Cultural exusion to Zambia

by Stacey Barrett (United States of America)

I didn't expect to find Zambia

In 2009, I was abused formally in Detroit. My friend said she would help me go to Africa. I said OK. I didn't believe her until the ticket came to me via email. When I got there after a short delay, she picked me up and celebrated right away. I shocked at the people I met and I felt so nervous. Still shaken by what happened to me, I was timid and afraid but the people made me feel warm and welcomed. I had no money but I ate and was housed. I was in a rural part of Zambia south of the capital. It was like getting back to nature for the first time. The ground seemed to grip me. The smells awakened my spirit and I could feel myself being renewed. The people clapped and bowed/nodded in a customary greeting that shocked me. Why was so worthy of respect? Wait.. Why did I ask myself this? Why did I feel helpless with no money? How did my friend just pay for the ticket without hesitation? How would I feel later? Why didn't I want to leave? One great word. Gave me all the answers. Love. It hit me later. On the way back I cried like a child leaving her mother. The stewardess asked me WHAT'S WRONG. I said I said with tears...I MISS MY FRIENDS. She had sympathy in her eyes. She gave me an extra sandwhich. Lol. Which I was happy to eat. I kept a small notebook of the trip and tried to think of when I would return. I said maybe 2017. I was right. Lol again. Some many wonderful things happened. The meeting of matriarch of my friends family. In a short family meeting, the grandmother gathered my friend and her cousins to discuss family stuff. I was there. Once I realized what was happening, I asked her should I leave. She said NO with a calm but serious face. Whoa! Was I in the family? Apparently. I met a friend who had died and come back to life after a major accident. He talked about his pain and suffering and spiritual belief in God. He had been through a lot but he drove the four hour trip from the capital to the family farm to pick me up with no complaints. He said he was partially of Egyptian descent and while visiting the shops in town, I looked up and we were on Cairo Rd. Wow! It was like all of sudden I wanted to go there too. And our traveling friend made it feel possible. It was definitely longer than a four hour trip though. Lol. The most important part was going dancing. I danced in Africa! Whew! After that abusive situation, how could I dance? Praise God. I forgot all about it. I had gifts to go back with, money for food when I touched down and memories of a lifetime. For any new traveller I would say DON'T BE AFRAID TO SURPRISE YOURSELF. DON'T BE HURT ABOUT DELAYS. And finally, PLEASE BE EASY ON YOURSELF IF YOU FEEL WEIRD OR UNCOMFORTABLE. TAKE IT LIGHT AND ENJOY. The sun shined for me in Africa. I had dinner with a distant but close family. And Grandma keep messaging me..WHEN ARE YOU COMING BACK? Smile. I enjoyed. They enjoyed. The joy healed my pain on a trip to Africa. I am so grateful to my friend who knew I needed something more. For economic reasons, plan well. This will ensure a smoother transition because you may encure unexpexted fees or costs. Don't be a tourist in a sense where you approach the situation as an outsider. Be a distant family member and be at home because we are one. One people. All trying to make it. Rich or poor. Southern or whathaveyou, you can discover different parts of yourself. I discovered the adventurer in me. The best part is I am now encouraged to go everywhere. I have gone to back to Zambia, to Arizona and London since then and now onto Jerusalem! Lol. No serious. Life gives you chances. Take them. A heavy heart will push you do unexpected things. A goid friend will always help you. Love.