Fulfillment: a deep sense of happiness, meaning, and purpose. The feeling of having realized your potential or living a life that aligns closely with your values.
Synonyms: Satisfaction, self-realization, accomplishment.
For the past 3 weeks I have come face to face with a slow pace of life. Everything in Zambezi moves at a different speed than I am used to at home. In Spokane, it is always about the next class, the next assignment, the next semester, or the next social event. In Zambezi, the days move on a consistent pace, with every moment catered the same way and every hour devoted to routine. During this trip I’ve realized that my life has rarely been about remaining present in one moment but rather anticipating what is next. Just last semester I was dreading the end of sophomore year, subsequently marking the halfway point in my college journey, rather than basking in every single moment that made up my first two years as a Zag. Not only that, but as an aspiring attorney with goals of attending an Ivy League law school I am constantly imagining life postgrad. I grapple every single day with the prospect of NOT scoring high on the LSAT, NOT graduating with a 4.0, and NOT connecting deeply with professors. If you know me, my entire concept of fulfillment is rooted in whether I succeed years in the future.
My time in Zambia has deeply shifted my mindset on the idea of time, but more importantly how I define fulfillment. In one of that computer literacy classes that Noah and I have had the privilege of teaching, we have two Franciscan Friars named Remy and Steve. For those of you who have no idea what a Franciscan Friar is (I certainly didn’t): Friars are a part of the Roman Catholic Church and commit to a life of poverty, chastity, obedience, dedication to the poor, and spreading of the gospel. Remy and Steve are two of our more consistent students and I have had many conversations with them about their daily responsibilities, life mission, and personal stories. They both aspire to become ordained priests and are in year 5 of a rigorous 12 year process that includes 8 years of university education in both philosophy and theology, as well as years of service in local communities.
would see how insane the stars in Dipalata were. Like insane.
After learning of their daily routines of mass, prayer, community engagement, mass, and more prayer, I asked them both “do you feel fulfilled?” In turn, they laughed and shared a look as if they couldn’t fathom the idea of fulfillment. As if fulfillment is not something that they grapple with daily because in their lives: commitment to the church, their community and their faith is the guiding purpose. In other words, it is the things they do every single day that give them fulfillment rather than one culminating goal.
It was in that moment that I recognized that my idea of the word is incredibly flawed. Because fulfilment is not always about where you are going but the steps you’re taking daily. It is sitting in and with your community and accompanying the people you meet along the way. It is the challenges you overcome that shape you as an individual. It is sitting with complicated emotions and building your character through them. And more importantly, it is slowing down and recognizing that the present is more important than the future; it is the now that manufactures your later.
This trip has taught me the importance of slowing down. Accepting the unknown. Challenging expectations, and living in the present. Whether it is spending hours laughing with the ZamFam, staying late in class to chat with my students about life in Zambezi, or sitting in comfortable silence cooking dinner with Mama Katendi and Christine. Although small, every individual obstacle I face here is fulfilling because I’m in an unfamiliar space, with unfamiliar people, thus challenging everything I value in life. As Americans, it is a great privilege to want and aspire for more; to constantly strive to improve and make more of oneself. We almost never reach full fulfillment because there is always something we can add to our lives. Most residents of Zambezi do not have this luxury. Following this trip, I have no other choice but to recognize that there is so much richness right in front of me, not in years to come.
During our time at the University of Zambia, Lusaka, professor Mwanza ended our tour by inviting us to “do the things that fulfill you,” something I’ve sat with the whole trip, often asking my fellow ZamFam how they define it for themselves. The conversations we’ve shared made me realize that my life has fulfillment in so many avenues that I failed to recognize as such. I have so much gratitude for the people I’ve met, the opportunities I’ve been given, and the future I’m able to dream about.
When I return to the US, I vow to step back and enjoy the minute moments and look back on the experiences that altered my idea of success. Without this trip and being a part of the Zambezi community, I’d be stuck with a definition of fulfillment that focuses on an end result rather than recognizing the richness of the present.
As a Zambian would say, “there is always room for one more”.
The beautifully infectious smiles of the Zambian people are ingrained into my mind forever. I am indebted to the Zambezi community and its ability to challenge my personal expectations and definition of fulfillment and will take these lessons long after my time as a Zag.
With so much love,
Morgan Wilson
Class of 2028
ZamFam ‘26
To my mom: Growing up in your home has molded me in unexplainable ways—as a woman, as a friend, and as a leader. It is through you that I have become me. I cannot wait to see you. I love you. (P.S. You should’ve heard me screaming when I saw a mouse on my bed in Dipalata…not chill)
To my family, Madison, Miya, Dad, Micah, and grandma: I miss you all beyond words. I cannot wait to return home to share with you everything that we’ve experienced here. Our family unit has allowed me to have the courage to complicate, invite, and support. Your comments have made this trip so much easier. I love you. (Miya: thank you for remaining a constant in my life, get ready for the longest debrief ever.)
To C. Wells: You’d be so shocked about the things I’ve done here. I miss us and can’t wait to pop ish with you next year. Living in the convent has made me so excited for our house. See you at SeaTac ❤️
I’m the last person in the cycle to post!!!! Back to the top for our final week in Zambezi. 😙
Morgan, refreshing the website every hour and not seeing the blog was making me sadder and sadder, and then yours popped up and everything is better again!!! This blog has become such a constant in my life, so thank you to each of you for writing one. You have been accompanying me whether you knew it or not, and have been helping me continue to reflect on my time in Zambezi from 10,000 miles away.
I live my life very similarly, and learned the same thing in Zambezi — the slowing down, not the fulfillment piece, that was all you! Your conversations with the Friars has me really thinking, especially the piece of fulfillment being found in their journey day-by-day instead of the destination. I have always focused on graduation/grad school/adulthood, but as I reflect on what brings me fulfillment day-to-day, I am realizing there are so many things?! Thank you for your words, I’ll be sitting with them and appreciating the small things that bring me joy.
My turn to yap! My mom and I have been watching a show called Ripple (I recommend, it’s on Netflix), and it focuses on how all these different people are connected around New York City. How even the smallest of moments, like a redirection on your daily walk, may mean you meet someone who will change the trajectory of your life. I have been thinking about it a lot in terms of Zambezi and this program. The day of the study abroad fair, my class had gotten canceled so I decided to grab Starbs in Hemm and do work. Except, I walked right past Jeff and a Lucia who said something that caught my attention. Little did I know that Lucia would be my TA and I would be forever indebted to this program. I’m not sure what pushed each of you to apply to Gonzaga-in-Zambezi, but what a blessing that it existed, cause can you imagine your life without Zambezi? No? I thought so. It’s pretty life-changing. Even if you don’t realize the magnitude now. 🙂
Love,
Weenie
1pm in California, 10pm in Zambia
Morgan,
Your post is beautiful. I love your thoughts around being present in the moment. This is something I think about often. I find this presence in the moment has a strong connection to intention. All to often we get in a track and go-go-go. The older you get, the more you realize the cliches are true….stop and smell the roses…in the blink of an eye…time is a thief. Unless we intentionally slow down, we miss opportunities for connection and witnessing the beauty around us. I hope you all hold onto your expanded perspectives as you return home.
Kathryn, funny story for you. We went to the movies last night and about 45min into the show, my phone started ringing – a number I didn’t recognize. It was John at the end of the block. He walked by our house and found Maggie and Winnie playing on the lawn by themselves. He took the dogs to his house and then Emma’s mom called to let me know. We were already on our way out of the movies by this point. We got back to the dogs and they were giddy with excitement. You could feel joy emanating from them about their romp around the neighborhood. They were like little mischievous kids. We got a good laugh out of it. And we’re super thankful for our kind neighbors. That’s all the news here.
Morgan,
Great job on your post. I love how you explained the deeper reflection on the word fulfillment after talking with the Franciscan Friars. And how you said “it is the things they do every single day that give them fulfillment rather than one culminating goal.” And “And more importantly, it is slowing down and recognizing that the present is more important than the future; it is the now that manufactures your later.” That was amazing. Thanks for sharing and giving me something to think more about.
Kathryn,
I was driving your car the other day, while Charlie had my truck at a tournament. His is filled with to much HS boy trash. I swear you car said had a 1/4 tank before I started. I was driving to the store and talking with Charlie when I looked down and the fuel light was on. Then I was looking for the miles to empty reading. Charlie told me where it was and it had 0 miles. Luckily I was able to get off at the next exit and get gas without any issues. But it all happened so fast I was thrown for a loop. Any way it is all gassed up and I washed it today so it will be in good shape for you when you get back.
I love the pictures of you and the rest of Zam Fam 26.
Morgie I am just beaming with pride, joy and a sense of relief that you’ve gained so much from this experience. Your experience has connected our family in ways we had not considered and strengthens our unity and bond because of your courage, tenacity and and perseverance. I try to be up at night, hoping for a glimpse of your experience through these blogs. Everyone has lent to the tapestry and color for all of us to experience. I am praying so much for your travels and your final days as I know you will leave an indelible mark on the people as much as they have left on you. We love you so much and can’t wait to see you. Love you so Mom!
PS- The mouse moment must have been jarring for everyone especially the mouse !
So proud of you Morgie! It’s amazing how much you can learn about life and yourself just from experiencing a different pace. I love what you wrote about the Zambian community. You’ve always had the ability to work with kids and people. That ability is going to set you up for greatness!!
My Morgie!! *tears*
Love your new found perspective on learning how to be present, take it ALL in, and learn from and enjoy every moment, for each is a special gift from God. We are blessed beyond measure just to be alive, and this post reminds us of such.
Love you and can’t wait to see you!! Xoxoxo
Hi Miss Morgie,
I totally enjoyed your post! You have gained so much from this experience and expressed your thoughts in a way that is relatable to everyone. I’m so proud of my number 3 granddaughter. I can’t wait to see you and give you lots of hugs.
Love you, Grandma
“Focus on the richness of the present” …. I love it. Another well written post- thanks Morgan ! I hope everyone had a meaningful and memorable weekend away in Dipalata!
Sam- Andreeva and Zverev are champs! Kate is making cookies and Megan is….on the court. Dad is meeting up with Aunt Joanie/ CJ in CO tonight. We miss you tons and love you more. Enjoy the last week of teaching/ learning… take it all in. We are so proud of you- I’m impressed!
Meg- baby catching update?
Jeff/ Cade- Where do I apply to be a TA for the Zambia 2027 experience?
See you all at SeaTac soon- Hugs to everyone!
Sam!! I couldn’t comment on the last blog because of the firewall, sorry :(. I can’t believe that you got a bob. I bet you look cute but we all know I wore it better. I miss you! Townsend/Siniakova won RG as expected, the mothers that they are. ALSO! Serena Williams is back?!!! She got a wildcard into an upcoming grass 500 and she might wildcard into Wimbledon too?! What a time to be alive! I hope your weekend was awesome and hopefully mouse-frei. See you in less than two weeks!
Lily, I hope that you also had a mouse- free weekend (but maybe you got to see other cool animals? Like a Zambian Marmot?) I miss you and look forwards to hearing from you when you get back!
Morgan, this post is so insightful and brings so many important reminders that I needed to hear right now! Like a lot of us, I relate to your tendencies to define fulfillment by the accomplishment of future goals. For the past year it was running my first marathon. Now it’s landing the perfect job post-grad. But now that I think about it, there are SO many things that fulfill me every single day. And whenever I accomplish one of those big goals, I just move on to the next one without giving it much thought. I hope to join your vow to focus on the mundane moments and appreciate them as they come along!
How was Dipalata?! Is the church repaired yet? DID YOU GO TO THE SPICES’ HOUSE? I remember that being one of the most complicated experiences I felt last year. They had Goldfish crackers in the snack mix they gave us and that felt wild. Did you guys teach classes there? The leadership team last year threw together some CLP team building activities and I still laugh when I think about it. We had the best time! The post-Dipalata reflection was one of my favorites. I hope you all loved it!
MP: Katie’s wedding was a raging success! I didn’t fall walking down the aisle, read the prayers of the faithful (DC would be proud) and closed down the dance floor. I gave her 4 lactaid pills during the day so I would say I did my job pretty well.
Taylor: I got new running shoes and I think you would be proud because they’re very colorful!
Love,
Caroline
ZamFam ‘25
Morgan- thank you for a lovely blog. Ask Sarah about her favorite movie, Hannah Montana, and maybe she’ll sing you The Climb. It’s hard not to focus on where you want to be, and ignore the path to get there. But somedays, dancing in the kitchen is as perfect as it gets.
Sarah– we spent some time at Tagawa today, to get more plants for, you guessed it, Dad’s hill. Making Sunday dinner tonight and Michelle will join us. I talked to Poppa Lanny last night and of course he couldn’t figure out the blog (can you imagine the frustration with the firewall??). , but I did send him yours. He loves you super much and is excited to see you (and the sisters) this summer. I’m a little worried that you are going to have a bit of a hard time readjusting to life in Castle Rock after working and reflecting in Zambezi. But, here I am worried (my super power) about something in the future, and not staying grounded where I am right now, which is of course enjoying a beautiful and hot summer day and missing your face. Love you to the moon and back. Momma
Stupid Firewall- Ems if I can’t post know I love and miss you!
EMU! I miss you bug – I listened to a lot of BTS this weekend. I dropped El in Boulder today but we hiked Goshawk Ridge, which runs up and past the area near Eldo Canyon with the rocks with the fossilized sea bed. That spot always reminds me of you climbing that slab in your princess outfit when you were 3 or 4. I’d love to hike it w/ you this summer – no dogs because it’s nesting raptor habitat which is why we’ve never done it. Speaking of dogs they are the same as ever – I took them to Cherry Creek yesterday and they found some horse manure and rolled in what was left after they ate most of it – It was in the off-leash section, and they were too fast for me. Love you lots! Soak in the last week – mums
Morgan – I don’t know why it won’t let me post the part responding to you….
This really resonated – you are figuring out in your 20’s what I only started figuring out in my 40’s. I rushed into and through law school and into a law firm – which was soul crushing, btw – and then the 2009 recession happened and the universe kicked me onto a totally different path. Point being, you can’t control the path – it twists and winds in ways you can’t predict – don’t allow what you think is supposed to be the proper path to keep you from following your intuition and your heart.
Hi Morgan, I was wondering how the computer class was going, so thanks for that. I love that taking the time to have a conversation with someone was able to give you another perspective on fulfillment. It is a great reminder to both slow down and look for our fulfillment in our day to day lives. I really appreciate your candor.
Noah, Jeremy is doing well, but I think he misses you. Only 2 more Mondays until you are home. I love you and miss you!
I love this post! I love seeing all these pictures! Hayden- Phoebe Bridgers update- we signed up for randomly assigned presale fingers crossed at least 1 person gets picked! Will keep you posted! Sending love!! Miss you much!
I’m just here for the Zen-like insights, and wow, did you deliver! As Ween says, you’re accompanying us as we imagine the community you are building/joining – and know that we’re with you in spirit!
Stay in the moment,
James
Morgan not seeing the blog yesterday always makes us a bit worried, but reading your post makes me realize how silly that is. I love how you are finding the “slow down” approach to your journey. Little things are so precious in life, and we all take them a bit for granted at times. Your post was a needed for our family and for our connection to our loved one sharing this experience with you. Thank you so much for taking the time to slow down and express your growth mindset in a fabulous way. We hope you have an amazing finish to this adventure.
Lily – we miss you but can see your joy through your smile and that makes us smile. We are so excited to learn about your trip when we see you. Keep enjoying, keep smiling, and keep learning with kindness. Love you always and forever.
Mom and Dad
P.S. Mr. Gerards memorial service was beautiful. Annie spoke about her dad in a amazingly loving way and it reminded me about what you are doing. He told her that she can do” hard things” and yesterday, being able to remember her dad and speak about him the way she did, she is conquering hard things.
So as Mr. Gerard says “you can do hard things” that exemplifies you and what you have embarked on. I think in his own way he was talking to you too.
Morgan…,great post!!! Looking forward to tomorrow’s post!
Lily, here’s the latest Harry setlist. Miss you!!! Love you!
Golden, Adore You, Watermelon Sugar, Music for a Sushi Restaurant, Coming Up Roses
Fine Line, Act II, Italian Girls, American Girls, Dance No, Treat People With Kindness
(contains elements of Talking Heads’ “This Must Be the Place” and Paul Simon’s “You Can Call Me Al”), season 2 Weight Loss, Carla’s Song
(contains elements of “Satellite”), Apenture
Encore: Cherry
(tour debut; restarted, Harry forgot the verse lyrics and had to ask the audience)
Sign of the Times
As It Was
(alternate, extended version; Grammy 2023 reprise)
Hi Morgan. A beautiful post and reminder of how important it is to stay present. A lesson I’m still learning and honestly took me at least 30 more years than you to learn. It’s powerful to hear all the ways this experience is challenging and molding each and every one of you.
I will re-read all of these posts long after you all return to your respective homes because they are SOLID GOLD. The parents in this group know what I mean by that quote but you younger folks would say “fire”.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with having goals or being driven or pursing something important to you as long as you also take time to look up and appreciate the now. I loved when you wrote “And more importantly, it is slowing down and recognizing that the present is more important than the future; it is the now that manufactures your later. ” “Manufactures the later” is linguistic fire-I suspect Sean is currently cringing at his mother using the word ‘fire’.
Sean-I miss our banter. I don’t want to bum you out and I debated posting this– Carrie’s son Brady passed away last night. He was the age of most of you so this blog in particular is hitting hard today. I think about his short time on this earth and how he and his family had to make every small moment count in the past few years. They had to live in the ‘now’ because tomorrow wasn’t guaranteed. It highlights how important it is to be present and not running off to your next ‘thing’. In addition, Lucy is also still in a coma and the outlook is pretty bleak. All the girls (Effie, Sharnel, Jasmine and Staci) all got together to make paper cranes to hang from her room. We were reminiscing, sharing photos and all our silly stories. We laughed and took time to ‘be present’ with each other. The hugs were long. It was a very intentional time and so very special and also heart-breaking. Joy and pain and so many other emotions. What I wouldn’t do for a Seanyboy hug right now. You are missed greatly. I hope you (and everyone) can stay present, learn, accompany, reflect and live to your fullest in the next week or so.
Morgan great blog makes me look at life at a much slower pace That is hard to do not to plan to far out Keep things calm
Lily it was great to see your smiling face Enjoy your last week in Zambia It got hot and humid in Michigan today Looks like you are enjoying as many sunsets as possible
Love Gram
As Americans, we always strive for more, want more, and are always left unfulfilled. Unless you focus on what matters. Family. Friends. Watching the sun rise against the Grand Tetons with your daughter. I suspect there is a lot to envy about the Zambian way of life. Wonder how much of this will stick with the ZamFam. Will you fall right back into the same routines and anxieties, or will the experience forever change how you look at things?
Morgan – what an important thoughtful post – and such a good lesson for all of us, to slow down, and be present, and be thankful for the gifts we have right in front of us. Important and yet so hard sometimes. You all have this moment in time where you get to experience such a different way of thinking about time, and what does it mean to be fulfilled. I will keep your reflection with me this week while I try to be more present and grateful.
MP – I am thinking about the stars and how lucky to are to have a night sky that is unhindered by light pollution. Will you be able to see Venus and Jupiter come very close together on Monday night? Or is that only a northern hemisphere occurrence? I may need to get up in the middle of the night to see it here – our days are getting longer and it’s already fully light when I go out for my morning walk now – so they time to see the planets will be really early. I made a rhubarb-custard-strawberry pie this afternoon. If it’s any good we can make it again when you get home, and if not we’ll try something different! We love you! Look up at the moon and know we see the same one. We miss you!!
love,
Mom
Great post Morgan, you are wise beyond your years. This is a common struggle that a lot of people don’t realize so I’m glad to hear you’ve discovered it early. Enjoy the rest of your time in Zambia. I wish I was there to see the stars. I only have faint memories of what the real night sky looks like. SMH Love and miss you! Can’t wait for your return… (Dad)
I definitely feel you on anticipating vs., living in the moment. I literally was just telling Tommy that I’m constantly thinking about the worse case scenario, so that once I’ve accomplished a goal I feel relieved that it wasn’t as bad as I anticipated it to be. Reading your blog post and rethinking what I said, I’m seeing how that way of thinking keeps you from basking in the now and taking in the beauty of the small steps that manufacture progress. You ate with that.
I might see Mugsy today. I guess it’s his birthday, but he’s trying to be nonchalant about it, so he turned off his notifications. Odd guy.
I love you and am so proud of you. The debrief is gonna be fat, and I’m looking forward to it!
Another wonderful inspiring post that is an amazing reminder to be present!
Olivia today we went to a graduation party for Brayden Strong. It made me think about your graduation party 3 years ago. What an awesome day and how amazing your life has changed so much in 3 short years. Makes me think about the next 3 years. Love you dearly and miss you!
Just catching up with Katie, Sean, and Morgan!
Thank you three for your words!! All your openness, willingness, and awareness is helping me slow down and catch up after a busy 7 days in the hospital.
You have all helped me spend this week paying attention and listening and slowing down and connecting with my patients. It been a transformative trip for me too!
Emu, the Mums and I are missing your spirit and mayhem! Come home healthy and informed dump the million experiences. We are ready tomr3cieve you when the time comes!!!
Love you zillions!
Mark-Mark
Morgan-This is such a wonderful post filled with so many reminders and nuggets of inspiration! Sounds like such a life changing experience in really incredible ways. Being immersed in how other people live, and this completely different culture is really eye opening. Slowing down, enjoying the miracle of now, seeing people who are just living their experience and meeting and talking with the Friars…all SO awesome. Thanks for sharing so meaningfully. I really connected with this! I wish I could have seen the stars the way you did…it must have been magnificent! Also saw your comment about the mouse..ahhhhhhhh. LOL
Liv-Love you sweetheart! We are so happy for you..and it was so fun to see you in the picture in the car. 12 to a car! Whoa! Hope you are taking in all the moments! Can’t wait to talk to you! We have had a pretty relaxed weekend and today I spent time with Amy (she’s so proud of you) and went to Brayden’s graduation party. Bailey is going to be a sophomore! What?! Spent time with Ronda & Jeff after. It’s cold and rainy..but we are getting a heat wave next week and I am here for it! (even though we need the rain!) Make sure and get some sunshine on that face and keep shining your light!! Odie sends you kisses! THREE more days of school! Whoop Whoop! Love you! Big HUGS-Mama
Isa,
Almost a week until you’re back! I’m excited to see you and hear everything about your experience. I hope you haven’t been too homesick and have been able to fully appreciate everything in Zambia. I love you
Morgan, this post was exquisite! Your reflection is so important, and I love the way you worded your story. I, too, sometimes tend to live life looking for what is next, but I have found for myself that it can be so exhausting. We are told that we will finally be happy when we get something, but then what? It’s continuing to run a race we will simply never win. This post was a good reminder that there is fulfillment in every season of life, even if it is harder in some moments. Thank you so much, and I will be looking at my week with much more enthusiasm as I recognize the good in each day:)
I watched Allison’s dog!! It went well:) also today Einsteins had a deal for 6 bagels for $7, and my family caved but now we have a plethora of bagels. I guess we will be going to town with those bad boys like no one’s business.
Have a good day!
What flavor bagels did you get, Claire?
Morgan, you speak so clearly about this new definition of fulfillment, one that is met and remade each day rather than some distant, faraway future. I think that giving the everyday that weight, the term “fulfillment,” would indeed make us all care a lot more about the present, rather than the many other things that draw our attention. While it’s easier (it seems) to imagine and live this while in Zambezi, at times it feels impossible to do so back here, which I’m sure is a subject you’ll be discussing in the final week of the trip. If you have any advice from yourself or the ZamFam (I love how you mentioned this question of fulfillment sitting with you and you asking your peers about it throughout the trip!), please share some thoughts. Finally, thanks for the picture of the Dipalata stars — that night around the campfire was perhaps my favorite memory of the trip, and I hope you enjoyed a chorus or two of “Sendaña yaya” for me. Best of luck in the final week of this time — soak up every moment you can!
Dearest Graley. What joy these letters bring. I’m joyful because I’m connecting with your astonishing and oh so fortunate experience. This will mark you forever and surely provide a path to a place you haven’t expected to go. What luck!! And you’ll share that discovery you’ll share your luck. I don’t mean to preach just to say how extraordinary I believe you to be. How lucky I am to know you and I send armfuls of love. Mima
Dear Mary Pearl,
I am so inspired by the reminder to recognize the richness of the present,
your travel experiences are changing us too!
Papa and I send hugs and much love across the world to you!
Grammy
I appreciate your vow to “step back and enjoy” when you get home. Remembering that when you make the transition home will be so be helpful. There’s a lot to process now, and there will continue to be.
Isa, Isaac and Samantha came to church with me today (and the rest of Isaac’s family) and they had me over for coffee before. Isaac can make an impressive latte. The rest of the day was uneventful. Diego and I watched a movie, that wasn’t very good, and I had my typical Sunday afternoon nap.
As for the mouse in Dipalata, did you see it too? It made me think of the year of the mice infestation at camp. Yikes!
Love you!
Morgan, How great that you still have two more years in college to enjoy in the present. And more time right now to be in Zambia. Enjoy the be-ing!
Graley, Pops and I are posting this together as we drive home from a GREAT concert. I feel like I am discovering an 80’s band I never fully appreciated in that present time but can now! I danced like no one was watching – and I’m pretty sure no one was. Pops adds: Antonelli, Hamilton at the finish line in Monaco.
We encourage you all to start thinking how to maintain these valuable reflections upon your return and to look to each other for support and shared reminder of these experiences. Perhaps even accountability as part of the community you have developed. Enjoy your time with out pressure, just each moment as it comes.
Morgan: Lovely reflection.
Meg: We are an hour from Yellowstone. Excited to share it with Nick and Phoebe. Dad and I visited summer ‘97 after a friend’s wedding in Montana. Badlands was beautiful. Weather was perfect. We made it to the end of the hike with the ladder. I did lose my footing on some scree and fell on my face. No need for a doctor but some scrapes and bad bruising. I am still working on my story. I am leaning towards a bear fight. When we got to the bottom of the ladder there was a woman passed out. She revived but did not improve. Nick ran for ice from our cooler and dad called 911. She had to be taken out on a gurney. The park medical team were glad she was at bottom of the ladder. We think it was a combination of dehydration, over heating, severe fear of heights (she had tried to go up ladder), and maybe chronic high blood pressure. Camping in Grand Tetons tonight. Brought bear spray. Love you.
Sam: Glad she didn’t give you a tattoo. Excited to see the bob.
Thank you for the amazing post Morgan! I hope you have a moment of ‘slow’ in your last week in Zambia to breath in the experience! Thank you for reminding us to take time to live in the moment and to appreciate all the wonder that is right now in front of us!
MP – Good luck in your last week in Zambia! I can’t believe how the time has flown by so fast – for us at least! I hope you are hitting your stride and enjoying every minute of your experience and last days there. I am sure there have been ups and downs but I know you focus on the ups and don’t let the downs keep you … down!
We are having a rainy start to the week but that’s ok as we need a little bit and I will be stuck in the courtroom all week – jury duty. It has been an interesting and challenging experience for me being on this jury but I am confident we will come to a reasonable conclusion. I will give you all the details when you are back.
We are celebrating Susie’s graduation tomorrow evening and I will give her a hug for you. The OMs are wrapping up 22 years at St. Clare which is unbelievable! I am not sure if it is them or the Quinns who have the record!
I am so excited to hear all about your time in Zambia and I am lucky to be able to drive you back from SeaTac to PDX to hear all about it … unless you are sleeping! G & P are looking forward to your overnight and G says: “we have lots of hot water!” … so you have that to look forward to! Can’t wait to see you next week!
Love, Dad
HELLOOOOO ZAMBIA FAMBIA!! Missing you guys every day and so excited for the FaceTime that will follow your return. I want to hear everything about everything! Now that Roland Garros is over I have nothing to update you on except my love for Sam Meg and MP. You guys are the best and I think it’s so cool that you guys took a leap of faith going so far from home. There are no other people better for the job than you guys. You are all such wonderful people and make everyone feel so loved. And in return all I can offer are some comments on this blog. I MISS YOU ALL SO MUCH!!