Maddie Conley
Student Writer
Chris Muchimba
Year: Junior
Major: Digital Media Concentration in Video and Story
You have probably seen him either walking around campus with a camera or speeding around on his bike, smiling and laughing either way. He is a fun, outgoing half-Zambian, half-New Yorker that’s always looking for an adventure (or trouble). This is Chris.
How did you get from Zambia to the United States?
One day I just woke up and decided I wanted to go to the United States to study. The main reason was for a better education, but I also just wanted to be out of my comfort zone. My principal helped me through the process of getting my passport and visas. Usually that process takes months or even years, but my whole process took only a few weeks. It just shows how God works things out. If He really wants you to be somewhere, He will get you there.
What is it like living with a host family?
When I was getting ready to come, I didn’t know what kind of family my host family would be. I thought whatever happens, happens. But, they were a great family. They took me in as their own, not as an exchange student, and for that I am so grateful. They are always trying to make me a better person. Back in Zambia, I moved around a lot, so I didn’t get a chance to live with my parents for a long time. So, they didn’t really get a chance to steer me in the right direction like my family in the U.S have been doing. I’ve been with them for a long time now, so they are comfortable helping me to grow in my faith.
What is your greatest struggle right now?
I just like being out there with everyone. I think sometimes though, I’m too much out there. I’m too outgoing. I forget to focus on things that really matter. I try to work on those things, but it’s a part of me. I get distracted from what’s important, like reading my Bible and praying. With the help of Messiah’s community, I am starting to defeat that struggle.
When did you feel the most lost?
When I came here to the United States, my first two weeks in Chicago, I felt the most lost. I was literally lost physically. It was the first time being away from home and I knew I’d be staying here for a long time. I felt like I was missing a part of me. All I could do was sit down in front of the computer and listen to Zambian music. I realized that was making me feel more lost. I stopped listening to Zambian music for a while. I told myself God wants me to be here and I shouldn’t burden myself with what I left behind. Sometimes we can go into places and realize it’s not what we want, but it’s what God wants.
Give me a piece of advice.
I tell myself, when I’m facing a difficult situation, that there’s a reason for it, even though I might not see what that is. God is in control and He knows what is happening. It’s for the better of me. If we all have that mindset it will help us go through things easier. Although there’s nothing easy about going through tough times, it’s just how you receive it and let God handle it.