Here they come...run!

We were getting ready to leave St. Francis as the morning classes were finishing up. A few of us were still holding bowls with just a few M&Ms left in them when the students came rushing out of their classrooms. Anticipating the wild reaction we'd get, we tried to keep the candy out of sight and quietly put it into the van before the kids realized there was any left.

Father Wayne didn't stash his bowl fast enough, however, and was quickly swarmed by this huge crowd of children. As he held the bowl high into the air, amongst all of the kids' jumping and shouting and laughing as they tried to reach the M&Ms, I couldn't help but notice the big smile on his face. I can close my eyes and still see it. And I laugh every time I look at this photo.

I wanted to include the two below photos because they capture the spirit of these little boys so well, and their calm and shy demeanor was in such contrast to all of the excitement. Despite their perch on the sidelines, they were open to letting us give them some attention and generously smiled when we greeted them and took their pictures. We were grateful.

The gang

I think a more formal introduction of the group we traveled with is in order.  So here goes...

Me, Jerry, Kathryn, Dan, Jane, Brian, Brother Tony, Father Wayne

This photo was taken while we were on safari, probably at about 8:00 in the morning. This group spent literally all hours of the day and night together: traveling, drinking wine, laughing, shopping, cooking, driving, reflecting, eating, chatting and visiting. There is no doubt that each one of them enriched my experience in Zambia, in some big ways; in many smaller, quieter moments; and in ways they will surely never realize.

Through their example I have witnessed: kindness, grace, patience, generosity, strength, compassion, wisdom, humility and the list goes on. I cherish, appreciate and admire each of them and know without even one of them, this experience would not have been the same.

When it came time to say goodbye to Zambia, leaving the people we met was by far the most difficult part. As I continue to reflect on and remember them and all of our incredible experiences, I will always think of this very unique and special group of people and all of the things I learned from them.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, located in southern Africa on the Zambezi River between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe, are some of the largest in the world. They are almost twice the height of Niagara Falls at over 1,300 feet and they are over 5,500 feet wide.

The Falls was one of the first places we visited on our trip, and the sound of rushing water and views were spectacular. May is the end of the rainy season in Africa and the water levels at the Falls were very high, so we could barely see the Falls themselves. But due to the spray and mist, which during the rainy season can be seen from up to 30 miles away, we were surrounded by gorgeous rainbows.

We walked all through and around the Falls and were  absolutely drenched. Brian wisely opted for the raincoat and so did Kathryn and Jerry and most of the rest of our group (more on that later). After touring the Falls, we sat up at the top where it was peaceful, warm and lush, drying ourselves out and soaking it all in.

Slideshow, Take 2

Home visit

We went to an area known as "the compound," where many of the children who attend St. Francis live. We had been at the school earlier that morning handing out M&Ms, so our group drew a lot of enthusiastic attention from the kids. We had twenty to thirty children following us as we walked, asking for "sweets," holding our hands, many laughing and posing for photos.

As one might expect, the living conditions at the compound are very sparse -- one-room shacks with dirt floors, no running water or electricity, make-shift furniture, no luxuries.

What I didn't expect to find was the strong sense of love and community I felt there. And all of the people who greeted us with smiles, shook our hands and were proud to introduce their families and welcome us into their homes. I can honestly say that in all of our experiences with the Zambian people, I will never forget how incredibly open, gracious and unassuming they are.

The visit to the compound really affected all of us, in a lot of different ways. I still think about it and I know there is more to gain from the experience but for now I'll just say it definitely helped me recognize that: people actually need very little to exist and be content; I shouldn't take anything I have for granted; and I should learn to embrace and find joy in all of the small moments because many times, those are the ones that matter the most.

Back to Class

Our visit to the classrooms at St. Francis Secondary School was very interesting but also, in many ways, provided some unique insights into the Zambian lifestyle and culture. In addition to the new science labs--this photo was taken in the brand-new chemistry lab, I believe--we also toured the math room and home economics class room, which I personally found the most fascinating.

Home economics class is meant to teach life skills, and when I took it in high school we learned how to cook and sew, amongst other things. The home ec coursework at St. Francis didn't appear to be much different, with the exception of the bathtub in the classroom that we were told is used to demonstrate how to bathe an infant. 

There were also graphic diagrams posted, such as these, which teach students how to wash clothes properly, the parts of a sewing machine and the tools needed to sew.

Nutrition Center Part 2

A few more photos and memories from our afternoon at the Nutrition Center. I am trying to figure out how to post an album on here and once I do, I will let you all know!

While we were waiting to serve lunch, we spent time playing and talking with the kids. Dan, who traveled with our group and was a student of Father Wayne's (Kathryn's uncle), taught the kids a game - the one where you put your hands on top of the other person's palms and you have to jerk them away before your hands get slapped. There was a group of children around Dan at the nutrition center and pretty much everywhere we went. The kids adored him.

Aunt Jane and Kathryn scooped the hot beans and n'shima out of large pots. We made about 50 plates and helped to serve lunch to the kids.

 Lots of smiles! All of the children were so patient and curious and well-behaved. Spending time with them is one of my favorite memories from Zambia. Thanks for reading!