Thinking about living overseas can be exciting, but it might also be a little nerve-wracking. What if you’ve never been to the country you’re thinking about going to? It can be really hard to imagine what it would even be like! In this series, we’re going to share creatively written journeys through different cities where we have GoCorps placements to help you imagine what it might be like to live in these places. As you read them, use your imagination to really picture yourself there. Pay attention to what you feel, what you notice, and what stands out to you; God might just be trying to get your attention!

As you begin to read, I invite you to pause for a moment to be still. Close your eyes and take a deep inhale and a full exhale. Clear your mind and invite the Lord into your imagination. Now, open your eyes…

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Imagine Zambia.

The sun peeks through the blinds as you are woken up by the neighbor’s rooster whom you have lovingly named Reginald. It’s not his fault he sounds like he’s dying. To add to the symphony of your Zambian alarm, you hear a “thump” on your roof as an avocado falls from a tree. You get out of bed and savor the warm breeze coming through your window that helps to break up the humidity while you sip your coffee. Your mornings are a sacred, quiet time with God before the business of the day takes over. 

To add to the symphony of your Zambian alarm, you hear a “thump” on your roof as an avocado falls from a tree.

Time to go to your Women’s Empowerment Program meeting where you teach a group of 10 women business skills, as well as share about Jesus. As you step outside, the sun is already warm on your skin. You hear birds chirping and the smell of burning wood and charcoal. It is an oddly comforting smell that reminds you of camping. You get in your car and start driving along the bumpy dirt road. Along the way, you hear children laughing and look to see a group of them playing soccer in the street with a homemade ball of trash and plastic. As you pass, they shout “muzungu, muzungu!” (white person) to draw your attention. You smile and wave as you continue on. Women are walking along the side of the road with buckets on their heads and beautiful, colorful fabric called kitenge tied around their waist. Some of the women even have babies strapped to their backs with kitenge. The bright, vibrant colors of the kitenge contrast brilliantly with the reddish, brown dirt of the roads.

The bright, vibrant colors of the kitenge contrast brilliantly with the reddish, brown dirt of the roads. 

At your meeting, the women come in and greet you warmly with bright smiles. You shake hands in a loving gesture and feel the weathered, strong skin of women who have worked hard to support their families. As you start the meeting, you use the small amount of Nyanja you have learned. The women laugh and encourage you to learn more. The meeting ends, and you make your way home to prepare for Youth Bible Study. 

Before you go home, you stop at your favorite local restaurant for chicken and nshima, the local word for ground maize. As you eat with your hands, the nshima is nearly too hot to hold, but you don’t mind because it’s too delicious to wait for it to cool. You laugh to yourself because the texture and consistency is like one of your favorite childhood toys: play-doh. You savor your meal and enjoy the company of your teammates. Nothing is done quickly in Zambia and you are trying to enjoy and learn how to slow life down.

Nothing is done quickly in Zambia and you are trying to enjoy and learn how to slow life down. 

When you make it home, you are greeted by your Youth Bible Study kids. You laugh and play games and hear all about how school is going. You then watch a Bible study lesson and discuss its’ application to the kids’ lives. You are constantly smiling and laughing because these kids bring you so much joy. 

At the end of the day, you lay in bed and reflect on your day. It was busy and full and contained so much joy and love. The sounds of crickets and bugs become your lullaby as you drift off and let your body, mind, and spirit prepare for another busy, joyful day in the morning. 

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Does the idea of living in Zambia excite you? Does the thought of teaching women business skills and mentoring teenagers quicken your heart rate? Would you thrive on relationships built to empower, encourage, and share Christ? Check out our Zambia placements here or talk to a coach!