In Zambezi, the community speaks both Lunda and Luvale. Every human I have encountered speaks at least one of these if not both as well as English as well as Bemba or Chichewa or also Swahili. We had dinner with Fr. Richard Mulenga (Richard 1) last week and he counted 11 languages that he spoke and his example is not out of the ordinary. This is incredibly humbling for us Zags as, for the most part, the only language we speak is English. We stutter and struggle over “chimena mwane” and “ngunasakwilila mwane” (good morning and thank you). Every recipient of these phrases gently corrects us and gives us an encouraging smile. No matter how many Lunda/Luvale lessons that Mr. Kasepa gives us during our afternoons, I do not believe that the zags will master these languages by the time we leave.
Instead, we are relying on a different form of communication. One that is visible in the eye contact and greetings that Zambians deliver like the special three-part handshake that Mr. John Mwewa gives when you get to know him better or Mama Christine’s comforting hugs. On Sunday morning, the homily that Fr. Richard Chipulu (Richard 2) gave during mass centered around the sentence “be bound by your humanity”. He was talking about us chindeles obviously sharing different cultural backgrounds than the people that we have integrated ourselves into the community of. But he reminded us all that though we may not share the same language or the same cultural values – we are all human.
In the essay, “Accompaniment” David Brooks speaks about “an other-centered way of moving through life. When you’re accompanying someone, you’re in a state of relaxed awareness—attentive and sensitive and unhurried. […M]ovements are marked not by willfulness but by willingness–you’re willing to let the relationship deepen or not deepen, without forcing it either way. You are acting in a way that lets other people be perfectly themselves”. This quote encapsulates the relationships that we have established here in Zambezi both inside and outside the convent.
Before travelling to Zambia, we knew the many differences between the cultures we have been born and raised with and the one we were about to spend five weeks immersed in. While the differences were highlighted, what we did not fully expect was the ways in which our humanity is shared.
The moments where I have felt closest to members of the Zambezi community were those in which we were not speaking at all. Moments of this shared humanity. Mama Christine and I had a beautiful moment sitting on the porch, not speaking but instead working on a shared task together. In this case it was plucking six chickens (yuck!) but sitting there with her and putting our energy together into one shared goal was all that we needed to feel closer. It is also felt when watching Ms. Matesu, Hannah, and my mentor teacher for Grade 7 at Chileña Primary, while she is teaching in Lunda. I don’t understand the words she is saying but I am able to feel the lessons through the engagement of her students and her passion for this profession.
This same sentiment was felt in my home stay with the Litwayi family this past weekend. The family had limited English and Lily, MP, and I only had error-filled Lunda to share with them. So instead, we watched the PSG vs. Arsenal game. I do not know much about Felix or Maurice but the emotion that I felt coming from them as PSG played showed me quite a bit about them. After dinner, the seven daughters/cousins came to sit with us. The oldest daughter, Melania played music and showed us all of her favorite songs (luckily Taylor swift and Gracie Abrams were included so we could sing along). The girls played with our hair and were fascinated by the photos on our camera roll. We sat in this group for a while on Saturday night and we were connected because of it.
I also see this in the Zag fam. I was blessed to know almost every person before coming here from CLP, the CCE, and Ed. I had all the introductory conversations with these wonderful humans before traveling abroad with, but I did not yet understand the shared experiences that we would have together. This looks like how we fall into a routine at meal time, cohesively passing to the left. We know that the salt starts by Morgan and that I’ll beg for the peanut butter to be passed at breakfast. During our down time we all gather in silence to journal together, not speaking but sitting in our collective peace. Hayden and I find similar peace playing candy crush right before we go to bed. Lauryn and I had a wonderful time cutting vegetables on the porch together, listening to Brandi Carlisle. I feel extra human in our synched breathing during early morning “slow runners’ club”. I felt so seen in Hannah, Meg, and my epic kitchen dance party, not speaking but jumping up and down with smiles stuck on our faces.
During these moments with the zags and the Zambians I truly feel “bound by our humanity.” We do not need many words to know each other and how we are feeling.
Simply existing together is the best form of communication we can have. I am so grateful to be surrounded by so many beautiful humans in this home away from home.
Love,
Sarah Myers
Zam Fam ‘26
GU ‘28
MESSAGES:
Pam and Joe Barron: We enjoyed Noah’s 19th birthday, starting out with a wonderful morning run and ending with an epic game night. He is loved so big here and we had the best day celebrating him.
To my wonderful humans at home! I miss you all oodles and bunches BUT I want you to know that I am having a blast here. Every day is full of laughter and smiles and I feel like I am exactly where I need to be. See you soon! So glad we are all under the same moon.
M&D: I love you both so very much. Thank you for supporting me through this amazing opportunity and for your consistent blog comments – they feel like hugs from you. I love you to the moon and back x infinity. GNSDILY!
Liv&Caroline: I love u both and keep telling my friends about my awesome big sisters. Can’t wait to spend time with you both!
Julia: I hope you are having a BLAST in Europe and are acquiring many stories to tell me. ILY JUJU!
Shwithi: NO WAY U MET JAKE SHANE!! Need to hear all about it! I love you sooo much Shwiggs see you sooo soon!
Claire (and Mrs. Sladovnik): we LOVE your comments here and they never fail to bring us joy and thoughtful insight. See you soon!
Sarah,
Your words reminded me of the moments of accompaniment between me and the people I grew a connection with. I also remember working next to Mama Christine and Mama Katendi in silence while cooking dinner and those moments are where I felt connected to them the most. Keep making memories on being in the present and building those relationships in beautiful ways!
Ellie Powers
ZamFam ‘24
P.S. Tell Mama Christine I said hi and I miss her and Mama Katendi’s cooking!!
SISSY!
We have been waiting for this day!! I promise I’ve been trying to comment, and I know there’s a way to troubleshoot the firewall, but unfortunately my laziness took over and our parents’ comments had to suffice. But today is a special day—you posted, and I had to get past that firewall.
I absolutely loved reading this blog post. Connection through understanding what humanity is and what it can be is one of the deepest feelings someone can experience. I am so happy you’re finding these connections in people and in moments, and I can’t wait to hear more about it when you get home soon.
I can’t believe you plucked a chicken because your vegetarian self from a few weeks ago would have absolutely squirmed. But immersing yourself in a different culture breathes growth, understanding, and perspective into experiences you might never have imagined, and I’m so glad you were able to share that moment with Mama Christine. I also love your Gracie, Taylor Swift, Brandi Carlile, etc. mentions and will be listening today thinking of you and the zags.
Anyway, I have been enjoying the Colorado sun and pool days but I can only do so many alone until I accept the truth that it’s just better when you are here.
I love you Bear!!
You are just so beautiful inside and out I’m so proud of you.
Sarah– I was super grumpy to come to work today, until Olivia shared that TODAY WAS YOUR POST DAY. I’ve wanted to hear you, and now I can. I know it’s weird, but I had the David Brooks book on my nightstand forever, and read it the week after you left. So, I feel connected with how you are processing some of your adventures. Your Aunt Sarah Soule had recommended it to me of all people!
I love quiet time. No talking necessary to be good company. Shared space- quiet love-that creates happiness for me. I feel that sometimes in the car when we ride.
Reading your post did in fact bring tears to my eyes — you do a gift for seeing people, but watching you grow into someone who finds connection in the silence of plucking chickens (wowza) on a porch or the shared electricity of a kitchen dance party is something else entirely. The way you are letting Zambezi teach you, rather than arriving with all the answers, is a most beautiful thing. Fr. Richard’s words “be bound by your humanity” could not be a more perfect frame for the person I see becoming clearer in every line you write. I am so deeply, endlessly proud of you, and I cannot wait to hear every story you bring home.
We all miss you. Love you to the moon and back. GSDILY Momma
Oh my Sarah Bear! I am so proud of you and happy that you have this eye-opening and culture-expanding experience. Also I am in love with your writing and how I feel your voice in your written words.
We all miss you here in your home state but we are so thrilled you are in Zambia now and are learning so much.
Sending you the biggest hug and keeping you safe in my heart until I see you again.
Love, Auntie Shell
It was so heartwarming to see Noah celebrating his birthday with his ZagFam in Africa. This is the first time I wasn’t able to be with him on his birthday. If I couldn’t celebrate with him, I am so happy he had his friends with him to make it a very special birthday! I know I’m a bit late (it is only just after 11am here), but HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOAH! I love you and miss you and can’t wait to have you back home with us. – Dad
Happy Birthday Noah!! Sorry I’m late for you but it’s still your birthday here so I’m celebrating today 😉 I’m so happy to hear you had a fun birthday and I wish I could have been there for game night, but I’ll beat you at 7’s as soon as we’re both back in Seattle. I love you so much and I can’t wait to hear all of your stories when I see you. P.S. Andrew says Happy Birthday too and he can’t wait to see you 🙂
Hey Morgie! We miss you and can’t wait to hear about your adventures in person. Also can’t wait for your blog! The house has had a few updates. The backyard has more character because of Memphy’s memorial. You can definitely add something special to it when you get back.
Cheers to all of your adventures!
– Maddie
Hi Sarah. I love what you said about relying on a different forms of communication–eye contact being one form. A favorite saying for me is the ‘eyes are the window to the soul’. So much can be conveyed through eye contact. It is a powerful reminder that spoken language is not the only way to communicate. All your other stories about connecting–whether it be watching a sports game, dancing, sitting and doing a task together, the girls playing with your hair or the child who sat in someone’s lap during mass–all such beautiful examples of ways to connect without speaking.
I ‘needed’ this post today. I’m not having the best day at work and I said to myself–I need to go read the Zambezi blog–it lifts me up. I was reminded today of our shared humanity-insert big heart here. I am honestly so in awe of all of you and the ways in which you are all growing and fully embracing every moment. Thank you for pouring your hearts out to us every day. It means so much.
Sam. Sam. Freaking Sabalenka is out now. RAUGHHH!!!! Whatever though. I just miss you and want to see you soon. Perhaps I will just have to come to Seattle this summer hehe…Also Meg, did I mention I went to South Bend? Wish you had been there. Luckily I was able to get Culver’s there though. Now that I know how easy it was to get there, I may need to stop by again later this summer. MP, can’t wait to hear from you soon. Hopefully you will all get to post another blog? We shall see…As always, love you all and hope you are still having fun and learning a ton. Proud of you!
Meg, I AM SO SORRY I’ve been so off my game and totally forgot to check the blog posts. Of course that had to be when yours was, so I’m responding a couple days late. You have no idea how much you’ve changed my life for the better. You were one of the first people I met during move-in weekend, and although we may not love the person who introduced us, I’m so grateful she did. I miss you every day, Meggy. No one makes me smile like you. I was just with Caroline and she says she misses you guys too! XOXOXO
Sarah, I loved getting to experience these moments of shared humanity through your post! Shoutout to Fr. Richard, that sounds like a fire homily. When I was in Ireland in March, I heard a homily at Mass that really stuck with me. The priest said that “faith endures in communities of love.” It instantly transported me back to Zambezi, the most love filled place I have ever experienced. It is a place that never makes you question your faith in humanity. Those moments cooking silently next to the mamas, dancing during homestays, and observing your mentor teacher are all examples of being welcomed in with unconditional love and experiencing genuine joy and belonging. The absolute best!
MP: some MAJOR updates over here. I had lunch with Mimi today and she was shocked. As was the old lady who was sitting next to us and butted into the conversation. I supposed it was her version of accompanying us? Anyway, major debrief coming upon your return. Love and miss you so much!
Taylor: need new Spotify recommendations asap. Stalking your profile right now.
Love,
Caroline
ZamFam ‘25
Sarah – Thanks for the incredible view of your Zambian experience. We often feel we need to have a word, but sometimes just being still and is just as important to connecting. Your descriptions of the families and the mothers who lead them show how small our world is. Thank you so much for the post. It sounds like you are enjoying this amazing opportunity.
Lily- Seems like even 1/2 around the world, sports connect. Game 1 tonight.
Love you always and forever. BE Safe and keep dancing while TPWK’s!
Mom and Dad.
Super proud of you! Will send you to the Stoltzfus farm to work chickens when we’re in PA this summer! Your grandparents are sharing the bungee video all over Lititz. Can’t wait to see you but hopefully you’re taking in every minute you’re in Zambia. Love you a ton! Dad.
Sam!!! Sabalenka is out!!!! Mom freaked when she found out. I hope all is well in Zambia and that you try something new every day. I can’t wait to see you in two weeks!
PS, I made a pistachio carrot cake today that is so good. I will definitely make one for you when you get home back!!
I so enjoyed reading this reflection and thinking about all the ways I’ve felt bonded to others through our shared humanity. It’s such a powerful thing! Also, Noah, I want to wish you a huge happy birthday (even though you’ll be seeing this the day after). I celebrated you with my students today, and I’m so happy to see you receiving the love and birthday wishes from your Zag companions. I love you and can’t wait to see you soon!!
Hi Sarah, As usual, that was another great reflection. I know I sound like a broken record, but I just love hearing from each of you every day. I love when you are able to just sit in silence with someone and feel connected. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. And thank you for sharing the photo of Noah’s birthday celebration. It makes this Momma’s heart happy to know that her child is being loved when she can’t be there with him. (P.S. Sorry for the excessive typos in my last post. Ugh!)
Noah, I am so thankful for the gift of you. I am glad that you had a fun birthday with your ZagFam and the rest of your community. I am so excited to hear about all of your experiences. Love you!
Taylor!!! In case you haven’t seen my first comment because it was late:
So sorry I am late, did not expect for you to be first!!
Nevertheless, i am so happy you still feel that sense of home after a year, that really speaks to how impactful you first trip was and i am so excited for you to do it all again!
Also, so proud of you running the half marathon!!!THATS AMAZING!!!
Anyways, back to the present!
Love the group photo, happy to see your face always 🙂
I am thinking of you every day, always telling people how cool you are and what you are up to, not even randomly people really ask me about you i swear , family and our friends
I am excited to tell you that colton finally scored well on golf and more importantly, I got a job in Seattle!! I start soon and by the time you come back I’ll get to tell you all about it, but just know that I am super proud and excited for it. I miss you so much and will continue to share with people what you are up to in Zambia, especially at Victorias wedding this weekend, it just makes me so sad we can’t talk like normal!! Very much missing soulful soup dinners with you.
Continue having an amazing time, i am sure you are making the people and places around you brighter and happier everyday.
Sarah BUG!
I am so very proud of you and the person that you ARE (I am also proud of you for plucking a chicken #strength). I think that language is often a large barrier across cultures, but your post is a good reminder of the shared humanity that unites us all. It is so easy to get bogged down in everyday life and let small differences seem like much bigger ones, but at the end of the day we all share a human heart, consciousness, and desire for community. I just re-read Grapes of Wrath and Steinbeck talks about the collective human soul and how our souls are just individual pieces of that greater soul. Your post reminds me of that. I teared up reading your post and just love you so much. I am so proud to be your big sister. Counting down the days until we see you again, sing Taylor Swift/Gracie Abrams songs (perhaps the most universal of languages), tan by the pool, eat MORE peanut butter (always), go on hikes, eat hummus from the farmers market, and hear more about your wonderful adventures.
xoxox Caroline
First of all, happiest birthday to Noah!!! What a special place to celebrate.
Second of all, “be bound by your humanity” is soooo powerful and came at such a perfect time in the trip. I love what you said about feeling closest to community members in the nonverbal ways of communicating. To understand that sitting in silence is so much more powerful than filling it with random conversations is a skill that will undoubtedly serve you well. I am so glad you went on this trip Sarah, I’m praying that this ZamFam continues to accompany you — I think they will be able to shape your perception of GU and Spo. Love ya!
Thirdly, YOU GUYS LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT WORK because today we read a story about Mike the headless chicken! It was all about Mike’s owner(? dad? Unsure) chopping off Mike’s head to eat him for dinner, except he left the brain stem, meaning Mike was alive but headless. I wanted to laugh so badly because I was just picturing the mamas and one of you killing a chicken and then it running wild around the convent. Really try to visualize it, and you WILL be laughing! HAHAHAHAHA TOO GOOD!!!
Love,
Weenie
6:27pm in California, 3:27am in Zambia
Dang Firewall…
Sarah- I love the reflection around how to connect without language through presence and music, and really like the David Brooks quote- and I’m thinking about how surprisingly hard the being unhurried part of accompaniment can be in life in the US – I feel like we have a constant tide of do, do, do-it’s wonderful you all are having enough time in Zambia to sink into a different pace
Hi Ems- the real excitement of the day is that we ie Merk Merk got a new window AC set up for my “office” so I won’t melt up here while working over the summer. I miss you tons – I keep having little moments where I want to ask you what you think about a color, or a pattern, or something else for one of my various projects.
Love you-hug from me and face licks from the dogs.
And… Elli got a job in the surgical/oncology ICU at Barnes. It sounds like she will transfer from her current unit in August.
Sarah, I love how you’ve taken and ran with this piece of Fr. Richard’s wisdom. When I first read the title, I honestly was thinking more negatively. To be “bound by humanity” almost seems to be a limit — like our humanity prevents us from succeeding in some way. But instead, you framed this as our humanity being the very thing that brings us together and connects us. Your examples here are full of simple yet beautifully human moments — music and hair and camera rolls at your home stays, plucking chickens with Mama Christine, passing peanut butter (shoutout Dr Nutz!) at the breakfast table — and these reveal a powerful sense of community and relationship — one that I wish were more tangible and accessible in the bustle of our typical daily lives. Keep sitting in these moments and spaces in the time you have left in this home away from home. And happy belated birthday, Noah!
Sarah,
You really got me thinking! There are topics I always hated growing up in Ohio. Weather, sports, and gossip. I still hate gossip but I’ve learned to respect the other two as connectors. As Emu knows, I can talk to anyone and I can always find some shared topic in a few questions. Where have you lived? You like to eat food? Have you noticed the earth doing the weather thing?
You have basically figured out my whole system and described it perfect here in this essay. The one thing I don’t need to go to connect with a stranger is agree. I spend all sorts of time with rascals who think all kinds of different things than me. If we had to agree about every single preference and priority I wouldn’t have and friends and that would be sad and boring. So we steer away from topics that divide and mutually gravitate towards safe topics where we can disagree without taking offense.
Just like you in your essay, I value unity and connection over similarity. If I want to talk to someone just like me I’ll talk to the mirror. Thank you for reminding my of the how and why of peopling. All you find young people have given my soul a rinse these last few weeks and I appreciate you!!
Mark
PS Emu I put an air conditioner in mums office so she don’t die of the heat. Love you plenty!!!
Another wonderful post! You are all so reflective and wise as you process your experiences.
Isa, no one’s home tonight and so I’m thinking about when you’re back and we can watch our show and eat snacks. Love you much!
Another great post! Love all these small yet profound moments of connections that are described. All uniquely human. So much to be shared!
Olivia love you and miss you! Such a daily gift to see you in the pictures!
Love you
Love love love love LOVE this image of being bound by humanity. Those quiet moments with Mama Christine and so sacred. Glad you got to reflect on that moment. Thank you so much for sharing.
Are*
Hi Sarah! Thanks for this post and it’s awesome how you are connecting through more than words! Lets the feeling part take over. Also…when you mentioned one of the people you met spoke 11 languages..oh..my..gosh! How incredible. I wish I could do better at learning at least one other language. Thanks again for this reflection of your time so far! Also…I would be begging to pass the peanut butter too!
Liv-Love you and sure do missssssss you!! This is the longest we’ve ever gone without talking and it’s so strange! Still think I should be texting you goodnight! It’s so fun to pick you out in the pictures and I always take pictures of the pictures posted just to zoom in a little closer!
Sarah –
Loved your post. Took me back to my time in Tanzania just being with people living simply and enjoying community. Took me back to my time with my dad watching Gergen and Shields on the PBS Newshour which later became Brooks and Shields which I made Sean watch with me as he grew up, too. Thank you so much for sharing the details of your day to day routine.
Sean – we are heading to San Jose tonight to visit family to celebrate Marco’s graduation. You will be missed!
Sarah,
Yay, it made me so happy to open your blog today and see a pic of Hayden in there with you and Hannah. You all look so happy. I’m really loving all the different perspectives everyone has on the experience. It really is amazing how many languages people can speak. And after reading your post today I’m inspired to go read Brooks book. I love the idea of accompaniment as an “other centered way of moving through life.” It is amazing how we see life through different lenses when we accompany other people on their journey. Thanks for sharing Sarah.
PS Hayden, we are missing you a ton here in Texas. You won’t believe this, or you probably will. But your brother has been up to the new Chipotle with his friends about 5 days a week since it opened like a month ago. Some days he has been up there three times. Basically eating his way through all the new restaurants that are opening up there as well. Ha. We are headed to Wyatt’s birthday party on Saturday night. Mostly it’s just mom and I chilling in the evening as Hudson is barely around. So it’s pretty quiet not having you here and him always out. We are taking him out to test drive cars on Satuday, so wish us luck. Love you. Dad
OMG HECK YES SARAH K MYERS this makes me so happy. I love you so much and I love that this was your topic. Moments in between and being connected through the smaller moments make the most significant ones, and you are someone who truly does it so well. Your force is gravitational, and you make loving in community so easy. Also, plucking the chicken is quite the feat, I am so proud:)) I am smiling so big that you are happy, and can’t wait to hear more stories!
Graley: I’ve really been on my symphonic grind this week and my mom and I went to see
Yo-Yo Ma (a well known cellist!) with the Colorado Symphony at Red Rocks tonight. He was so good and he seems so kind. We both thought of you!!
HAPPY THURSDAY!
Thanks for the shoutout, Sarah! Loved reading this – humanity is shared by more than language, just as you’ve described, and kindness, compassion, smiles, and a shared purpose are always meaningful. Keep being your awesome self!
Graley, Claire is right — Yo-Yo Ma was great and we did talk about how you would have liked the concert as we were driving home. Hope you’re doing well.
MP, hi from Colorado! I keep seeing your smiley face in pictures. Keep smiling!
Sarah,
Great job with your post. I really enjoyed reading it. I especially liked how you said “The moments where I have felt closest to members of the Zambezi community were those in which we were not speaking at all. Moments of this shared humanity. ” That seems to sum up so much of the trip. The simplicity of the human connections and the community that you all are now part of. Well done!
Kathryn,
So, I have a funny pet story for you. This morning at 2 something AM we were woken up to two cats moaning and hissing at each other on the front lawn. Knowing that one of those cats would have to be Steve, I trudged downstairs. Winnie was on high alert and followed me down. As soon as I opened the front door to startle the cats and yell “HEY!”, Winnie beat me to it and bolted out the door and chased a cat down our street. At first I ran out the door and was standing next to your Mom’s car. Then I realized that the chances of anyone seeing me were slim, but I was standing outside on the sidewalk at 2AM in my underwear. I quickly thought about what I would look like if people happened to look out as I walked through their yard wearing the bear minimum. So, I went back in put on some clothes, including my Gonzaga hoodie (whoop whoop), got Maggie and set off to find Winnie. She was just past Riley’s house and came running out of the yard across the street to us. She was ALL FIRED UP and sssoooo proud of herself. I was relieved. We headed home. They got some treats for saving Steve and we all went back to bed. Phew! That was a close one on many fronts.
We miss you and can’t wait to see you in two weeks! Have fun!
Sarah…loved how you experienced and explained non-verbal accompaniment and how sometimes those can be the most memorable.
Lauryn…I sure loved seeing you in the photos today(thanks Sarah!).
Your smile is the best and brightens everyone’s day, especially your dad. Went to the Mariners game last night with folks from work. Sissy went separately with Hugh. They won their 8th game in a row, but lost today. 1st place in the AL West.
Hottest day of the year here yesterday, 85-degrees. I’ve been contemplating replacing our old furnace and heat pump and finally bit the bullet. Should get installed the week after you get back.
Meow-meow is staring at me right now wondering when you’ll be home to cuddle. He has one ear bothering him so he’s keeping it low and makes him look like half a “grumpy cat”. Luna is same….needing you to throw the ball for her.
Can’t wait for your return, but keep having fun, learning, and brightening everyone’s day as you do.
Love and miss you tons!
-Dad
Happy Birthday to Noah!
Sarah, thank you for sharing the photos and your reflections on making connections.
I love hearing about all the little details, from plucking chickens, singing and dancing and your home visits.
Lauryn, I love seeing your smiling face! Graduation party planning continues. I will be volunteering at the grad night party so I will be up until 2-3 am!
I am really wanting to plan my trip to Spain so we will need to discuss it when you come home.
I am finishing up my PTSA duties. We had our volunteer appreciation party and I was awarded the Lifetime Membership award and received a Glassybaby.
Only 13 more days until I get to give you a big hug! I love you to the moon & back, Lauryn Grace!
Sarah – what a lovely reflection and humanity and connections. I can imagine the scene in front of the game where emotions and cheering might take the place of language. And isn’t it wonderful to learn how many ways there are to communicate even without speaking each others languages perfectly?
Mary Pearl – we love to see these fun pictures! Dad found a BBC article about fancy Zambian food. yes, no joke – like a 14 course meal! There were many things I had never heard of but apparently they were all unbelievably delicious. I hope you’re having some amazing culinary experiences!! We have had the first batch of this summer’s strawberries. Northwest food, not Zambian food. Can’t wait to hear your stories!! We love you lots and sending you hugs through the blog. Love, Mom
Hi Graley,
I got home late tonight so didn’t have a lot of time to think through things, but i wanted to send my love and thoughts. I am super anxious to hear about the home stay. That sounds amazing. Anyhow, the class that Finn teaches Violin for, had an end of the year concert. It so reminded me of when you and Finn were learning how to play. I remember how awesome all the squeaks and squawks and those surprising extra notes filled me with such pride for all the work you two put into your instruments. Anyhow, getting too mushy. Luv ya and I’ll pray for you tonight as will mom.
XO
Pops
I love the image of everyone passing to the left around the dinner table. That really captures a sense of the community and culture you anll have been building. And isn’t it true that so many of those golden moments happen with shared meals, food preparation and even kitchen clean up.
Graley, tonight we went to see the final concert of Finn’s 4th grade strings students. Very sweet all around – one of the kids gave Finn a couple of flowers as a thank you. ☺️
Also – did I tell you that last weekend you completed and cleared your background check for clinicals next year? Siena texted me today to make sure I was on it, so between the two of us, we have you covered!! Sending big hugs to you.
Also, last night at 1am we woke up to Billie who threw up all over right on top of me! Like on the blanket from my neck to my knees. It was still not quite as bad as when you threw up orange Cheetos all over me. Today Billie is fine btw and keeping up her weight.
Kale and I FaceTimed this evening and that was great! (Firewall issues so coming in segments)
Lining up well and he’s thinking of you every step of the way! Big hugs Livi Loo…love you!
He left you a blog post but if you didn’t get it it’s Witchita State ❤️ You’ll love the offer they gave him!
Hi Sarah! Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us! I especially love how you included the quote from Brooks’ essay regarding accompaniment, “movements are marked not by willfulness but by willingness–you’re willing to let the relationship deepen or not deepen, without forcing it either way.” Your willingness to let these relationships develop in the quiet moments really resonated with me. I love how you are developing relationships without expectation, how you are letting each moment unfold in a way that honors your shared humanity.
Taylor- I met your Grandma Sandy and Grandpa Randy for dinner tonight and Grandpa innocently asked how “kids get in this class because they just aren’t normal kids.” He is following along with the blog and his mind is literally blown by how smart, kind, sensitive, and articulate you all are. As was true last year, this Blog just gives us all such inspiration for today and hope for tomorrow ❤️
It’s always a good day when Hayden is mentioned in the blog post. You all look like you’re having so much fun, that’s so special to get to learn even just bits and pieces of a new language, it’s such an important window into different cultures and their values.
Hayden: Ali showed up in Portland yesterday so me, her, and Hanna have been hanging out, no Valencia hang out is the same without you. We went to target today, you would’ve loved it, we shut the place down because it closed at 10. Can’t wait for you to come visit! I’m so happy to hear you all are journaling, this way you don’t forget any of the details and you can tell me ALL ABOUT THE WHOLE TRIP. Anyway, keep having fun and don’t forget about us. 😀