home.
Jayson what a beautifully written, thought-provoking post. The Seattle-bound group 2 crew landed in the States just a few hours ago and right after calling the fam bam, I opened the blog and read away while still waiting to get off the plane. So excited to be back! Yet I can’t help but feel like a part of me stayed there. Your post was a refreshing reminder that what we have seen and felt no one can take away from us though, and that exposure to pure authenticity is an experience which we will continue seeking regardless of what continent we find ourselves in.
(Hmkay sorry Jayson but you’re gna have to say this is in the happiest, loudest, somewhat high pitch tone you can manage at 7:30 am) BRAAAAADDAAAYYYYY!!!! Ahh holy shit how I miss you! I have so much to say to you but for everyone else’s sake– just a couple of things, A. We are soo dumb. I can’t believe we didn’t take a picture now that I think back to those emotionally-overloaded 15 minutes we had somewhat together! Regardless of all the hecticness and the fact I had no idea how to handle the hello/goodbye/keep your crap together airstrip moment, we should’ve known better.. Okay B. Just read your post. So beautiful. Your writing never ceases to amaze me. It reminded me so much of Redfield’s genius work. I’ll comment on your post tomorrow though cause I’m laying on this hotel bed totally sleep deprived and I think I’m starting to sound a bit delirious. Anyways, do me a favor and shake yo chindele hips out and about today 🙂
Alex- loved the post. I’m sure you’re totally rocking the health teachings!!
Teo- some dude pretty much attacked our group right outside Fawlty towers trying to sell those necklaces of the carving of the waterfalls’ goddess spirit ma’am. I couldn’t help but wonder if you had gotten yours from him. I can’t wait to hear about what the kids think about your hair 🙂
Josh- definitely thought of you today at lunch as I was eating a baguette with Brie CHEESE and prosciutto… Hehe
Nolan- out of all the songs you could’ve taught father Dominic, “call me maybe”.. Are you serious?
Jay,
So cool to read your insights into this REAL world. It frees one’s soul to know there really aren’t any expectations, yet those we place upon ourselves…
What a blast of an experience you’re having…ROCK YOUR WORLD EXPERIENCE!
“The one thing which we seek with insatiable desire is to forget ourselves, to be surprised out of our propriety, to lose our sempiternal memory and to do something without knowing how or why: in short to draw a new circle. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. The way of life is wonderful. it is the facilities of performance through the strength or ideas, as the works of genius and religion. “A man,” said Oliver Cromwell, “never rises so high as when he knows not whither he is going.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
My thoughts and VIBE are with you! Your friend from Nashville
Your super awesome Jay, I’m looking forward to when you come home!
From,
Danny K.
Jay, it’s great to know that you are having an awesome experience in Zambia:)Everyone misses you back here in the Tri- Cities and we can’t wait till your back again! Your blog was so cool to read. All of the people in Zambia sound absolutely incredible! Well, I’ll see ya soon!:D
Love the pix of the whole Gonzaga Family in Zambezi! I know others feel as Steve and I do…it is so good, really good to see the photos. Just as you share your insights and experiences with us through the blogs, sharing through photos helps us see you, your surroundings, your experiences and some of your new friends in Zambezi. Plus, I have to say it’s just plain comforting to see you happy, healthy and ready to experience all that is to come. In looking at these photos today, I’m thinking that it looks like you are just having fun…enjoying the moment, not thinking of what is going to happen next, but just that moment. (Well, maybe some of you are thinking how long you are going to last on the balance beam or on the tire swings if someone decides to move!). Stef it is so great to see you! You look good! But, how weird is this? I identified you by your sandals! Yes, I really do know how to recognize my own daughter, but I was looking for curly, wavey hair and today it was straight. How did you do that? Hey girls, I love the chentenges !
Jayson, when I got to work yesterday, my colleague had read your blog. When we shared our feelings about what you wrote…we both felt what made it so powerful is you called it like you see it. And, you were right on! Makes all of us ponder if we are even coming close to our authentic selves. And, if we want to really find our authentic selves, what are we going to do about it? It takes courage, but the rewards can not be measured.
I recently read a book entitled “Glorious Mess”. ..Encountering God’s relentless grace for imperfect people…by Mike Howerton. In the epilogue was written…God is a Father. Our Father. And His love for you is indescribable. ..You. Now. As you are. Are loved. Completely.
God has chosen the People of Zambezi to show you, and all of us, a glimpse of His indescribable and unconditional love, but don’t forget, God has chosen YOU to share that love with the people you meet each day.
P.S. Stef, Vicky is running mighty fine, but would like some variety in her daily experiences…To and from Evergreen and sitting in the blue garage for 8 1/2 hours is not her idea of a good time! She has an appt. for her check up next week! She’ll be in fine form when you return!
Love you more! It’s pretty strange not getting multible texts each day from you. I’ll just have to “comment” on the blogs every day…sort of how I used to put daily notes in your lunch bag! Miss you! Hugs and kisses, from Woodinville. Keep experiencing all your heart can hold…and then more! Xoxo Mom
Jay,
Awesome post. In London, I had to keep reminding myself not to smile or greet people on the street because our guide book said not to unless you were “consciously flirting.” It’s a sad moment when you realize you live in a culture which forbids the authentic friendship and love that is so commonly demonstrated every day in Zambezi. Your post reminded me of a journal entry I wrote my senior year on a service trip to Belize:
The poverty of heart is far more desperate than the poverty of hand,
Our capacity to love it an ocean: What we own is a grain of sand.
I hope classes are going well!
Peace,
Erin
Jay,
What an incredibly insightful post! Very thought provoking. I really enjoyed reading it and am glad to hear that your trip is going well. It’s sounds like you are having the experience of a lifetime. I’ll want to hear all about it when you get back. Take care and we’ll see you soon.
Mr. K
Jay,
That was such a beautiful post! It really got me thinking, as well as everyone else who read it, I’m sure. I am so happy to hear that you are having a great time. I hope you have many more amazing experiences and I can’t wait to hear about them when you get back! Love you.
Love, Jannie
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Hi Jay!!!!!
Your words are heard loud and clear and I know you are so special to the people of Zambia. It is so good to hear your enthusiasm and joy of experiencing the Zambia life. You will definitely leave a positive mark there, just like you will bring such special lessons and memories from them. I am so proud of you and all you are doing for these people, and am excited to hear everything they have taught you as well. You are a superb young man, who is going to , make huge impressions where you step. Love ya tons, Aunt Jeannie
P.S. I printed your blog for Grandma, she said she loves you and is very proud of you. She follows what you are doing each day on your trip, it’s like she is on the trip with you.
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Hey Jay, how about some wiffleball when you get home?
How about some wiffleball when you get home?
From,
Daniel
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