Sometimes, I get so stuck into life here [it's easy to get dragged down into the negatives] that I lose sight of how much I love living in Zambia. So here it goes!
1. It's warm (85% of the year). I love the heat!! I hate the cold, and winter is chilly here, too. But thankfully, it's quite short-lived.
2. Our lifestyle is fairly healthy. Because we make most of our food instead of eating out or buying processed food, my kids eat far less sugar than I did growing up. Oh sure, they eat their share of candy and cookies, but slow cooked oats with honey is the standard breakfast rather than sugary cereal. No Kool-aid here [remember the big jugs we used to make as kids?]. I try not to bat an eye at the junk they eat on holiday because I know it's a temporary attraction.
3. People are friendly and hospitable. This is something that I've had to really work on! It is a huge part of our culture here. If someone shows up on your doorstep unannounced, it's our obligation to invite them in for tea and a place to sleep if they need one. Coming from "up North" in the States, this has been a learning curve.
4. My kids are getting an old-fashioned childhood! This is one of my most favorite aspects. :) They play with dirt and bugs, have to find their own entertainment, and skinned up knees and elbows are a part of their skincare line. Other than growing up way out in the country in the States, I think I'd have a hard time replicating the old-fashioned childhood my kids are getting now if I lived in the States.
5. The culture here is favorable to Christianity. There's PLENTY that is not Christian, but I can sit down with someone in their house and have a conversation about the Bible. It's so delightful to go out on Saturdays and speak to people in their houses and they have a general knowledge base about the Scriptures. Now, are they all born again? No. But, there's that basis whereas in first-world countries today, many people are not interested in Christianity.
6. I have learned so much about being a homemaker. Now don't get all bristly before you hear me out!! I'm not saying women in the States aren't Proverbs 31 women. But my goodness, these farmers' wives are simply amazing. They're tough as nails, super hard workers, hospitable, and excellent homemakers. I've had to up my game!! Once, a friend casually dropped that she had made sage and pumpkin stuffed ravioli and I was like "whaaaaaat?!!" Talk about amazing! I love the challenge of creating a hospitable, healthy home.
7. I love the mix of cultures here. It's interesting to sit down for a conversation with someone and learn something new. The American way isn't the only way! Now, red, white, and blue runs through my veins, but it's fun to learn that there's a different way to think or view an idea. I've learned a lot from people I've met here.
8. I've learned to appreciate small things. Fast internet is an absolute luxury and my goodness, do I look forward to that on holiday! Sometimes, the simplest tasks in town can become a nightmare and when I do have a good day and tasks get ticked off easily, I really appreciate that!
9. Life is slow here. We rarely go out at night. Sometimes, we'll go out to friends' or to one of the two decent restaurants in town. But, most nights are spent at home, eating a quiet dinner and chilling. I do miss date nights but have come to appreciate our simple life.
10. Life is very family oriented. I love living on a farm and the opportunity that gives Leon to be around a lot. The kids can spend the morning with him in his office. As they get older, he takes them to town with him on errands. Our kids are so blessed to be able to spend so much time with their dad!
Here's my top 10 reasons I love living in Z! Come and visit! I promise that you'll love it, too!
