On the road to Zambia, fruits of the Global Sojourns Giving Circle appear when least expected

The 230-mile journey earlier this month from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe to Lusaka, Zambia, where I was to catch a plane to see the GS Giving Circle clubs in Mfuwe, took seven hours. It was hot and tiring. But the fruits of the Giving Circle's work appeared even before I reached Mfuwe, in Zambia's Eastern Province.

At a pit stop, I hopped off the bus only to a see a familiar face in the crowd. There was Elenah, an alumna of Believe Club.

About a year ago, Elenah's village celebrated her completing high school. The whole village turned out to congratulate her. Her marks weren't good enough to move her to a higher level then, but she'd stuck with school and tried hard, and the village recognized her effort.

I called her name. We had a quick catch-up, and what I heard warmed my heart. Elenah was working for a mobile communications company to earn money for college. She had retaken her exams and passed, and now was on her way to higher education.

When I got off the bus another time, I was across the street from a bus station. Who was standing there but Penelope, a Project Luangwa alumna.

That's two chance encounters, I said to myself. This is a little strange. I had to jump off at exactly that moment, just there, to see her. It was nice to see she's doing well. She was on her way to university. Our girls are scaling up. 


- Smokey Dube

In memoriam
Roberta M. Plummer, 1925-2017, Vancouver, Wash.

Mom was a GSGC donor and in-kind contributor since we formed the nonprofit in 2007. She always supported me in my desire to live and work in Africa, but she went on to give generously to those who became dear to me as my work here took on another dimension. She wrote checks that directly benefited the girls clubs, and for as long as possible, she wrote thank you notes to donors who make our work possible. She was always eager to hear the news, and, across the miles, she formed strong bonds with GSGC staff.

Mom loved Africa ever since she read I Married Adventure as a teenager. Decades later, she visited me in Kenya and Zimbabwe. Even after travel became too difficult, even now, her spiritual connection to Africa and her peoples remains unbroken.

Thank you, Mom, for all you did to sustain me and GSGC.


Herbert A. West, 1932-2018, San Anselmo, Calif.

Herb was one of my earliest Global Sojourns clients, and he became one of GSGC's earliest and most enthusiastic donors. His steadfast belief in our focus on empowering girls and nurturing the potential of community leaders was a source of strength to me and those who joined our effort. Herb was a champion for GSGC from the start.

He was a kind, patient mentor on whose business and personal wisdom I could rely.

As Herb's battle with Alzheimers grew, Jan, his wife of more than 60 years, has generously continued his support of GSGC. Their daughter, Erin, is a great friend of GSGC and a frequent visitor to Africa.

Thank you, Herb, for all the gifts you gave me and GSGC, and for the ripples you created on our behalf.


- Priscilla


Another way to give

Did you know that each time you make purchases, Amazon will donate to the GSGC? Just be sure to go to smiles.amazon.com and choose the Global Sojourns Giving Circle as your designated recipient. So easy!