Blog Post #3- LF

           Before even beginning to look for an ELO opportunity, I knew that I wanted a homestay experience. I believe the homestay experience is essential for learning first-hand about the culture and lifestyle of people in a certain place. My homestay experience in Zambia has proved this to be true. While my homestay parents were very busy with work and were not around much, my homestay father’s sister, Peggie, lived with my family and took care of my roommate and I. Peggie cooked us traditional meals and taught us about life in Zambia. I will never forget the first night in the homestay when Peggie put a full chicken and a pot of steaming hot nshima in front of us and told us to eat while she refrained from eating and just encouraged us to eat more. It was not until the next night that Peggie explained to us this was a traditional Zambian meal that is cooked for special guests. Additionally, the cook is not supposed to eat with the guests. This moment of cultural learning was an experience I would not have had if I was not living in the homestay.

            Peggie also taught us the ins and outs of Lusaka. She explained the routes of the minibus as well as the appropriate prices we should be charged. We were able to ask her lots of questions about the health system, educational system, and political system. I enjoyed being able to hear a local’s descriptions and perspectives on these systems. These conversations were much more meaningful and informative than the information I had learned in both the pre-departure seminar and through my internet research.

The best part of the homestay experience is that it has made me feel like a local rather than a foreigner. I began to feel this way when I would walk home from work at night and the neighborhood children would recognize me. I enjoyed seeing their familiar faces and hearing their greetings. It really made me feel like I belonged there. It was also refreshing to have people who knew me because I often get stared at in most places I go to due to my skin color. I am automatically judged as a foreigner and so it was nice to have a place where people recognized me rather than judged me.

            Overall, my first month in Lusaka would have been much different had it not been for my homestay family, especially Peggie who has become like family to me. As I move into Abundant Life, I hope I can visit Peggie again because she has returned to her home in Ndola. I will definitely miss her home cooked meals and having a cozy home to return to at night. I am very grateful that I had a chance to adapt to this new place with the help of my homestay family. Even when I return to the states, I hope to continue to keep in touch with Peggie through WhatsApp. I told her that if she ever visits the states, my home is open to her in the same way that she opened her home to me.