Final Reflection

Dear Future Participant,

I was honestly a bit nervous before going to Zambia. I had never traveled this far from the U.S. and I really didn’t know what to expect. Everyone said we needed to be open minded and have our comfort zone tested everyday. While this was true, I’ve never felt more comfortable before. Even in what I would view as uncomfortable situations in the U.S., like being dropped off in an unknown place by a taxi, it was manageable in Zambia. The people are kind and willing to help if you need it. This can be crossing the road, asking for directions, and even making nshima in Abundant Life for group dinner. Life is simpler in Zambia. It is slower but people are also more patient. Zambians have their priorities straight. They value social relationships and are rich with them. On the weekends, the streets change from being lively with vendors to being empty. Everything stops for family time. Walking outside on a Sunday, you will hear loud sermons come from churches all day. It is very refreshing being around people who are so passionate about their community relationships.

So onto the tips. My first tip is to journal. You will have so many new experiences in such a short time. I think it is the best way to remember it all. It does not take long to write about it. One member of our trip even made Vlogs occasionally. If you had asked me before whether or not I’d write in Zambia, I would have laughed. I’ve never journaled in my life. But since there is so much to write about in Zambia, it is definitely worth giving it a try. My second tip is to enjoy the delicious food and culture while you can. I did not eat much nshima during my home stay since my host mom prefered rice, but towards the end of the trip, I ate it at every opportunity. Being back in the U.S., I already miss it.

My final tip is to practice your nyanja before you go. In our pre departure seminar in the spring and the first week of Zambian culture class, we learned a little nyanja but it didn’t stick. I would really recommend mastering basic greetings. Although most Zambians know at least a little english, they loved when we would try to practice nyanja with them. For the small effort it takes to learn this, it is definitely worth it. Good luck on the adventure ahead of you! I hope you have as wonderful of an experience as I did.