Humbling Lessons in Zambia

Our morning began with roadwork and a large construction vehicle blocking our way into the school. The teachers carried multiple bags(each) and walked through the compound to school as people stared in confusion.   By the afternoon, the road was covered in sticky tar, so our walk to the car included climbing hills of dirt by the side of the road with the same load of bags and supplies.  We attracted even more attention during this hike.  A group of men offered us drinks while children laughed at us and called out "muzungu" (white person).

It was a wonderful day in the classroom.  The Zambian teachers started taking back some of the lessons.  This week, we will observe more and offer support as they try new strategies.   While we are here to help them in the classroom, I feel that I'm the one learning and growing the most.  Our lunches include lots of discussion about our different backgrounds, cultures, families and our plans for the future.  As I listen to their stories, I am humbled and in awe of their positive determination in the face of unbelievable challenges.  One of the men we are working with named Morris comes from a family that has suffered great loss from Aids.  He lost 2 of his five sisters to the disease and one of his 2 brothers manages the disease with drugs.  Only one member of his family has been to college.  Morris would like to get a "degree" in education and plans to start in a year.  He commented, "I want to change the story for my family."  He strongly desires his children to be "educated" (only has one child now), so their family planning includes spacing the ages so that they can give the first child a solid foundation before having another.  While describing so much suffering, he said that he can only "trust in God and keep a positive attitude" or he can get overwhelmed and start to worry.   He aches for his students and their circumstances (struggling with hunger, HIV positive, being abused/ neglected) and he gives his heart and service to them.  

Right after this discussion, Dorothy (the head teacher) asked us, "Have you ever experienced a lack of something or having to go without?"  She went on to add, "like sleeping on a concrete floor or having no food".  Through tears, I answered, "I have not."  The American teachers went on to say that we are very blessed.  (This question brings me to tears even as I type this blog.)  Dorothy described that life in Zambia can be very hard and that this is their experience at times.  She added that even if you work very hard, sometimes you end up with very little.  She was not complaining or trying to get our pity.  She is one of the hardest workers and most amazing women I have ever met.  Not to mention, she has a quick wit along with a warm and engaging personality.  She has that school hopping with routine and order.  The students and teachers have taken owership of the place and work hard to care for their surroundings. 

I'm not sure how to process todays conversation.  The irony for me is that this white, spoiled American is over in Africa "serving" while witnessing and learning about the most profound examples of service and dedication from the Zambian teachers.  My thoughts about service don't even scratch the surface of what they exhibit in their lives.  I give out of my abundance while they give out of their limited means.  What a humbling and inspiring lesson for this teacher!!