July 3, 2015 – When I woke up today, the weather was the coldest it has been since we got here. My toes were frozen like water after it has turned to ice. After eating breakfast, we walked to the center of the big field where we were talking to the other teens from South Africa. Unlike most days, we did not have to get in a circle. The staff wanted us to gather around the stage for a surprise. Some old school music started to play, and I was confused as ever. There were three staff members on stage Joe, Matt and Emma dressed in funny costumes. They all turned around slowly like the beginning of an old music video then started to stretch and told us to follow. So everyone ended up taking part in what they call AM Mayhem. Everyone just let loose and giggled with people around us. Everyone was smiling, dancing and having fun. No one cared what dance we were doing. It was just a fun way to warm up and enjoy life.
During the day many of us planted trees on the farm of Suns of Thunder. While we were there we talked to some of the workers at the farm. Many were so excited to help out and learn different ways to plant trees. The hardest part was breaking down the soil so that there is no air bubbles. The soil was black, hard and -worst of all – dry. We still worked through it and at the end we planted two hundred trees. Most of those trees were fruit trees. This means that the farmers will be able to bring in other sources of income. This is amazing because many of them barely have an income. Helping local Zambians develop new sources of income was incredibly fulfilling.
At the end of the night, we stargazed and reflected together. As humans, we overthink a lot, so to relax and think about the present can be fun. While talking, we were able to see Jupiter and Venus in line for the first time in 24 years. The next time, this will happen will be in 1,000 years. This was very interesting to watch since we can’t see many stars or planets with our naked eyes in D.C. Once everyone regrouped, we danced and sang around the camp fire with the South African students. It was just a time to forget about everything in the world and have fun.
Zaria Stith, Paul Public Charter School