A fresh start with a new semester

So…today Victoria and I were catching up outisde, enjoying the sunny day, and having a good time, when we decided to go inside the H.E.L.C. Upon our arrival, Victoria wanted to check out everybodies blogs. Bringing back great memories, we couldn’t help but ponder why all of us haven’t been keeping up to date? I still think about all of our adventures, trials, tribulations, successes, and can’t help to wonder where has it all gone? I wanted to read the impacts this trip had on the reast of our team, but they’re not posted. Still, I want to share that, daily, I think about the change that was brought about in me.
I don’t want to lose sight of “banja” and disconnect with the ties that were so strongly bound together. Hopefully, we can all stay true to our paths, and never lose each other in the process… So with a new fresh start this semester lets reconnect what we’ve lost over the summer and catch up on the good times and reflect over the bad like families do–like a LEGIT BANJA

With love,
Dino and Victoria

Other thoughts about our trip

On the day that the group split up and our group went to the village, I had a blast. It was hard not to have the rest of the group around, that’s for sure. But as a smaller group we got to do things that we would not have had the opportunity to do had the whole group been there.
For starters, we got to meet the Chief. Regardless of what Brittney says, he was a just a normal looking guy. He was wearing a collared shirt and slacks with tennis shoes. I was nervous when we got to the “palace”, which was really just a house, because the chief’s attendant had to come talk to us before we could even come into the perimeter of the palace. We waited for the attendant to come back and then followed him to the gazebo type thing. I was looking for a tribal chief with war paint and possibly a head dress, but some how this chief in normal clothes intimidated me more!
We went into the gazebo and had been instructed that we could not sit and had to bow in front of the chief. So we waited for Mathias and Chris to bow so that we could follow their lead. We literally bowed on to one knee, clapped three times and had to say something. It was INSANE. Never in my life would have thought that one day I was going to be bowing for an African Chief. After we talked to the chief and got a tour and a gift of chickens, we left the palace. We were also informed that had it been a bigger group, we would not have been allowed to see the Chief, we were really lucky.
Another thing that happened that day, was right before we were about to leave. A girl that had asked Chelsea to be her pen pal, asked if she could show us her dormitory. The group, minus Russell, got to walk to the dormitory and look around. Had it been the whole group of twenty, we would not have been able to go in to the dorm and look around. This girl was so proud to be able to show us her dorm that she shared with many other girls, and we were so happy to be able to go with her. When we left the clean and simple dorm room, she told Chelsea she even wanted us to come see her house, but we were already running behind schedule and having to run back the the land cruisers as it was.
This was honestly one of my favorite days, other than the first day at the Lundazi Basic School when we got to play with the kids.
-Jessica

Coming back to America was a strange and hard task. I knew that there would be some adjusting to do and habits to break, but I never knew that my view of the people around me would have changed so much. In Africa, we learned to go with the flow and appreciate the accommodations we are fortunate enough to have. We quickly became accustomed to the Zambian way of life—smiling through the rough times and truly savoring the good times for a blessing that they are. Stepping off the airplane into Rick Husband International, I was bombarded with individuals who didn’t go through what we did, individuals who will never experience or know the hardships we came face-to-face with. That’s a hard thing to adjust to because with our change of mind, we would only hope that others would experience it as well—but that has become our task. Over the next months, we have been charged with sharing the stories and images of those we came into contact with to illustrate what is continuing to unfold even after our departure.
It seems surreal—only weeks ago I was sitting in Zambia, soaking in the culture while interacting with the most amazing people I have come into contact with. Only weeks ago, my life changed—only weeks ago, my perspective was altered. Those weeks will turn into months, those months into years, but the memories will continue to burn into my conscience. I constantly find myself checking the time figuring the seven-hour time difference to figure what those in Zambia would be doing at that very moment. In these hours, I reflect on how my life has changed—how those seven hours of difference truly shaped me into a different person. My body may have adjusted to the time change, but my heart is still set on Zambian time. I left my heart in Zambia and know that with each beat, it works to bring me closer to helping each person I met.

-Kirk

Patience 
Today was a blast, just like every other day has been!! We went to work on the latrines again today but when we got there we had to wait for someone to unlock the door so we could get the daga (cement) out of the store room but somehow we waited for two hours and the key never came! It’s really funny how everyone is so relaxed here. We always call it Zambia time because it doesn’t seem like anyone is ever worried about being on time or keeping to a schedule. So anyways, while we were waiting for the lost key my little friend I met the other day named Patience came up to me and we were talking (she’s 5 by the way and the cutest thing I have ever seen!) and then I asked her if she wanted to draw me a picture in my book that I had. She nodded with a precious little grin so she sat on my lap and I got out my book and she drew pictures for me the rest of the time we were there, it was so awesome. After she got done drawing me a flower, an apple, a banana, a tree, and of course her I went to go get my camera I think but on the way to my bag she sang me a song and it was so so sweet  I gave her my necklace that I have been wearing, I made it when I was at a church camp, it is three bandanas braided together with a cross. She thought that was really special when I put it on her. I’m glad I was able to leave a piece of me with her. She will always be on my heart!  I love the people of Lundazi!!!

Wow – I miss Africa. Not all the time, but little things will remind me of something we did. Just getting together with my “banja”, my family/the other Africa Ambassadors, makes we wish we were all back in Africa in our little group. But we are home and blessed to return to our amazing country, The United States of America. In my own personal opinion, we are blessed to be returning to the great state of Texas. If there is one thing I learned in Africa, it is to be proud of where I come from and feel blessed that I was born in such a wonderful place.
I am still deconstructing the trip in my mind and one of the Poland Ambassadors told me today, that I will still feel like that a year from now.
What I have come up with so far is that Africa was wonderful, amazing, beautiful, stunning and incredible. The people of Zambia are some of the kindest people I have met. They love each other, love visitors, love their country and love God. We could all take even a small ounce of the love the Zambians have and it will make us better people. I hope that eventually people here at home will see the change that has taken place in my heart and my mind. I think may things to myself almost daily now that we have returned.
One is that I can change one life even if I can’t change every life. Any small or big thing I can do daily for those around me that makes their life a better one, is worth it. In Zambia, I may not have been able to feed every starving child everyday, but I can give two or three children my uneaten fruit and feed them for that moment, even if it is just that moment. I may not be able to daily be able to call every child I met and tell them how special they are, but I can tell one child and maybe they will remember that even now that I am gone. I can also start here at home, where I work at Kids Kollege, I can make sure that every child feels special and loved at the time that they are at school at least.
Another thing that I tell myself is something that Russell told us, “You can do anything for a day”. Whenever I am thinking that something is so miserable, boring or hard, I think to myself that I can do anything for a while because one day I won’t be doing it anymore. The refugees in Africa had to go through much worse than I even will have to do, God willing. I, Jessica Rejon, can do anything for today.
I love Zambia. I miss Zambia. I can still make a difference in Zambia and in the lives of other in general. I am so thankful that I was chosen to have the opportunity. Thank you everyone who supported us.
-Jessica

Of the fifteen day journey to, through, and from Africa; one little girl especially stood out to me. Her name was Elimas, and she was in grade six. She had to of been the sweetest girl I had ever met. I talked with her for awhile and she shared with me her dreams and life’s ambitions, and I thought WOW. I was completely taken back by how big they were and how passionate she was about achieving them. I’m not exactly sure what I expected her to say when I asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, but I didn’t expect that she’d say that she wanted to be a doctor. And it wasn’t just the fact that she wanted to be a doctor that startled me, it was that she had a plan. She told me that she wanted to finish her schooling in Zambia and go to college in the United States; after that she planned to work a couple of years in the U.S., just for practice. After she felt that she was fully capable and qualified, she would come back to her village and help people with AIDS. I guess I expected her to not really have a plan to achieve her goals, but when she illustrated her roadmap to me; I was really proud of her. At that moment I realized that she was just like any of us, and I felt bad for assuming less of her, and I think that that was a major reality check for me.
I imagine that everyone who attended this trip had a certain point of realization, that they were in Africa, and that was definitely mine. From that point on, for the rest of the time we were in Africa, I had a completely different way of seeing things and seeing life.
-Brittney

This trip was more than I could ever imagine. I’m truly honored to have had such a wonderful life changing experience, and to have spent it with the most amazing people. It’s better for me to explain what this trip means to me, by explaining how it’s it changed me since I’ve been back.
I’ve learned a lot about people in general and I’ve learned a lot about myself as well. This trip has taught me everything from saving money, to being who I truly am, to appreciating all that I have, and to being more of a blessing to others. This trip has really made me realize how blessed I really am, and that “we are blessed to be a blessing”. I have been given so much in my life and now it’s up to me to return those favors. I am a firm believer in the saying “everything happens for a reason”. It was said on many occasions during this trip that it was no coincidence that we were all chosen together, and it truly wasn’t. You only have one life to live, and I plan to live a purposeful one. I’m not just going to sit around and let life pass me by. I want to have an impact on someone else’s life, just as the country and the people of Zambia have had on mine. This trip was definitely needed at this point in my life. Not a moment sooner, nor later. It was perfect.
-Brittney
I really did not have a single moment that i will not ever forget…
its several little moments for me. Since I was behind the camera most of the time or just looking for that one amazing shot, at times it didn’t feel like i was too involved. But, I was wrong. Even though I didn’t teach, we were there doing our part of the trip (the documentary). From watching the freshman students teaching to handing out misquito nets, it was amazing watching them grow and experience what this trip was all about. I never had that huge experience that changed my life forever. It was the little moments that changed the way I think and experience things back home. I’ll never forget that experience because little things always remind me of Lundazi. I’m a changed and about to graduate from college wishing I had this kind of experience as a freshman. I will always support WT Readership because it changed my life completely.

-Johnny

Now that I am home, everything feels totally different than it did when I left for the trip. When I got home, it felt weird having to deal with time again. While in Zambia, we didn’t ever worry about being on time anywhere. It is hard trying to get to class on time. The first weekend we were back, I felt really sick, but I am thinking it was just being extremely exhausted from the trip and just needed time to get some sleep. That whole next week people kept asking me how the trip was. But one thing that made me mad was when they would start walking away right after I said it was amazing. I have a lot to tell about the trip and it just seems like no one cares. It was nice to talk to my family because they really wanted to sit down and listen.
Now that I am back there is so much I want to do. I just want to tell everyone about my experiences and try to get them to see it through my eyes. I feel like if they understand how I feel they would be more willing to do something to help. It was just so sad to see all the families leave without mosquito nets, and that is what I want to work on while here. I hope we are able to raise a lot of funds to be able to send back to Zambia to help out. Africa was amazing and I hope to go back someday and build on what this group started.
-Joel

Coming back to America was a strange and hard task. I knew that there would be some adjusting to do and habits to break, but I never knew that my view of the people around me would have changed so much. In Africa, we learned to go with the flow and appreciate the accommodations we are fortunate enough to have. We quickly became accustomed to the Zambian way of life—smiling through the rough times and truly savoring the good times for a blessing that they are. Stepping off the airplane into Rick Husband International, I was bombarded with individuals who didn’t go through what we did, individuals who will never experience or know the hardships we came face-to-face with. That’s a hard thing to adjust to because with our change of mind, we would only hope that others would experience it as well—but that has become our task. Over the next months, we have been charged with sharing the stories and images of those we came into contact with to illustrate what is continuing to unfold even after our departure.
It seems surreal—only weeks ago I was sitting in Zambia, soaking in the culture while interacting with the most amazing people I have come into contact with. Only weeks ago, my life changed—only weeks ago, my perspective was altered. Those weeks will turn into months, those months into years, but the memories will continue to burn into my conscience. I constantly find myself checking the time figuring the seven-hour time difference to figure what those in Zambia would be doing at that very moment. In these hours, I reflect on how my life has changed—how those seven hours of difference truly shaped me into a different person. My body may have adjusted to the time change, but my heart is still set on Zambian time. I left my heart in Zambia and know that with each beat, it works to bring me closer to helping each person I met.
-Kirk

Johnny Story
This has been an amazing experience that I will never forget. I just can’t believe this is our last day in Lundazi. We are trying to make the best with what little time we have left here.
As a student film maker this experience has been tough at times. The hot weather is a challenge that I’ll never forget. Even though these challenges may be difficult, the footage that we have captured has been a life changing experience. I can’t wait to start editing once we get back home.
I finally get what this whole experience is all about. The blessings of education and even our culture is forgotten at times. Its sad that we have to travel to Zambia to realize these things.
I can’t wait to see all the faces I miss back home. I love you guys and we will be seeing each other soon!

Whenever I got on the plane to leave for Africa, I still was not prepared for what we were going to experience. It still had not hit me yet that I was truly going to Africa, a dream that I have had for my whole life. This trip was truly life-changing and I hope to be able to experience it again someday, hopefully soon.
I really don’t want to go into detail like I did in my journal because that would end up taking me the whole flight to write it so I will write a very condensed version. What I noticed the whole time we were in Zambia, no matter if we were in Lundazi, the safari lodge, or even just passing through a town or village, everyone was very welcoming and willing to share what they had, even if it was very little. One point in the whole trip seemed to sum that up for me. When we went to a school that the school building was just two small rooms, and they didn’t have any school supplies to teach with they were very sharing of what little possessions they had. At the closing of the time there, Russell asked me if I would help him receive something that the school was giving us. The school gave us a “shoat” in appreciation of us giving them mosquito nets and teaching them about malaria and HIV/AIDS. We did not deserve. It reminded me a lot of the story in the Bible when the old lady went to give her offering to Jesus and the disciples of only two coins. The disciples blew it off like it was nothing because everyone else had been bringing bags and bags of coins. But Jesus said that it was the greatest gift out of them all because it was all she had. This was the same way. With it being rainy season, it is famine time for the people in Zambia, so they had very little to begin with. But they were so pleased to have us there; they wanted to give us livestock, which they could have used for many things.
This trip really showed me what I had been taking for granted. I had always seen the commercials about the orphans in Africa but had never done anything except for changing the channel so I didn’t have to feel guilty. Being able to go and see the orphans for myself and seeing firsthand what the Zambians have to go through, I want to do everything in my power to help them out. I am just scared that when I go back no one will want to listen to what I have to say or they will just want to hear the short version of the trip and I will not be able to make much of a difference.
I had a wonderful time and hope to be able to go back someday and do it again!!!
Joel

“The luck of inequality” -Dr. Russell Lowery Hart

Since arriving home, I have experienced a lot of guilt and frustration. Guilt that I had to leave the Zambians in the very same condition that they were in when we went, while I got to return home to my comfortable lifestyle, and frustration with the indifference of the Americans to our experience in Africa. My family and friends all asked me when I got home, “Oh, how was your trip, Chelsea?!!” Like we discussed in our last class, I don’t think they really care or want to hear about my trip. I feel like everyone just feels obligated to ask and puts on a fake interested smile. Maybe a few people, like my mom and grandma, actually wanted to hear all about it, and I mean ALL about it! Other than that, I have gotten to the point where I just respond with, “It was truly indescribable and I am changed by what I have seen.” This seems to be a good enough answer for everyone and you can see the sigh of relief in their faces when they realize that you aren’t going to blab on for ages with every little detail of the experience. Some people have told me that I seem more withdrawn since I’ve been home, but I think that I am just taking everything in and recollecting my experience- slowing down my pace of life. It is hard adjusting back to the fast-paced, mainstream lifestyle in America. I miss being on ‘Zambian time,’ where people aren’t in such a rush to get as much done in a day as humanly possible, but actually take time to enjoy life. I remember one night seeing a local just sitting on the porch of the guest house, watching the rain and relaxing. I can’t remember the last time I did that, or felt like I had the time to do that. One thing that I have realized is that I need to make time for my God and myself. To slow down the pace of my life and enjoy the many blessings God has given me!
-Chelsea

 

defining moments…

There are a couple of things that really stood out to me about the locals of Lundazi, those being their commitment and their persistence. One day while traveling the infamous roads of Zambia in our land cruiser, a couple of us started talking about how we missed the food back home and proceeded to name all of the restaurants and types of foods we were craving. Of course, mine was chocolate! I hadn’t had a single piece since I had arrived and I think I was going through withdrawals at this point. Melina, one of the members of Rising Fountains, must have felt bad for me (the pitiful American who can’t go a day without such a luxury as chocolate) and told me that the next day she would take me to the one store in Lundazi that sold chocolate. I said okay, not really thinking that she would remember or even care enough to take me to get a chocolate bar on her precious time, because that is what I have come to expect from people living in America. People in Africa are different. In America, people say they will do things all the time, and never actually mean it- almost like they are just trying to make conversation or make the person they are talking to feel better at the time. Sure enough, the very next day Melina shows up to take me to the store that sells chocolate. I wasn’t expecting it at all, in fact, I had forgotten all about it! She walked all the way to the guest house from the Rising Fountains office to take me, then walked me back to the guest house and proceeded on to her own house. I was no inconvenience to her, although I felt like I was. The locals loved to do things for us, and their serviceable attitude inspires me.

Another day, we split off into two groups and mine went to a catholic school to teach our AIDS and malaria lessons. While in the middle of their ceremony for us (one of many we sat through- just goes to show how happy they were that we were there; even though we went to serve them, they served us even more), a girl about my age kept tapping me on the shoulder. I turned around and she motioned for me to come and talk to her. I had to tell her that I couldn’t get up and leave in the middle of the ceremony, but right after she made sure to catch me before I left and asked if I would be her pin pal. I felt bad because I didn’t have a pen to write down my address and noticed my group leaving me so I had to run. She looked disappointed, but as we were about to get back on the land cruiser to go back, she ran up to me and said that she had found a pen and paper. While I was writing down my address, she had the biggest smile on her face. We exchanged addresses and she told me that she would be waiting on me to write her.

Another story that follows the theme of persistence: One of the local boys was really interested in learning from me and was very persistent in understanding if he didn’t, but when he was trying to teach me some of the words in their language, I didn’t even attempt to learn. I just merely laughed without trying. He called me out on it, that I was laughing and not learning and that he had repeated himself many times and I didn’t seem to care. I felt very bad because I felt like I dishonored him and his language. That boy has remained in my heart and gives me persistence when I feel like giving up on something,…like these last four weeks of school! The Zambians are truly remarkable people. It is hard, if not impossible, to find people with such a spirit anywhere else. I miss them.
-Chelsea

 

Returning Home

Well, here we are at the end of trip. This is a bitter sweet ending because I am absolutely ecstatic to be going home, well at least to Canyon which is a second home. However, I am sad to be going home, back to the life of a college student when I have been in Africa for the last two weeks immersing myself in the Zambian culture.
Zambia was of course, fantastically amazing. I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world. I would keep every cold shower, every muggy night, every bump in the road because the outcome would not have been the same. I have changed, but I haven’t changed. Going back to school will be frustrating, how I can possibly talk to anyone casually when I have spent the last two weeks with twenty people who have become my banja, my family. No matter how hard going home will be it; it’s inevitable – especially since we are on the plane from London to Dallas right now.
All of us will adjust to going back to everyday life, but hopefully I won’t adjust back into my normal self. I feel like I have a chance to make a change in the lives of people around me and people that I will be talking to about the trip. If I don’t impact their feelings or thoughts about the people of Zambia, then maybe I can give one student hope into what could happen in college and the opportunities that you have.
Never would I have thought that I could be a part of a group like the Readership Ambassadors, or go to Zambia the spring break of my freshmen year of college. I am so honored to have been given the opportunity to be a part of this group and I hope that I can live up to at least some of the expectations ahead of me.
All I can say is thank goodness I am over American soil. I will see you all on the ground.
Love, Jessica

My dream has officially come true. Ever since I learned about all the troubles Africa had I always had the desire to go and help. My original plan was to graduate and then save enough money to go and do nursing work. But still I didn’t think I was capable. I didn’t think I was rich enough nor had enough courage to do what I really wanted to do. I didn’t even think I was one of those kids that won essay contests. I didn’t come from a squeaky clean family and I didn’t have the greatest grades in high school. I wasn’t even going to turn in my essay. I wrote it for my IDS class and planned on not thinking about it again. Everyday leading up to the deadline something was tugging at my heart to turn it in. I tried to fight it and kept thinking I was not that student that won essay contests. But, I listened to my heart and turned it in. It is been the best decision I have made so far in my life.
God has blessed me so much with things I do not deserve. I have learned so much from it though. I realized that I am capable of doing big things and that I should never doubt myself no matter what. My dream has come true and I have not even given the effort that I thought doing something like this required. This is only the beginning of what I have learned from this experience. I am way more appreciative of every single little thing in my life: Toilet paper, water, food, a bed, education, my family and friends, my health, my clothes, my air conditioner, and my beautiful country. My perspective has completely changed on life. I can’t even begin to explain it. I have so many thoughts racing through my mind that no one but my ambassador family can understand. No one has seen what we have seen and felt what we have felt. I truly feel like I have become the change. I cannot wait to share what I have seen and learned, even though I know it will be frustrating because no one will quite understand.
When we taught at one of the school I received a letters from two of the students. From that gesture from the students I knew that I had made a difference in at least two people. I know that what I went there do was a success. It gives me hope that I can continue to help others. I hope I can continue to reach out to those kids. I’ve been thinking about them ever since we walked away from the school. I can’t wait to write them back and get letters back. I am so thankful for this whole experience and for what I have learned. I am so ready to be home though!!
Stayce

A Wonderful End to a Life Changing Event
Our time in Africa has ended officially as we head home after 3 long days of travel on bus and plane rides. So many things have happened these last 2 weeks that have not only been life changing but also a bright awakening of the changes we will continue to make from back home. This trip would have never been what it turned out to be if we would have failed as individuals and didn’t go beyond our surroundings to try and make a difference; thankfully we all succeeded and had a huge impact on Rising Fountains and the Lundazi community.
I will never forget all the children I met and all the smiles I encountered while being in Africa. No place, country or community can ever replace the feelings I have for Lundazi and its people. I went on a mission to change lives, make an impact, have my voice heard yet in the end I received the biggest gift of all….I learned, I had my life turn around in those 2 weeks and most of all I made a difference. From Malaria-HIV/AIDS training to just playing with the kids in the neighborhood I learned qualities about myself that I never knew or even worse that I had lost over time without notice. One being I am now a young confident woman that isn’t scared of public speaking for one. LOL….I mean when you’re in the center of two-thousand people giving a Malaria lesson on a hot sunny afternoon with everyone looking up at you expecting to learn something new that plays a big factor. Yet I am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to teach when I was there because the expressions of older men, woman and younger children as they absorbed the knowledge is priceless….just to see with your own eyes that your words and actions have played a factor in saving someone’s life; by letting them know the side-effects of Malaria and teaching them how to properly use a mosquito net.
To say that these two weeks were a piece of cake would be to lie, I’ll be the first to admit that at times it was tough. But it was at those times that I wanted to complain or not give my 100% that I would look at my surroundings and realize that I went to change and if I had to put my feelings aside at times I did because I went to Lundazi for the people. I will never be able to express all the feelings that I experienced in Africa but over time once I have processed more it will all unfold. For now what I can say is that- not one day will go by when I don’t think of those suffering back in Africa and while I’m having the luxuries of being American; it will not be easy and won’t be for awhile to still feel guilty and always want to know why. Why must they suffer…why isn’t anyone else trying to help …for how long will they suffer….so many questions still come to mind and not many answers can be answered by myself or my peers. When I finally do get back home I know that I will not give up the fight to keep helping Lundazi and the local communities. My pledge from this day forward will always be: to remember what I have and always be thankful for being so blessed, to never forget this experience and the change it has brought in my life and last to always and continue to help Africa with whatever and howsoever.
I loved this experience and would never change it for the world. I am thankful for everything I have been blessed with and cannot wait to share my experience with the world, friends and family. Days and days will go by yet my memories of Africa will never fade for they will always be engraved in my heart. I made a promise to go back on the first day we arrived in Lundazi and I plan to keep that promise and fulfill it to the best of my ability as I grow older and wiser of course…haha! So whatever God has planned for me in my future I can’t wait…but till that time comes I already have a plan for myself and I can’t wait what the future will bring for me and my lovely amazing BANJA Ambassadors.
Peace, Love & Africa
Yours Truly
Victoria

Sitting on the airplane on the way back home, this experience seems surreal. It seems like yesterday that I was told that I was going to be the peer leader accompanying the Readership Ambassadors on this trip, and before I knew it, it was over. It’s bizarre to look back on how quickly something so amazing can fly by, but it’s through that reflection that the greatest knowledge and understanding comes.
To say that I am proud of the Ambassadors would be a huge understatement. They faced challenges, heartbreak, and rough living with a smile on their face and a heart full of compassion. I frequently have to remind myself that they are only freshmen. To think of what I was capable of handling at their age, I am continually floored by their maturity and strength.
My biggest challenge with going back to the States is facing the reality of this situation. The days will continue for those we reached out to with or without us. I was talking to some others and they had the same problem as me; the situations we were in seemed like a scene in a movie—when we weren’t there, their problems weren’t there either. It’s hard to swallow, but I keep telling myself that (hopefully) the lessons learned by those we did come into contact with will make their lives different. The goal of everyone on this trip is to save one life, and I have no doubt that has happened. This group is a powerful force; I can’t wait to see what they do upon returning home.
Goodbye Africa. Hello change.

-Kirk

Thoughts

On the road again (actually in the air again, but I don’t know a song about in the air again )
Well, we’re finally on our way home from Zambia and what a ride it has been!  When we first left the Amarillo airport I really had no idea what the trip was going to be like, and neither did anyone else. It took us four days to finally get to Lundazi which was totally crazy! By the time we actually got there it felt like it was already time to go back home, but we hadn’t even gotten started yet. Every day was a new experience for everyone, and a memorable one at that. When we got to the guest house at Lundazi we started off the stay there with an amazing beginning by going out and playing ball with all of the boys that were out in the field. We were all so excited to actually get to interact with people, but we had no idea that we would soon be meeting so many young children and making such strong and personal connections with them.
We had some meetings that we had to get through the first couple of days which kind of bummed everyone out because we felt like we weren’t getting to do anything, but they were necessary and we lived through it. Monday was our first day to go to a school, and it took five hours on a bumpy road to get there! We were all tired and felt disgusting when we finally arrived, but it didn’t matter at all. It was shocking to see how excited everyone was that we were there to see them. The school put on a program for us and we got to experience some of the cultural dances and poems, and they even had us come up and sing a song for them so we all busted out the fight song. 
The days got progressively more exciting because I think it was actually sinking in that we were in Zambia getting to do what we were doing. We talked to a lot of school about AIDS and Malaria and water sanitation, and there were some schools that already knew the information, but it was still awesome to get to interact with them and instill the knowledge. The first time we got split up into our groups and we were going to have to talk about AIDS I kind of took charge and split the groups up and my group went to teach the first and second graders. I was pumped because little kids are my thing, but when I walked into that room I just about froze. I never knew a class of 60 first and second graders could be so intimidating. I gained a HUGE amount of respect for all teachers right then and there because they were pretty crazy little kids and they would just get up and leave and it was so hard to keep them interested, but the hardest thing to me was deciding what to actually tell them about AIDS because I know I wouldn’t want some random people coming and talking to my six year old child about sex and how it causes a terrible disease and all sorts of things so we just kind of talked about what they did know and reinforced it. I was super nervous but then again my group also consisted of three guys and I’m pretty sure they were too so I had to take charge and they said I did really good which made me feel better but I went from feeling completely prepared to feeling like I didn’t know anything about the topics at all. We made it through and the presentations got easier and easier as we went along.
That same day in the afternoon these two girls both named Mary came up to talk to me and said that they wanted to be my friend and I quickly said I wanted to be their friend too so we started talking and they asked for my number but I told them that it cost a lot to call from so far away so I gave them my e-mail and when I was getting my book out to get a piece of paper my pictures fell out so I showed them the pictures of my family and told them about my family and asked them if they wanted to draw a picture in my book and they were so excited. By that time there were about fifteen girls all around us so I went to get a coloring book and crayons so the rest of us could color while they were drawing and while we were coloring I asked the girl beside me what her favorite song was and she told me it was called Best Friend, so I asked her if she would sing it to me. She kind of smiled and nodded and then started singing and every single girl over there joined in and it was so beautiful  I recorded them singing and that is defiantly my favorite song now too!
We went back to this school later in the week to work on the latrines and I saw the girls again and they begged me to come back the next day to see them and so of course I came back with the group to work on the latrines again and I gave them a necklace and I had written them both a letter because they day before they had told me that they had written me a letter. I was not expecting an envelope full of them! They told me in the letters that they were so excited to get to know about me and my family and my country and hoped to come to the United States some day and they also wanted me to know everything about them and their background too which I thought was really cool.
Coming on this trip I wanted to connect with just one person so that I would feel like I made an impact and after talking to these two girls and getting to know a little bit about them and having them so excited to get my address so they could write me a letter I felt like I had defiantly connected with them and I cannot wait to get home and write them. This trip has been absolutely amazing and we grew so close as a group and were all just there for each other which is exactly what it needed to be. I don’t think we could have had a better experience at all.
I absolutely cannot wait to get back home, but I can’t wait to get back so that I can tell everyone about the trip and the children and their lives and how happy they all are, and encourage them to find the good in life like the people of Lundazi did, not look for the bad in situations. Thank you Kendra and Russell for making this trip possible  I had an amazing time and love you both!
Eranne

Whenever I got on the plane to leave for Africa, I still was not prepared for what we were going to experience. It still had not hit me yet that I was truly going to Africa, a dream that I have had for my whole life. This trip was truly life-changing and I hope to be able to experience it again someday, hopefully soon.
I really don’t want to go into detail like I did in my journal because that would end up taking me the whole flight to write it so I will write a very condensed version. What I noticed the whole time we were in Zambia, no matter if we were in Lundazi, the safari lodge, or even just passing through a town or village, everyone was very welcoming and willing to share what they had, even if it was very little. One point in the whole trip seemed to sum that up for me. When we went to a school that the school building was just two small rooms, and they didn’t have any school supplies to teach with they were very sharing of what little possessions they had. At the closing of the time there, Russell asked me if I would help him receive something that the school was giving us. The school gave us a goat in appreciation of us giving them mosquito nets and teaching them about malaria and HIV/AIDS. We did not deserve. It reminded me a lot of the story in the Bible when the old lady went to give her offering to Jesus and the disciples of only two coins. The disciples blew it off like it was nothing because everyone else had been bringing bags and bags of coins. But Jesus said that it was the greatest gift out of them all because it was all she had. This was the same way. With it being rainy season, it is famine time for the people in Zambia, so they had very little to begin with. But they were so pleased to have us there; they wanted to give us livestock, which they could have used for many things.
This trip really showed me what I had been taking for granted. I had always seen the commercials about the orphans in Africa but had never done anything except for changing the channel so I didn’t have to feel guilty. Being able to go and see the orphans for myself and seeing firsthand what the Zambians have to go through, I want to do everything in my power to help them out. I am just scared that when I go back no one will want to listen to what I have to say or they will just want to hear the short version of the trip and I will not be able to make much of a difference.
I had a wonderful time and hope to be able to go back someday and do it again!!!
Joel

Nearing the end

We are on our way home right now and I am really tired. I wish I would have been able to blog more while we were in Africa, but I will be able to use my journal to create more updates on my feelings of while we were there.

Leaving here is a bitter sweet feeling as I am more than ready to be home to tell the stories and share the gifts, but that I am also sad to leave because I feel as if our work here is not finished. Thousands are without mosquito nets, and I feel we need to work towards getting them the nets that they need and deserve. We completed a lot of projects, and I hope to come back to Africa to participate in more projects one day.

This trip was life changing and great, and I am forever in debt to those who made this trip possible. I hope that one day I will be given the opportunity to use what I have learned to help change the world. Let me not make waste of what I have experienced.

Will

We are on our way home now and I think I can speak for most of us when I say we are going to miss Africa and all of the extremely hospitable Zambians that we met and became banja with; however, at the same time we are ready to make it home and begin “filling the air with our words.” Reflecting on the past two weeks, I have realized the ‘luck of inequality,’ as Russell put it one night during circle time. I’m having a hard time swallowing the fact that I was born in the United States, an American, and because of that, I am blessed with many things that others only hope to one day have or dream of having. I am experiencing a lot of guilt in returning home to my comfortable lifestyle and leaving all the Zambians behind, in the same place they were before we went. I want to bring them all back with me but of course, I can’t and it’s truly unfair. Even the Brits that we met in corporation with Rising Fountains told Russell, “Ahh, to be American.” We were all treated like royalty in Africa and even though we were there to serve them, I think they served us more. They were so concerned about our well being and comfort, which in turn, made me even more uncomfortable and guilty. I remember during our training in Lundazi, we were asked to write on a piece of paper one fear and one expectation while there. When Mathias was reading them off to the group, I remember one of the Zambians putting his fear as letting the Americans down and not meeting our expectations and being afraid that we will not return and continue helping. That statement made my heart sink. Seeing how little these people have, yet how happy and faithful to God they are, inspires me to continue helping them when I arrive home and throughout my life. I am hoping to go back and continue my service with Rising Fountains.

Chelsea Killen

I have no clue where to begin telling about what I felt while in Africa. I don’t ever truly show my emotions openly and Africa was no exception, but I had many mixed emotions about what I saw and how everybody reacted to the things we saw. The living conditions of many of the people in the small villages were horrible and seemed hardly fit for any person to live in. However I think it would be foolish for anyone to believe that they should feel sorry for the people who live in such villages because in all honesty they are far richer than any people I have ever known. They are rich in culture and community and family bonds. I was not surprised by the way the people of Zambia reacted to such living conditions because I know that it is what they have always lived with and have been content and happy to have what they do. Anybody who feels they need to go in and just give the Zambians a better life needs to know one thing, If you wish to help then don’t give them handouts and free things but rather teach them how to help themselves, whether this is by giving them the raw materials to build with or teaching them how to protect themselves from diseases. The point is that just by showing them you care enough to help them help themselves, you are empowering them. I never doubted that the people of Zambia would be more than capable to thrive with the little they had, but I know many people who do. I disagree with every person believes that these people are helpless and in need of saving because they are not in any way. The truth is they are more powerful than many people. Not in riches or possessions, but in spirit and the will to thrive in harsh situations. There are very few people I know who could live in small huts like the Zambians and even those few would probably last a very short amount of time in them. Through my experiences I have grown to appreciate not only the Zambians but the power of all people who live in conditions that many people deem unfit. The truth is I envy their spirit and strength. However they are definitely in need of help. They know exactly what they need to do in order to make their lives better, but they lack the resources to do everything they would like to do. That is where the people who are materially more fortunate come in to play. I believe that they should give what they can to help, but also be careful not to jeopardize their own lifestyle. To help the people in countries like Zambia a person should research what local organizations and make the decision to give money or something to the one that they feel will be helpful. By doing this I believe that all the smaller organizations in rural part of such countries will become stronger and more able to help people. While in Zambia our group was given the privilege to work with a small organization called rising Fountains. Rising Fountains is a small organization that works in and around the small town of Lundazi. The staff of Rising Fountains was truly amazing and so helpful and I am very grateful for allowing us to be their helpers in Lundazi and a few villages around it. We did so much work and helped out by teaching awareness for AIDS, Malaria, and water sanitation. The people we taught embraced us as friends, but to my surprise they already knew most of the information we presented. The way we truly helped was by just being there and showing them that there are people in the world that care and want to help. I could type on and on forever telling about the amazing experiences in detail but unfortunately I have to pass on the computer for now. So I will stop by saying that I am truly happy that I was given the chance to go to Zambia by the Readership Program at WT and I appreciate how helpful and kind the people of Zambia were to our group. The group of ambassadors from WT were amazing and I can’t imagine doing this with any other group of people so Thanks to all of you and I hope you continue to grow and help throughout your lives.
Nick Hernandez

Well, unfortunately, our trip has come to an end and we are now on our way home. This trip has been amazingly awesome. It’s kind of weird because now, I can’t even imagine how life would be if I hadn’t gone on it.
My favorite part of the trip was visiting all of the different villages. Each village was like their own community. Some were big and some were small, but they all functioned in the same way; they all looked out for one another and did what they had to do in order to get by. The first time we taught malaria, I was really nervous. It was odd because I have spoken in front of larger groups than the one there, but for some reason, I couldn’t stop panicking. I realized that it was because I had a deeper desire to make a good impression on these people than any other group I’ve ever presented to. We were their only real source of information about the subject. They had no internet where they could just Google it, or even an encyclopedia where they could look it up. We were all they had, and I felt tremendous pressure to make sure that we delivered the information as accurately as possible, and to make sure they clearly understood what we were talking about. The more we presented, the more comfortable I got. But, I was really stunned by how much some people really didn’t understand about the subject. I have to admit that it was rather odd teaching to a group of adults. I would have thought that they’d know more, but they didn’t, and that really was a sad thing to witness. However, throughout all of the presentations, I can honestly say that I feel that every village we visited completely understood the subject, so that really made me feel much better.
Overall the trip as a whole was wonderful. I had a fantastic time. We only left Zambia a day ago and I already feel the difference in my life and my attitude. I have learned so much from the wonderful people of Zambia. They are such kind hearted, generous, and grateful people. They were so welcoming; I felt like I was at home and I had never even been there. Africa is by far the best country I have ever visited and I can’t wait to go back.
Brittney

As I look into the eyes of my peers I see the change that I once feared. Noticing the difference in attitude—my perception of life, I conquer all obstacles down the road—my utmost strife. Seeing the love the people in Zambia have so willingly given, I have no choice to unmask what I have hidden. For too long I have kept a shell, a shell that covers my ability to care for others unconditionally. I have always been an extremely passionate person, but this trip to Africa has put my passion into perspective. Not to say that my other endeavors were unimportant, but they were seemingly small relative to the issues facing the world around us.
What have I learned? Appreciate everything. Do no doubt for “doubt can be a bond as powerful and sustaining as certainty.” I shared with this remarkable group that when I first left, our task seemed hopeless. I doubted everyone, and I doubted everything. However, I am change. Which is ironic…I use to hate change, I hated the idea that people could one day wake up and become a different person. That maybe they were unable to hold onto the personality and their convictions. But now I understand that change is inevitable. It’s a part of life and thus must be treated so. My attitude towards people has changed drastically.
During my best days I am cynical. When at my worst hour, I would throw the Queen of England off Buckingham Palace. Still, seeing the compassion and the dignity, and the ability to care for one another in a seemingly dismal place has altered my identity. The winds have changed. The leaved have turned. The tree has life. A reason to move on.
I admire this group beyond words. Each individual made this trip work. If one person was taking away, we would have failed. They fitted the role. Going back home will be a hard transition because I have grown to love these people. And I don’t say love lightly, any of my friends can attest to that. My Banja has helped me see myself in a light that I turned off. I am deeply appreciative.
For those people who take time out to read this blog, I know I have rambled quite a bit, but to have not would be injustice. I hope to come back and people see a difference in my life.
Dino Griego

I must say the past couple of weeks have been the best in my life. As I look back on all the memories of this extraordinary trip I find it difficult to really express how great this trip really was. Like most, I was skeptical at the beginning. There were way too many unknowns. I didn’t really have a connection with anyone on the trip, and I was going to be outside of the United States for the first time in my life. Throughout my experience, I have grown to be a part of this “Banja”. I’ve worked diligently through thick and thin, with the most amazing people on earth. We all deserved the honorable privilege of this trip and I believe we served our purpose well. I’ve witnessed changes in everyone including myself, and I know we’re going to be better off for it. I never imagined how much of an impact that an individual could have on another until I saw what we did in Zambia. No words can describe the emotions that one felt as we saw smiling faces greeting us every single day. When we would go to the schools or villages everyone would thank us for what we were doing. One thing I noticed from everyone was the fact that not a single one of us expected the high praise we were receiving; we just knew that we were doing what was necessary. There were plenty of times where we could’ve all given up and let the scorching sun drain us, but we neglected thoughts of despair each time a child would simply gaze upon us and smile. There could not have been a better time for me to appreciate my culture. I will miss the Zambians not only for all that we did for them, but for everything they did for us. Our lives were forever changed in Zambia. The lessons we learned will be carried with us all until we die. I do hope to return there someday and see the aftermath of our service-learning. Until that day arrives I will live by this quote, “I’m leaving Zambia not thinking about what I could’ve done to make a difference; but what I can do with the rest of my existence. My only hope is that I can inspire others to witness Zambia through my eyes; to realize the importance of caring for more than just ourselves.
Patrick Miller

I am returning from Zambia with a new perspective on a lot of things: film making, money and possessions, tolerance, faith, hope and love.

First off, I really enjoyed shooting the experience of the Readership Ambassadors. It was amazing to see the beauty of Africa through the viewfinder and have children turn and stare at you on a perfect third like those Feed the Children commercials. I have gained tons of experience in shooting and, when we get home, I’ll be getting even more experience in editing. I hope our video will empower the Readership WT program to continue giving freshman students this opportunity.

I learned that true joy is found in relationships and a sense of community. I am flying home with a much greater respect for the things I have and the opportunities that are available to me; however, I have also learned that “things” aren’t nearly as important as us Americans make them out to be. While I thought I understood that, it still surprised me that people in a developing country like Zambia could be happy without toilets and hot showers.

I have also earned a better understanding of the importance of tolerance. As a white male `woman behind the counter acted like she didn’t see me and I legitimately thought she didn’t until she took Patrick’s order as I was standing right beside him. She then continued to take the orders of the 5 people behind me. When I was the only one left in line, she took my order. About 3 people came in after she got my food and she took their orders and let them pay before she gave me my food. I was unsure what to do in the situation. I felt like I deserved my food just like everyone else (and I did), but so did Rosa Parks and the slaves and the women across history who have only been allowed to speak when spoken to. While I wouldn’t consider myself someone who engages in discrimination, I am sure that my eyes will be more aware of it around me.

Most of all, I have learned about love. I have developed a much stronger sense of global responsibility. I have seen and now understand that we are ALL people… ONE people… We need to take care of each other.

Andrew Brown

Something worth keeping

So on one of the nights I was walking back to my room and I was able to stop and talk to our bus driver. There was another man standing there with him who was later introduced to me as the bus driver’s brother. We sat and talked for a while about the bus driver’s plans on coming to the United States to buy some cheap second hand trucks. Finally his brother started talking about how he would like to go to the United States to learn here and then come home. He said the people of Zambia have the heart and drive to build their country up, but that they do not have the knowledge of how to. He also talked about America is if it was this amazing place that everyone should be jealous of. That gave me the opportunity to tell him that America did not have everything, and that we Americans are jealous of the beauty and friendship that Zambia has; the pride and patriotism. For a brief few moments I felt like I was able to show him that his country is something worth keeping, loving, and being proud of.
-Will

Opened minds

On one of our last days we went to a very small school that, sadly, I can’t remember the name of but I am sure that everyone will know exactly which one I am talking about. We pulled up in our Land Cruiser and stopped, literally at a single hut. When the driver told us that we were there, at the school,  I was shocked! One of the locals started playing the drum, and Mathias informed the group that the drum was like our cell phones back home, a communication system. When villiages around the area would hear the drum, they would migrate to the school. The local women started dancing right away and instantly wanted to involve us. Some of us girls tried, and i’ll repeat, TRIED to dance! We all got laughed at, but we were all having a blast! During all of the festivities, the locals had created a shaded area for us to sit. I couldn’t believe the locals’ generosity toward us. It is unbelievable. They wanted to accomodate the “mazungus” (spelling?!) I felt so bad that we were sitting in chairs, in the shade, and they were sitting on the ground in the hot sun. One of the teachers of the school showed us the “classrooms.” The first one they were very proud of because they had wooden benches, and the second, they would not even let us see because they were so ashamed of it, it didnt have any benches. I felt sick seeing those classrooms and then thinking about American schools, and all of the things that we have and take for granted. We proceeded with our lessons about AIDS and Malaria and I was shocked at how little the locals knew. They thought that AIDS was coming from the mangos! After our lessons, we played with the locals and again, I felt like the language barrier was not an issue because laughing is universal. After awhile, our cooks prepared lunch IN FRONT OF THE ENTIRE VILLIAGE and they expected us to eat it, IN FRONT OF THE ENTIRE VILLIAGE! Of course, none of us could ever do this and instead, we gave our food away to the locals. This made me feel so good, to watch them eat a nutritious meal which is probably very few and far between for them. To watch the kids sharing with eachother, passing one apple in a circle until everyone had a bite, inspired me. The people are truly remarkable. One guy was there from the local radio station and he wanted to know everything about mass communication from Andrew. He even asked Andrew  to send him one of his books so that he could learn more! As we were about to leave, they gave us a sheep-goat  to say thankyou for coming. Of course we didn’t need a goat, and that was probably very valuable to them, but that just showed us their generosity. We ended up selling it and using to money to buy the villiage more mosquito nets! Out of all of the villiages, this school was probably the most impactful on me as an individual.

Chelsea

Kanele

I’m going to recopy one of my journal entries from the day we went to Kanele:

Today we went to Kanele, and from what I could tell, it was one of the more developed schools in the area. One of the teachers walked us around to each class to introduce us. She told all of the classes that we were from London, which Mathias must have said when he introduced us to her. Anyhow, we just went with it! When we would walk into each class, the students would stand up right away and almost yell, “WELCOME TO GRADE ___,” of course depending on which grade they were in. It was absolutely adorable! I could tell that they were so excited to see us and to learn from us! We did our standard AIDS/Malaria lesson and then took the kids out to play.  Games seem to be pretty universal and we all had a great time, despite the language barrier. Jordan and Patrick were in my teaching group and we taught the kids the Cupid Shuffle! They were all laughing and having fun and I hope we made a huge impact on them. I really felt like I connected to the students at Kanele and I am always going to keep them in my heart.

I know a couple of days later some of the group got to go back to Kanele. I wish I could have been there too, but I went with Russell to another site! I heard that the kids from Kanele remembered everyones names and wrote them letters of appreciation and love. They also got Kendra and Adrienne stared down by two local women who thought they were kidnapping the students, just because the students wanted to walk to the group back to the guesthouse!

-Chelsea :]