As our first Sunday comes to a close in this lovely Zambezi community, we all share our diverse experiences received through our homestays. For those of you not informed of what a homestay entails, it is simply a chance for this Gonzaga group to truly experience the typical life of a Zambian by spending a night with a local family. Although there are many extreme extroverts in this group, I know I speak for many of us introverted Zags when I say that I was beyond nervous for this experience (one of us may have even thrown up in anticipation… No it wasn’t me mom). However, we all knew that it would be one of the most memorable, illuminating, and exceptional nights of our lives based on the accounts we were given by previous Zambezi travelers. Still, one can’t help but get butterflies in his or her stomach as you hear that it’s your turn to meet the family you will be staying with for the night. My time came as I was removing my freshly cleaned clothes from the clothing line in the courtyard out front of the convent. Mainga strolled inside and Josh selected the two males closest to him, which happened to be Michael and me. While Mainga carried much of the initial conversation, the nerves began to fade on the walk to the Simoonga’s house as we realized that our gracious host was not just friendly, but one of the most easily likeable individuals I have met in my life. At their lovely home, Michael and I were privileged to have great conversation with Mainga, his brother Domity, and their father Alexander. These conversations ranged from what a typical day was like in both cultures to whether or not the first moon landing was a hoax. It was truly amazing how quickly we felt comfortable with this incredible family. Although there were many similarities between our interests and daily happenings (watching movies, playing video games, and participating in different sports and other outdoor activities), many new and exciting events took place for us. Among these were trying fresh sugar cane and cooking a traditional Zambian meal, which included nshima and, as a whole, was absolutely delicious! It was so refreshing to see the warmth and genuine affection that we were shown as we became a part of their life for that night and following morning. This is a quality that I hope to embrace and internalize when I return to the United States, as I feel that this can be absent in many American’s lives. This, I believe, is due to an emphasis on material success instead of building meaningful relationships and truly experiencing the individuals one interacts with. It is a trap that our culture sets for us, and we must be able to recognize it and overcome it. This is not to say that all Americans are this way, illustrated by the deep and insightful postings we receive by our loving family and friends. I just think that more awareness would go a long way in the US. At the risk of taking up more time than our long-winded priest did this morning (53 minute sermon = beautiful but long in two different languages), I will just make one more observation pertaining to Zambian humor. I laughed harder with the Simoonga family than I have in quite some time, except perhaps with my fellow Zags on this trip, as they are an extraordinary group. Mainga and Domity kept us entertained with fictitious tales about the origin of things or happenings in their lives. They embellish in a way that leaves your eyes watering and your abs in pain. For an extremely brief example, Michael and I were told a story about the origin of Michael Jackson’s dance moves. It involves and awkward young MJ and a cockroach that worked its way into his clothes. I’ll let your imagination take it from there. Although each of us had unique experiences during our homestays, from homes with televisions to those in the proper bush without running water or electricity, we all were able to experience the incredible culture, personalities, and authenticity the Zambians had to offer. As we discuss these events, it quickly becomes apparent that these memories will have an impact on how we view the world as we move on with our lives. I can’t wait to spend more time with the Simoonga family, as I am sure we all will with our respective host families. We all owe a huge huge huge thank you to all the families that welcomed us Zags into their homes. They helped ease the sadness of missing our friends and family back home, while also helping us settle even further into Zambezi, our home for the next two and a half weeks. A special thanks to the Simoonga family and to all Zag family and friends back home that are giving us an immense amount of support. Tunasakwilila mwane (Thank You) Garrett Sutton, Class of 2014 This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. ← Focus on the presentAn exciting and unknown line →23 Responses to Gonzaga homestays Lynda McCann says: May 19, 2013 at 7:18 pm Garret…wow! I just read your post out loud to Katie’s Dad and 11 year old sister and had to stop several times to wipe the tears that were rolling down my cheeks! Thank you for writing so beautifully, for explaining what a homestay was and for the very detailed blog! We love hearing about your daily routines so much!! Not sure how many of the group is missing their Starbucks coffees, but like Hailey mentioned yeaterday, who needs Starbucks when you have the roosters to wake you up, right? (Katie I remember that wake up call so well when I was in Rodrigues). Your morning Starbucks will be there soon enough;) A year from now this adventure will be just a distant memory. One that will have touched each of you in its own way, but from what I’m realizing there is a common factor that none of you can deny…”in 2013 you’ll all be leaving a piece of your heart in Zambezi, and taking a piece of Zambezi home with you”. The experiences you are having and sharing with us in the blogs are so touching and its evident that the reflections are coming straight from the heart..THANK YOU! Along with the memories you are making, dont be shy, dont wait for the perfect photo opportunity, or think its a pain to take just one more picture …I know it’s been said over and over but remember pictures will keep the memories alive Kate, I know you’re probably rolling your eyes, smiling and thinking “okay Mom, we know, we got it!” I can see you quietly shaking your head but now that I’m done throwing in one last “take lots of pictures”….I’m off to drink my coffee. I love you Kaitlyn! (((Hugs))) all around!! Xoxo
Posted on: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 08:42:27 +0000