Dear Reader,

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When I planned this trip to Zimbabwe, I knew I wanted to see wildlife, landscapes, and new places — of course. But I also knew I wanted something deeper. I wanted to meet the people. I wanted to serve the community in some way. I wanted to step beyond the typical tourist experience and leave something meaningful behind.

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After talking with our guide, Courtney, we decided that painting a mural at a local school would be the perfect way to blend artistry with connection. Through the help of Love For Africa, arrangements were made for our group to spend the day at Lesedi Secondary School, just outside Victoria Falls.

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Before I tell the story, I want to share the heart of this school.
Lesedi’s mission, in their own words:

The moment we learned this, we knew we were exactly where we were meant to be. Plus the joy on the kids faces as they greeted us with song and dance made us want to partake in their happiness.

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“This is Africa”

Our day didn’t start exactly on time. We needed to pick up paint… and then wait for the paint… and then wait a little longer for the paint. Anytime we asked for an update, we heard the phrase said with kindness and humor:

“This is Africa.”

We eventually adopted that phrase for the rest of our trip — a gentle reminder to breathe, surrender, and move at the pace of the place we were in.

Painting an Ocean Scene in the Heart of Zimbabwe

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When we finally arrived at the school, we got to work on a long exterior wall that would become our canvas. We chose to paint the ocean, because many of these students may never have the opportunity to see the sea in their lifetime. In fact, many have never even seen Victoria Falls, even though it’s not far from their village.

The sun was hot — really hot — and the paint dried almost instantly. Still, we worked quickly, laying in flowing shapes of water, fish, coral reefs, sea plants, and movement. The idea was to give the students a window into a world they may only ever see in books.

Lunch prepared by future leaders

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Mid-afternoon, we paused for lunch — and it turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of the day.

Students in the Food Technology and Hospitality program prepared and served a full meal. It was delicious, and their confidence and professionalism were something truly special to witness. These classes give students skills that translate directly into jobs — a real pathway to employment and independence.

We were honored to be their guests.

Painting, questions, and spark

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After lunch, we returned to the wall hoping to finish as much as possible. Some of the students joined in — carefully holding brushes, adding shapes and colors to the underwater world. Others stood close, watching every move, asking about how to paint, how to draw animals, how colors blend.

Their curiosity was the brightest part of the entire day.

Though we worked fast, eventually time ran out — the school grounds had to close, and we had to leave before the mural was fully completed. It was hard to walk away, but we left knowing that something beautiful, imaginative, and joyful was now theirs to keep.

A spark had been lit — and I think it burned in all of us.

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Ending the day with celebration

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From the school we went straight to a traditional Boma dinner — but this one was even more festive than the first. A colorful cloth was tied across our shoulder, and we entered a large dining hall filled with singing, dancing, and drumming.

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The food was incredible — full of traditional meats and vegetables — and then came the mopane worm challenge. My sister dove right in so she could earn the certificate. I was not going to do it… until they offered me the tiniest worm on the plate. She ate a big one, so I figured I could survive the baby version.

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So yes — I ate the worm.
And yes — I earned the certificate.
And yes — there was a lot of laughter.

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By the end of the night, we were dancing to the rhythm of the drums with people from all over the world — sweaty, joyful, tired, and overflowing with gratitude.

What a way to end the day.

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A day that changed something inside me

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Of all the incredible things we’ve seen in Zimbabwe — lions, elephants, leopards, sunsets, safaris — this day at Lesedi School sits in a category of its own.

We came hoping to give something to the community.

Instead, we received:

• Connection
• Curiosity
• Laughter
• Culture
• Hope

These kids are the future of Zimbabwe — and it was an honor to stand on their playground, eat at their tables, and paint on their walls.

I will never forget them or the amazing teachers.

Part 3 of the Zimbabwe series — an adventure in Victoria Falls — is coming soon.​
And yes… the artwork inspired by this trip is already beginning to form in my heart and sketches.

Thank you for following along — for joining me not just in the art, but in the story.

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With love and paint-spattered hands,
​Leslie

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