On the very first page of my journal I wrote, “Don’t wait for Africa to transform you.” Today marks the halfway point in the trip and already I cannot believe that I have to leave in two short weeks. I have learned so much from the people who surround me, the Zambians, the Armstrong family, and my fellow students. On a long morning run I talked with a few friends about the trip so far and we all agreed that it would be impossible to explain Zambezi because it is something that must be experienced. There is no picture or words to describe long days, unbelievable starry nights, and deep discussion about the meaning of life. The best I can do to share this experience is reflecting on a few moments of Grace that I will cherish forever.
When the wheels of the small airplane that carried us to Zambezi touched the landing strip, there are truly no words to describe the overwhelming wave of emotion that filled my heart and traveled through my body. I made it! The trip that I had been preparing for and anticipating was here for me to experience and make my own. Like I had been told so many times before, my expectations were shattered as tears streamed down my face and happiness filled my heart. I almost wanted to pinch myself because it felt more like a dream than reality. Children swarmed the airplane; the first group who had made Zambezi their home boarded our planes sharing brief hugs and tears. Although I was across the world from my home, I looked around at the members of my group and what seemed to be most of the Zambezi community and realized that we were all meant to be here. This moment on the landing strip was filled with Grace.
As many students have shared, there are wonderful days here in Zambezi, but as human beings there are also difficult times within most days. One of the places that the health group teaches is in the Chilenga basic school, about an hour walk from the convent where we live. On my very first walk back to the convent I felt an entire spectrum of emotions. In the beginning I was excited to be walking with the students from the school as well as my friends who had been teaching with me. I was enjoying every minute of the walk for the first half with kids on my arms and interesting conversations, but as the second half came around I began to fall behind focusing more on my physical exhaustion and hunger than the beauty around me. I was immediately snapped out of this when a passing woman carrying a baby on her back and a large bag on her head asked me if I was tired. Once again the people of this place were able to amaze me with their large, open hearts and compassion. I not only felt welcomed here, I felt a sense of shared humanity. This strong Zambian woman, who I only spoke with for a few minutes, filed my day with Grace.
Today, I visited the Falconer House where Josh and his family adopted their Zambian daughter Grace. I traveled with Josh, his wife, his three boys, Nolan Grady and the health care group for over an hour to see this place where Grace had lived for the past four years. I can say with confidence that every one who has met beautiful Grace has fallen in love with her large heart and smile. Watching Grace interact with her new family, the children who crowd outside the convent, and the students she sees every day I am constantly amazed by this four-year-old girl who seems to know so much about life. She is so happy and so capable of giving and receiving love. When we went to visit her old home for the first time since the Armstrongs had adopted her we had no idea what to expect. When the van we had been traveling in arrived, children who wanted to greet their old friend immediately surrounded us to welcome us and say hello to Grace. This place was amazing, run by a former orphan who fell in love with the only place he knew as home, and sustained by love and a desire to continue Ms. Falconer legacy of caring for orphaned children unconditionally. Amidst the overwhelming crowds of people who had come to greet us I watched as Josh’s five-year-old son Owen reached out his hand to his new sister and held it tight asking: “Grace, are you okay?” This young boy knew exactly what she needed, and blessed my day with another moment of Grace.
Here in Zambezi, my classmates have become my family. We challenge one another in our nightly reflections with thought provoking questions about what it means to be human, to be living amidst poverty, to be a part of a broken world where we don’t have all of the answers. We value each member of the group inside and outside of the convent gates for their talents and their individual stories. We empower each other to be our authentic selves and to see the goodness amidst the hardship. I have fallen in love with Africa, with the people who surround me; with the family of both classmates and Zambians I have been so blessed to share a month with in this new home. When I first settled into my room a note was left for its new residents with a simple message: “Clean eyes, full heart, can’t loose.” I have realized by trying to pick only a few short stories that moments of Grace are happening all around me every day. And with that I am falling in love with Life.
Analise Thornley
Class of 2015
P.S. Mom, Dad and Ben thank you for teaching me the importance of family and how to give and receive love unconditionally. I cannot express how grateful I am for this experience. You are in my heart every step of this journey and I am excited to share Zambezi with you when I return home.
PSS. To all of our family and friends, sorry for not posting a group picture, we are all safe and well here in Zambezi, loving life and living it to the fullest!
PSSS. Brittney and Katie, I am living in your old room now, thank you for the warm welcome and I loved the words of wisdom!!
Dear Ana,
What a beautiful post. I have enjoyed reading the blog every day and learning about the work that you and your team are doing. I think about the difference you are making and about the transfomative gifts you are receiving. Each moment of grace you describe and the warmth of each human interaction reinforce that we need to pause more frequently in our busy lives to reflect upon and appreciate the people and moments that make up our everydays. I am so happy that you have had this opportunity to step out of the world of the familiar to see a new perspective. We are very proud of you. We love you and miss you…and can’t wait to hear all of your stories.
All our love,
Mom, Dad & Ben
Dear Analise,
Thanks so much for introducing us to Grace. She is a special girl, and is so lucky to have a big brother who already loves and cares for her. I’m sure they will be family to you for the rest of your life.
Stay well!
Ann
Anelise,
This is a lovely description of your feelings and your experience so far. I, too, can remember those times when I “landed” right where I had been planning to be, and WOW, how thrilling and exhilarating it was. I am so pleased this adventure is more than you expected. Take care.
My love to you all.
Barb (Anne’s mom)
PS Anne, all is well in Canada. Joyce moved into the home that is much like a RMH. It is across from the Victoria General Hospital, and it is a bright change for her. She will live here for another week with a member of her family, and if all is quiet, she will move to home in Nanaimo and await Emilia’s arrival. She will be 31 weeks tomorrow! I love you ~ Mom 🙂
Hi Ana,
What a wonderful joy Grace must be to her new family! She seems like such a delight. Such an amazing journey you are experiencing – we can’t wait to hear all about it when we see you in San Diego in July!!! Love the note that was left! So simple ” Clear eyes, full heart, can’t loose” . How fitting 🙂
We love you,
Aunt Cathy, and all.
PS Connor is finishing his last final tonight and he and uncle Dave will be drving back tommor0w . (his birthday!) Can’t wait to see him!
Analise,
Thank you for your post and the beautiful picture of Grace and her brother, so sweet to see the bonds of love developed so quickly! Also happy to hear everyone is alive and well. I just love hearing about your experiences and sharing in a small way through the blog. Your group continues to be in my daily prayers.
Meg, Erin is safely home 🙂 Looking forward to your safe return in a few weeks until then know you are loved and missed:)
Peace and blessing to all of Group 2!
Traci Dempsey
Analise,
I have always associated grace with being a gift from God, and your post beautifully affirms that. Those moments you described have all been gifts, but now you have passed these gifts on to us. Thanks! Thanks for keeping “clear eyes, full heart.” We can’t lose!
We are all sending our love and prayers to the whole team, and all that support you!
P.S. It can’t decide if it wants to rain or shine here. Stef, and I have reclaimed your room so that rock and roll may continue to rule! Your white ZAGS hat fits just great. We all love you! Dad, Mom, Jesse, Grandma, Dip and Piper
Analise, Thank you for the beautiful words. I loved your note in your journal “Don’t wait to Africa to transform you.” I can tell from your stories that you are soaking up every moment and not waiting for anything. Best wishes to all for the next two weeks.
Anne Dickman (Alex’s mom)
P.S. Alex, All is well here in Flagstaff. We are missing you and are thinking about you all the time, knowing that you are doing great. We are so proud of you! Love, mom
Ana: I am so proud of you – what wonderful and thoughtful observations…you are just beginning your journey – there is so much ahead! Thank you for your since of family – it is such an important anchor in all of our lives. Enjoy, be safe, and most importanly, discover.
all our love – dad, mom + Ben
Hi to all of you in Africa! What an amazing experience you are having, and your words describe what you are seeing, doing, and feeling so well. I know we in America can’t possibly feel the experience as you are, but at least we can imagine.
Kate, we are doing good in SoCal, missing you lots, but knowing you’re in such a great place with wonderful people is comforting. Since mom told you about the sports news last time, I’ll report on The Bachelorette … not! Have a great time and can’t wait to see you.
Love Dad, Mom, Griff
Hi Ana,
Your mom sent us a link to your post and I was delighted to read how Africa has captured your heart. Thank you for sharing your thoughts so beautifully. I am so happy for you that you have been given this amazing opportunity. May God continue to bless this special time in your life.
So beautiful, Analise! Thinking of Owen checking on his little sister makes me smile so big! Thanks for the reflection, and I am so glad your days are full of grace.
What extraordinary experiences you are having! The world traveler in me feels so close to you just now! I am right along side of you in my imagination, and remembering my own heartfelt connections with people around the world. I know you are making those wonderful connections, too. May they imprint your soul.
Actually, I am with you and traveling (un-be-knownest to you) in your duffle bags – a different one every day. So, look for T.L. because she is there!!!
Lots of love to you, Kate, and to your team, Your T.L.
Dear Ana
Your beautiful words brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful experience you are having. This time that you are spending in Zambezi with your fellow students and the local people will be life changing for you. Little Grace is joining a special family, and she will bring great joy to them. I look forward to hearing about all your experiences. Stay safe.
Much love
Grandma
Analise,
Moments of Grace….What a beautiful statement of three words that express volumes. You have encouraged me to tuck those three words in my heart, so that they are always with me, to help me be sensitive to the “moments of grace” that, as you stated in such a lovely way, are happening around us every day.
Grace is meant to be shared and, in turn, offered to others…Thank you for sharing.
P.S. Stef, we love you….just a little note in your lunch box….xoxo Mom,Dad,Jesse and Grandma
Hi Ana
Whoa ! What an experience you are having, traveling across the World with good companions to do good things for deserving people. I can’t imagine something like that when I was in college. Grandma and I are looking forward to that lunch when you can share all the good stuff you did. We are so proud of you.
I must share some incredible news about the Giants. Matt Cain pitched a perfect game this week. That means that there were no hits, no walks. and nobody reached first base. It had never been done by a Giant pitcher in all their history (more than 100 years)! Fortunately, your Dad got to see it at the airport as they waited for their flight. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Love, Grandpa
Hi Ana, thank you for your blog. I’m so proud of you and your loving, giving, caring spirit. Can’t wait to see you upon your return and hear all about this amazing adventure.
(I am a little worried about how many new ear-rings you’ll have…)
Love, Aunt Helga
Dear Ana,
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful, intimate slice of your transformational experiences in Zambezi. Through your writing you inspire us to reflect on our own lives and to learn to see the Grace around us everyday. Thanks!
This experience will shape the rest of your life as did my experience of living in East Africa over 30 years ago. While words can’t describe your experiences you can feel them in your heart and carry them with you always where they will inform the rest of your life in many ways. Your fresh eyes will provide new lenses through which to see the world!
Savor the rest of your time there.
Love from your Ohio cousin,
Karen Knechtges Miraldi
I’m so glad to have had the chance to read about your experience, Analise. It was particularly moving to read about your experiences and thoughts in your own, heartfelt, fresh words. On our first trip to Africa – Botswana/Zimbabwe – I was also entranced and deeply impressed; my thoughts have returned to our time there countless times. Although you have traveled far with your loving family in the past, there is nothing like experiencing the world as one person; alone, yet conscious of your connection to the immensity of mankind, touched by the kindness and generosity of strangers. Go with Grace, Ana!
Ana-
I loved reading your blog post. I cannot wait until you come back and to hear all about the journey. Africa sounds amazing! I am sure your experience has been once in a lifetime. You are such an inspiration. I think about you all the time and wonder what you could possibly be doing. I miss you more than you know!! I am SO ecstatic to visit you in San Fran and be reunited at last!
Missing my best friend…. yours truly,
Tay.
Ana!
Just read your blog and loved it! I have been thinking about you so much, and am so excited to hear all about Africa! Its good to know that at least one of my friends is making the needed difference in the world 🙂 Soak up the experience, which I know you are. I love you lots, and cant wait for you to come home and for us to be neighbors!!
xoxoxoxoxo,
Shannon
Analise,
I am sorry to comment on this late. I wish you were here with me, its been a really tough few weeks, but it sounds like you are having an incredible experience. You have such a big and open heart and it doesn’t surprise me in the slightest that you have found so much grace. I wish nothing but the best for you, on this trip and in your future endeavors. I look forward to seeing you when you’re home. I could really use you here.
Love,
Gabriel