Refresh

This week I went to Zambia. My passport will soon be out of pages. This is kind of an awesome problem to have. It’s always been a dream to have a passport completely full of memories. I just feel real blessed to have the opportunity to travel and be a part of God’s plan to reach the nations. Just this week I interacted with people from at least ten different nations. My culture-loving heart is very full.

So let me tell you about my adventure to Zambia. First off, I was kinda terrified. Apparently in my mind somehow spending two days in a plane to travel halfway across the world by myself, not knowing what’s on the other side, is less terrifying than taking taxis by myself in Africa. Turns out neither is really that frightening. I was able to meet up with an SBU Intercultural Studies team (Kailyn and Jamee if you know them).

Zambezi River

Ever since I saw Niagara Falls and heard there was something bigger I’ve always wanted to see Victoria Falls. Yes, I just flew to Victoria Falls and spent 6 days in Zambia… but no I still have not really seen the falls haha. Didn’t really have time to go visit the official parks since I spent my time at New Day Orphanage with Kailyn and Jamee. I had my first walk-across-the-border experience – and it was a pretty beautiful experience. The bridge over the Zambezi river is full of mist from the falls and has incredible views in all directions. The reflections from all the water create a beautiful double rainbow over the rushing river.

The Falls in the distance

I traded a hair tie, an apple, and some spare change for a wooden carved hippo at the border. That’s a pretty funny story involving a nice old man who kept me from being bothered by other salespeople and walked with me all the way to immigration. But in efforts of keeping this short you’ll have to ask me about all these stories another time. After arriving in Zambia I went to the grocery store with the New Day Orphanage staff and there were literally tears in my eyes. Not sure if I was just overwhelmed with the variety of stuff, just so happy to see canned food and a variety of snacks… or even just still overwhelmed with the realization that these were really the first Americans I’ve seen since January 10th.

Reading in the library

At New Day I am so grateful to have had just a small taste of American culture. I was able to speak using cultural references no one gets in Harare, I ate Mexican food, and I quoted my way through the Princess Bride while watching it with staff. I didn’t realize how badly my soul needed a refresh of familiarity until it happened. It also was wonderful to have a bunch of little kids to play with. This really could not have happened at a better time. I’m pretty sure I would have passed my breaking point just in simple cultural stresses if I hadn’t had a chance to see another American. Now I am refreshed and recharged and so excited to be back in Zimbabwe. I have just moved into my new home and gotten my car all sorted out so that I am “now free to move about the country” as that one airline says.

Happy birthday to you!

Learning points:

• I had a pretty big breakthrough in confidence this week. I did enough walking around and across borders by myself and rode enough taxis alone to get over any fear and uneasiness I had about that.
• God is always there. Looking back, I can see how he placed so many total strangers in my life to make this trip flow smoothly and make me feel safe. From the old man at the border to meeting someone who knows my uncle to the kind man at a convenience store that fed me and let me hide from annoying guys asking for money while I waited for a bus… God’s hand was in all of this even when I forgot to ask for it.