When I first started martial arts, my teacher introduced me to an exercise that has become a key element of my warm-up routine. The exercise goes like this: you stand with your feet hip-width distance apart, and you imagine you’re a tree. On your first breath in, you imagine your feet are roots drawing in energy from the ground. As you breathe out, you push that energy back into your feet, sending your roots deeper into the ground. On your second breath, you reach up, imagining your arms are branches, soaking up the sunlight and absorbing energy through each part of yourself. This exercise not only gets you ready to move but helps you feel connected to the earth, which is an essential part of any martial arts practice.
I have found that the dichotomy of roots and branches present in this exercise is an apt metaphor for my time in Zambezi. There is a certain cyclic nature to our time here; duality is an essential part of this experience. Every day, all 21 of us are asked to maintain a constant balance between reflection and experience, between thinking about the things we experience and using those thoughts to enhance our experience.
Soaking in the sunlight refers to the ways in which we engage with the Zambezi community. Whether it’s through our community classes, school placements, or hospital visits, every single one of us spends a significant portion of our day out in the community, engaging with local Zambians as they go about their daily lives. For me this week, that looked like teaching a class about nouns using an in-class skit about a market, helping a kid named Glory learn phonics, and having a 20-minute-long conversation with Prince, a local vendor, about the similarities between zucchini and okra, among other things. That engagement is the bread and butter of this experience. We are here to exchange knowledge with local Zambians, to learn from them as they learn from us. The only way we can do that is through these conversations, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Guess what song we like to listen to.
Especially when it’s uncomfortable. This week, we listened to our Lunda and Luvale teacher, Mr. Kasepa, talk about the traditional coming-of-age practices in the country. Quite a few glances were exchanged when he started talking about how circumcision apparently prevents someone from getting HIV/AIDs. He’s a great language teacher, but maybe we shouldn’t look to him for public health advice. There are other, more general moments of discomfort as well. It was uncomfortable when our homestay hosts kept referring to us as “real whites” and kept trying to get us to take a bath before we left after our many attempts to politely decline. It is uncomfortable when I am immediately swarmed by a gaggle of children, enamored with the strange visitors whenever I step outside the convent and am forced to choose between telling them I need some space or just allowing them to follow me wherever I go. Still, without these uncomfortable moments, our understanding of the Zambezi community is one-dimensional; we need to experience the community with all its nuances.
In the quieter moments, we honor the roots aspect of this dichotomy. We take the sunlight, and we reflect on it, whether that’s through our journals, our nightly reflections, and deep conversations with our Zambian partners. Those moments are what allow us to take those moments of sunlight, process them, and apply those lessons to our own lives. This week, I have found myself consistently thinking about something that a teacher at the boarding school, Daniel Phiri, said to me: “You cannot lead those you do not love.” A couple of days later, he gave me some other advice, which was to find moments to connect with your students as human to human, not teacher to student. Today, I remembered both of these things, and I took time out of the civics lesson I was co-teaching (shoutout Joe) to ask students about “Salt-sana” a popular political meme in their country (For those that are interested, it is basically the Zambian equivalent of “67” which, for anyone that knows me, is a meme I love to overuse). In that moment, laughing and joking alongside them, I felt a beautifully humanizing connection form. By spending time within the roots and taking the time to love and respect my students as humans, I was able to experience a beautiful moment of sunlight.
I also find roots and branches in moments with my fellow Zags. I find branches in the way we all go to the market together and buy bars of chocolate (and suspicious bubblegum soft drinks) from Delta Camp, the way the education group sings our lungs out on the way to the schools in the morning, and the way we all collectively roast Jeff day in and day out. I find roots in the comforting shoulder rubs people give during the tears that often fall during blog comments and in the thoughtful insights everyone gives during our nightly reflections.
As many others have noted on this blog, this experience is intense and complicated. But day in and day out, I see my fellow Zags navigating the roots and branches in their daily experiences with a smile on their face and laughter in their hearts. As we all seek to achieve this balance in our Zambezi routines, I find myself incredibly grateful for all the wonderful people I am undertaking this experience with.
To honor both the roots and branches is what allows us to get the most out of Zambezi. Just like the community itself, our experience here is rich and nuanced. Some days are good, and some days are bad. In every day, there are moments of joy and there are moments of melancholy. There are moments of triumph and there are moments of defeat. Every emotion is found in every moment here. Roots are found in every branch here, and branches are found in every root. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Peace,
Sean Coughlin, ZamFam ‘26
Messages
Marco – Happy graduation dude! I am sorry I can’t be there, but I am so proud of you and am very excited about seeing where you go next.
Caroline – Sis, I don’t know exactly when you “graduate”, but I wanted to let you know just how proud I am of you and your perseverance these past few years. You are a very kind, creative, and funny person, and I’m very excited to see you when I get back. Give Oreo a big snuggle when you get back from San Jose for me. Also, 5.
To all my friends, Gonzaga and otherwise – Some of you should comment on this or something. Insert thinking emoji Anyways, I miss y’all very much and can’t wait to fill y’all in about my adventures when I get back! Jack, I look forward to resuming our GamePigeon games.🐳 Jeff says hi.
To Kale, from Liv: “I am very proud of you, and I can’t wait to talk about it with you when I get home. I love you, please comment on the current blog post.” – ZamFam 26
To Lily, from Joe: Happy one year!! I miss you and I can’t wait to catch up when I get back and have a few months actually in the same state haha. Have an amazing day! ❤️❤️(heart emoji) x2
To Andrea and Rob, from Meg: Hi! Is Greece totally out of the question for your daughter in approximately 2.5 weeks? Not quite ready to let her go. Also, I gave her a haircut (with kitchen scissors)!✂️
To Andrea and Rob, from Sam: Mom, I have a bob now!
Hi All- I hope you all are well and continue to learn and grow. We think of you all every day and love reading your posts each day.
Meg-Greece in 2.5 is COMPLETELY reasonable- if Sam doesn’t want to join you…can I?miss you and keep an eye on Sam! PS- thanks for putting your beautician skills to work!
Sam- I was literally just wondering if you’d come home with a “Peace Corps haircut”…..and I’m so happy you will. I’m sure you’re as cute as ever. Everyone needs a haircut from a friend with kitchen scissors- builds character. Any games of Pit? (Loudest game ever). Roland Garros Finals on Sun- we will keep you posted! Miss you so much and can’t wait to hear about it all. Love you more.
Nah Sam is staying home
Wonderful post!
HAYDEN- Phoebe Bridgers is going on tour! She will be in Seattle on October 23rd Emma is trying to get tickets and I told her you would probably want to go ( not sure if/how you can answer this but if you can let me know if you want to go)!! I hope you are slaying every day! Miss you so much and sending much love!!
Sean, you articulate so well that tension between experience and reflection that so many have felt during the Zambezi trip. Every day (who am I kidding! Every hour!) brings some new experience that puts you WAY outside your “comfort zone”, and even the nightly reflections aren’t enough to process even a fraction of it…
But that’s all good: the experiences will all be there, working their magic under the soil for your roots to seek out and make sense of and draw nourishment from, helping you to building stronger and stronger branches as you reach for the infinite (and offer shade and shelter to those who need it).
Please give Katendi, Christine, Jeff, and Cade – and all the Zamfam – a huge hug from me!
Sean! I have been waiting for this moment and of course am crying my eyes out. I knew this was your blog when I read the first sentence about martial arts-LOL. I love the metaphor of the tree/branches/roots/sunlight and how you intertwine each one of those into each part of your experience there.
When you were talking about connecting with a student as ‘human-human” it reminded me of Mr. Gibson and how he did that for you and that relationship ultimately led you to want to become a teacher. His impact on you specifically is such a testament to how one connection can impact a life.
I have full confidence you are doing the same in Zambia not only with the students but with the community, your ZamFam and ultimately with the students you will eventually teach upon graduation. And if your path leads you elsewhere, I have no doubt you will have a significant impact and make your mark in this world no matter where you go. As you already know, you have made an indelible imprint on my heart and in my life and I love and miss you so much! I hope you continue to experience the full gamut of emotions, appreciate what they offer and soak them up like sunshine.
And we need to know what song the education group sings on the bus? Don’t leave us hanging!
Sean, as a high school teacher and coach for almost 30 years, I agree with the advice Daniel Phiri gave you. I also liked the connections you made to roots and branches with your ZamFam group.
Lily—Texas won the title and Jordy Frahm is the new pitching coach at Nebraska. PCA had a walk off hit for a Cub’s victory yesterday. Love ya and miss you!
Meg, Phoebe Bridgers announced her tour today so me and Mo are freaking out of course. I might just have to quit rowing to go see her in Seattle/Vancouver in October. No album yet though 🙁 she’s been performing a bunch of new songs at her pop up shows but they take away everyone’s phones. Sam, I’m dying to see the haircut so I’m requesting that future posts NEED TO INCLUDE PICTURES OF SAM with her hair down. Clare’s at the house right now and sent me a tour, it’s looking super nice! I’m absolutely stoked I can’t wait to be back with you guys.
Teehee guess who…
(Here’s a hint your gorgeous, talented sister)
I popped over to Colorado for a long weekend.
I literally cannot wait to see you and hear about your adventures and give you all of my life updates (there aren’t many)
Toodaloo
Surprise! Schmelliot is here. It is HOT HOT HOT here- not ready for high altitude summer w/baking sun. Thinking about you lots and our past fun adventures. If it cools off we will go to the Botanic Gardens and for a hike. Love you bunches- mums
Ps Merk merk got some hospital crud and has been down for the count…
Seaners!!!!!
What a wonderful post! As always, I can hear your “heart” in your writing. I can’t wait to see you in person and hear all about your adventures, new friends, and life lessons.
Marco’s graduation was last night and super nice. Jen, Nona, Gramps and I just got done visiting Uncle Jerry in Carmel Valley who is back in the hospital but about to come home. He looks pretty good. The cousins including Matteo and Tony are back in San Jose having fun. We all missed you last night for the cousin and family pictures.
Love you – Dad
PS. Wheels on the Bus?
Sean,
A wonderfully written blog. I love you very much. We miss you.
Love, Nona
Sean!! So awesome to read your words. I could really picture you there. I’ll show your post to Marco. He had a great graduation and we took lots of pix. We can’t wait until you come home and hear all your stories. We love you!! Auntie Jen
Great metaphor Sean! It also really captures the importance of balance that others have mentioned in other blog posts – thinking about rooting in your reflection time and then absorbing and growing in these new experiences. Thanks for all the examples of this you shared. It’s a gift to us at home to get these perspectives each day. They feel unique to each of you and also paint a shared picture.
Graley, I was texting w Liz today and told her about this trip. She wants to FaceTime and hear about it when you get back! Tonight we are all going to the Cameo to see Mandalorian and Grogu. Happy to see it again when you’re home, don’t worry. Finn is about to make our second Hello Fresh dinner. The last one was delish! Can’t wait for you to try them out. Still missing you too much, but hanging in with it. Love you sweetie!
Sean,
You are on an adventure and experience that you will never forget. It will most likely change you forever. What a gift! We are all so proud of you. Your blog was amazing.
Love, Aunt Ro
Hi Sean!
I took a photo of the quote you shared in this post..”you cannot lead those you do not love” to share with staff at my school. It’s really true..leading from the heart and connecting with the essence of love is really powerful in any relationship or leadership position. Loved that! Also connected to the up, down and all around of the experience you all must be having. So cool to hear about all the singing! Must be so different without using phones all the time and just connecting with the people, the area, the experience, and each other.
Liv-I texted Kale your message, so hopefully he gets it! What I am learning as I am sharing the Blog is most of the ppl are like “I could not find the comments” omg. Well, I know Kale knows where they are-he just has to post to the current one. All is well over here <3 Thinking of you and praying for the same. Cannot wait until I hear your voice! We are going to give you the biggest Livi hug sandwich EVERRRRRRR!! Love youuuu! Your dress finally came and I figured you can get it tailored if you need to. The reviews said they all run long. I thought you'd be happy to hear it's here though! XOXOXO Love you again!
It’s amazing to read these blog posts day after day and see how the experience is evolving for all of you. The experience is become increasingly nuanced and complex. I really like that. What a wonderful thing to be alive experiencing.
Love you so much Olivia. Wolfgang and I are going to see the new He Man movie tomorrow and eat at double mountain. Wish you could join us.
Love you sooooooo very much!
Sean! What a deep & thoughtful reflection during your adventure. I hope Josephine and Felix have the chance to do something like this when they get older. I know your time there is at points very difficult, but I think you’ll find those experiences are the ones that change you the most AND where all your growth and resilience will happen…roots and branches alike!
Great post Sean! You’re a fantastic writer! Looking forward to hearing all about your adventures when you’re back home!
Sean-roots and branches, joy and melancholy. What a lovely way to think about dualities in life.
Sarah- hot hot day in Colorado. However I refuse to put on the air conditioner this early in June, but it may be ok to have ice cream. Dobby and Bean are very excited to look out the screen window and watch their squirrel friend, Harry. DU just had their last day of classes (finally). Now summer can actually begin. Or it will be, when you get home and go to your first concert at Red Rocks. Who will it be this year? Remember when you took me to see Caamp (at Fiddlers Green) and we had to stand in the pit and wait for 2 opening groups before they even got on? Love you to the moon and back. xoxox Momma
Sean, loved the lessons learned through martial arts and how you can connect it to your current experience. Particularly, I enjoyed that your metaphor provide a visual rhythm to your thoughts. These are rich lessons and I am filled with joy that all of you are learning them at such a younger age.
Graley, I spoke with Rick today from North valley Friends. His Nephew and wife have purchased property in Zimba. I’m told it’s about and hour from Livingston. They are planning to build several duplexes there to provide housing. They are connected to the Medical centers in the area somehow that work with the Wesleyan Church Global Partners mission. If you are interested I’ll try and get the website for you.
Anyhow, still missing you, but so happy to hear all the great things that people are reflecting on. I really wish I new more about what was going on for you. I suppose we will have plenty of time to catch up when you return in a couple weeks.
Luv ya,
Pops
Sean,
Everyday we read the blogs to get a glimpse of what you all are learning and when I read the lines “Every day, all 21 of us are asked to maintain a constant balance between reflection and experience, between thinking about the things we experience and using those thoughts to enhance our experience” it gave me a really good sense of what you all are asked to do each and everyday. One of the challenging aspects of my work as a therapist is helping people live in the tension, the duality, the dichotomy of life in all the varying aspects. Thanks for bringing us closer into this reality you all are challenged with each and everyday.
Rhett
ps Hayden, mom wanted me to tell you that Phoebe Bridgers will be in Ft. Worth October 17 and in Seattle October 23. That’s a Friday night in Seattle. You will have a car then as well. Sounds like a great road trip with friends? Love you and miss you a ton!
Sam, hopefully you been seeing all my messages cus I been sending them in the evening/afternoon while you’re prolly fast asleep. Im excited to see the haircut, it was getting quite long. I also got a haircut btw, not a buzz cut js the usual. How long you gonna be in Greece?? Maybe I’ll see ya some time July/August. Love ya!
Also late response to Katie D: I just caught up on reading your post and I’m so glad you’re having such a meaningful experience! I worked at an early learning center for kids with disabilities all throughout high school and your reflection is definitely inspiring me to go back and volunteer when I can. I also miss playing telestrations and going to the scoop with you! I think I’m gonna have buy a telestrations for my house so you can come over and play because when we played on your birthday was actually the funniest thing ever. Keep crushing it, see you in a couple months! xoxo
“A constant balance between reflection and experience” might just be the most perfect way to describe Zambezi and this trip, Sean. So many moments require experiencing them and then taking time afterwards to reflect. Continuing with your metaphor of trees, over time trees grow getting taller and older, and then fall/winter comes around and that growth is slowed down, leaves leave (lol) and the tree “resets” in preparation for the year ahead. I think that metaphor is a great way of what Zambezi represents… we grow and grow and grow, show up in Zambezi, are forced to slow down into Zambian time, and enter into a period of time of shedding previously held beliefs or ideas and “resetting” in preparation for the many years to come. ALSO OH MY GOD IM USING “SALT-SANA” IN MY EVERYDAY VOCABULARY THAT IS THE BEST THING I’VE EVER READ ON THIS BLOG!!! (Nope I definitely don’t like 67 as a joke hahahah)
Jeff (and/or Cade), do you know Professor Emily Clark? She teaches “African American Religions”!! I wanted to take the class but it filled up immediately during registration, except she just opened a new section so I get to take it. I’m hyped!!!! Hoping it further complicates my experience of religion in Zambezi.
MP and Graley, CLC updates from the groupchat: Leila is working at a preschool and listens to screaming all day. Natalie said that love island is the only thing getting her through babysitting all day. Sarah has been spending time with her home friends. Nat had an “adventure” in Costa Rica and not a vacation. She’s also finishing her last week aupairing in Barcelona (you’ll love the photo she sent of her and the family). Kate moved into her Spo house and has been spending time with her sister! Ok love you both, you’re in my prayers!
Finished my first 40-hour week, how cruel that humans thought we should do this for the rest of our freaking lives. I’m just tired, it was a good week!
Love,
Weenie
7:37pm in California, 4:35am in Zambia
Sean, That was a great reflection. I love the metaphor of the tree for your experience. I also think of the tree in relation to my job as a parent. We as parents sink roots so that our children have a base of support and our children are the branches that reach out into the world. The sunshine is how I feel about seeing them make the most of their lives. Like Noah being there with all of you in Zambia. Thanks for sharing more of your daily activities with us.
I love you Liv!! I hope you are still having a blast and I can’t wait to fill you in on everything I’m so excited!! You are so awesome and I can’t wait for you to be home beautiful girl!❤️❤️❤️
Sean, Great info on your journey and disposition. It sounds like you are challenged and building friends for life. We missed you at Marco’s milestone, another classic event. See you in Portland. Can’t wait for all the stories. Love, Gramps
Thank you Sean! I hope you are doing well and having fun. I look foward to seeing you this summer so you can tell me all about your trip.
Sean enjoyed your blog I loved the roots and branches exercise first thing in the morning keep up the good work in the classroom
Lily miss our phone calls also miss you in Michigan we will catch up soon Enjoy all your new challenges Love Gram and Gramps
Hi Morgie!
Finally completed the last day of school yesterday, but my summer vacay doesn’t officially start until the 17th – I signed up to work a week of summer school and attend a training afterwards. Yee!
The temps are risin in CA. I’m thinking of a beach trip when ya get back. What say ye? Miss ya boo. xoxoxo
Hey Seannnnn, its caroline ur favorite person ever i know. I graduated but I havent got my diploma yet. Thank you for ur sweet words! I miss you so much and can’t wait for when you come back. I will give Oreo a big snuggle for you and just know that he misses you so much. Hes been sleeping on ur bed like all day every day, its so cute. And yes, five. (or maybe 6 or 7)