Living in Lusaka!

We have so much to catch up on!!! I have officially been living in Lusaka, Zambia for three weeks, so you can probably imagine all the changes I have been experiencing. I’ve been learning to love, or at least trying to love, the feeling of discomfort. I’m fairly confident that I have asked more questions this month than I have in my entire life! I’ve been learning about how the education system here works, different laws, various traditions, and more about the culture. These questions have led to more questions which has allowed me to get to know the Arise Staff on a more personal level. Most of you may know that I’m a huge people person, so getting to know more about people’s stories has been really sweet, challenging, and special. 

Trying to put these past few weeks into words seems quite impossible, but I’m going to do my best! A couple months ago, the USA Arise team began packing a 40-foot shipping container with supplies, furniture, books, clothing, and so much more to send to Zambia. Three weeks ago the container arrived… and it was FULL! One of the projects I get to be a part of is organizing, distributing, and sorting through everything inside. These resources and items are a huge blessing to the Arise staff and students! I’ll add a photo below to try and give you a visual of just how stuffed the container was. 

I’ve been spending the first half of each day in one of the three Arise schools or the resource center which allows for flexibility in the afternoons. In the afternoons, you would be able to find me working in a coffee shop, in the warehouse sorting through everything or switching to a different school. I have been spending some of my evenings at the Arise Homes. There are two homes - a boys’ and a girls’ home and they are run by a Zambian house parent. These homes serve as a safe haven for children who find themselves in a situation where they need full-time care. 

The kids in the homes have such a special bond and it’s really sweet to see, but not as sweet when you’re on the outside of the joke. I’ve been helping three of the littles continue to learn how to read and sometimes they’re engaged and excited and other times… not so much! My first time helping Joshua, the youngest boy, happened to be on a night when he was much more interested in playing games and being silly with the older girls. Since he was not in the mood, he told me he couldn't read… and I believed him. (In my defense, I don't have younger siblings and barely even know when kids start to talk - I have a lot to learn, I know.) The older girls understood what Joshua was doing and began playing into it as well. As time went by, he seemed to have forgotten about his disinterest in reading because as soon as he saw his sister with one of his favorite books, he immediately jumped up next to her and started to read. I wish you could’ve seen the shock on my face and heard the laughter that filled the room! They really are each other's family and getting to be a part of it is really special. Spending time with them brings so much joy, laughter, and entertainment. 

I cannot believe this is my reality right now. I haven't been able to find the “right” words to explain my gratitude and love for this place. Lusaka is truly one of my most favorite places in the world! I am eager to share more with you in hopes you can understand why I love it here so much. Thank you for all of your support and prayers! Bringing you along with me through this has been such a gift. I feel so overwhelmed by the amount of love I have received. I am forever grateful! I cannot wait to continue sharing more details and stories with you!