Welcome to my Zambia blog!  I'm a first time blogger, so here's to hoping it becomes more interesting with time.  That shouldn't be a problem, however, as this will be my only entry before Delta and Emirates drop me in Lusaka, Zambia.  I fly out of Denver Sept. 11, enjoy a five day stop in London, and arrive in Lusaka Sept. 17.  Please leave comments, e-mail, or message me with any question or comment you might have!  

In case you don't know why I'm traveling to Zambia, or what exactly I'll be doing, let me quickly fill you in.  Way back in 2011,  Gonzaga University School of Education was offering a 4-week summer study abroad opportunity at Charles Lwanga College of Education in Monze, Zambia.  CLCE is a small Jesuit college for students training to become teachers.  They are in the process of becoming an independent four-year university, which is why 25 CLCE teachers were at the Gonzaga campus working on their Masters program a few weeks ago ... http://news.gonzaga.edu/2013/12840 (a very cool story, please read).  This Gonzaga study abroad program to CLCE began in 2010 (the newest of three separate Gonzaga study abroad programs located in Zambia), and of course I jumped on the opportunity to be a part of what turned out to be a life-changing opportunity (Quick side-note, if you have the opportunity to study abroad in college, don't think about it...  Just do it).  While in Zambia, we taught CLCE students different strategies to teach English in the classroom, we spent time working in grade school classrooms, and we immersed ourselves into the Zambian culture.  Oh, and I can't forget to mention a Botswana safari and Victoria Falls.  I made some life-long friends that I still stay in contact with through e-mail and Facebook (thanks Mr. Zuckerberg).  Part of my reasoning for returning to Zambia is to visit these friends who had such a large impact on my life in such a short time.  Also, while the Charles Lwanga teachers were in Spokane, I was able to spend a week meeting and reacquainting myself with them, which only adds to my excitement and anticipation.  I fell in love with the Zambian culture and environment, which meant this trip back was always in the cards.  I asked my Charles Lwanga friends if I could return as a volunteer/visitor, and was welcomed with open arms.

 Chobe National Park, Botswana

Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Zambia

Another reason for leaving the states and embarking on this journey is the fact that I am not at all ready to start my career (no sugar-coating that).  I have been told to travel young, while there's no family or job holding me back.  While I look forward to working on those two aspects of my life when I return, now truly is the time to run off and explore.  I am certain that this trip will help me grow as a person and will provide me with unforgettable life experiences.  There will be no regrets if you follow your heart, and that's exactly what I plan on doing. 

What will I be doing this time around, you ask?  At this point, I have some projects that I will be working on, while other opportunities will most likely spring up along the way.  While visiting Spokane last month, I was introduced to a wonderful groundbreaking sports project.  I will be working on implementing and helping to sustain this project while I'm in Zambia.  I won't jump into the specifics of the program right now, which means you will need to stay tuned for future posts and pictures :).  I also hope to put my Gonzaga education to use by spending some time in the classroom.  Having traveled to Zambia once before, I am confident that I will take back much more than I could have ever hoped to give.  

Grade 7 classroom

After my time at CLCE, I plan on traveling throughout Southern Africa.  I have no return ticket at this point, and will figure all of that out in good time.  I understand that an actual "paid" job is necessary at some point, so coming home in time to apply for teaching jobs next year would be prudent.  

Now I'm off to Laramie, WY to visit friends and watch some Cowboy football (Go Pokes!), and then on to Denver for a mid-week flight.  Talk to you on the other side of the pond.  

Josh

joshdube6@gmail.com

Our 2011 Gonzaga-in-Monze study abroad group, along with a small group of CLCE students.