A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME
There’s a little country at the heart of Africa that was once known as Northern Rhodesia, and in 1995 my parents volunteered to dedicate their lives to missions work there. Our family has lived in Ndola, Zambia ever since. I like to say that I never moved to the heart of Africa, because I was born there. It was my home, the place where I belonged. The culture, people, nature, languages and customs of Zambia shaped me into the person that I am today, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything!
My name is Allison Schultz and although I’m an American, I’m also a Zambian at heart. I was blessed with two amazing parents, Andrew and Jill Schultz, and three wonderful siblings. I have many stories and personal experiences that I would love for other people to hear about because some experiences –some people– should never be forgotten about. They should be discussed and shared and remembered by as many people as possible because some of those stories, those people, can continue to change the lives of other people throughout the years to come. By sharing glimpses of my life in Zambia, I want to influence a changed perspective on a first world countries’ views about Africa. Since we share this world with each other, we might as well keep learning about it.
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My life in Zambia wasn’t perfect, and in many ways it was difficult living there. Being far away from friends and family who were stateside, missing out on certain events because we lived on a different continent and standing out amongst the Zambians wherever we went were all things that I never stopped struggling with. But although I don’t live in Zambia anymore, I wouldn’t change my childhood for the world because Zambia is a part of me, and my life would be far different today if I hadn’t had certain events take place in my past to shape me into who I am today.
My dad once told me that life is not about the destination, it’s about the journey. Although my journey began in Zambia, it has currently taken me to Florida where I have my siblings, my new friends, church, job and life, and I am absolutely just as content to be stateside as I was content living in Africa, though that doesn’t mean I don’t miss my old home each and every day. I hope to someday make new memories globally through new adventures and opportunities; but until then, by sharing my past personal experiences, I hope to share a part of the world with people who want to see it for themselves but haven’t had the opportunity to yet. I hope to share Zambia with you!