This month, I spotlighted the one and only Miguel Paul, a sophomore and MK serving in Zambia. This is his second year with TPS and he’s currently taking Art of Argument with Mr. Lehmann; French 2 (Honors) with Madame S; Medieval, Renaissance, Reformation History, Lit, and Comp with Dr. Leake and Mr. Crosby; and Chemistry with Mrs. Coppedge.
Although Miguel is kept busy with school and his work at a farm, he enjoys coding and creating games in his rare free time. His other hobbies are practicing guitar, playing basketball, and hanging out with his friends. He’s a huge fan of anything Marvel, Maze Runner, and NF. His favorite MCU films are Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Guardians of the Galaxy.
Miguel has been a MK in Lusaka, Zambia for about six years of his life. Before moving overseas, he lived in Ontario, Canada. As of now, he can speak fluent English, knows a handful of words from local African languages, and is learning French.
Thanks to being a MK, Miguel has had the opportunities to visit new countries and experience their cultures. His most memorable visit has been to Italy, as well as living in Zambia, which has always been exciting. He’s gone to multiple national parks, seen many wild animals, and has even ridden an elephant before. Not to mention, he’s developed a great admiration of McDonalds.
Culture shock is an extremely real thing for many TCKs, where they feel disoriented when suddenly being thrown into “an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.” Miguel has experienced this when he first came to Zambia. It really surprised him to see how everything is built differently, with four walls surrounding everyone’s property and hiding your neighbor’s house.
Despite this, Miguel says that people in Zambia are a lot more communal and friendly. It’s more natural for them to walk up to a stranger and begin a conversation. He adds that it’s crazy how much a place can change in two years, which is the time they’re away from Canada. He remembers that he and his family were amazed to discover that you can order from McDonalds on a screen instead of talking to someone at the counter.
Miguel shares his favorite Bible verse, James 1:12, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (New International Version). He says that he likes this verse because it reminds him that as long as we persevere through the difficulties in life, we’ll receive a reward on the other side.
Wrapping up, Miguel wants to tell the readers to “please buy me a McDonalds burger with a large chocolate milkshake ASAP, thank you!” After remembering that they were supposed to be encouraging words, Miguel changes it to, “Never forget that God is always with you and accompanying you.” He also recommends trying your local cuisine at least once, even if it’s a caterpillar.