My first impression of Zambezi was purely positive and joyful. I was happily surprised to find greetings of song and dance at each new destination. I walk down the streets here and find myself immersed in abundant conversations, smiles and many tiny hands grasping for mine. This place radiates pure beauty accompanied by indescribable feelings of joy.
I compare my current relationship with Zambia to a developing conversation between two people who have just met. When you first meet someone you don’t know, you put a smile on and shake hands. You act happy and engaged while keeping personal information behind a closed door. Once you sit down and get to know each other a little bit, you establish a baseline of trust that allows some truth to come seeping through the cracks.
Zambezi and I are at the point where we are past the baselines of trust. The baseline of trust sparked my curiosity to see behind this door and to tap into the Zambians’ depth.The joy that the Zambians’ portray is by no means superficial, but it is the first of many layers that make up their lives.
The specific type of door in this situation reminds me of one I put upduring my freshman year of college. Transitioning from high school to the dorm life was uncomfortable for me at the beginning, but I would never tell anyone my true feelings in fear of being seen as weak or overly emotional. I would put on a smile and reply, “I’m good” when someone new would ask me how I was doing.
Behind the same type of door sits undeniable pain and suffering in Zambia.There are families here who live on less than one US dollar a day and have over seven mouths to feed. Despite their undoubted hard work and resourcefulness, some families still can’t afford basic needs such as food, shoes, and school uniforms which then creates a cycle of poverty. It’s a heartbreaking tragedy.
But what is so incredibly inspiring about this whole affair is that the Zambian people don’t let these hardships define them. They refuse to wear the pain. Instead, they look to God to discover joy and positivity. The people wrap themselves in the warmth of love, which fills each and every one of their hearts. What they lack in material possessions are more than made up for with community and connected spirits. Thinking about how much raw courage and strength these people possess brings me to tears. The people here are full, and it’s so incredibly beautiful.
Witnessing their strength has taught me so much about how to live life in a positive light. The people have left me with the desire to brighten up my own life by loving every person like crazy and embracing the blessings that I have been given.I am truly inspired by the courage and compassion that the Zambian people portray every day, and I hope that one day I can live life in such a beautiful light.
Maggie Chamberlain, Class of 2016
P.S. A quick shout out to Susan Norwood for being such a wonderful health education mentor. Your wisdom and expertise was a HUGE factor in our success this trip, and we can’t thank you enough for your dedication. Have a very safe trip home; you will be greatly missed!
P.P.S. While part of our team was in Solwezi tonight, we had homemade gnocchi, Fanta, and mama’s donuts at dinner (thanks to Stephanie and mama). Take that Solwezi group.
*Sorry for the late post! Zambia time and a bad Wifi connection are to blame*
Well put, Maggie! As hard as it may be to experience those truths hidden behind the symbolic door, its a blessing to have the opportunity to build such a close relationship with the Zambezi community. Zambia really is a beautiful tragedy. I think, though, the beauty outweighs the heartache and that is SO special. Continue to let this inspire you and be comforted in the fact that you’ll keep growing from these experiences long after you get home from Zambia. A year later, I’m still being changed everyday through my memories and reflections of the people I met and their unwavering positivity, despite any tragedy they endure.
LOVE THE GROUP PHOTO!
Mark its good to see that giant smile of yours still goin’ strong on the other side of the globe. I’m getting super impatient to read your blog! But also reminding myself to embrace that ever-refreshing Zambia time. Do yourself a favor and spare a few kwacha to purchase a Zambia soccer jersey while you’re there! Hope you’re doing well dude.
Carolyn, this is the second jumping photo I’ve seen of you and girl you’ve got hops!! I’m impressed. Can’t wait to hear all about your experiences teaching. Hope those kiddos aren’t giving you too much trouble ha! Send them my love.
Conner, did you go to Solwezi this year? Any car issues?
Also, I’m way too jealous you all got to enjoy donuts made by THE Mama Kawatu. My group was never blessed with that experience. Hope you’ve all recovered from the sickness that seems to be making its rounds over there and that your hearts are growing bigger and bigger each day. Sending lots of love your way!
Katie
Maggie,
I love the parallel you made between meeting your Freshman roommate and being in Zambia, so so true! I can’t help but to wonder if it’s a good thing or a bad thing that people are accepted as they are in Zambezi without any shoes, without food to feed their family… Are people accepting of the poorest of poor, defining the strength of their community or is it a tragedy that people live this way? Zambia opened my eyes to so many questions and I think that’s the greatest thing, that we are continuously fueled by questions.
Chris, your post was amazing. I remember sitting around the “campfire” in Dipalata, holding a child’s hand and just being… The way Zambians harmonize is freaking awesome. Dipalata was the hardest part on Zambia for me, but I’m glad I experienced it. I hope you’re feeling better and that your stomach has settled!
Sending you guys love and wishing you a heart-filled day. The Giants beat the Cubs last night, 4-0, ow owowwww 🙂 Hayden Penettiere is reportedly pregnant with her fiance. I’ll keep you updated.
With so much love,
Hikaru
Maggie May,
You are one of a kind, kid. This post was so eloquent and well put. I am so impressed by you and your ability to adjust and find beauty in all the new environments you are put in, but even more so by your ability to connect and form relationships with just about anyone you meet.
I miss you like crazy! Summer hasn’t been the same without you around here.
Keep on having the experience of a lifetime because I can you already are 🙂
Love you much,
Steph
Maggie,
Thank you so much!
I cannot imagine or understand what it is like to live in Zambia or experience what you all are experiencing right now. However, I am sincerely thankful for getting this small glimpse into the deeper beauty that is the life and character of the people of Zambia. Again I only see from a limited perspective, but it seems their happiness and faith is an inspirational strength that fuels their lives and blesses directly your life and indirectly my own with its existence.
Thank you for sharing Maggie. Thank you for opening the door for me personally to some wonderful and well-needed reflection. I cannot wait to hear about your journey when you get back!
Spencer
Thanks for the post! I hope your class is going well and you are feeling better. Stay safe and continue to make the most of your time there!
What a great reflection, Maggie! It must be so refreshing to experience a true, non-superficial culture such as you describe above. Keep soaking it in and when you ZAGS return- spread it like wildfire!
Conner 2 days and counting………BIG 21!!!! Love and miss you.
Mom and Dad House
My dearest Mags,
What an incredible reflection by you. I’ve been checking every morning to see your name pop up and you exceeded what even I have hoped for you. Which as you know, is the whole world. I am so incredibly giddy to hear that you have experienced such a new part of this world.
Please let this light stay with you as you continue your journey- which includes your return to America.
I cannot wait to hear your stories and experiences.
Miss you and love you so much,
Lo
I have greatly enjoyed all your posts. I am eager to see Shannon’s post and to hear from the rest of you as you travel to Livingstone and beyond.
I understand the best view of Victoria Falls is from an airplane, but if not from an airplane then from the air?
Love the picture, thank-you! I look forward to reading your posts each morning. Hope you are all feeling well. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Thanks for the reality check, Maggie. I was just sitting here feeling sorry for myself because my body hurts from too much tennis and that I had too much food to prepare for family gatherings this weekend. WOW, do I feel stupid in my overly abundant life. I am so glad you shared your rich experience, and as your mom, I was really glad to see your post and not hear about illness. (Not sure what Peter was referring to…don’t tell me.)
I am so very proud of you for making the choice to experience Zambia. I hope this experience translates into helping you clean out your room this summer! You know I am kidding because I know where you got it…
You may have heard that Maya Angelou died this week. One of the things she said that will always resonate with me is: people will forget what you do and what you say, but they will never forget how you make them feel.
For that reason I am sure the children of Zambezi will never forget you and your amazing Gonzaga group.
Love you very much! Mom
Mags on Mags,
I really enjoyed your reflection and it just solidifies the fact that I know you’re going to come back this changed and amazing person. So just teach me your ways haha. But I miss you so much! We move into the house tomorrow and I so wish you could be here with us but I know you’re doing such better and adventurous things in Zambia! I hope you’re having the time of your life and I’ll make sure to set a whole couples days aside so you can tell me about all your amazing stories.
Love you to death,
Can’t wait for you to come back,
Kimberloo
Love you Boo!