Life In America

First Impressions of America

“Land of the free, home of the brave. The land of opportunity.”

The United States of America—these are all phrases I’ve often heard used to describe this country. I’d even go as far as to call it “the land of excess and convenience.” I was mesmerized by how the U.S. has tailored life for ease—there’s literally a drive-thru for everything: the bank, pharmacy, coffee, food, and more. And don’t even get me started on the portion sizes—they're massive!

Small yet significant things like that weren’t part of the world I grew up in. Coming from Zambia, everything felt new, surreal, and at times, overwhelming.

Culture Shock and Anxiety

When I first moved to the United States, I was filled with wonder—but also with anxiety and fear of failure. Failure to fit in, failure to adapt, and even failure to survive.

It was overwhelming at first—from the sheer number of cars to how people drove on the “wrong” side of the road (well, coming from Zambia, it felt like the wrong side). I looked around at the buildings and unfamiliar streets and asked myself, “Will I ever know which way to go?”

Going from a life of routine, friends, family, and familiarity to suddenly starting over was a tough reality to face. I’ll admit—there were many moments of loneliness and homesickness.

Finding Community

Thankfully, I got plugged into church with my family and soon began building a new community. I joined a small group for Bible study once a week and a young adults’ gathering as well. Slowly, I started developing a routine and rebuilding my social life. I got my first job as a Sales Agent and part-time an Event Sales Marketer on some weekends. I got to experience a little bit about how cooperate life might be like.

During this time, my parents were driving me everywhere. Living in Northwest Arkansas, where public transportation is limited, I had to learn to drive. I was nervous—it seemed like such a daunting task—but I knew I had to do it.

Adjusting to a New Normal

Gradually, life began to take shape again. I found myself experiencing things that were once so foreign to me, forming new friendships and connections, and adapting to a way of life I had never known before.

The saying “There’s no place like home” became so true and so real to me. Even though I had acclimated, I still sometimes felt like an outsider stepping in.

In my previous blog posts, “Coming to America” and “A Zed Girl,” I shed more light on the family dynamic between my parents and me. (Check those out if you haven’t already!)

Bittersweet Reflections

Living in the United States has been such a rewarding and eye-opening experience. I’ve had the chance to do so many fun and unique things and meet some truly amazing people. But I often miss home—Zambia. I miss the food, the culture, the people. I watch life pass by back home and feel the sting of missing out on moments there. That’s something many people don’t consider when they see someone immigrating or moving away.

But the joy in all of this is knowing that each one of our journeys is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all timeline and no perfect path. There is beauty in appreciating the individual stories that weave together the greater tapestry of our lives.

Coming to America

Coming to America: A Dream Realized

As a little girl, I always wished and dreamed about what it would be like to live in America. From the shows and movies I grew up watching, the U.S. seemed like the place to be—cooler, more fun, and full of exciting possibilities. I wanted my teenage years to be just like the characters in High School Musical, Hannah Montana, or Suite Life on Deck. Those shows shaped my childhood dreams.

Fast forward to my high school years back home in Zambia—moving to the United States became much more than what I had seen on screen. Deep down, I still wished for that dreamy American teen life, but my desire to move became rooted in something even more personal: reuniting with my mother. I hadn’t seen or met her in person since I was just one year and six months old—a baby too young to remember what it felt like to have her around.

Over the years, my mom and I kept in touch through phone calls, letters, pictures, and emails. I also built a connection with my two siblings, who were born in the United States. The older I got, the more I longed to deepen those relationships. But time, distance, and being on two different continents made that connection harder to maintain.

For years, I prayed for the chance to move to the U.S.—and in 2021, after 20 years, that dream finally came true.

Leading up to the big move, I was filled with a mix of emotions: excitement, anxiety, joy, sadness, and even fear. Fear of leaving behind my home, my life, my friends, and everything I had ever known. But the joy of reuniting with my family, starting fresh, and stepping into a world of opportunity outweighed the fear.

In September 2021, I landed at Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) and whispered to myself, “I really am here.” Meeting my family for the first time was emotional—warm embraces, teary eyes, and overwhelming joy. I really am here. What a dream it had been.

Adjusting to life with my parents wasn't easy. I had my own worldview, routines, and lifestyle built over the years. At times, I felt like an outsider because my family had built their own rhythms too. But with time, patience, and love, we learned to merge our worlds. Since then, it’s been a beautiful experience—becoming part of the family I had wished and longed for since I was a little girl.

Getting to know my family and settling into life in the U.S. has been eye-opening. There were so many culture shocks—drive-throughs for almost everything, driving on the opposite side of the road, the weather, and just how different everyday life is here compared to Zambia. It’s been quite the adventure, this journey of Coming to America.

And in all of it, I’ve learned one powerful lesson: how to manage expectations, and how to navigate the space between dreams and reality.

Thank you for reading—see you in the next one!

With love,
Tina

‘Uni’ Days

My University Journey: The Choices That Shaped Me

The time had come to make a choice—one that would determine my career and my future: going to university. “Uni” (short for university or college, depending on where you're from) was something I had looked forward to since high school. The thought of freedom, fun, friends, and excitement was all I could think about. I wished those days would come sooner.

At the end of 2018, after completing my gap year—an incredible experience—I discovered my love and passion for people. The injustices I saw and the stories I heard from different individuals across the countries I visited sparked a deep compassion within me, one I couldn't shake.

Determined to make a difference, I applied to Northrise University in Ndola, Zambia—a biblically oriented institution—to pursue a Bachelor of Laws degree. In February 2019, I stepped into my first semester, filled with a mix of drive, expectation, and excitement.

I still remember my first day at orientation—freshman students all around me, some holding back in shyness while others confidently embraced the moment. I wanted to be right in the middle—poised yet confident, carrying myself with the self-assurance I was raised with.

Finding My People

University introduced me to some of the most incredible friendships. There were people with whom I shared crazy, laughter-filled, and even heartbreaking moments. Some friendships I thought would last a lifetime faded away, while others—surprisingly, even with those I initially didn’t get along with—grew into unbreakable bonds.

Living in the boarding house (apartment) with other students reminded me of high school, but with more freedom, which I absolutely loved. I also joined the worship team, singing in the choir and performing at least twice a week during services and chapel. This deepened my love for music, as I was constantly surrounded by others who were just as passionate about the arts.

Academics & Challenges

Academics were a new kind of challenge. In high school, I wasn’t necessarily at the top of my class, but I wasn’t at the bottom either—I did well. However, university humbled me. I had to adjust my learning approach and work harder than I ever had before.

A funny (but not-so-proud) moment looking back now—I failed Algebra twice. I’ve never been great at math, so this was a tough hurdle to overcome. But I pushed through, and in the end, it became one of those challenges that helped me grow.

Struggles & Self-Discovery

I didn’t always make the best or smartest decisions—some who know me personally can vouch for that! (Maybe I’ll do a storytime on my podcast!

I struggled with the balance between my spiritual walk with God and the pressures of fitting in—wanting to be cool, popular, and accepted. This led me into moments of feeling lost, unsure of who I was, and questioning the principles I had grown up with.

A Life-Changing Decision

Fast forward to 2021, the beginning of my third year at university. A life-changing opportunity presented itself—one I had dreamed of for years: the chance to move to the United States to reunite with my mom and family.

But this decision came at a cost. I had to cut my studies short, leaving behind my law degree, home, friends, and everything familiar to start over in a completely different country and continent.

It was a bittersweet moment—one that forced me to choose between two dreams: the career I was working hard to build and the long-awaited chance to be with my mother. Ultimately, I chose family.

The Journey Continues…

Thank you for reading! I love reflecting on the moments that shaped me, and I hope you enjoy them as I share my journey with you.

I can't wait to dive into my next blog post: "Coming to America."

With love,
Tina

The Gap Year

Navigating Life After High School: My Gap Year Journey

The bridge between high school and college or university is always such a confusing time—shifting from thinking you know what your future will or should look like to the deep uncertainty of not knowing what to do with the newfound freedom and responsibility that comes after finishing high school.

Right after high school, I experienced both ends of the spectrum. So what did I do? I took a gap year. Some might say that was a waste of time and that I should have just used the momentum from high school to continue studying. Others believe taking a gap year is a time to discover oneself, take a break, and figure out what you truly want to do in life.

I graduated from Amano Christian School towards the end of 2017 and started by volunteering at my high school. It literally felt like I never left because my grandmother worked at the school, and now I was staying on not just as a former student but also as a staff member’s kid. The expectations were, as always, high. As a volunteer, they placed me wherever they needed help. The students now had to address me as "Miss Tina"—so awkward, right?

I worked with the primary school, helping second and third graders with math and reading. Library time with the little ones was always fulfilling—their eager eyes, bright smiles, and goodbye hugs at the end of the day filled my heart with joy. Between classes, I sometimes helped in the main kitchen or cafeteria. In the evenings, I assisted in the girls’ dormitory with homework, fun activities, Bible study, and anything else I could help with. This was such a memorable time, as I got to work alongside people who had mentored me during my years as a student at Amano.

Fast forward to 2018—I signed up for a discipleship course at FCE (Foundation for Cross-Cultural Education). It was a three-month program where I learned about God, myself, and others, taking a deep dive into purpose and my role in the community. Spiritually, it was a challenging time for me, as I came face-to-face with hard truths about who I was and who I should be. After the three months, I decided to stay on for the mission training portion of the program, which lasted six months and focused on community outreach.

The first three months of mission training were dedicated to cultural and religious studies—learning how to live and serve within different communities and cultures. The final three months took us on a road trip through several African countries, including Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. I used my love and talent for music to serve the communities we visited, helping in any way I could.

Even though I am from Zambia, this experience was eye-opening. The cultures were so different, yet they all shared the same core values—love, kindness, and generosity. I sat with people who had endured unimaginable suffering and injustice, yet they still chose love. That opened my heart and strengthened my desire to serve my community. This experience deepened my love for people and shaped me in ways I never expected.

It marked a pivotal moment in my life. The lessons I learned and the people I met along the way encouraged me to always seek to love and serve others.

Thank you for reading.

Love, Tina.

Going to Boarding School

A Journey of Growth, Challenges, and Discovery

High school—the place where one’s character is built, shaped, tested, and discovered. My high school experience was, and still is, an interesting time. It was one of the most fun yet challenging and impactful periods of my life, shaping me into the person I am today. This may be a bit of a long read, but I promise it’s a fun one!

As mentioned in my previous blogs, I attended Amano Christian School in Chingola, Zambia, from 8th to 12th grade. High school was a unique experience for me because my grandmother worked at the school as a ‘dorm parent’ or ‘dorm mom.’ This was both a good and a bad thing. I lived in the dormitory, and my grandmother’s apartment was right there as well—so it was like a home away from home, yet still at home. Complicated, I know, but stay with me on this one!

I started school halfway through the term, which was an odd experience. I had missed part of the curriculum and had to adjust to an already established culture and routine. My classmates had already adapted to the learning styles, accents, and teaching methods, all of which were new and different for me. Amano is an international school with students, teachers, and staff from all over the world, making it an incredibly diverse and eye-opening experience.

Living in a dormitory and having a roommate—who was from a completely different background, often spoke a different language, and had an upbringing different from mine—was a major growth experience. As a teenager with my own character and personality, I quickly learned that we wouldn’t always get along. There were times when I wanted to take a nap after a long day of classes, but my roommate decided it was the perfect time to invite friends over for a chat. Or I preferred a tidy room while my roommate couldn’t care less. These small conflicts often caused tension, but they also helped me grow as a person. I learned to live with and understand people who were different from me, which is a lesson that has stayed with me.

Amano Christian School offered a broad range of sports and activities that excited me. I got to discover things I enjoyed and even tried things I never thought I would. I found that I loved track and field, as well as netball, and that I excelled when I put my mind to it. Funny enough (a story for another day), I quickly realized during my first cross-country run that long-distance running was not for me! But with effort and a shift in mindset, I became halfway decent at it.

The school also had a choir and music team that I joined, and this experience deepened my love for music. I discovered my passion for singing, something that has stayed with me throughout my life.

Of course, high school wasn’t just about academics and extracurriculars—I made a lot of mistakes along the way. I wasn’t always perfect, and I didn’t always get it right. But through it all, I found myself, and I continue to learn and grow. I’m grateful for the friends and mentors who shared a part of their lives with me. Lifelong friendships, family, and incredible mentors like Wami, Olivia, Diana, the Cracknell family, the Groves, the Kirks, and the Furnishes all played a role in shaping my journey. Each of them, in one way or another, taught me something about life and helped me grow in my relationship with God. Many others impacted my life as well, even if I haven’t mentioned them here.

Amano was truly a place of learning, discovery, and growth, shaping a part of who I am today.

I hope you all enjoyed this week’s blog post! Remember, life is about those little moments that remind you just how much you have to be grateful for.

Love,

Tina

Being a “Missionary Kid”

My Journey of Faith

Growing up in the church and in a very tight-knit Christian environment has had a significant influence on who I am today.

In the previous blog post, I briefly shared where I grew up and some of the places I lived in Zambia. In this blog, I will expand on and share my experiences growing up as a “missionary kid.”

From the ages of 2 to 13, I grew up at GLO, a Christian missionary organization that trained individuals who were preparing to be leaders in the church. With my grandmother serving as one of the teachers and mentors for women, it was always “bring your kid to work” day. Until I was old enough for school, she had to take care of me while also doing what she was passionate about and called to do. As a result, I was exposed to the concept of God and the deep stories of the Bible from a very young age. I spent many hours sitting at the back of the room with colored pencils and toys to keep me occupied. Before long, I had all the lessons memorized.

In addition to this, Sundays were packed with church services, Sunday school, after-church meetings, and potlucks. During the week, there were prayer meetings, and it was church all day, every day. My grandmother was also very intentional about us having our own family Bible study and encouraged personal quiet time and prayer. For primary school (grades 1 through 7), I attended a Christian school, and for grades 8 through 12, I was at another Christian school. So, all my life, I was surrounded by God and Jesus. It was very much a “church kid” life.

This environment, while nurturing, also led to a certain callousness in my heart toward God. I knew so much about Him, I could recite all the right Christian phrases, and I knew the rituals to fit in. But despite all of that, I was empty and lost inside with no real relationship with God.

I spent many years walking a thin line, lukewarm—neither truly committed nor completely disconnected. Even after I gave my life to Jesus, I had to become more self-aware and cautious not to fall into the trap of merely being a religious person, rather than living a true faith-based lifestyle and relationship with God.

Looking back, I realize what a privilege it was to grow up surrounded by people who selflessly served and loved God. Their example gave me a deeper appreciation for God’s presence in my life and how His loving hand was always guiding me, even when I lost my way. My journey of getting to know God on a deeper, personal level has been far from perfect but has also been incredible with normal ups and downs that come with life and being human but his grace has truly been sufficient. I can now see how all the pieces from the Bible lessons I grew up with have come together to shape my faith.

Thank you so much for reading this blog. I hope you’ve gained a glimpse into my life and the experiences that have shaped me into who I am today, and my journey of finding God for myself.

With love,
Tina

Growing up in Zambia

A Journey of Faith, Family, and Self-Discovery

I was born on April 11, 2000, in Chingola, Zambia, a small town in the Copperbelt. My mother, a budding long-distance runner, relocated to the United States when I was just 1 year old to pursue her athletic career, and my grandmother became my primary guardian.

At age 2, we moved to Ndola, another town in the Copperbelt, where I grew up in a Christian missionary community called GLO. My grandmother worked as a mentor and teacher to local women, and although life was financially challenging at times, from her raising me she taught me the invaluable lesson of contentment and trusting in God's provision.

When I was 14, my grandmother took on a new role as a dorm parent at Amano Christian School in Chingola, where I attended high school from 8th to 12th grade. Amano, a boarding school, gave me the chance to meet people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. However, being in a Christian environment with my grandmother as a staff member came with its own pressures to be "perfect," which I often struggled with, but it helped shape me into who I am today.

In 2017, I graduated high school and took a gap year. I volunteered at my school, completed a 3-month discipleship course at FCE, and joined a mission road trip across Africa with a group of 10 people from around the world. That experience deepened my love for Africa and ignited a passion for serving others.

In 2019, I enrolled at Northrise University in Ndola to study law. University life was a mix of excitement and confusion as I navigated the challenges of academia and personal growth.

Then, in 2021, after 20 years of being apart, I finally reunited with my mother. I left Zambia behind and moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas, to start a new chapter of my life in the United States. Adjusting to a new country was a big change, but it opened up new opportunities and experiences that I am excited to share in the coming months.

Thank you for reading my story. I hope it encourages you to trust your own journey, no matter how unexpected the twists and turns may be.

With Love,
Tina.