Today was our last full day here at Chimfunshi. I don’t know exactly how to describe my feelings at the moment. I am especially looking forward to dancing with my sister on her wedding day, which is happening unbelievably in three days. While there are many things I am missing from the states, I cannot imagine leaving what has become home over the last few weeks. When getting ready for Africa I was mainly concerned with finishing my immunizations, and preparing myself for encountering snakes and spiders the size of my hand. I had no idea how close I would become with my fellow American students and the Zambians we have met along away. From the children on the wrecked ferry to the keepers who we’ve often shared lunch with, I cannot think of one unpleasant encounter. I’m going to miss early dawn patrols, reflections at the campfire, and especially late night stargazing at the Dambo. While I am upset that the real world is looming over my shoulders, happiness is the only emotion that accurately describes my experiences here in Africa.

I cannot think of better way of ending my journey in Africa than with a game of soccer. Two jam packed busses arrived here in Chimfunshi earlier today, and the buzz around camp was definitely felt. The Chimfunshi Chimps were facing a team representing Shoprite, the grocery store an hour away in Chingola. Luckily, or surprisingly, I was asked to play alongside the keepers and workers of Chimfunshi. I had no idea what to expect when summoned, but I soon figured out the gravity when the Dambo soccer pitch became packed with the traveling fans from Chingola and the all of the locals. The field was nothing like the fields I've played on in the states. Rocks littered the surface and the goals desperately lacked nets. The Shoprite team was without a doubt more game ready than the Chimps—some even had cleats and shin guards. My New Balance runners, and lack of shinguards had to suffice.  I was one of the lucky ones on the team who actually had shoes. I was told I was playing defense, which definitely isn’t my strongest position, but I managed to put in a decent fight and was even told I played “kosa” by Albert afterwards, which translates to strong. Rough is an understatement when I try to describe the play. It was brutal play, and while some fouls were called, it was not the safe game which I have been accustomed to in the States. I’ve been playing soccer since I can remember, but no game will have been as much fun and memorable as the one I played in Africa. The sideline erupting and charging the field after a near miss was something that I will never forget.

The soccer game is a parallel to the experience I’ve had in Zambia. I’ve been welcomed with open arms from the moment I stepped off the plane. Those arms welcomed me to join the Chimfunshi team on the pitch, and I am incredibly fortunate to have been given the honor to play alongside the most genuine people I have ever met. Even though the match ended in a loss for the home team we all left with smiles on our faces. What I love so much about soccer is the fact that differences, whether it be cultural or skin color, are erased as soon as the first whistle is blown. The soccer being played back in the states is the same half way across the world. My eyes have been opened to a completely different world since coming to Zambia, and I can say with positivity that I was a different and more open person from the one I was beforehand. I leave Africa knowing that I have established friendships with people who I never imagined I would, and it is only fitting that I got to end my trip in Africa with a beautiful game that manages to unify people from very different walks of life.

Peace,

Will Flagg