As many of my family and friends know, I have found myself surrounded by many communities in my life. Whether it be dancing on the streets of Costa Rica with strangers at a market as a little girl, spending extra hours after school with my friends, or sitting around the wooden table for family dinners at my grandparents’ house filled with laughter and reminiscing, community and its powerful purpose always show up in my life. Shoutout to my amazing Nana for making the best foods in the world!
A few months prior to leaving for Zambia, my church did a unit on the concept of community being a necessity for everyone. I walked out of this service feeling revived, grateful, and more aware of the communities that I am a part of, each of them bringing a different light into my life. These communities now include my amazing Zam Fam. As we all shuffled into the airport two weeks ago, the sense of belonging immediately struck me. From the moment we checked our bags, made it through security, and sat in the largest circle of young adults possible at an airport, I immediately felt accepted and at home. My fellow Zags began getting to know each other, sharing stories, small talk, and laughter as we anxiously waited for our first flight to board.
My observations thus far of Zambians and how they live their lives in unity and accompaniment has made me think deeply about the purpose and importance of surrounding yourself with communities, and how I can improve as a member of my various communities back home and at school. Whenever you leave home here (in Zambezi), you are greeted with warm smiles and loud hellos from across the street as you walk down the market roads. You are greeted with hordes (and I mean HORDES) of children as you walk outside of the convent walls, all of them eagerly awaiting a game of “do as I do” or football. As you walk around the neighborhood, you cannot help having conversations with people who you run into because they want to know you deeply in the few moments you spend together. I can’t help but think about what would happen at home if I knocked on a random woman’s door and asked for six lemons from her lemon tree. I can tell you I would not end up in a twenty-minute conversation about where they came from, how long they have lived in their homes, and about how she loves the community that she lives in.
The first weekend of our trip in Zambezi, we attended a church service at Our Lady of Fatima Parish. Going into this service I was anxious about how my presence in the church was going to be taken. I knew nothing about how the service worked, the language they spoke, or what attitudes would be toward me joining a very sacred service. Despite what looked like a full sanctuary, the members of the church happily gathered benches for us, clapped, danced, and sang with us as the talented choir showed their beautiful music and songs. My anxieties faded with the continuous smiles, warm hellos, and head nods of acceptance from the parish members. This feeling continued as a young girl came up to me, unprompted, and sat on my lap mid-service. At first, I was worried about what may come from this little girl who I had no relation to sitting on my lap. “Will her mom worry about who I am and what I am doing with her daughter?”, “what happens if she starts to cry?”, “am I doing something wrong by embracing this young girl and dancing with her? I don’t even know her name.” were some of the thoughts that began to run through my head. To make my long story short, this young girl ended up falling asleep on my lap for the rest of the service, and no one batted an eye. If I did get the occasional look from a resident, it was more of a look of acceptance and approval rather than one of confusion or disapproval.
This small experience is the backbone of what the Zambezi community is, and what it means to be a part of it. Jeff puts it best when he says, “when you are a child of Zambezi, you are everyone’s child.” This quote not only applies to the little ones, but the “big” ones too. I have learned to value the long conversations on the side of the road, mothers letting you play with their babies and children, and the members of the community opening their homes to us as we went on homestay. It has shown me the importance of having an open mind and an open heart to everyone I encounter, and how a small act of showing others your traditions and families is what makes a community strong. The Zambezi community has truly been a blessing to become a part of.
In the States, we tend to stay to ourselves in a comfortable bubble of what feels safe to us, instead of broadening our communities and inviting people into our hearts. It has become clear to me in my few weeks here that community is less about comfort and conformity, but acceptance, excitement with newness, and a willingness to assume best intent of the people around us.
Community is truly a necessity here, and everywhere. We are raising each other up in unity, taking care of each other, and each other’s children, and welcoming strangers with open arms and hearts of love. Without community, we become lost in our own ego and selfishness. I have begun to ask myself daily, “how can I build my community, and how can I support my newfound community up as a go about my day?”. This may mean letting a random little girl fall asleep on you at church because she became your safe space in that moment!
Family and friends… thank you for supporting us on this adventure! Your love and excitement for us is felt daily. You are all a part of this community that we continue to build here in Zambezi.
With love,
Olivia (Liv) Laurance
Class of 27’
Zam Fam 26’
Messages:
To my mom and dad, thank you for your ongoing love, support, and comments throughout this trip. I could not have done this without you and your belief in me. I am SO HAPPY to hear that the house is complete, and I cannot wait to see it. I am happily anticipating a giant Livi sandwich when I get back, and I see you in many things that I do daily. Keep sending me updates about the happenings. I miss you and I love you so dearly! XOXOXO.
To my nana and papa, you are my rock stars and my superheroes. I can’t wait for our family debrief around the dinner table after I return, and for a homecooked meal by the best chef there is. I hope there is some fruit left to eat when I get home because I’m counting on it 😉
To my fiancé Kale, for the sake of the many people reading I will keep it brief; I love you so much and I miss you daily. I wish I could be there for the big day, but you have so much support around you, and I cannot wait to hear all about your process when I get home. You’d better keep us updated on ALL things transfer portal because I, and the rest of the Zam Fam is incredibly invested. You are incredible, I love you <3
To my friends, YOU ALL ARE AMAZING!! I can’t wait to hear about summer adventures and to catch up on all the tea soon. There are many coffee dates to come. I love you!
From Isa: Siera, Happy Graduation! I’m sad I can’t be there. Congrats, you’re finally done!
From Meg: HAPPY GRADUATION Jacky! You’re the best bonus-brother ever and you are going to kill it at Northwestern. Love you!
Yay Liv this was awesome! Community is DEFINITELY a necessity — we all need community, and yet, in a place like Spokane it can feel so much hard to cultivate whereas, in Zambezi, community is built into the structure.
The 20-minute conversation during the lemon scavenger hunt is so real!! And comparing it to home is such a natural reaction. I too got on the plane back to SeaTac and wondered how in the world I would create the space to have 20-minute conversations with randos when I got home?! Yet the skills from Zambezi, having a few convo starters in my back pocket, and a willingness to run on Zambian time has led me to the coolest conversations with the person making my coffee or an employee at the Safeway on Mission. Keep asking the question “How can I build community as I go about my day?”
“Do as I do” is such a staple memory!! Same with home stays! Excited to hear all about it. I’m currently writing this as I hide in the bathroom so my mom doesn’t make me cook anymore (friends are coming over), but we have music blasting and it feels just a little like Zambezi.
I truly cannot believe you all are at the halfway mark. Keep humanizing, accompanying, and complicating. And take loads of videos!!!
Love,
Weenie
2:20pm in California and 11:20pm in Zambia
Also, I start my full-time big girl job tomorrow and a little nervy. Prayers for a smooth first day pleaseeee
Sam, while watching the basketball game last night I followed a brownie recipe from my mom and idk what I did but I baked them for the exact perfect amount of time. They had the best moist, fudgy texture, prolly the best brownies I’ve ever had and they were gluten free, so imma have to make them for ya once you get back cus they’ll blow your mind. I went to Juliet’s dance recital today and she did great. Gonna play some doubles later tn and call it a day. Missing ya lots, Zambia looks like lots of fun and theres lots to learn. Love ya.
Olivia, community is the family we make when not with ours and from your post, it sounds as though you are invested in continued growth with what that means to you. It is different for everyone and finding the little things that matter to anyone who crosses your path will leave a lasting impact. Thank you again for your post. All of the words written by all of the members of the Zag family have shown the growth mindset that life offers all of us.
Thank you for your words, they are connecting our family to you and our loved one every day.
Lily, once again missing you more today than yesterday. Dad and I love reading all about things we know you are learning. This is an amazing community, and we are so proud that you get to be a part of it.
Grace’s grad party was yesterday. Uncle John and Aunt Julie, Uncle Brian and Aunt Katie, and Uncle Chris and Aunt Lisa all say hello. We meet Makayla yesterday and she is beautiful. Jackie and Reggie are doing well and excited to hear about your adventures and introduce you to the little one when you get home. She has a full head of hair and is a great combo of her parents.
Bear is a cutie and Otis is chill. Mia says hi and started her internship and Grace is just glad to be out of York.
Grandma was telling everyone about the blog and you and your trip. She and Grandpa love the posts and are praying for you and that you are enjoying this amazing adventure.
Nebraska lost today against Texas. You know I am not a fan of Texas, but I love when Illinois kids do great things and Katie Stewart came through. Getting ready to watch Texas Tech vs UCLA as I type. I am routing for UCLA because I still believe money cannot buy everything.
As always, Dad and I love and miss you. I have you in my thoughts and prayers and we are so proud of you. The path that God has for you is truly amazing.
PS. DAD says TPWK!!!! Love you always and forever. BE SAFE.
Olivia: Such a beautiful reflection on community in all of its various forms. We are so grateful for the communities Meg has found at Gonzaga. ZamFam ‘26 is clearly a very special one.
Meg: No big news here. Dad got to wear his very red regalia to SJHS graduation today. Right now Dad and Phoebe are trying to track down a crying fog behind the house. We were TP’d last night. We assume one of Nick’s “community.” Who ever it was had a really good arm because some of the toilet paper is too high to take down. Miss you very much. Keep adventuring. XOXO
Sam: Anders should not did SGA. He is a dear friend. Well, my college bff and I like to think so after finding ourselves with him in a hotel elevator before he played the Pistons. I hope you and Meg are still having adventures together in 35 years.
(Update: Dog is fine. Just very sad to be safely stuck in a fenced yard.)
Today’s reflection brought tears to my eyes. It was so sweet! How wonderful to be including in this new community. You all are so good at describing your experiences that I almost feel like I am there watching. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Noah, I miss you a lot. It is so strange not talking to you for so long. You spoiled me by calling so often during the year. Teresa is visiting this weekend, so that’s been nice. I am so excited to hear about all of your experiences when you get home. I love you!
I am so excited to have some messages get through. I haven’t been able to send anything from home or my phone. I am at the library now, using one of their computers. If this continues to be successful, I may be spending a lot of time here.
As long as this is working, I just wanted to let all of you know that I am enjoying all of your reflections. You are all so eloquent and thoughtful. Thank you so much. It makes you feel not so far away. (Ugh. Here come the tears again. Thankful tears, of course.)
Katie G: By the time you read this Monday morning, consider yourself pinched and pinched for the first of the month. Gotcha! I love you so much!
Olivia, thank you for the post. Community is a beautiful thing to observe and be a part of for so many different reasons.
Lily, currently watching the WCWS with mom missing you. Love you! Keep enjoying the great community of people you are with!
Also Dad did not hold baby Mikayla and was very enthusiastic in saying that they are too small.
Love this post about community. It’s what makes us whole, and that you are finding it in Zambezi means you’re finding love.
Sam–I bought a weighted vest and can’t stop wearing it. I might as well just go buy you one now too. Megan’s cooking dinner, and Kate’s smuggling Chipotle into the movies, well on to her life of crime. Love ya!
Having firewall issues-
Ems – miss you and big hug!
I continue to be amazed by the experiences you all are having and the reflections in each blog post. This is such a great description of all the ways small pieces of life come together to create community- I read about how we are becoming increasingly isolated from each other in the US, and this was a really heartening reminder that if we look inside ourselves and at our relationship to others it will help us to keep our communities together.
Ems- I’m in Dallas for a couple days for work for a conference. It’s VERY hot- high 90’s. I saw aunty Carrie and Jeremy and they say hi. This post was a good inspiration to approach this conference from a positive headspace to meet and connect to people instead of my grouchy headspace that I just want to the home. I miss you lots- big hug!
It worked!
Omg Olivia!!! Finally I have been checking every day hoping to see a post from you. What a wonderful insight you have made. Of course given your life experience it is no surprise. First being raised in New Vision school which was built on community and also on a farm which operates based on community. I love this though. So very proud of you and love seeing you in the pictures. So touching the scene of the girl coming to your lap. Small children are so drawn to you! They always have been for your entire life. So amazing what you are choosing to do in service to others.
Again could not be more proud of you! Truly proud of you! Thank you for sharing your light!
Love you so very much!!!
Liv! Baby Girl! It was so wonderful to read this post by you and right away…I knew it was you when it talked about community! That’s what you’ve always been about and it brought up so many memories of you making friends in the streets of Mexico as a little kid, running a fruit stand after being on an island for an hour because of making friends with the guy at the market, or dancing like no one is watching wherever there was music! I am so happy those qualities are surfacing and shining! The image of the little girl in church and the acceptance of the community left me in tears. And to always be surrounded by kids!! How incredible. You described everything so well, I felt like I was there with you..and it was also just so GREAT TO “HEAR YOUR VOICE!!” We are truly so proud of you and I cannot wait to sit at breakfast with you for hours and hear all about everything…it may take a while!! Keep it up..keep shining! We Love these pictures so much! I miss you so so so so much!! Love you! Mama
If there was a time for the message of community, I’d say now is perfect. Please bring that Spirit back with you. It’s contagious, as you are experiencing!
Graley, all is well here to day. Mom burned off all the ground cover growing in the paths to the front. It looks amazing. Finn hanged out with Ryan online, and we skipped Meeting this morning, playing hooky. Lord forgive us…. Done.
You remain in our prayers and numerous thoughts.
Luv ya
Pops
I love you Liv!!! Keep having fun I miss you!
Liv, of course you know your post made me cry (in the best way)!
I can just imagine the little girl in church choosing you to snuggle with, you are a magnet. Your comments and reflections about community are so heartwarming because I know that you brought it with you to Zambia and now will bring it home even stronger. So proud of you and your ZamFam!
Love and hugs,
Cheryl (Liv’s Nana)
Hey, Morgie. I don’t think you’ll care all that much, but UCLA is out of the Women’s College World Series. Now, mom is blasting Legends by Juice WRLD…I don’t think the two are connected but it feels like it.
Madison, mom and I also went to the Melrose Trading Post this morning. 10/10 would recommend. I got A LOT for less than $150. It’s every Sunday 10am-4pm, you should go when you get back.
Love you
Liv!!! You are the coolest (and wisest) 21 year old I know. Keep shining your beautiful light.
Olivia- lovely reflection. I love how you can both make community and be in community with others. I love the thought of a child sleeping in your lap during church service!
Sarah, miss you much! We DID do a ton of yard work this weekend (3 trips to Lowes– but your dad still couldn’t find the plants he wants for the hill). Jess surprised Caroline last night (her flight was cancelled at DIA) so they went out… and someone asked if she was Caroline’s mom (yikes). So, now I’m wondering if staying in the convent is anything like staying at Nonnatus House. That would be super cool. Hope you have stories. love you so super very much. Happy June 1 (Rabbit Rabbit) Dobby and Bean say ME-wow! xoxoxo momma
Mary Pearl, missing you dearly!!! I have so many urges to poke into your room or facetime you and have to hold them all in for weeks yet… JHS graduation would have been bunches more fun with you there, but we gave John and Susie big hugs for you. And I spotted a celebrity the other day! Janet from the Folk Dance Tent was with some other older folks on the corner across from Ida B Wells, waving a poster about peace and wearing her classic long dress and Keens. Iconic. Also, the Portland Fire beat the Indiana Fever by 16 points! Our team might turn out better than we thought! Mom and Dad and I apologize for the intermittence of our posting due to firewall challenges, but know that we’re keeping you in thoughts and hearts every day. I hope you get to see some incredible stars at nighttime! Sending love love love and hugs to you!!!
Hi Liv!! Your reflection made my day, and the way you talked about the value of community was said perfectly. It is so sweet that little girl came to you at church, how precious. I was in conversation with my mom today about the importance of authentic community, and this was the cherry on top! Everyone can always use more of it:))
Sarah: guess who I saw today?! None other than our favorite grown adult Canadian, Mary Louise Burke. I told her I went to her Motherland this past year and she was so happy, but incredibly confused why I went to Nelson of all places. However, she then mentioned national anthems and the connection was all too close so I started yapping about you in Zambia. She said “ohhh” and gasped per usual; she is very excited for you:))
MP: first glance, the dance picture of you looked like the sexy dexy and I felt so proud. I still am equally as proud but wanted to share.
Graley: today I saw Mahler’s Second at the Symphony and thought of you!!
Here’s my story, I’m trying to make it as concise as possible: I decided to take the light rail leaving from Littleton to get to the concert at 1, and between you and me, I missed the train at 12:11pm. Anywho, so I got on the next one at 12:25, made it to the Convention Center at 12:53, walked to a building called Boettcher, got in line for a student ticket, THEN got a free ticket and didn’t know why, and made it to my seat by 12:59. AND in conjunction with community, I talked to the guy next to me, and turns out he gave up his ticket which is why mine was free. I talked to Mark for a bit, and he used to be the Music Critic for the Rocky Mountain newspaper for years (which I was like period king), but he still comes cause he loves it so much! Power of music and authentic connection! Zambia blogs are making me think throughout my day! :))
Have a good day everyone, you’re awesome!
Yes, Claire and I were talking about the power of music and community and your post, Olivia, was a perfect way to end our day! I can picture that sweet girl sleeping on your lap. Holding a sleeping child is magical. Trust and safety are such powerful feelings to experience.
Isa,
Miss you so much! I can’t wait to hear all your stories when you get back. I played golf a few times this weekend with Jake and Papa. Also Canby softball is in the semifinals against wilsonville on Tuesday so that will be exciting. I love you!
Hi Liv-such a beautiful blog about the power and beauty of community. I appreciated this comment the most “Community is truly a necessity here, and everywhere. We are raising each other up in unity, taking care of each other, and each other’s children, and welcoming strangers with open arms and hearts of love. Without community, we become lost in our own ego and selfishness.”. Nailed it! It’s beautiful to hear about how much you are all enjoying your Zambezi community and the community you are building with each other. I hope you can bring this community mindset back to your own communities, as well.
Sean-Caroline says “Oreo loves you more than me now”. She also says “5”.
Olivia,
Great job on your post. It was amazing to get your perspective on the trip from the start at the airport up to the present. I really liked the part where you said ” Community is truly a necessity here, and everywhere. We are raising each other up in unity, taking care of each other, and each other’s children, and welcoming strangers with open arms and hearts of love. ” I’m a huge believer in it takes a village. So everything that you are saying hits home for me. Great job!
Kathryn,
I took Jacob for a ride in the huge moving truck today. HE LOVED IT! He asked Jess if i could drop them off at the airport tomorrow in the moving truck. LOL. Luckily, I have to return it at 7 AM so that is out of the question. Steve, Winnie and Maggie continue to hangout in your room. They are keeping your bed warm for you. Charlie is doing better today but he is still resting his feet. Jack had a good weekend with Noah and was happy that the sales were good.
Have fun!
Hi Liv! Thank you for sharing your insights on the importance of community, how different communities have supported you throughout your life and finally how you are expanding your understanding of community while in Zambezi. Your stories really are inspiring and have given me so much to think about. I loved your statement about how you look for ways to build your community up each day. It made me realize that building community is an intentional act and requires acting with purpose. What a wonderful framework to begin each day with!
Taylor- We celebrated grandpa’s 80th today. We ate a lot of great food, listened to toasts from all of his teacher friends / bike group friends / and his family, played bike themed Bingo and just laughed a lot. Everyone asked about you and I did my best to give an accurate update but I know you would have been rolling your eyes at my explanation of kinesiology…it got really messy when I tried to describe your work in the lab over the summer. Without exception though, everyone is missing you and cheering you on from home as you meet new friends and connect with those friends from last year’s visit. ❤️
Olivia, I love your point about community being a necessity everywhere. Zambezi is one of those places where everyone belongs, and chosen family becomes real family. I remember coming home and questioning if I would be able to take what I learned and cultivate community in spaces around me. Taking just a second longer to ask someone a genuine question goes a really long way. A few days ago on our road trip I met a man named Rod in a coffee shop in Bend. We talked for about 15 minutes, and while we walked away from it with some confusion and a funny story, I felt grateful to have been accompanied by Rod. Everyone deserves a little community.
MP: I forgot to mention that on our road trip we found 2 Pearl Streets, a Murphy Street, and a Denmark Lane. I guess we have our work cut out for us. I’ll start planning now.
Taylor: I was telling a friend the story about our Canadian border search. Please remember to consume all carrots before flying back to the US. And maybe go ahead and tell them you bought some souvenirs so you don’t have to make something up.
Love,
Caroline
ZamFam ‘25
Liv! So great to hear from you and your reflection on community. You’re someone who knows how to strike up a conversation in any class and build a sense of community, and I am glad you are utilizing and expanding on those skills in Zambezi. Indeed, community feels essential — if only we were able to consider it such over here as we do in Zambia. That’s something I’ve continued to struggle with; it felt like “running on Zambian time” was the excuse I needed to focus on community, but it has felt near impossible to adopt those dispositions when at the hectic (often unnecessarily so) pace of our typical lives. Also the mental image of the baby falling asleep on your lap in Mass — so precious. I’m glad you made such a safe space for her, and I hope you are all continuing to make and feel those safe spaces of community as you continue through the second half of the trip!
Olivia, I really enjoyed your post and I couldn’t agree more about the ability of music to bring people together. Magical really, how it breaks down all kinds of barriers. And I love all the photos!!! It brings me to tears to see all your happy shining young faces, knowing that these few weeks will likely be some of the best and most unique of your life. Thank you.
Hannah, seeing these pictures of you makes me miss you even more! We’re headed back home tomorrow and I swiped a bunch of old people magazines from G&G so you can do the crosswords. We also went to Adele’s today and the arboretum. All of it reminded me of past summers here together, the iris garden was amazing, with probably 100 varieties/colors.
Love you honey,
Mom
Having firewall issues – test
Olivia, great post about community and how it’s interwoven into and depended upon in the Zambezi culture as compared to the States. Your post also made me think of those in your ZamFam who may lean on the introverted side of the scale, like me, that may be fine in the “hordes” of children you encounter outside the convent walls when they’re one-off situations, but hoping there’s plenty of downtime to recharge for those of you who get overwhelmed if they’re an every-time occurrence.
Lauryn Grace- Thinking of you always. Last night (2 nights ago for you) as Kiki and I waited an hour to get off the farm after The Black Keys concert, the stars in the sky were visible and I felt a special connection to you as I watched them knowing you could see the same ones a half a world away every night. You are so good about FaceTime connecting with all of us every few days over the years no matter where you are. So, this is getting tough for us not having those frequent one on one’s with ya. But we know how excited you were for this trip, you’re over halfway thru it, and we’re comforted knowing the ZamFam is with you. Not much new here…Mom continues working on grad party planning and I may have burned my bald head pressure washing the fence.
Miss and love you!
Keep pushing and soaking it all in!
Forgot about the southern and northern hemisphere issue. Ha! So maybe not exact same stars, but still share same view of stars in general. Love ya!
It’s cool Liv that your time away is helping shape your intentions for building community back home. That’s some great perspective taking!
Graley, Today was very beautiful- a deeper blue sky than usual and full of birds. I can’t keep the hummingbird feeder full – they are at it all day long. I spent time this morning creeping up to video a big wild bunny. Very sweet with a classic twitchy nose. Love you and thinking of you lots!
Community is everything. I’ve never been to Africa. Reading the blog every day offers a glimpse into your collective experience. Thank you for being to open in sharing.
Olivia,
What a beautiful post about your time away from everything familiar and your willingness to embrace all things new. ♥️
As I read your reflection, I found myself thinking about the importance of community, your longing for Nana’s kitchen, your time abroad with your mama, the unwavering love and support of your parents, and the exciting future you’re building with your kind and gentle fiancé. All of those threads seemed woven throughout your words.
The story of the little girl who fell asleep on your lap moved me deeply. I couldn’t help but picture you as that little girl once sitting in my lap. The way you described her becoming your safe space is so beautiful, and it made me think about how much warmth, kindness, and belonging you bring into the lives of the people around you.
There is something so special about realizing that the people we think we are comforting are often comforting us too. In that shared trust and connection, it felt as though you were both finding a place to expand your community. Maybe that’s what community really is, finding home in one another, sometimes in the most unexpected places.
I love that, and I love you so very much.
I can’t wait to hear more stories when you’re home. And I can’t wait to pick fruit together on the farm with you, your little cousin Ozzy, and your not so little but still younger cousin Wolf.
We miss you, we adore you, and we are so proud of the incredible woman you are becoming.
Until you’re home, know that you’re thought of often, missed deeply, and loved endlessly. ❤️
With all my love,
Your Aunti Tylee
Hannah Sznewajs! I love you and am so happy for you that you get to have this experience. You are a bright shining star who makes the world a better place just by being who you are. Xoxo Auntie Aimee
Americans often pride themselves on independence, a good thing, to a certain extent. But like your said, “without community, we become lost in our own ego and selfishness.” In our independence, we should never try to do it alone. Yesterday was filled with things that need community: attending Siera’s graduation with a row of family supporting her, lunch with the grandparents, and planting the garden. It’s so cool how you are seeing the advantage of community through the life of the Zambezi people. Soak it all in!
Isa, I saw Saylor at grad yesterday. She says hi.
The garden is planted. There should be basil ready for you to make some pesto when you get home.
Papa left for La Paz today on his sibling trip. I have lots of lunches and friend time planned while he is gone (being with my community).
Love you! Miss talking to you!
Hey Morgie!
Hope you’re doing well. We went to the flea market yesterday and got something for the house you’re going to love! Btw, Dutch bros has officially opened out here but the line is always obnoxiously long. Good luck trying to go there when you get back.
Isa,
I am flying from LA to La Paz with Tata, Nana and the rest of the gang. It will be a time to reconnect with my familia. The house is quieter without you here but I know this trip is life changing for your team. This shared experience will be a start of your own little community. Can’t wait to hear the stories
Love Papa.
Beautiful post, Liv. The essence of community is about being connected to each other regardless of the external challenges that might arise. It is wonderful to see such a strong community among this group!
Meg – miss you every day. We are going to head to OSU this Saturday for Sean’s graduation. Hard to believe it is happening – seems like yesterday he was telling you that you were not the boss of him…and you replied that you absolutely were. Lots of moxie in that four year old self. Love you soooo much.
Wonderful post, Liv. You, like your fellow Zags in Zambia, are a gifted story teller. Your story of the service brought back many fond memories from when I spent time in Tanzania in 1996 volunteering at rural hospital. Thank you for sharing.
Sean – caroline (if she’s feeling better and won’t get gramps sick) and will be heading down to Marco’s graduation this week and will be thinking of you!
I committed to Witchita State! Super excited!!! I love you and miss you so much!!❤️❤️❤️
Liv, so wonderful to hear your thoughtful reflections on community as you fully embrace this new experience with maturity and love. Can’t wait to hear more about it when you return! Love you!