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!

Our Visit to the Nutrition Center

We visited a local nutrition center, which has a similar function to a soup kitchen in the U.S. Mothers bring their children here for a hot lunch, some traveling several miles by foot and for many, this will be their families' only meal that day.

We helped serve the lunch, which consisted of beans and n'shima. N'shima is a staple food in Zambia and is typically made with ground maize. It has a starchy texture, thicker than mashed potatoes, and is rolled up and used as a utensil to pick up and eat the rest of the meal. Older siblings sat with the younger ones on their laps and fed them from their own plates. Their mothers sat off to the side, many nursing infants or talking amongst themselves.

 

The kids loved getting their pictures taken so we have many more photos that I will post soon, but I couldn't resist sharing this sweet little face.

A Smile for Your Day

This one of Mary's 3 daughters, Nomsa, who we met while we were at the Franciscan mission in Kitwe. She is 8 and a student at the St. Francis School.

Mary works with Brother Tony at the mission and during our stay there, she took a great amount of time and care making sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed.

She also took our group shopping at the market, to see the compound where many of the St. Francis school students and their families live and answered our endless questions, always with kindness and patience.

Brother Tony sent this photo of Nomsa with a note: "Let her give you a smile for your day." She did. I hope she does the same for you.