Author Archives: Zags in Zambezi

In the weeks preceding our departure to Zambia, I wake up early. Too early.  Although it’s my twelfth trip to Zambia, I still feel the excitement, anticipation, and anxiety that a new journey brings.  Did I order the water filters … Continue reading →

On the morning of Sunday, May 13th, I received my invitation to join the Gonzaga University Alumni Association. On Tuesday, May 15th, I said goodbye to my life in Spokane and got on a plane, starting my journey to Zambezi. … Continue reading →

♪ We hope to meet, rejoice again, hope to rejoice again ♪ Arriving in Zambezi to the familiar voice of Jescar Mukumbi leading the Chileña choir through their welcome program brought me back to the last song Jessi had sung … Continue reading →

May 18, 2018, 09:45 hours The bush plane we are in slowly begins to descend as we approach the Zambezi airstrip. I look over the metal roofs, tall green mango trees, and the golden brown sand that coats the Zambezi … Continue reading →

“May we never lose our wonder. Wide eyed and mystified, may we be just like a child.” – Hillsong United When I reflect on one of the many reasons I chose to come to Zambezi, I am reminded of my … Continue reading →

“Welcome Madam.” These are the words that greeted Maddie, Devon, Lexi and I every day in our English classes at Chilena. On Tuesday, we heard these words for the last time. We celebrated together in grade 8 and in grade … Continue reading →

In a small yellow room filled with benches and chairs, a group of Zags prepare a stack of certificates to pass out. They sit next to a messy stack of nametags and two plates stacked haphazardly with cookies. Today is … Continue reading →

As we enter into our final days in Zambezi, I am experiencing so many emotions. I am filled with mixed feelings of happiness, gratefulness, and sadness. These past two weeks have been amazing; however, my experiences here were nothing like … Continue reading →

It has been a privilege to feel discomfort in my privilege. I find this happens when I go to the market. Whenever there’s some free time in our busy schedules, a group of Zags usually find their way down to … Continue reading →

My time in Zambezi so far has been filled with teaching classes, canoe rides, 3+ hour masses, dancing, singing, and meeting amazing people. I knew my time here would be short, but I didn’t realize how quickly it would go … Continue reading →