We need water to live, in more ways than one. I am no expert in human biology, but I do know that one for sure. The sheer number of jugs of ShopRite water that we have consumed over the past three days will tell you that for certain. Water has a special way of calming people and I am no exception. I remember a specific instance when I was upset, and my mom stuck me in the car and drove to Lake Washington. On the drive she did not say a single word, instead letting the water do its job. Moments later I was breathing deeply and ready to talk. Water flows through every part of my life. In the Willamette River that runs through the city I call home. In the swimming pools that hold some of my most cherished memories. In the waves of Puget Sound crashing against the sand of my favorite place in the world. Although water makes a great impact on each of us, in different ways, I have found that there is little we can do to affect it. Water will continue, through diversions, against obstacles, noticing and feeling all of it, but continuing to flow. We may change the water, if only for a moment, slightly diverting its path on its way to its final destination.
As the waters of the Zambezi River poured over each and every one of us earlier today, I was once again reminded of a favorite phrase that was truly embodied in today’s experiences: “It’s about who chooses to stand with you in the pouring rain. When they could have chosen to be dry.”
Hiking along a cliff opposite Victoria Falls, this group was nothing short of ecstatic. Soaked to the bone, we exuded the sounds of laughter, excitement, and pure unfettered joy. Walking (sometimes skipping) with hands stretched to the sky, I couldn’t help but feel the beauty all around me. Yes, in the world’s largest single curtain waterfall but more in each Zag next to me. In Meg getting all of us to lay on the ground as the water continued to fall on our backs. In Taylor stomping in every puddle with me. In Sean’s commitment to filling up his water bottle via the sky. In Liv’s smiles despite her hair returning to its natural state. I watched the water wash over each of us. As it fell no one refused to get wet or tried to divert its path, instead choosing to let it pour. I am not sure I knew it at the time, but this quote of choosing to stand in the rain would come in handy for me as our group continued to complicate our experience of the day.
In the afternoon we headed to the Royal Livingston Hotel. We were greeted not only by a delicious high tea dining experience but with the stark comparison to the rest of Zambia we had experienced. The Hotel’s gleaming white walls, grand pianos, and perfectly trained zebras were pretty much as far as we could get from the street outside our hostel or the people outside our windows on the bus ride yesterday.
Can you guess who?
Beyond the window of our dining room, I once again saw the rushing waters of the Zambezi River. Instead of the sheer joy I found in droplets washing over my face, I had a whole new set of feelings. We continued the evening and watched the sunset over the river, once again watching its foaming deep blue waters rush over the edge. Here in the Royal Livingstone Hotel, twisting and turning waters below the cliff were obscured. The rush of the water, falling, and twisting until it hit the bottom was replaced by a quick rush of water to the edge and a plume of mist. The Hotel in some ways obscures the Livingstone that we knew we walking in its doors while at the same providing for the livelihoods of the staff who would never be able to stay there. It is messy, it is complicated, and it is not good or bad.
Water is not inherently bad or good. It allows the food we eat to grow and fuels our lives. At the same time it erodes, it washes away, and floods people’s livelihoods. It twists and turns and changes direction. That is representative of our day, maybe even of Zambia so far. We are sitting in the messy middle, riding the pendulum between two opposite ways of life, trying to find moments where differences can coexist. Not trying to shape or steer the water, instead letting each drop individually hit our faces, roll down our necks, and fall to the ground, eventually rejoining the collective and starting again.
I hope to stand in the shower and feel each drop. Understanding that the path the water takes may change the way I move through the world. I hope to find joy in the coming weeks of watching the droplets hit my ZamFam. The rain will hit them each differently and trace a unique path upon their life. The droplets will be good, bad, and everything in between. The lines they leave will be reasoned with and reflected upon. I cannot stop the rain by telling it to stop instead, just letting it pour. It never rains forever.
I am feeling a deep sense of gratitude that I am not standing in the rain alone. These incredible humans have dived in head first, some of them cannonballing into learning through and being shaped by these experiences. Today and in the coming days we will choose to stand in the pouring rain, hand in hand, and be soaked, once again by the waters of Zambezi. What a gift.
Sincerely,
Mary Pearl Haney (ZamFam “26)
Mom, Dad, and Ellen, I hear you in the laughter that follows this group and in birds that wake me up most mornings (although I could not tell you the species—have not spotted them yet). I feel you in the hugs from my ZamFam and the rushing Zambezi river as it falls over my shoulders. I see you in the smiles from strangers and in the blue butterfly that followed me today. I love you to Zambia and back, I anxiously await hearing of all your adventures. Love, MP
Notes from the Zags:
Happy Birthday Pheobe!!! You are my favorite person, so proud of you! -Love Margaret
This group is headed out on Safari (woot woot)! So there will be no blog tomorrow, but don’t fear, it will return on Friday! See you on the other side!
Mary Pearl,
Thank you for sharing your meditation on water! I found myself wishing I could feel it too. I especially love the way you contrasted the feel of single droplets of water and the gusting torrents beneath the falls. I know there is life symbolism in there, and hope that each of you can determine your own meaning. Sarah, I love watching you swim in the water (I spend 13 years watching you from in the stands at DU)… loved watching you part the water with your gorgeous freestyle and powerful butterfly and I think about how you are doing that right now, swimming (smiling as usual) in water in a new pool, on a new team, challenging your beautiful self. Love you.
Dear Mary Pearl,
I am very mad at you for making the water fall from my eyes. I am not that kind of guy.
The force and weight of this essay is massive. The feeling of presence in the moment. The exhilaration of being. I appreciate you bringing me along to get soaked.
Coincidentally, I am right here for your awakening: “It is messy, it is complicated, and it is not good or bad.” I was just reading a very similar essay I hope you can find when you return: This is How it is Right Now. Basically, save the energy you might spend judging and labeling the situation. The situation doesn’t care. Revel in you ongoing existence within it!
You people are amazing and Kate and I look forward to the next installment! Some pair of you go squish Emu between you. It resets her button.
Amazed and grateful,
Mark Mark
Hi meg I hope you’re doing great! I had my first day of work today and it went super well. I’m excited to see more meg content in the near future.
My family + JT say Hi!!
So this is the third time Im trying to post this comment and it keeps saying duplicate so I hope this one works…
Hi meg I hope you’re doing great! I had my first day of work today and it went super well. I’m excited to see more meg content in the near future.
My family + JT say Hi!!
Oh I love this analogy, MP! I remember crossing the bridge so vividly, and I wrote in my journal how it felt similar to being baptized. The water rushing over me, feeling renewed as it touched my skin. I think rivers are one of the most fascinating parts of Earth: how a body of water can stretch so far, with some segments rushing harshly and others completely calm, without so much as a wrinkle in the wave. The water in the Zambezi River follows you from Livingstone all the way to Zambezi, just as the growth and memories do. As you said, the rain will hit everyone differently… and rain leaves water stains on surfaces. Let it stain you! Let this experience stain you!
The photo of the Zebra x Sunset x River made me weirdly emotional. I have an almost identical one in my camera roll — such a good reminder of how so much changes every day, and yet some things stay exactly the same.
On a very random note, and I’m really really really hoping it’s still there, but there is a “restaurant” called Hungry Lion across and down the street from Faulty Tower. Please pay it a visit and grab some ice cream. Murphy and I were texting about it yesterday, and Jeff may say don’t go (like he said to us)… but go! Just look both ways, and maybe don’t all try to pay individually… the employees did not appreciate when we tried that!
Taylor, I am SO glad you did the hike again!!! Did it feel different than last time? Does this trip feel different than last time?
Love,
Weenie
5:09pm in California, 2:09am in Zambia
This made me cry. You are such a beautiful writer and I miss you so much. I can’t wait to hear about all your adventures and all you learn. Have the most amazing time and soak it all in. Love you lots!
– Eleanor Johnson
I am amazed by all of these eloquent blog posts. I am also amazed and pleased that every one has stated how enthusiastic and happy everyone is to be on this adventure. I wish I had had this kind of opportunity when I was in college, but the fact that my child can do this almost seems better. Katie: I miss you, but I’m so excited for you! I love you mucho!
Glad Sarah didn’t melt when she got wet! Jk. Living all the smiles in every photo and excited to see the adventure. Victoria Falls = bucket list. Safari = ditto.
The water essay was fantastic. Keep smiling!
Mary Pearl,
What a gift it was to read your beautiful reflection! I’m so glad you have this opportunity to stand in the mess and feel the water around you, and grateful you have each other to stand with. How incredible that you are able to be present in the moment and let it shape you rather than trying to shape it. I cannot wait to hear more about your time and to witness how the water ahead carves its path into your lives!
Love you so much!
Sarah
From one aquaphile to another, I could feel the water as I was reading about everyone’s wonderful day. It’s been a dream of mine to go to the falls and feel the spray. I’m so glad you got to go Graley for all of us at home. Wishing y’all health, as well as an open mind and an open heart. Who knows what you might find/learn around the corner tomorrow.
Lifting you up G!
MP,
HOLY COW THIS WAS SO BEAUTIFUL. You always have a way with words- your reflection is beyond insightful and powerful. My dad and I hung on to every word:). Keep being you, embracing all that comes with the rain, and what good people to be standing in it with. It’s been gloomy and rainy here in Colorado for the past few days and sun isn’t looking promising any time soon (Sarah, don’t worry you are not missing out on any solid weather) MP you are helping remind me to see the good in between any storm, but to contain humility through the complexities of it. I’m thinking of you from an ocean away, and when in doubt, it costs nothing to dance in rain (and maybe do a cartwheel or two!) I love you!
Slav
P.S. I’m sorry I am late to the comment section, but everyone’s post prior to this has been beautiful to read as well:) Wishing everyone well and can’t wait for more! Enjoy the safari:)
Just a test to see if I can post at all, Claire and I are currently troubleshooting and are very determined to fix my firewall issue!
Such a beautifully written reflection – all of them have been! It has me thinking about how water is a metaphor for so many things – both constant and also always changing / rarely static.
I didn’t comment on yesterdays post on saying “no”, but it also has me thinking about how challenging it is to be present with the person you are saying no to, and also still remain grounded in that no – not avoidant or apologetic.
On a lighter note, but staying with the water theme, still waiting for the big reveal on who fell into Goma Lakes…
Emu- I know you always wanted to be Jeremy Wade, but you can’t actually play with the crocodiles so stay out of the water!…. On the home front, winter has finally arrived in Denver w/ late May sleet and snow – but don’t worrying Tiny Grace is keeping your bed warm for when you return. Love you tons and am loving following along with all the adventures and reading the daily blog – 🙂
Hi Mary Pearl! What beautiful observations you shared- thank you. It is indeed all about who stands in the rain with you when they could have chosen to stay dry! You all have chosen to grasp this experience with both hands, to stand in the mist, to stomp in the puddles, to sit with the comfort and discomfort that each day brings. I can’t tell you how lucky I feel to have a window into your journey.
Taylor- Still loving the green shirt! Perhaps the falls served as nature’s free laundry service! Love and miss you!! ❤️
What a wonderful blog. I loved how you described everything you are all experiencing. And the pictures are amazing.
SEAN!!!! We’re so proud of you and excited to hear about your adventures. We miss you and can’t wait to hear more. I hope your showers are getting warmer!
Mary Pearl,
What beautiful words to describe your experience so far! I remember going to Victoria Falls and all of us were screaming and running free, feeling so alive. I’m happy you all are having an amazing time there and I can’t wait to read the blogs this coming month!
-Ellie Powers
ZamFam’24
P.S. Get ready to negotiate at the curio market! The salespeople got me good there!
Mary Pearl,
This was absolutely beautiful. I genuinely will take these words with me and think about them forever, especially, “I cannot stop the rain by telling it to stop instead, just letting it pour. It never rains forever”. Again, so so profound and beautiful! (woot woot!)
Isa, the journal question of the day is “What part of today would you like to relive in slow motion?” I went on a hike with Allie today, and the foothills were super pretty with wildflowers, and it was quite windy, so I would relive in slow motion the way the flowers looked with the wind and the grasses around them!
It looks like you are all having the best time, and I can’t wait to hear about the safari!
YAY QUESTION OF THE DAY! One of my friends from home, Lauren Aragon, just got a job at an escape room, and part of her training is she has to escape all of the rooms. They told her she can bring friends, and so I have been going with her the past two days. The one we did today was a submarine, and I was excited about my escape room abilities- I would relive my first decode because it made me feel like a detective. (Graley and Mary Pearl- two of the codes involved a Squid and I thought of you immediately).
MARY FREAKING PEARL!!!! Awesome blog. You are such a wonderful person and I know that for so many of the zags you are with you will be the person standing in the rain with them. You’ve certainly been that for me!!
I have so much to update. SAM: first and foremost, I’m so devastated because Carlos Alcaraz just announced he will not be playing Wimbledon either. Like bruh! Also remember when we saw hoppers together and I was like it can’t even be that good and then it was lit? Yeah I was just thinking about that. MEG: I hiked to avalanche lake today and took a pic like you did before your phone fell into the lake and you had to walk around with an iPad for a month. I’ll show you the pic when you get back.
LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!
Mary Pearl,
That was AMAZING! You are truly a gifted writer. I was happily reading every word, wishing that it would keep going. I’m not much of a reader. So at the start when I saw how long it was, I was like “oh boy this is going to take a while”. But you crushed it. I read it twice!
Kathryn,
Winnie, Maggie and Steve can often be found in your room sleeping on your bed. You are missed. We are all happy for you and all of ZamFam26. You all are amazing people and we are so happy that you all are having this amazing shared experience.
Enjoy the safari! And take lots of pictures. We love to see them in the blog!
Wow what a fun day! Such great images of fun and laughter and of course Olivia’s beautiful curls coming back:). So profound getting to experience a taste of the contrast of the colonial past and the present.
Mary Pearl! I could literally feel the freshness of the water and be as immersed in your experience as possible while being so far away from it. I can’t believe all the contrasts you saw and felt in one day. One day there seems like a year of experiences. I can’t believe someone even had the opportunity to step in Zebra poop LOL! How awesome is that?! Zebras. Right there. Staying tuned for all your amazing adventures. AND I laughed SO hard about Liv’s hair meeting the falls…LOLOLOLOLOL!! LIVI-Let your curls fly girl!! You held on for a long time!
Thanks for another amazing post! Big hugs!
Heather
Love you Liv!
HIII MEGLEDON! I actually got so excited to see u in the photo for the waterfall thing. I got a 4 ish year ago today thing on snap and was gonna send it to you but then realized that’s dumb. I’ll give u a hint tho, netflix and chill x track meet. So funny bro. I miss you very much. I saw Mr Mccarthy running at ND while I was working, unfortunately I didn’t get to say hi cus he was running. I can’t wait to comment again tmr. Love you be safe 🙂
love you! -lauren
Such a beautifully written blog post! I can just picture all of you letting the falls wash over you. The phrase you quotes is perfect for this adventure.
Water is so amazing and its powers are undeniable.
The whole post reminded me of you, Lauryn! You have always been our “water baby”. I know how much you love the water and rain! Lauryn’s senior parking space was based on the theme “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” And I’m sure nobody would be surprised to know that she is always the last one out of the pool, lake, ocean or river.
Growing up in Washington our whole lives you hear people (who aren’t true Washingtonians) complain about the rain but we actually have come to enjoy it.
It’s calming to lay in bed and hear it raining outside.
I am forward to hearing about your safari! Hope you all have a great time and see a lot of amazing animals.
What an adventure and beautiful story of an unforgettable experience!
Sending love, Cheryl (Liv’s Nana)
Hope your safari is incredible! Can’t wait to read all about it
Hi Mary Pearl!
Zamfam please bear with Siena. She is typing each of her sentences individually. MP, I really hope this is making you laugh!! Claire, Siena, Sarah, Eleanor and I are all on FaceTime trying to help her!
That was beautifully written! I’m so happy you’re having a life changing experience and are able to share it with new friends!
It reminds me of a quote I love: “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
(Marcel Proust (quote dude)) I’m exited to hear more about your discoveries, whether that’s new sights you’re seeing, people you are meeting, or who you want to be in the messiness of it all. Looking forward to more blog posts and updates!
I’m so sorry this firewall is FIERCE
you are fierce, sentence by sentence really added spunk.
MP this is so awesome and such a beautiful post! You’re kinda the goat at everything you do so I’m not surprised you’re such a great writer as well. I miss you so much and your positive spirit, I can’t wait to hopefully visit you in PDX when you’re home. 10/10 times I’m gonna guess Meg stepped in poop.
Sam: I tried a new GF bakery at the farmers market by my house last weekend that I need to take you to.
Meg: Charles Wesley Godwin is coming back to the Knitting Factory in October so get ready to run back his epic songs for a third year in a row. Phoebe Bridgers is also doing this whole secret tour thing around the US that I’ve been keeping up with daily. If she comes out with any music I’m sure we’ll be in shambles.
Also hi Katie D and Hannah S!! I miss you both and it’s great to see your faces! I’m so excited to see more pictures and posts from you all.
Beautiful post! Water is such a powerful metaphor for life. It has an ability to make its way through anything. Under, around, over and through whatever stands in its way with the ability to be fluid, solid or somewhere in between.
It sounds like you have the best crew to enjoy standing in the rain with! Continue seizing these special moments in the short time you have together.
Carpe diem!
Mary Pearl Haney. That’s right I am full naming you. If you had a middle name I would be throwing that in there too.
Wow! This is the most MP thing I have ever read, and I absolutely loved every single word. I could actually feel the water and see and hear the falls while I was reading. The idea that we cannot stop the rain but that it never rains forever is beautiful. Thank you for always being the person who chooses to stand in the rain with me, even when you could have stayed dry. When you get to Zambezi, you will see yet another part of the Zambezi River. This is the most calm section yet, but brings with it a whole new set of complications. I can’t wait to hear about the relationships you develop and the lessons you learn.
Today I am going home! While I am grieving the end of my kinda fake Copenhagen lifestyle, I am also so excited to be back in the PNW! I will tell Jack you say hello and update you on all of my adventures. By the way, did you ever send those challenges you wrote me? To be honest I’m a bit scared of what you cooked up. Also, do you think Peter would mind if I stop by? I don’t think I will know what to do without you. Love you and so so proud of you MPH!
I have to second what Weenie said about Hungry Lion. Please pay together, and get the chocolate dipped cone! Sorry Jeff…
Taylor: I really hope you saw Opi on the safari! Were there dragonflies this time? What about wild bulldogs? Love and miss you!
With love,
Murph
ZamFam ‘25
I just realized I wrote this as a reply to Jen. Hi Jen! So sorry!
Love you MP! We kept you close in our hearts as we walked along the shore of Lake Zurich. Only one of us took a plunge in the lake and know you would have jumped right in! We are holding your hand as we walk down the Ebertstasse and walked through the Brandenburg Gate. We heard your voice as we walked along the Berlin Wall and visited the Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe. We could have used your laugh and positive vibes as we grew frustrated with the confusing German train system. We miss your reminder to ‘thrive’ and to see the best in everything and everyone. Lots of adventures to share as the world seems big and small all at the same time. We love you across the miles and time zones!
Hey y’all
WOW WOW WOW I am quite literally in tears just imagining all of you’re first days in Zambia! it will continue to be complex and emotional and confusing and fun and joyous and hard – but seriously treat each other like family and lean on each other to support and authentically listen to all that each other bring to the table.
i hope the safari was so much fun and jeff didn’t take any more black and white or “mood” photos of random birds.
taylor i am so proud of you and cannot wait for the debrief of the century when you get back – im starting to curate the perfect list of restaurants in spo that we can go to!
you all are so great and hold every moment of this trip close – listen to every individual you encounter, ask the best questions, truly accompany one another and DIVE IN!
with so much love,
becca
ZAMFAM ’25 + one of jeff’s top 5 individuals he knows
i still think about the aglio e olio and im really hoping that at least one person ordered it!
ok so reading it back i can see my grammatical errors so lets all ignore that for today – my next comment ill proof-read before it post it!
Well well well! I was hoping this blog would make me feel like I were on the trip with all of you, and so far so good! Lauryn and MP thank you not only for the detailed descriptions of your activities during the day, but also for your insightful reflection and introspection.
Hannah, im comforted to know you are surrounded by such grounded, thoughtful people, and the next best thing to being there with you is being able to know each of your travel companions just a little through their writings.
We all miss you honey. The boys are finishing up finals and we’re off to Claire’s graduation in a couple of days. And it’s STILL raining here, it just might green up after all for your return. Be safe. Love you!
(Btw- I, too, as a teenager returned home with two kittens instead of one!)
What a beautiful post filled with so much imagery that allowed us to experience a little part of your day. I was so excited to see the picture of all of you at the falls – bright smiles all around and you can almost hear the laughter.
I spent 10 days in Rwanda several years ago and I resonated so much with your description of the mixed emotions as you process everything you experience and observe, trying to make sense of it all. As you said, it’s messy and complicated, and also beautiful and transforming. I love the quote and am struck by the deep connections already being formed with this group. I’m excited for each of you and for the bonds that will be built as you sit in this space together, processing the experience and allowing yourselves to be feel it all. What an incredible journey!
Also – Zebras! I love it!
Mary Pearl: A beautiful reflection on life and a wonderful description of ZamFam ’26 adventures. While your writing is deeply personal you capture truths that are touching all of us. That is a gift.
Meg: Phoebe’s birthday was heavy on the cheese and all things lemon flavored. Love that you all took time to feel the power of the water. Hope it was warmer than the stream on our hike. Love you!
Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls is such a sacred place. I’ve been many times now but it never ceases to bring me to tears and ignite in me an urge to “feel free.” Thanks for bringing so many of us back there in your words, Mary Pearl. Kisu, mwane.
What a gorgeous reflection!
Miss you so much Meg! xoxo
Mary Pearl, thank you so much you for your beautiful reflections on water. I’m not much of a water person when it comes to getting in the water, but I certainly find places of water to be relaxing, like the beach or a river or waterfall (of course) . There’s something about it that reminds me of the depth and beauty of God’s creation. As I read your post, a few verses from the Bible came to mind, they reminder of God’s presence in all situations. Here are a few of my favorites.
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah 58:11
The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.
Psalms 23:1-3
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
And now you get to enjoy the animals of creation. Enjoy your safari day!
Mary Pearl and all: keep sitting in the messy middle and letting the experience of Zambia wash (over) you! Have an amazing time on the safari!
Mary Pearl –
I loved reading your blog post today. And also – not fair – so far I’m crying for each one! This is becoming a thing. You are all so amazing and your insights on this adventure are impressive, insightful, thoughtful, and thought-provoking. I am guessing you (MP) are the one who stepped in the zebra poop. And as mentioned above – how incredible is it to have the opportunity to step in zebra poop!!
Back to water – I loved your analogies here. There are ao many ways that water impacts us all. Yes it’s essential for life – nurturing, calming, cleansing, growing. It makes me laugh to get to say this to you again today: hydrate!!
We are missing you and finding funny things you will laugh at when we are back together. Have an amazing safari and take lots of pictures!!
Love,
Mom
Dear Mary Pearl and all,
First, MP, wow, you are a fantastic writer— kudos!! I love the photos— the waterfall looks insane and Shawn’s photo skills are Photog worthy. Not sure if the bungee jumping is there…. tell Morgan to do it!!
Morgan, no major Beyoncé news as of yet.
Hope the food is amazing and the animals are nice,
Cooper
And you laugh at me for reading a book called “Is a River Alive”?!?! Well, the Zambezi River quite clearly is, and your reflections on the force of the river are equally full of life and joy. Thank you for sharing! And excellent job being a body of water in a body of water. I hope your journey is full of more moments of flow (and more river plunges too) as you navigate the nuances of your travel. I can already see you bringing your whole brain and your beautiful heart and your sensitive spirit to the twists and turns of this journey, and I’m sending you strength all the way across the world. Take a deep breath, remember to hydrate (because sadly you can’t hydrate via waterfall osmosis… and yes I had to include the reminder even though I’m sure mom’s voice is doing that already), and say hello to the birds! And to all the other creatures you’ll get to meet on safari! Sending so much love and big big big hugs!!!
Ellen
MP!
Wow I loved this blog and how beautifully you write. It makes me so happy to hear you are having so much fun! I can totally picture you skipping in the rain. I remember when it was pouring rain after a basketball game and we skipped all the way back to Kennedy! I hope you continue to have some amazing experiences and learn lots along the way. Have fun at the Safari!
Also I’m dying to know if you were the one who stepped in zebra poop lol
Love ya lots,
Alli
WOW…amazing reflection and I too found myself tearing…wearing the water on my cheeks! Mary Pearl, you bring me great joy!
All the blogs have been so interesting, thank you to the whole team for your sharing. The world is and will continue to be a better place because of each and every one of you.
Lots of love!
Looks like so much fun and awesome pics. Looking forward to hear what’s next on the group’s adventure.
Sam! Robert Irwin is in the PNW!
Mary Pearl, this reflection was so vivid and insightful. I recall the breathtaking, life-altering feeling of being overcome by Mosi-oa-Tunya, and the way you relate this to your childhood experiences of water, considering how it is neither good nor bad, and looking forward to standing in the rain and seeing how it hits your fellow ZamFam ’26 in the coming weeks… truly remarkable. I don’t want to add too much to the 55 (!!) comments so far, but in the wise words of Natasha Bedingfield: “Feel the rain on your skin, no one else can feel it for you!” Your experience is, largely, unwritten, and I can’t wait to read your writings of leaning into discomfort and complexity and joy and connection. And enjoy the safari — take lots of good mood photos and eat a dragonfly or two!
Love reading the blogs so far and looking forward to more! Continue reflecting on the beauty of the culture around you. There is so much richness yet to be discovered.
Hi MORGIE! Xoxox
This was a delightful post for a beautiful location! Thank you all for sharing these blogs. Samantha, we’re all excited for Megan to head to States–no rain from waterfalls here in the PNW these days :). Both your mom and I spent a lot of time in Vic Falls and can’t wait to hear about both Vic Falls and your safari trip into Chobe. Don’t run around a giraffe like your Uncle did (I’ll let you guess which one), nor micturate over Vic Falls like one of your parents did (I’ll let you guess which one)! Love to you and to the ZagFam.
Mary Pearl,
Thanks for a beautiful reflection – you can feel the water through your description. It is wonderful to experience brief moments of your adventure. Meg – know you are missed but we are so proud of you and know you will have many stories to share.
And, just like the lake, my vote is that Meg stepped in the zebra poop!
What an amazing and wonderful journey you are all on. I can’t say enough how much we appreciate the blog to keep us informed on all you are doing. And of course, we love see all the pictures. Have a great safari!