New experiences

by Nicole Tardio, IWM serving in Mongu, Zambia

A Zambian soccer game, being sick with malaria, and a youth day of recollection...do you know what all these things have in common? These are some of the new experiences I have had in the past couple months here in Mongu. Some more positive than others, but all part of the journey none the less. I have found this experience of living in an unfamiliar place so far from home very enriching and fruitful. I feel like each day presents a new opportunity for learning and growth.

In Mongu there is not too much to do in the way of entertainment. So when my friend Nancy invited me to go to a soccer game where her university was playing a team from a neighboring town, I was so excited! The soccer field was right on the edge of a pretty big compound (which is a housing development). Everyone came out for this soccer game and all picked a team to win. It wasn’t just the people who knew the players that were playing who had come to watch, but rather it was a community event and everyone enjoyed. There were drums for the cheering sections; refs being yelled at by enthused fans, coaches, and players; kids playing on the field at halftime; and the air was full of the competitive vibe. All important components of a great soccer match!

Once I was back on my feet the most common thing I heard after having malaria was: “welcome to the club”. Malaria is such a common illness here and the treatment is so readily available that people often don’t even miss a day of work for it. Well I was a little different! I was down for a couple days, and wasn’t really back to normal until about a week later. But none the less life did go on - I can now empathize with the majority of the population and have a better understanding of what a lot of the patients I am taking care of are going through.

One Sunday in March the youth group I belong to took a day outside of Mongu for a “day of recollection”. It was a unique experience because it was geared towards African youth. It focused on the daily struggles they face. It opened my eyes to a reality of hopelessness they face everyday; with that in mind the retreat focused on finding hope and perseverance in life. Some of the themes that were emphasized upon included responsibility for your actions, working hard, and loving others. The place where this sharing took place could not have had a more perfect backdrop: it was overlooking the plains with the waters slowly filling them. Over all the day was refreshing and truly renewing.

Each new experience I am blessed with I am thankful for the opportunity that is presented. The opportunity to connect with people and to learn more about a culture and its people.