We all fit in this small world...

by IWM Nicole Tardio, serving in Mongu, Zambia

My family came to Africa to visit and has spent the past few weeks here with me in a part of the world they had never before known. All six of us traveled around Zambia for a week - they were able to come here to Mongu for a couple days, and I was so happy to share my life here with them! The 8 hour bus ride from Lusaka proved to be our own little safari, as we got to see elephants, herds of zebras, and lots of monkeys in the notional park along the way. The IW Sisters who are here (right now Sr. Laura, Sr. Rosmar, Sr. Cristi, and Sr. Carmalita) greeted us at the bus station with open arms. They were so welcoming and treated my family as if they were their veryown. We stayed at a house in a camp for volunteers overlooking the beautiful plains of Mongu, and the day after arrival as a complete whirlwind, visiting the places and people around Mongu that I have grown to love over the past 9 months.

We first went to MIC to meet some of the moms and babies who are so special to me. We all sang and danced and just enjoyed each other's company. Next we had a quick tour around our little town with Sr. Rosmar, including a picture in front of the “Welcome to Mongu” sign! Then we were off to the hospital for a tour. We visited the different wards including the nursery where we got to give all the little babies new outfits to go home in! It was good for them to see the reality of the hospital here, and I think my mom and sister Emily (both nurses themselves) really liked seeing the place that I share so many stories about. Next was a visit with another group of Sisters - the Comboni Missionary Sisters who have become close friends of mine. We had juice and cake and they all met each other, my family finally faces to people I have described in detail. Afterwards we enjoyed lunch at the local restaurant, the IW Sisters and my family. We enjoyed some typical Zambian food and had a nice cool place to sit. share and relax a bit. Even though I kept telling my family that it is winter here in Zambia, I don’t think they ever believed me - the heat during the day matches the summer months in the States! Next we were off to the orphanage, where I spend an afternoon a week just playing with kids. We had a nail painting session with the girls, while all the boys played soccer. I think all of us, big and small alike had a blast! Before going home for dinner we stopped by the market in Mongu and everyone set out to find their assigned item in order to prepare our truly Zambian meal. Some members of the family did better than others (but I won’t mention who failed to get their item!). With the help of my friends Nancy and Precious we all sat down to an awesome meal. It was truly an incredible gift, and I loved so much to see my best friends here in Zambia mesh so well with my family, as if they had known each other for years.

Now I am back in Mongu, my dad and Emily are back in the States, and my mom and brothers are making their way to Gulu, Uganda. I feel we are all still very close, and I appreciate so much the time and effort they made to come here and get a glimpse of my life right now.

I loved introducing my family to my family here and seeing how beautifully we all fit in this small world. I am thankful for the refreshing time I spent on this adventure with my family, and I am happy and content to back here in Mongu where I have grown to feel so at home.