Life in Zambia begins...

What a first few days it has been in the life of a Team Leader. On Tuesday all of the students arrived and we officially welcomed the first of our three groups this year. As we travelled to the airport, both Steph and I were excited but also a little apprehensive as this is when we knew it all truly began. Waiting outside Lusaka Airport, the excitement built every time we saw a 'mzungo' as we expected our students. But thankfully before long they had arrived, tired but happy. Travelling from the airport to our house the excitement rose above the tiredness as each of the students grew in happiness and wonder as they looked around and embraced all Zambia was. For many this was their first time in Africa and you could tell, their simple wonder at the smallest of things, reminded me of why I first fell in love with Africa and why that love is as real today as it was then. 

Our open truck tour Zambian Style

A packed first few days allowed the students to get settled in the house, to find their feet and really embrace Zambian life. However, it wasn't until Friday that the joy of Zambia became real for each of us. This was one of my favourite days ever and I think everyone else definitely felt the same! Boarding the truck at Sport in Action we began our tour of the placement sites, travelling in true Zambian style. Venturing to each school the students were evidently blown away by the reception they received, swarms of smiling faces and welcomes greeted us. It was in that moment, as we first drove into St Patrick's Girls School, that the wonder of Zambia really resonated with each and every single student on the programme. Up until this point they had never really seen first-hand why IDEALS was and is such a magical programme, but meeting the children, going into the communities and really seeing Zambia for themselves, was such a special moment. And for myself as a Team Leader I loved sharing in that moment with them and highlighted one of the many reasons why I applied to be back on the programme. It was then that they began to understand the true impact they can have as a coach, and as a person, and how operating as a 'mzungo' (white person) really puts them in a place of influence. Each placement site is different, full of varying challenges but above all full of so much potential to make a difference and really input and enhance the lives of the students they'll meet. 

I, for one can't wait for each of the students to get stuck into their placements and for the stories of life in Zambia to begin. Already we have created memories as a group, moments that will stay with us for a lifetime and I know the next 5 weeks with Group 1 will be full of so many more. Let's the fun begin...

The face says it all, I can't tell you how happy I am to be back here