Leaving Charles Lwanga

I apologize for any errors, but this is a rush job.  I'm leaving this morning (29 November) for Lusaka, on my way to Tanzania!  Everything always seems to be rushed when you're trying to leave.  

Yesterday evening, I told Mrs. Daka I would be leaving for Lusaka in the morning, but I wasn't sure what time.  This morning, I was up at 5:30 to meet Mr. Chulu, the Vice Principal, before he leaves campus.  There was some banging around in the kitchen, and I went to investigate.  Mrs. Daka was there with a pot full of vegetables and chicken.  Not sure what she was up to, I greeted her and mentioned again that I would be leaving sometime this morning.  "I have to feed you before you leave!"  Up at 5:30 to cook me a full meal before I set off for Tanzania, I almost started crying on the spot.  It will be difficult leaving my friends, but leaving my mother is entirely different.  Thankfully I will see her, along with the rest of the CLCE staff, when I'm back here for Christmas on my way to South Africa.  Even then, leaving Africa won't be all bad.  I have a community of friends and family that I will be spending the spring with in Buffalo!

What makes a location feel like home?  I would say that home is a place where you feel comfortable, have spent a significant amount of time and are surrounded by friends and family who love and care for you.  By this definition, I have three homes.  Spokane, Wa, which will slowly become less of a home (I will still have professors who will be lifelong friends, but my peers will leave and campus will change… it already has!).  Buffalo, Wy, which will always be home, no matter how long I stay away.  The beauty of Buffalo is that I will never be away for long because I love my home and the people in it too much.  The same stands true for my third home, Charles Lwanga College of Education.  After my previous visit in 2011, I figured that it was a likelihood I would return for a second visit.  After my time here over the past 2.5 months, I know that a return trip is a certainty. 

What will I miss the most?  I suppose there are a few things that will be difficult to leave behind.  Watching football in the assembly hall with a large group of rowdy and passionate students (or at Aubrey's house when I want some quiet time).  Playing football on a dirt field covered with holes surrounded by people with shoes in poor condition, or no shoes at all (in all fairness, my cleats have been falling apart for the past 2 years…).  Buying two or three fritters on my way to 10:30 tea break every day during the week (nobody comes with only one fritter, you can't share one…).  Dragging myself out of bed for 6:15am mass 2-3 times per week (everyday was out of the question).  Greeting Mr. Mooka in the morning with a pound and a big smile.  Relaxing on the steps of the campus store with the ladies for an hour or two almost every day.  Discussing traveling and movies with Chrispin over a few beers at the Yellow House (my attempts at keeping pace with the big man have brought about a few difficult mornings).  Grilling every time we drank at the Yellow House so we wouldn't get drunk or be hungover for work the following day.  Walking to Mundali (a small village 10 minutes away) for dinner with Suyi and Busiku., which happened more often in the past month when I was tired of cooking (not a bad thing, though, as dinner for the three of us cost about $4).  Being treated like family during my time here..  I did not feel like a tourist, but rather a part of the Charles Lwanga community.  Constantly being tested by the guys in the kitchen, who would only greet me in Tonga.  And finally, making a large group of close friends that I will be in contact with for the rest of my life.  I brought a few shirts and various items to leave as gifts, but I'm in a tough spot now.  Too many good friends… ahh, the troubles of living in Zambia.  Suyi, Joseph, John, Busiku, Amos, Dexter, and too many others to list.    Saying goodbye is incredibly difficult, which is why I always say see you later.  Those aren't just empty words, but rather a promise to return to my home in Zambia.  

Thanksgiving meal: Nshima, beans and .... sardines!  AHH!  Last meal with the students, wouldn't have it any other way

Saying goodbye to the chess players

Sometimes a pair of ripped 4-year-old cleats is cherished more than you could imagine.  My good friend John sporting his new boots.

My brothers at Muzei Hostel

I accomplished a few things while I was here.  I taught a world geography class to second year students for four weeks, which was a great learning opportunity for me.  Teaching students that are the same age as me, from a completely different culture, and without the aid of technology, was a great challenge.  My lessons focused on utilizing strategies that my students would be able to take away and use in their own classrooms later on.  If they are able to take away one or two strategies or ideas, then my work was definitely a success.  Learning and teaching from a different perspective and in a different culture is important, and this experience will help me as a prepare for my job search this spring.
I was the communication connection between Gonzaga and Charles Lwanga for the tennis program that is being formed.  While we did not break ground on building the courts, we have laid the foundation for a program that will hopefully revolutionize life in this rural area of Zambia.  Not only will students be able to learn a new sport, but they will utilize their skills as teachers to work with children in a sports program that focuses on English skills.  A program of this nature, which is not seen in most parts of Zambia, will hopefully create a hub for tennis players in the most unlikely of places.
Just recently, Fr. Kabwe, the president of CLCE, and I have been working on formulating a post-graduate assessment of former CLCE students in the field.  This assessment will determine their effectiveness as teachers, and will help CLCE alter and improve its program through the understanding how of graduates of the college are fairing in their current teaching positions.  While I am not qualified to create an assessment like this, we have been in contact with the Gonzaga School of Education, which will partner with CLCE to help formulate this groundbreaking assessment.
The final piece of my work involved a Friday afternoon literacy program (check out the description in previous blogs) and the Gonzaga resource library on campus.  Between the efforts of Charles Lwanga and our connection with Gonzaga, the literacy levels of children in this area should slowly improve in the future, and will hopefully become a bright spot in a country that is currently struggling with the literacy levels of its children.  The Gonzaga resource area includes pencils, crayons, white boards, books, and other learning tools that help aid students in working with young learners.  My job has been to take inventory of what resource we have, organize the existing materials, and attempt to create a plan to replenish consumable materials and add to what we already have.  

One of the four classes I was able to teach

When preparing to leave, I told Mr. Chulu, the Vice Principal, that I could take a bus to Lusaka and find a hostel before I head to Tanzania.  I didn't want CLCE to feel obligated to give me transport or lodging in Lusaka.  Well, that's not how things work around here.  Mr. Chulu informed me that while I'm still in Zambia, I will be under the care of Charles Lwanga.  Fr. Kabwe will be giving me a lift to Lusaka.  I will spend a night at St. Ignatius (I love the Jesuits) in Lusaka before traveling by bus to Tanzania.  

My next journey will take me to Arusha where I will spend a week with Elly, my guide on Kilimanjaro in 2011.  Jordan Edgcomb will arrive on December 7th, and then the exploring will commence.  Our itinerary includes: a safari on the Serengeti, relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar, Christmas at Charles Lwanga, water works at Victoria Falls, New Years in Cape Town, a trip down the "Garden Route" (southern coast of Africa), and any other adventures that cross our path before returning home in January.  I will have plenty of pictures to share in my next blog post.  I hope you enjoyed, because I surely did!

Until next time,

Chabota

joshdube6@gmail.com

Somebody let me drive... on the wrong side of the car and the wrong side of the road!

Baobab Tree  

THAT is a fat tree

Beers at Manyeke Lake in Lochinvar National Park

Traveling, Teaching, and Football Madness

Tonight, I invited Chrispin, my good friend and IT guy at CLCE, to the Yellow House (the local watering hole).  As usual, I had a few more beer than expected, so this turned into a tipsy Tuesday night.  Good night, and I hope you enjoy this blog!

Mrs. Daka

I have decided to dedicate a portion of this blog entry to my interactions with Mrs. Daka.  If you haven’t been following my entries, Mrs. Daka runs the store, works in the kitchen, cooks for guests, and does just about everything else short of teaching.  I am her American son and often visit her and two other ladies at the campus store in the afternoons.  We chat and have a soft drink, which makes for a relaxing afternoon.  

Mrs. Daka was in the guesthouse preparing lunch for some guests from the University of Zambia when she heard me whistling.  Taking on her motherly role, she informed me of a little piece of Tonga tradition.  When a child is heard whistling, his parents know he is ready to be married.  They will then begin looking for a partner for their son.  Tradition has changed and that way of life is not the norm anymore, but I might be more careful about the time and place in which I whistle…

Mrs. Daka has told me that I am a very hard worker and a good help cleaning up.  Initially, my motivation to clean was too keep her happy (she tends to pop into the guest house at unexpected times).  After a few weeks, I have transformed into more of a neat and tidy person.  This is partially out of respect for the college and Mrs. Daka, as well as realizing that failing to keep your living space clean is just silly.  My mom and roommates can attest to my traditionally messy room.  Better late then never, I suppose!

Football

I was fortunate enough to be invited into the Charles Lwanga football squad for their game at home against nearby Lusangu University.  I went into the game with 20 minutes left, which gave me plenty of time to get a feel for the environment surrounding us.  Lusangu had as many fans as Charles Lwanga did, which created an absolutely insane atmosphere.  After every goal (in a game that saw six), fans and players rushed the field in celebration.  I witnessed the Lusangu supporters create the longest canoe celebration I have ever seen…. twice (fans and players sit in a line and row their imaginary oars… Bison soccer players from the class of ‘09 will understand this celebration…).  The Charles Lwanga supporters gave me a wonderful ovation as I entered the pitch as the number seven (right wing/forward).  Unfortunately for me, I had been sitting for an hour and hadn’t touched a ball in three days (we didn’t have a ball for warm-ups).  Because of this, along with the uneven dirt surface of the field, my first attempt at a cross ended with minimal contact on the ball and me lying on my back.  Ouch.  I slowly became more comfortable, and with around ten minutes remaining, I put home a ball that was played across the face of the goal from the opposite wing.  Cue mass chaos and panic.  Fans rushed the field, picked me up, and we celebrated for what seemed like ten minutes.  I have been involved in some big moments and scored important goals in my high school soccer career, but the passion and excitement I experienced in that moment stands above everything else.  In that same moment, I also became a bitter enemy of Lusangu supporters.  The game was running into nightfall and they thought my finish had actually gone through the net on the wrong side of the goalpost.  The shot came from a tight angle near the end line, but it was a goal.  Near-riot conditions ensued over the next ten minutes.  I’m still not sure if they thought the goal should have been disallowed, or they were angry because a Mzungu (white-man) had scored… :)  Lusangu equalized in the final five minutes, but a 3-3 draw seemed like a good note to send everyone home on. 

The next time I played, my ankle decided it was time I took a little break.  There are holes and mounds all over the field, and as I was turning to make a run up the sideline, my foot found one.  When I informed some lecturers of what happened, they thought I was crazy for not going to the clinic.  A trip to the clinic here would maybe cost 5 Kwacha ($1), whereas a check-up back home would probably cost about $50.  

Our game against Lusangu University

Zambian Life

The rain has arrived!  There has only been about three rain storms, but that's a welcome change from the six weeks of dry heat I experienced through September and October.  I should invest in an umbrella because when it rains it pours.  I also need to be more aware of the weather when I put my clothes on the line.  Whoops.    

Animals I encounter while walking around campus: Pigs, goats, donkeys, cows, dogs, frogs, and scorpions (one almost ran right over my toes… I was not amused). 

What I’m thankful has not crossed my path yet: Cobra. 

In my previous blog, I mentioned that an appreciation for what the local people cherish in life is necessary.  Not only do I value the Zambian way of life, but I have also been trying to do the little things to “fit in.”  

1.) I know you won’t believe this, mom, but I have been doing some laundry by hand (underwear, socks, shorts).  Now let’s not get carried away, as I have only done this a HANDful (get it??) of times.  I still give my pants, shirts and towels to the washing machine because it needs some love, too. 

2.) My head has been seen on the pillow past 8am maybe once since I have been here.  People get up early, even on the weekends.  As I was walking to 7am mass last Saturday, I saw students cleaning, washing, and playing chess.  This is far from the lazy, headache-filled weekend mornings I (sometimes) experienced at Gonzaga. 

3.) I have been seen walking around with a bag of Masuku, a local fruit that is readily available this time of the year.  One student came up to me and asked if I liked this Zambian fruit.  He mentioned that he, as well as other students, appreciate that I am trying new things and enjoying what Zambia has to offer.  Well, Masuku is really tasty, and a bag of 25-30 cost 1 Kwacha (about 20 cents).  Seems like a no-brainer to me!  I also usually buy a fritter or two (1 Kwacha for 2) on my way to 10:30 tea break during the week.  Masuku and the fritters can be purchased by local ladies who set up shop (a basket) by the classroom buildings.  When I’m lucky, there will be mini-bananas as well (about 8 for 2 Kwacha).  Another local delicacy is Inswa, which are a member of the termite family.  They come out in swarms with the first rains, and locals take advantage.  Buckets of Inswa are collected, their wings taken off, and are then fried.  They're not too bad with salt (once you get over the fact that you're eating insects…).  

Masuku, a local fruit
 

Inswa, a member of the termite family

 4.) When visiting Livingstone this past weekend (more on that trip below), I was given two tailor-made Zambian shirts.  I had become quite jealous of the sweet shirts many of the lecturers sport, and now I have something to wear.  Mr. Mooka also took me to a tailor near Charles Lwanga, so I will have at least three shirts before leaving.  I look forward to continuing this fashion trend back home!

Teaching

As I have mentioned before, teaching the second year college students at CLCE has been a great experience.  I have made some mistakes, and definitely would change up some aspects of my lessons, but that is what teaching is about.  I am constantly improving, and teaching in a foreign culture definitely speeds up the learning process.  You really have to be on your game if a lesson is going to be successful..  If I talk too fast or use words/phrases that are not commonly heard here, my students will be lost.  My final week of teaching involved students presenting information on climate types.  Just like any group of learners, I had some students who did an outstanding job, and some who really disappointed.  Either way, I am hopeful that my students were able to take away something from my lessons.  I utilized some teaching strategies that will definitely be useful when they are teaching geography in the future.  

I have really enjoyed being in an environment that is completely focused on the profession of teaching.  College students back home could learn a thing or two from the professionalism displayed at Charles Lwanga.  Students always look nice (you won't see any shorts, hoodies or sweatpants in class), and they are very serious about studying.  Suyi, one of my good friends, has a ridiculous schedule.  He goes to bed around 11pm and wakes up to study with a small group at around 3am.  He then rests a little before classes start at 7:30am.  I can't even stay up to watch a full Barcelona football match (game time is usually 9:45pm), and waking up for mass at 6am is a struggle (I miss one or two every week…).  

Most students are very passionate about the profession of teaching.  A lot of people here don't really understand why teachers in America aren't respected like they are in many other countries around the world.  I had a nice conversation with Suyi last week, and he mentioned that “a person who does not respect a teacher fails to reason.  If you want to become a doctor or a president, you have to pass through the hands of a teacher.”  Seems simple enough to me.  Education truly is the foundation of society.  

Two of my students presenting information on the desert climate (with my sketched map on the board... not too bad!)

A group of first year students

Traveling

I was given the opportunity to travel to Livingstone this past weekend (8-10 November).  CLCE decided to treat Katy (the student from Seattle University) and I to a weekend adventure in the tourist capital of Zambia.  I must admit, being around so many Mzungus (white people) felt a little weird.  We visited the crocodile farms, saw some big cats, went on a game drive, visited Victoria Falls, and enjoyed a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.  What a great experience!  Our host, Mrs. Sitali (a lecturer at CLCE), was amazing and showed us everything Livingstone has to offer.  I especially enjoyed our trip to the market, which is a massive collection of shops covered in tarps.  You can find just about anything at the market, and I was amazed to find my way back to the bus after meandering through the countless pathways that seem to have no clear direction or end.  This market is definitely not a tourist area, but I really did feel comfortable being the only white person in sight.  Don't get me wrong, I do like white people (is that inappropriate to say?...).  I met some really nice people on our Zambezi sunset cruise.  I had some good conversations with people from Senegal, Norway, Switzerland, and of course, Zambia.  I will hopefully meet up again with the man from Switzerland, who is doing work in Kafue (close to the capital, Lusaka).  I love traveling, because it gives you the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world.  I can only imagine the connections I will make while traveling through Tanzania, Zambia, and South Africa in December and January. 

Now I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Victoria Falls (There is water falling on the Zimbabwe side, but all of this will be falls in a month or two)

The bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe (also, where you can bungee jump)

Making faces with Agnes, Mrs. Sitali's niece

Mrs. Sitali, our host in Livingstone

The Sunset, aka "Booze," Cruise

Sunset over the Zambezi River 

Checking on the big cats, who are enclosed at this particular location
 (you can actually take a Cheetah for a walk on a leash...)

The King

I have less than three weeks left at Charles Lwanga, and will be busy finishing up work on the tennis program, literacy program, and a possible post-grad teacher assessment that is just formulating.  Meeting with lecturers and other staff members to work on programs is difficult (everybody is always very busy, especially with finals just around the corner), so hopefully we will be able to make progress over the next few weeks.  I will have a full update of the work I was able to complete the next time you hear from me. 

I hope you enjoyed, and feedback is always appreciated!

Chabota

joshdube6@gmail.com

Zambian culture and other random thoughts

I apologize if my blog entries are scattered and unorganized.  I write and update my reflections throughout the week, and new ideas or thoughts constantly find their way onto my fingertips.  Enjoy! 

The Zambian culture may be new and unique to what I have known growing up, but there are three major aspects of life that seem to cross all borders.  Family, religion, and sports (especially with men) are the topics in which most conversations begin.  Everybody is very passionate about family, while most are passionate about religion and sports.  In order to assimilate into a new culture, you need to appreciate and take an interest in what the local people enjoy in life.  The fact that we share so many important interests has made me realize that our differences are not as extensive as I once thought.  This becomes strikingly clear when I attend a wedding celebration, celebrate daily mass, or play in a football match with the students. 

Mrs. Daka, my Zambian mother.

Watching the English Premiere League on a Sunday afternoon.

Sometimes the kitchen light doesn't turn on...

I want to give a quick shout-out to my family.  I have been blessed with some amazing opportunities in life, and none of it would have been possible without the guidance and support of my family.  Family is not limited to blood relatives, however.  The support of my friends, professors, and mentors has given me the tools necessary to succeed and move forward in life. 

I have tried describing the “college” culture at Charles Lwanga to a few people, but doing so is no easy task.  This environment is so different from any college or university environment in the United States.  If the 6am church bells fail to call my attention, then the music and conversation from the surrounding hostels (dorms) a short time later surely will.  Students have one option for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  There is a specific time during the week in which they are required to clean and maintain the college grounds.  A class has even been assigned to break up and remove the concrete from an old tennis court.  All laundry is done by hand.  Students congregate around the single TV on campus to watch football on the weekends.  Assemblies include cultural dancing and skits prepared by different classes.  There was a course that taught students how to make sausage.  Why would teachers need to learn how to make sausage?  Fr. Kabwe, the president, told me that CLCE wants to give students every opportunity to succeed, even if they change their career goals later in life.  This skill might enable them to open a restaurant if teaching doesn’t work out.  The unique features of CLCE do not end here, but if you really want to understand this amazing culture, come visit. 

Cultural dances at a CLCE assembly

I have learned some interesting cultural aspects of Zambian life.  Here's a short list:  

1.) My friends Emmanuel and Xavier were shocked to hear that when getting married in America, the groom does NOT have to pay the bride's family.  In Zambian culture, the groom has traditionally been required to pay the bride's family in cattle, tools, and other equipment (although money is the payment of choice now).  Things seem to even out after spending a small fortune on a ring, however.  

2.) When you ask somebody to have a drink, you are expected to pick up the tab.  Chrispin, one of my good friends who is a staff member at CLCE, informed me of this after he invited me to the Yellow House for some beers.  He told the story of a visitor who made the mistake of inviting a large group out for drinks, only to be shocked when learning of this small detail.  

3.)  Zambians eat with their hands.  Nshima, which is a thick porridge made from ground maize flour, is a staple in Zambia.  Nshima, which is very bland, is never eaten alone.  There are always at least two "relishes" (meat/poultry/fish and a vegetable).  The thick and sticky Nshima is rolled up and formed in your hand, and then eaten with the relishes.  

4.)  Soda is not soda.  After a long walk with a couple friends, I desperately needed a drink.  I asked Emmanuel if I could borrow 3 Kwacha for a soda.  He went up to a small stand and came back, informing me that they had none.  I was a little confused, as I saw a cooler with various types of soda on top.  After a short conversation, I realized we were talking about two different things.  "Soda" means baking soda, and I was actually looking for a "softy."  Next time I'll ask for a Coke.  

5.)  When someone calls you fat, they are not insulting you.  Having a little extra weight is a good thing, while being skinny is a no-no.  This is basically the opposite of the body image perception most Americans have.  

6.)  Soccer is played a little differently when the field is mostly dirt, and maneuvering around small holes and mounds becomes an art-form.

7.)  The pool balls, table, and pockets are smaller.  These differences are difficult to get used to, but still fun to play over a few beers at the Yellow House.

Pool tournament at the Yellow House  

8.)  Expect a unique style of handshake when greeting a Zambian.  The three-part handshake includes clasping hands, letting go and forming almost a butterfly shape by interlocking your thumbs, and then back to a hand clasp.  As a conversation forms, continuing to hold hands is not uncommon.  

9.)  Everybody (or at least the majority of people) sings the national anthem.  The choir leads at assemblies, but students and staff join in the singing.  This beautiful anthem, when performed by a group, creates a very uplifting atmosphere.

Mrs. Daka told me to come to her when I needed vegetables.  I asked for cabbage and tomatoes, and she questioned how I was going to prepare them.  Well Mrs. Daka…. I really don’t know.  “Chabota! Go get your pork chops, we’ll prepare them here.”  She proceeded to help me prepare my meal, which really means she did all the work and I added a little salt when told to.  While this was happening, a lecturer invited me to join her in eating Nshima, cabbage, and beans.  I ate dinner while my dinner was being prepared.  These ladies sure are taking great care of me. 

One reason I love traveling is because of my willingness to try new things.  This isn’t always good practice, however.  My stomach wasn’t right for a week following a small bout of food poisoning.  I might be staying away from fish for a while. 

This past week I had the opportunity to go into the Bat-Cave as Joshua, and come out as Mr. Dube (still sounds weird).  That’s right Sacajawea Middle School 8^th graders (my student teaching placement in Spokane), I’m back in action.  For the next few weeks, I will be teaching a World Geography course to second year students at CLCE.  I have four sections per week, and the content includes continents and physical features, climatic and natural regions, farming regions, and major crops.

My first week of teaching was very interesting.  Not bad (very positive and entertaining, in fact), just an entirely new experience.  Initially, I had a difficult time getting a read on my students.  This is probably because I am teaching my peers, which is a much different experience than teaching 8^th graders.  Not only are these students the same age as I am, but they also have a completely different background and perspective on the world.  This will be helpful next week when I teach African geography, as my students will teach me.  Also, I am not using any sort of technology (I had my computer because I didn’t want to print my lesson plan).  Two of the lecturers in in my department asked if I would like to use a projector for presentations.  After initially thinking “duh!” I realized this would only be beneficial for me.  These students will not be able to use any sort of technology when they hit the classroom, so my teaching practice should reflect that.  This is a huge difference in teaching that has a major impact on how I give my lessons.  I don’t have the ability to show an interesting picture or video of that mountain range.  I actually have to write out the bar graph that I was discussing.  These might seem like minor differences, but they add a whole new element to the world of teaching.  I have a great deal of respect for my Zambian peers who are teaching or training to teach.  Technology is a very helpful and necessary piece of education back home, but teachers often use it as a crutch to lean on (myself included).  I am enjoying the challenge of finding creative ways to teach without that first-world aid.  Teaching is a lot of fun, and I remember that every time I step into the classroom.  

  

As I mentioned before, there is a Friday afternoon literacy program at CLCE.  Learners from the surrounding basic schools come to work on reading and English skills with their college mentors.  The college is really focused on improving this program by tracking the progress of the learners.  As each Friday program happens, I am able to make observations and formulate ideas for change/improvement.  With the help of a Gonzaga professor back home, we will hopefully be able to implement some positive changes.  Like I have stated previously, CLCE was already in the process of changing the way this program is run.  My job is to use my resources and perspective to provide insight on changes that could benefit this reading program.  We will have a meeting in early November, so hopefully some progressive ideas will be shared and eventually implemented.  

As for the tennis program, a contractor should be hired soon and the court will hopefully be completed before this term ends in December.  

This year I had the opportunity to celebrate Independence Day in two countries.  Zambia gained their independence from the United Kingdom on October 24th, 1964.  Happy 49th birthday, Zambia!  One Zambia, One Nation.  

Dr. James Hunter, a professor from Gonzaga University, is at CLCE this week (Oct. 21-25) teaching a Second Language Learning course to lecturers who are completing their masters.  I have had a wonderful time getting to know James, and I've even had the privilege of attending his classes.  I'm very proud of the connection that Gonzaga has with CLCE, and the GU professors that have been fortunate enough to visit Zambia truly are the best in the business.  

Until next time,

Chabota

joshdube6@gmail.com

Life in Zambia

Sometimes you just have to commit to saying yes.  That has been my main focus over the past couple of weeks.  I don’t care if I’m tired or feeling lazy.  Hey Josh, do you want to get up at 6am, drive 2 hours, watch volleyball outside all day, and then drive 2 hours back home?  Yes, please.  Hey Josh, do you want to come watch some cultural singing and dancing, and probably be asked to join in the dancing?  Why not (perhaps more hesitantly… I have two left feet).  Hey Josh, do you want to join me at the Yellow House (the local watering hole) and possibly drink a few too many Castle’s?  OK, that one was easier to say yes to.  Jim Carrey may have taken it a bit too far in “Yes Man,” but the point is to experience the things around you.  Africa is not the place you go to say no to new experiences.  I’m here to go to the daily 6am mass when my friend Busiku invites me.  I’m here to find any bit of work I can do for the college, even if that means having a disorganized schedule with a bit too much free time. 

James, me, and Godfrey at the Yellow House (two of the CLCE Lecturers)

me and Busiku (with Busiku's sunglasses)

The men's and women's volleyball teams from CLCE

These shorts are too great not to share

Speaking of free time and being “bored,” I was able to have an inspirational conversation with Raymond Reyes (every conversation with Raymond seems to be inspirational and uplifting).  Raymond, one of my Zambia study abroad professors in 2011, stopped to visit CLCE on his way home from Keyna and Malawi.  Along with Fr. Sebastian, Fr. Kabwe, and Katy (the Seattle U. student), we talked about the challenges that accompany traveling to a new and unique place.  I have struggled at times to occupy my free time.  Not only does Zambia have a completely different culture, but also an entirely different sense of time.  Life moves at a different pace in this part of the world.  I am working on accepting the position that I’m in, which means transforming my “boredom” into reflection, research, reading, or simply relaxing (funny how they all ended up beginning with “r”).  This was all put into perspective when Raymond and Fr. Sebastian discussed the 30-day period of silence that Jesuits have to undergo.  

Raymond and I

There is a really cool article that has been floating around recently (check it out if you haven’t already… http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kate-bartolotta/happiness-tips_b_3956114.html).  The first point asks us to “Stop Believing in Your Bullshit.”  Because of our insecurities or fears, “we all have dreams inside of us that we’ve tucked away because somewhere along the line we tacked on those ideas about who we are that buried the essential brilliant, childlike sense of wonder.”  When you fail to do something, or go somewhere (maybe Africa?), then you miss out on important, and most likely transformative, life experiences.  I didn’t let myself think it before traveling, but I am scared.  When traveling alone thousands of miles from home, you’d be crazy to think that you’re completely safe and in control.  I have lost my cool from time to time in the last two weeks (especially when I was in bed sick all day yesterday... feeling better now), but then I remember why I came back to Zambia and how important this adventure will be for my life going forward.   I love learning about, and experiencing, new cultures.  The only way you can do that is by dropping yourself right in the middle of something new. 

I am still not sure about my long-term schedule.  If my workload (or lack of) means that I fail to continue being a productive member of the college, then I will be on my way.  This has been my plan from the start, so we’ll just see how things go.  Let’s see what immigration thinks about this when I try to get my Passport stamped after 30 days.  When the time comes, leaving my Charles Lwanga family will be extremely difficult.

My schedule now includes a Friday afternoon literacy program.  This program has local grade school children come to Charles Lwanga on Friday afternoons.  The college students work on language skills with the learners they are paired with.  This is a really important program, and the college is focused on improving and strengthening the impact that these learning sessions have on the children (as well as the college students).  I look forward to contributing in any way possible.  The sports program took a step forward yesterday (3 October).  A contractor from Lusaka came to give an estimate on the tennis court site.  Once we get two more estimates early next week, the building process will begin.  I am also in talks with the Vice Principal about teaching a class/workshop on a specific topic within the area of social studies.  I'm not sure what I will teach, or when, but the next step is to work on aligning my topic with what is currently being taught at the college.  Let's see if I remember how to teach!  

Mrs. Daka, a lady who works at the college and is giving me cooking lessons, has given me my Tonga name (Tonga is the local language).  I am now referred to as Chabota, which means good/nice.  I’ll take it.  In addition to Chabota, I am called Mzungu, which literally means white man.  Hey, at least I know they are talking about me when I hear this name (I’m generally the only white person around).  Just to clarify, this is not a derogatory term.

Mrs. Daka teaching me how to cook (or she's doing all the cooking...)

Father Kabwe had a great message at mass last week.  He pointed out that we are given the gift of compassion.  What a gift to receive!  We all have it, even though that sometimes doesn’t seem to be the case.  With so many people struggling, failing to utilize this gift is the definition of selfishness.  We are also given the gift of speech, which should be used to comfort others.  In the past year, I have personally seen just how impactful this gift can be.  You don’t have to be religious to believe these two ideas; you just have to be alive.  In the Zambian culture, failing to ask someone how he or she is doing (I’m working on the Tonga version of this … Mulibuti) is seen as being disrespectful.  What a simple way to show somebody you care.

Pictures of snow back home in Wyoming have actually made me a little homesick.  That will happen when you are in the heart of Africa, and October is the hottest month of the year.  You always want what you don’t have, and snow is definitely on my wish list.

I hope you enjoyed this entry! As always, if you have any questions or comments, I love receiving
e-mails (and I respond every time!)  

Josh (Chabota)
joshdube6@gmail.com

I am in need of a good shoe shine