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Hello Reader,

As our time in Zimbabwe came to a close, the final days were filled with awe, adventure, connection, and a few unforgettable surprises. It was the perfect ending to a journey that will forever stay with me.

A Morning at Victoria Falls

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We began with a visit to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders,” the falls stretch nearly a mile wide and plunge over 350 feet into the gorge below.

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Because we visited at the end of the dry season, the falls weren’t at their fullest — and that turned out to be ideal. In high-water season, the mist is so thick you can’t see the falls at all. But during our visit, everything was perfectly clear: the drop, the rock face, the rainbows, and the thunder of the water.

The people made it even more special. Locals stopped us to say hello, hug us, welcome us to their country, and ask for photos together. Their warmth left such an impression on all of us.

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After several hours exploring the viewpoints, we had lunch overlooking the gorge before heading back to prepare for the evening’s adventure.

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The Sunset Cruise I Didn’t Want… Until I Loved It

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I’ll be honest — I didn’t want to go on the sunset cruise. It had been jokingly nicknamed the “booze cruise,” and after a long, hot day, I wasn’t feeling very festive.

When we boarded, the only available seats were in full sun, and I took the very hottest spot so my students wouldn’t have to. None of us were particularly excited.

But as the boat began to move, everything changed.

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Those “bad seats” turned out to be the best seats on the entire cruise. From my position, I had the closest view of every wildlife sighting along the river — especially the hippos, which I had been hoping to see all trip. And we didn’t just see them… they were active and beautifully lit by the golden evening sun.

We also saw crocodiles and stunning birds gliding past as the Zambezi turned shades of orange and fire red. By sunset, I felt like a queen in my front-row seat, grateful for the perfect reminder to trust the moment — even the ones I resist.

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Finishing the Mural & Finding Market Treasures

The next morning, we returned to Lesedi School to finish the mural we had started earlier in the week. Although it was Sunday, the headmistress opened the gates for us, and a few students showed up to help — one boy even walked over 30 minutes just to be part of it.

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Together, we completed the underwater scene, and stepping back to see the finished wall filled all of us with pride and joy.

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Afterward, we explored the local markets, famous for Zimbabwe’s hand-carved artwork. The craftsmanship was extraordinary, and we all found treasures to bring home.

One Last Adventure — The Canopy Tour

With only a few hours left in the day, several of us decided we needed one more burst of excitement. We signed up for the Victoria Falls Canopy Tour — a series of nine ziplines stretching across the gorge.

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It was exhilarating, breathtaking, and full of camaraderie. Seeing the falls and canyon from that vantage point was unforgettable — a perfect finale to our time in Victoria Falls.

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Love For Africa & A Farewell Filled With Heart

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On our final morning, before heading to the airport, Love For Africa gave us a special tour of their community impact projects. We visited:

• Small businesses supported by micro-loans
• A gym and youth shelter providing housing and life skills for homeless teens
• A technical school offering job training for young adults

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Seeing the work they do firsthand was deeply inspiring.

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At the airport, we said goodbye to our guide and driver, Ndaba — who had become like family. There were tears as we hugged him one last time. My students flew to Johannesburg, while my sisters and I boarded a small flight back to Harare.

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Because the plane was filled with a large group of primary school children, we were moved to the very front for balance, and I ended up sitting backwards in a flight attendant seat. Surprisingly, it was delightful — it allowed me to meet several passengers, including a new friend named MoreBlessing, who has stayed in touch and insists I visit her on my next trip.

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As we exited the plane, the adults walked out first while the children waited patiently. But on our way past them, every single child held up their hand for a high-five. One by one, tiny hands reached toward us — smiling, giggling, and sending us off with joy. It was the sweetest farewell.

A Perfect Ending to an Extraordinary Journey

Zimbabwe gave us breathtaking wildlife, adventure, and scenery…
but it also gave us community, humility, laughter, and connection.

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These final days tied everything together — and left me changed in the best possible way.

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Join Me in Zimbabwe — June 2027

This journey touched me more deeply than I ever expected, and I know I’m not done with Zimbabwe — not even close. The landscapes, the wildlife, the people, the connections, the art… it all left a mark on my soul. That’s why I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be returning in June 2027 with another group of students and travelers who want to experience this extraordinary place through creativity, curiosity, heart, and art.

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If this adventure has stirred something in you — if Africa has always been a dream, if you long for beauty and discovery, or if you want to paint, learn, and explore with me — consider this your invitation.

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More details will come, but for now…
​save the date, hold the dream, and imagine yourself beneath the African sky.

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With love and enormous gratitude,
​Leslie

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