Kari
I wish I could tell you all this experience has meant to me however, in the past week I have realized that I have not yet even begun to realize the changes happening within me. Every passing day I step into a cold shower without a thought, wave to the Chimps as if they were life time friends and shout “Mulishani” to every passing stranger, like I have lived here since birth. Despite my seamless adjustment to Zambian life I have only just begun to realize how much I have to learn about this place.
I have accepted the chimps, the birds and the kids as a part of my everyday routine. I was granted a glimpse into the Zambian life through lunch-time talks with the chimp keepers Jacob and Patrick and the bony bodies of the kids. However, I was given an even closer look at these people’s lives when I visited the women’s center in Muchinshi. The first day in town we were asked to step in and teach a 9th grade class (the highest grade offered in Muchinshi) because the teachers are on strike. Through this I was confronted with questions about HIV/AIDS, poverty and the genuine desire of all of these kids to learn. I am still unprepared to deal with these experiences completely and each day I am removed from these conversations the gravity of my experience and their situations become clearer to me.
I came here without expectations and I am sure I will be leaving with more questions than answers. Africa is infectious, the more I know, the less I understand and the more I want to learn. I know this is an experience and a place that will be a part of my life forever.
June 6th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
It’s Kari…so good to hear that you are there and enjoying your experience. I have really enjoyed reading everyones blogs. Your pin has been reset. Aunti Sue has your friends cell # and I am envious of your experiences. What a gift. We all miss you and are looking forward to a more detailed explanation of your journey. We love you…Mommy Lynda!
June 6th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Hi Kari and all. I know how you feel. Please stay open and admit naivete, embrace it, Record you feelings and move ahead to the next experience. Continue to let life happen, it will anayway, move with life at the speed of life, be present. Happy birthday, love you, looking foreward to our next visit. kirk
June 7th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Dearest Kari,
Hello! It is very moving to read your blog and others’. You are having a tremendous experience, emotionally and educationally. I am sure it will feel disorienting and overwhelming. We just got back from Turkey where we focused on visiting the small villages our parents and grandparents used to live, before the 40 years or more of active destruction of Armenian people, their 2000 year old culture, churches and homes. Disturbed and disoriented is the way I feel still, by the poverty and nasty politics – but the Kurdish and Turkish people themselves (there were no Armenians left) everywhere were friendly and welcoming. I have had a vague recurrent strange dream nightly since we arrived home, which I am sure is due to the disconnect between our two weeks there and our current lives here in Olympia. We love you, always, Cynthia Chris Laura and Lena
June 9th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
AY Kari I look forward to seeing the changes that this new world have inspired you to make. Although I suppose it is still the same world. It’s a shame that we often forget that. You have this incredible opportunity to incorporate both into your life and learn from them and I know you are taking full advantage of this. Many of the experiences you are having I cannot yet even fathom. Your emotional integrity and compassion are no doubt being utilized to their capacity. I think you will find that you of all people can stretch these to awesome lengths. I miss you more than I can tell you. Make like a sponge and enjoy your time there! Love for always, Lisa