It seems that the closer I get to finally leaving for Africa, the more I learn about it. I am grateful and blessed to know many people so willing to share experience with me. There are so many different aspects to taking an international trip, especially a mission trip in Africa. I received my travel visa the other day, a document that allows me double entry into the country as a volunteer worker. Without this document I would not be able to attend this trip. When I opened my passport and saw the official stamp from the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia joy and relief and excitment overwhelmed my every thought. At my school we have been running a drive (fundraiser) to collect items we need to bring to Malole for the High School. We have also been having meetings to prepare ourselves for the environment we will be immersing ourselves in. The lifestyle that the Zambians live is one that none of us (myself included) are accustomed to. The possibility of not having water, all different types of wild animals, no control in regard to temperature, sicknesses and diseases, as well as diet and hygiene differences. This trip is all about discovering and learning a new culture and then helping to improve it; to enhance the natural beauty and unique quality of this community. On this trip, we will be rebuilding dormitories in St. Francis High School, we will be painting classrooms, organizing the library, attending mass, and helping out in the classroom with English and math and computers and more!
I have no words to describe how appreciative I am for the chance to finally give something back to community who needs it. I am lucky to wake up everyday and be able to shower, eat, drive, go to a school with heat and air conditioning. I am lucky to wake up everyday with both of my parents alive and neither suffering from AIDs. I am lucky to wake up everday and not have immense worries bearing down on me. Most of all, however, I am grateful that I have the opportunity to travel to Zambia and meet extraordinary people with a motivational story and an inspirational philosophy on life.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
19 DAYS!
I remember counting down 150 days until departure for Zambia and now there are only 19 short days until I board a plane to take a trip that will change my life and hopefully the lives of many others. It seems so surreal that 19 days from now I will be riding in a bus from Lusaka to Malole, 19 days from now I will be building walls at St. Francis High School, 19 days from now I will be watching Victoria Falls and observing wildlife at Chobe in Botswana, and 19 days from now I will be singing and dancing with beautiful, kind, intelligent children who appreciate everything they have in spite of everything they don't.
June 15, 2010 9:30 p.m. I will depart on a plane from Logan Airport (in Boston, MA) and with a short lay over in London, I will arrive in Lusaka (the capital of Zambia) at 6:20 a.m. on June 17, 2010. June 15 is barely weeks away(only 19 days!) and I feel like just yesterday I handed in my deposit to a secure a spot on this trip. Months of anticipation, preparation and excitement will soon be over and the three and a half weeks I spend in Africa will go by faster than I ever expected they would. I hope that on this trip I learn that all the hype and excitement was worth it to see one smile, to give one moment of my time, to give a tennis ball to a young boy or a doll to a young girl. I hope with everything in me that on this trip I can help someone, truly help someone and maybe make a difference in their life.
June 15, 2010 9:30 p.m. I will depart on a plane from Logan Airport (in Boston, MA) and with a short lay over in London, I will arrive in Lusaka (the capital of Zambia) at 6:20 a.m. on June 17, 2010. June 15 is barely weeks away(only 19 days!) and I feel like just yesterday I handed in my deposit to a secure a spot on this trip. Months of anticipation, preparation and excitement will soon be over and the three and a half weeks I spend in Africa will go by faster than I ever expected they would. I hope that on this trip I learn that all the hype and excitement was worth it to see one smile, to give one moment of my time, to give a tennis ball to a young boy or a doll to a young girl. I hope with everything in me that on this trip I can help someone, truly help someone and maybe make a difference in their life.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Facts about The Republic of Zambia
The country Zambia is bordered by Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Zimbabwe and a few other African countries. Zambia is a little larger than Texas and its landscape is for the most part savanna. Zambia is also home to Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world, which is a waterfall (its "local name" is Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning The Smoke That Thunders).
Zambia's economy has experienced much growth especially with a rebound in copper prices and maize crops however it still needs work. Despite the growing economy Zambia still suffers from serious poverty. In Zambia only 2.3% of the population is over 65, compared to a 13% in America. Out of 1,000 live births, 99.92 Zambian infants die opposed to the 6.14 in America. The people of Zambia suffer not only from diseases including malaria and typhoid fever but also HIV/AIDS, the most devastating of all. In Zambia there are 1.1 million people living with AIDS and 56,000 deaths. But AIDS does not just make a victim of the body it destroys, this disease makes a victim of the family. Children are often orphaned because parents have died from AIDS. This trend does not tend to support eduction and while around 80% of Zambia is literate (able to read and write) the total number of years a student can expect to attend a school is 7. In America, a student can expect to be in school for up to (or more than) 16 years.
Zambia is a very interesting and very unique African country. There is alot to learn, so for more facts check out: CIA-The World Factbook
Zambia's economy has experienced much growth especially with a rebound in copper prices and maize crops however it still needs work. Despite the growing economy Zambia still suffers from serious poverty. In Zambia only 2.3% of the population is over 65, compared to a 13% in America. Out of 1,000 live births, 99.92 Zambian infants die opposed to the 6.14 in America. The people of Zambia suffer not only from diseases including malaria and typhoid fever but also HIV/AIDS, the most devastating of all. In Zambia there are 1.1 million people living with AIDS and 56,000 deaths. But AIDS does not just make a victim of the body it destroys, this disease makes a victim of the family. Children are often orphaned because parents have died from AIDS. This trend does not tend to support eduction and while around 80% of Zambia is literate (able to read and write) the total number of years a student can expect to attend a school is 7. In America, a student can expect to be in school for up to (or more than) 16 years.
Zambia is a very interesting and very unique African country. There is alot to learn, so for more facts check out: CIA-The World Factbook
Monday, May 24, 2010
"Imiti Ikula e Mpanga"
In the language of Chibemba the saying "imiti ikula e mpanga" literally translated means "small trees will someday make a forest." This saying applies to the children becoming the future. I chose this Zambian phrase to be the title of my blog because I think it shows a beautiful insight into the culture of Zambia.
Learning a language is a good way to introduce oneself to a culture, and when traveling to foreign countries it shows the local people that you, as a visitor, have genuine care and made a true effort to understand their lifestyle. With that in mind, I am making a sincere effort to learn the language of Chibemba. Here are a few basic sayings:
Learning a language is a good way to introduce oneself to a culture, and when traveling to foreign countries it shows the local people that you, as a visitor, have genuine care and made a true effort to understand their lifestyle. With that in mind, I am making a sincere effort to learn the language of Chibemba. Here are a few basic sayings:
- Mwapoleni- Hello(anytime of day)
- Mulishani? - How are you?
- Ndifye bwino. - I am well
- Natotela mukwai - Thank you
Check in soon for more, I'm excited to start writing about this incredible life experience and I hope you learn a little bit too!
Sendamenipo mukwai! (Good Night!)
About this Blog
This blog is my personal journal of a mission trip that I will be taking to Zambia (a country in Africa) over the summer 2010. Here you will find information about Zambia, the Zambian culture, the mission trip and more!
In today's society it is important for everyone to put forth as much effort as possible to help cultivate and support cultures and communities of the world. I hope that from this blog every reader can learn a little something about a different way of life and feel inspired to engage with people all over the world and help someone in a unique and personal way!
There are many opportunities to volunteer and help people, look for a way to reach out in your community!
In today's society it is important for everyone to put forth as much effort as possible to help cultivate and support cultures and communities of the world. I hope that from this blog every reader can learn a little something about a different way of life and feel inspired to engage with people all over the world and help someone in a unique and personal way!
There are many opportunities to volunteer and help people, look for a way to reach out in your community!
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