Each morning, I wake up to the sound of Taylor’s red speaker filling the kitchen with a different song, choices ranging from Noah Kahan to Norah Jones, Jack Johnson and more. At the beginning of the spring semester, ZamFam ’26 created a collaborative playlist for us all to add music to. While the twenty-two-hour playlist seemed insignificant at the time, it has quickly become a soundtrack for our time in Zambia. “Electric Love” playing in our headphones on the bush plane, Meg singing along to “Willing and Able” as she makes breakfast, and “You’re so Vain” making an appearance during one of our slow-runner’s club runs are just a few moments that I won’t soon forget. However, our interaction with music has extended far beyond this extensive playlist.
On our safari in Botswana, Meg, Sarah, Taylor, Emi, Lauren, and I jokingly created a song which was quickly and continually shared with everyone around us, including Jeff, the guides, strangers, and the rest of ZamFam, all of whom indulged us. Chef P, the man who made dinner for our camp, played several original songs under the name Jay Bless music, utilizing it as an opportunity to uniquely share his story of struggles but also gratitude. When we landed in Zambezi, we were greeted by singing students from Chilenga Primary School, and at mass the next morning we serenaded everyone with a Lunda song we had attempted to learn the night before. Even last night, we fell asleep to blasting music from the bars in the market and woke up this morning to the same noise as we trekked to elderly aerobics at 6am.
While some of these experiences have left me struggling for breath from laughter, I have also noticed the special and unique role music plays in life, intensifying moments of joy or struggle while simultaneously connecting us with others. It extends far beyond language barriers or cultural differences, something I have discovered is especially crucial for our time in Zambezi. It supports us on our journey without controlling our path, even expressing emotions that our own words cannot.
The other day we read a chapter from How to Know a Person by David Brooks, in which he discusses the act of accompaniment. What struck me about his writing was how he utilized music to ground one of his points:
The pianist accompanies the singer. They are partners, making something together, but the accompanist is in the supportive role, subtly working to embellish the beauty of the song and help the singer shine. The accompanist is sensitive to what the singer is doing, begins to get a feel for the experience she is trying to create.
Music is a foundational aspect of my identity, from concerts to car sing-alongs and my passion for guitar, I cannot remember a time when I did not love music wholeheartedly. Music is inclusive, inviting everyone to the table regardless of their background or status, fostering a sense of connection and community with those around us. It does not expect anything from its listeners, it does not push them to conform to certain expectations, but rather it encourages them to embrace authenticity and the joy of shared humanity. Just last night, I watched Joe’s face light up as he finally met a Zambian who owned a cello he could play, and earlier this week some of us danced along to “Party in the USA” at the market, with several Zambian women joining in.
Empathy and accompaniment are deeply significant to me, as they are often a struggle to find at home in Dallas, TX. I have witnessed division and dehumanization deeply entrenched within within my community, and as a result it has often been a great source of frustration and isolation. Rather than working to support people where they are at, I have seen harmful expectations and aggressive pressure forced onto those who are unable to meet the unrealistic standards.
I have quickly discovered during my time in Zambezi the importance of “signing onto another person’s plan,” as Brooks describes, which sometimes even looks like starting class 15 minutes late each morning because people in Zambezi operate on “Zambian time.” While I find some common cultural norms confusing at times, I am learning to appreciate others’ journey and decisions, despite conflicting views I might hold. I cannot possibly begin to understand the nuances and complications of others’ experiences that shape their choices, and it would be arrogant of me to assume otherwise.
Unlike humans, music perfectly embodies the act of accompaniment by transcending any sense of ego or self-centeredness, choosing to let go of the reins while still engaging to support, uplift, and encourage others. It does not ask questions but sits in the challenging spaces with those in struggle. It is not a transactional relationship, but it provides attention to those in need regardless of personal beliefs. I believe we all have a lot to learn from music.
Hayden Smith
ZamFam ‘26
Class of 2029
Mom, Dad, and Hudson, I miss you guys so much and I cannot wait to crush some Mexican food when I get back. We should try to make our way down to Big Bend this summer or at least to a new bookstore a few hours away. Also, Dad keep me updated on Phoebe Bridgers and Radiohead. Love you so much and say hi to Riggins for me!
Allie, Silver Springs was playing last night, and I was thinking about Get it Gorl and our dramatic sing-alongs. I also explained to everyone what the dream day in college looks like, you know what I’m talking about. I can’t wait to see you and talk till 2am when we should definitely be asleep. I hope your sleep schedule is better now that you’re not living with me 🙂
Valencia, I tried poloni the other day which is like a hot dog and then we were all talking about Seds which made me think about the absurd number of nights we ended up there. Also, Clare you need to come to Zambia because I do not think we have stopped laughing since we’ve been here and we did elderly aerobics this morning which I know you would’ve absolutely loved.
My Texas besties, I am so ready for some summer sunsets and late night debriefs at Sonic and Whataburger. We need to update our bingo card and find things to do this summer that aren’t eating and shopping, I’m literally begging.
Thanks, Hayden, for your post. I love music as well, and playing guitar is a a wonderful peace for me. I also love the image of Meg singing “Willing and Able” in the kitchen. Sounds a lot like our kitchen when she is home! I am sure she has some Megan Maroney in the rotation as well. Meg, miss you so much – I have had the firewall issues lately so hopefully this one goes through. I have been saving my posts that don’t go through so you can see them when you get back. I am so excited to hear about all you have done, learned and experienced. Love you to the moon and back times infinity!
Beautiful Hayden. I am missing the soundtrack of Zambezi and you captured it, from dishwashing dance parties to choir practices. Like so many I’ve been reading every word of the blogs and sending you all my best and prayers as you engage in the complexity of accompaniment. I have loved your photos – seeing you all in a place that is sacred ground for me and holds so many memories. Give an extra Josh hug to Katendi, John, and Debby from me. Homestays tonight?
Isa, Have you sang any camp songs or Sunday School songs from the CDs and cassettes you listened to as a kid? Does anyone else know Pharoah, Pharoah, I’m Taking My Sorrows, or Deep and Wide?
Keep singing! It’s good for the soul and speaks to every emotion.
Psalm 47:1, 6
O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.
Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
Love the photo Isa! Miss you
Hayden,
I was so happy to open the blog today and see your writing. As soon as I saw the title I said to myself, “this has to be Hayden”. First and foremost, no updates on Radiohead’s 2027 tour, and Phoebe Bridgers is selling out in like an hour everywhere her show pops up. Yesterday she surprised everyone in Iowa and sold out all tickets in like 2 hours. I hope she pops up near Big Bend when you are home so we can hop in the car and drive the easy 9 hours there, while listening to a great playlist. In the meantime, you and I have some great concerts this summer (Noah Kahan, Chance Pena, Lord Huron, etc.). And 3.5 hours away is Intermission bookstore in Brownwood, TX, which seems to be the hotspot at the moment. Looking forward to going there with you this summer.
We missed you at the graduation celebration for Grady last night, but you were the topic of much conversation, and we enjoyed some amazing tapas. I am saving up all the eating out at Mexican for when you return, though we took grandpa and granny to Torchy’s the other night and we got their amazing queso.
“It supports us on our journey without controlling our path, even expressing emotions that our own words cannot.” I love your post today, and am so thankful you chose to say yes to Zambezi. I remember sitting in the parent meeting in October and seeing the excitement on your face and knowing this was something deeply important to you and that you would be transformed by such an experience. That was the first time we met Jeff and were deeply impressed by his love and care for students. And we met Sarah and her parents at that meeting as well, and so glad you have amazing friends with you to share this journey with. This will be something you all share and talk about the rest of your life.
Mom just said to me “I love how she said they can’t stop laughing together.” That brought a joyful smile to her face knowing you are in such company.
I love you so much and can’t wait to hear all about it in person upon your return.
Dad
ps Riggins is wondering where you are at. He will often go up and lay outside your bedroom door in the day. And by the way, your brother was bragging about you the other day to his grandparents. Talking about what an amazing freshman year you had and how much you got involved with. That’s when you know you’ve been leaving an impact. When your brother is noticing. Ha.
Hayden!!!!
Missing you extra today and I’m so happy for you! Sounds like this experience is once in a lifetime, and I can’t wait to hear all about it soon. Also, this was a beautiful post including some of my favorite songs of all time. Anyways, thinking of you and I’m very excited to see you come to Portland later this summer!!!!
Hayden, I loved your post and I too have such a love of music. It can calm anxiety, make me laugh, bring me to tears, and make me ready to see Jesus in a praise setting. It looks and sounds like you are having such an amazing experience and it will be with you always. We miss you and can’t wait to hear about all of it in person. Sending hugs and love!
I loved reading this post! Music is a universal language and has the ability to connect everyone. Sarah, I can’t wait to hear these songs you’ve been making LOL. Can’t wait till you’re back and we can send each other songs that remind us of each other. Oh BTW. Brett Chody had her NYC Bites Run Club today! I met her AND Jake (and Julia and Payton)!!! I told them about you obviously. When I told them that you’re in Zambia, Brett said she also went to Zambia when she was in college. I thought that was funny, because we say that you’re the Brett to my Jake, when I said that they both agreed that I’m like Jake and we all laughed and giggled. Both of them know you now, and I made sure to get you some presents!!! Hope you’re having a blast, the elderly aerobics looked great. Miss you bunches. Love you!!!
Hayden,
As you can imagine, I was so excited to open the blog and find your post – to hear your voice coming through. And it is so fitting that it was about music (and Mexican food). We have been reading the blog daily and like everyone else, can’t wait to hear all the stories and see all the pictures when you get back. I sent your post to the mom’s thread and they said “Can we come?…we want to crush Mexican food hear the stories too!”.
I’m so incredibly excited for you and this journey, and proud of the way you have continued to put yourself in new and unfamiliar situations and thrive. We can do hard things and you have demonstrated that beautifully. I loved the quote you chose from David Brooks’ book. It’s such a beautiful picture of accompaniment and it also struck me as a reflection of this new season for us as your parents. We’ve been learning how to walk alongside you differently as you left home and transitioned into college. We moved from the directors to supportive roles, working to embellish the beauty of the song and help (you) the singer shine, trying to be sensitive to what you are doing and figure out how best we can support the experience you are trying to create. It’s hard to let go, but it’s been such a gift to watch you pursue and create a life with such intentionality.
Keep laughing and dancing and singing. I love this experience for you.
Also, Hudson has continued to branch out in his photography….the proposal, grad parties, and most recently a request to make a mix tape of a guy and his family playing cornhole. Ha! We love you to the moon and miss you!
Mom
Hi Hayden! Awww music! It is so transcendental and when totally blasted..thoughts disappear. Love it! Love what you said about it getting rid of the ego part. It’s our Universal language and I love it. Liv can tell you about our spontaneous kitchen dance parties. Great pictures!!
Liv! Hey Girl! Love you! We just got back from hot hot yoga. It was hot! This aerobics class is awesome and happy someone captured these pics! So good to see you sweetie pie! You are so loved and I hope you are dancing all out..cause that’s the BEST! Love you!
Oh and Liv…I think I was like the 45th poster yesterday, so I hope you got that message! Miss you!! XO Hugs
This firewall is trying to block me but I need my comment to be posted!
What an amazing post, Hayden!
Before Zambezi, music mostly stayed in the background of my life—playing in the car or while getting ready with friends. Being here has shown me how powerful music can be in bringing people together. Especially as visitors who don’t know much of the language, we can still connect through rhythm, energy, and emotion. I hope your home stays continue to share music as a way of building relationships. If you’re at Steve’s, get ready to dance late into the night! Cate and I learned very quickly last year that our hips do not move quite like the kids’ do.
The ZamFam playlist is such a special one. There are songs I can’t listen to without immediately being transported back to the convent kitchen or sitting on the front porch pumping water.
What you shared about Dallas was especially meaningful. It can be easy to focus on the things that separate people, but music reminds us of the things we have in common. Chances are, people from very different backgrounds are listening to many of the same artists and songs. Music has a unique way of creating connection where there might not otherwise be one.
Your post also reminded me of something that happened yesterday. My mom had a group of Girl Scouts visit her office to learn about dental hygiene, and as she gave them a tour, they followed her everywhere. Watching them crowd around brought me right back to Zambezi and trying to walk anywhere with a group of kids close behind.
Quick funny story for you: In the office, I was standing next to a baby picture of myself when a little seven-year-old walked up and said, “Can I tell you something?” I thought she was about to say something sweet. Instead she looked at the photo and said, “You used to be a lot cuter.” You can imagine the look on my face!
Love,
Weenie
11:08 a.m. in California, 8:08 p.m. in Zambia
P.S. Elderly aerobics?! I am so jealous! I didn’t see Jeff or Cade in the photo though…
Ahem. Jeff TOOK the photo!
JEFF!!! Next time, jump in!
Hayden, Thanks for a great post. Music is such a mood lifeter. I think your playlist will forever bring you back to your days in Zambia.
Sarah, have you been singing any Chorale songs? Showing any cool Chorale moves? I do think your friends should experience that treat themselves. I do miss roadtrips with windows down, music blaring and singing (You and Olivia undoubtedly off key, Caroline trying to harmonize, and me laughig and forgetting where we are and going over the line into traffic). Sending you so much love. Momma
Omg I love imagining all of you listening to the same soundtrack and it becoming part of the experience! So love getting to see pictures of Olivia. You seem radiant and so at ease! Beautiful as always. So excited to hear all of the stories and profound experiences!
Love you! Be safe❤️❤️❤️
I spotted Sam immediately in the sunrise elderly aerobics pic from her crazy muscles, despite her face being covered. Coco Gauff just lost to Potapova like 30 minutes ago, kinda brutal. This whole French Open is just upsets which is kind of interesting esp cus for men its been pretty top heavy with Sinner and Alcaraz winning the last 9 slams. As you know I don’t really watch basketball but I’ve been getting really into the OKC Thunder vs the SA Spurs series and game 7 is tonight, gonna watch with some friends, hopefully 7’4 Wembanyama can lock in and take em to the NBA championship and send SGA crying. I hope all is well in the big Z and I’ll see ya soon.
Thanks for the thoughtful post Hayden! Music plays so many vital roles in our lives as you so clearly articulated. I agree that music is a key ‘connector’ of peoples and cultures. Wishing you more dancing, singing, playing and exploring during your time in Zambia.
Katie- thanks for the post. Music is definitely a connection that can breach gaps between generations and cultures. We hope you and the rest of your ZagFam continue to sing and dance to your interpretations and how the music of your life continues beyond this chapter of your journey.
Lily love seeing your smile. Was that dog that found it way to you during aerobics. Go figure even there you are a dog whisperer!
Missing your calls with questions but so excited to see what answers you bring home. Love you always and forever. Be Safe
Mom and Dad.
So sorry Hadyen your post. I apologize I was re-reading them all and got your name mixed.
Lily knows I have a hard time multitasking!!!
Sarah
It’s so awesome you guys can just jam to music together before your days get busy and filled. Would love to hear what everyone’s favorite song has been so far and what the song of the trip will be. Sam, Meg, and MP, sorry I took a break from commenting for a few days! I never know if my comments make it to you or not if I comment too late. Hopefully you get this message. Love you all so much and think about you and Zambia every day. Sam, hopefully Anders has updated you on Roland Garros. If not, just know that I am devastated and this tournament is stupid. Meg, I miss you and i was just thinking about when we all cheered you on at Bloomsday and how awesome you did. MP, I’ve been telling my family about how you are going to study abroad and I’m coming to visit you and I literally can’t wait. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Hayden, this sounds so fun. You’re making my mouth water talking about Seds. I miss listening to music with you and hearing your lovely voice. Please bring some Zambian songs to Gonzaga for us to listen to on the weekends 😉
Hayden!!
I was so excited to see your name on the blog post today! I’m so glad you are enjoying Zambia and all of the amazing experiences you are having and people you are meeting. Not surprised at all to see you write your post about music, I know how much you love music and how much it means to you and I’m so glad it’s been able to be a part of this special trip. I miss you and can’t wait to hear all the stories you have to share!
Love ya,
Isaac
In our family, songs are connected to places and shared memories. Ask Graley to tell you about “Stir Fry” corner on our road home – named for the Migos song.
So, a Zig playlist for the trip is genius!! It brings you together now and will continue, for many years to come, to bring you back to this place and to each other. Thirty years later, six notes of a song from Tom Tom Club takes me to an afternoon in the back of a jeep in Bali with my sister (Graley’s Auntie Esta) and will always lead me to text her a link to the song and then we go on to chat about shared memories and catch each other up on the latest.
I love that you are making sure to have days filled with music and movement, and especially that you are learning to find balance between leading and accompanying.
Graley, I went to my morning yoga class today and the Saturday market started up again in Sherwood. This year there is a delicious vendor with all kinds of hummus, pita, and housemade pita chips. It’s soo good. Can’t wait for you to try it!
I love this post! And am really curious to hear the song you all made up as well as the playlist. Elderly aerobics sounds like the perfect paring with the slow runners club.
Emu- I have been listening to your “Nostalgia” Spotify playlist which is really bringing back so many nostalgic memories. Keep absorbing all your sensory snapshots so you can share them when you are back in CO. And maybe can sing the song y’all made up on you/Merk’s roadtrip back from Spokane to CO and put me on FaceTime!
PS – Lilah is still chunky… and chatty…
Hayden, thank you for such a great post. Songs resonate on so many levels. They can be markers for ‘time of life’ and hold a capsule of memories. So special that you have a shared playlist for your Zambian experience. Another memory to attach to songs that are already meaningful to each of you.
And, i just love that you are all embracing so many new and different things. Elderly aerobics – so awesome. Who would have thought that would have been one of your shared experiences on this adventure?!
Kathryn, your little bro is on the mend. Still can’t put pressure on his feet, but maybe tomorrow. Jess and Jacob are also here this weekend adding a little extra fun for us.
Hayden-
Beautiful pictures, beautiful words.
Hello!!! I tried to comment yesterday but it got blocked because I was using my work computer. Anyway I hope you’re having a wonderful time! We went to Hana Yori tonight and missed you ❤️❤️JACK GRADUATES TMR! and halle and Kendall are coming into town. I miss you and I can’t wait to see you in less than a month!!
Music is such a universal language! Awesome that you could play and share yours and also listen to and enjoy theirs.
We are anxious to hear how many crocodiles you saw, hopefully from a distance!
Liv-
Love the photo’s of you and look forward to them with every blog:)
Love and miss you sweetie!
Rod and Cheryl (Liv’s Papa & Nana)
Hayden, I love your post! Music has such an impact on our souls and just brings people together. I can just imagine you all singing. In our house music ties us to memories, vacations and even certain people.
I would love to hear the song that you guys made up. I have a very dear friend that grew up playing the cello and her sister teaches so I am thrilled to hear that Joe found one to play.
Lauryn, I have been thinking about you as I am seeing posts about the Brandi Carlile concert at the Gorge. I so wish we could have gone to see her but I know you are making other musical memories there in Zambezi!
I pray you are continuing to sing and dance and share your smile with everyone!
Tonight your dad and sister are on a date and went to see the Black Keys perform at Remlinger!
Keep on singing baby girl! Love you and miss you!
Hayden,
What a great post. There were a few things that I loved. First the name of your running group. The Slow Runners club. Love that! And second, you wrote, “While I find some common cultural norms confusing at times, I am learning to appreciate others’ journey and decisions, despite conflicting views I might hold. I cannot possibly begin to understand the nuances and complications of others’ experiences that shape their choices, and it would be arrogant of me to assume otherwise.” Wow I really loved that one. So true, so deep and so thoughtful at the same time. I wish more people would embrace this.
Kathryn,
The move out of the store is complete! I can focus on getting Roseville set up now. The lacrosse families there are excited for us to open on Monday. Jack and Noah Dismukes are working a tourney at OC Great Park this weekend, while Charlie rests from his infections. Jack and Noah have been having a good time there. Jacob was bummed out that you were not here this weekend. But I told him that you went on a safari and he perked up and asked a whole bunch of questions. You will need to fill him in on all of the details when your back. We miss you everyday, but are equally so happy for you to be on this amazing journey. Keep having fun!
Hayden I love you so much and I am so excited that you are the one to blog today! I’ve been reading everyday and I am loving following this journey with you! You are the coolest person I have ever met, this is such an awesome experience and I love how you are truly giving it your all! I know how music can shape an experience and I’m so excited that music is guiding your journey!!!!!! I love you so much and I miss you even more! I can’t wait for our debrief also did you jump off the waterfall???? Also PS: my parents have read this everyday and they love you and wish you all the best!!
Hi Hayden I hope you are having so much fun I’m so excited that you did the blog today. I miss you but I hope you are having the best time in Zambia!! Your journey sounds super fun and I love that music is so important to you!! I miss sitting on your dorm floor singing with you and Abby while you played the guitar! Zambia sounds so fun and I hope you’re having a great time!!
Hey, Morgie! Full transparency, I charged your iPad so I could get the one time passcode and log in to your HBOMax account. Mom is at Universal right now for an event, and I’m trying to watch The Pitt. Thank you
Did you end up eating the chicken you defeathered?
Love you!
I’m having Gonzambian fomo about this song!!!
Please I hope somebody recorded it.
Have Emu sing the “Go Japan” song I crafted during our vacation in Japan. It was a classic!!!
All I keep thinking is that you are all BONDING BONDING BONDING and even your worst case of leave me along I’m tired of your yapping will be a fond memory in 3-6 days after you return and melt your collective brains with the tik tok / bowl of skittles / Target shopping spree etc.
Love you emu write down the lyrics of the song!!
Mark-Mark
Hi Hayden baby!!!!! I am so happy to hear from you and what you have been up to! I love that you have been soaking in this experience. I can’t wait to hear even more about it next year in our apartment!
Love, Annalise
P.S. adoring the Chaco’s in your sunset photo
Hi Graley,
Today was a wonderful day here in Oregon, at least until the neighbors let us know that their worker backed into out mailing box and took out everyone else’s. Ugh. Quiet day here in our usual Saturday routine. Finn’s work is going well, so that’s good.
Happy to hear about the zag playlist. That’s wonderful and will bring back so many memories for you upon your return. I always think of southwest Ireland when I hear any of the songs off of Finnegan’s playlist from our trip. I think we heard all those songs 10 times, but that’s what makes it so fun now.
Anyhow, wishing you well and looking forward to hearing more tomorrow.
HAYDEN!
I am so amazed at all your amazing stories and it is so fun to see what you are up to! I hope you are having a blast and growing your brain! It is amazing to see how you are still tying music into your life across the world! I miss you so much and am so proud of all the adventures you been experiencing! Yay you!
Love you miss you mean it!
Abby
Hi Hayden- Love this post about music and how it deeply connects us all. Love the story of dancing in the market with the Zambian women to “Party in the USA”. Music is so deeply healing and transformative. For years to come, when you hear a song from that playlist, you will all most certainly be transported back to so many memories of your time there. I loved what you said about class not starting on time and how you “cannot possibly begin to understand the nuances and complications of others’ experiences that shape their choices, and it would be arrogant of me to assume otherwise.” Powerful insight! Thank you for sharing this with us.
Sean-what did you add to the playlist? I’m guessing Noah Cohen?? Missing you a ton!
Hey Morgie!
Tommie had his 8th grade promotion ceremony this week. He is getting so BIG and tall! And Aubrey is going into 7th grade!! Craaaazy! Tom was also chosen to be the class Vice President for next year. 🙂 We shall visit them when you come to Bako.
Love ya! Xoxoxo
Hi, Hayden! Oh my goodness, I loved that you talked about the power of music! Music is simply the best, and a great way to connect with people no matter where you are.
I laughed out loud when I saw you guys were the only ones at elderly aerobics. Also! I was listening to Willing and Able right before reading this, perfect timing:)
I didn’t comment on yesterday’s post, but Jeff, your blog post was also so touching, and it put tears in my eyes.
Hehehehe, this post does open the gates for Sarah (I’m so sorry). I agree with your mom, Sarah, have you shared the love? If you guys want a new style this morn, someone should pick a country in their head (preferably one of the more touristy ones in Europe), and ask Sarah to sing you their national anthem. She has 8 of them locked in her dome, just in case you want more :)))).
Love this idea!
Graley: I noticed some floral pants in a previous post and they look amazing:) also, I thought of you again yesterday because my doctor was explaining the anatomy of my foot to me and it was fascinating.
MP: I’ve been embracing my inner you and Lauren and I’ve been biking as a mode of transportation. I’m not sure how I feel about it, but it makes me feel one with nature, so time will tell. Also, Azzi finally started and blocked Stewie all in the same week. I know.
Isa, since my biking began, I’ve been thinking about places to go to. I’ve been thinking about our friendship (long-term of course), and ideas of hanging out. Basically, I envision me biking to you in the fall so we can hang out and I hope that is okay because it’s made me excited to hop on my two wheels.
OKAY SO PROUD OF YOU GUYS HAVE A GOOD DAY!!
Shuckles I FORGOT! In honor of music, if anyone wants to know, Gracie Abrams announced a tour!!
Hayden, what a beautiful post! When you come home you won’t be able to listen to those songs without being instantly transported back to the sights, sounds, and smells of Zambezi. For me, it’s Love Grows, Life is a Highway, and Booty Like a Dummer! (PLEASE tell me Jeff introduced you guys to that one…) I love what you said about music not asking questions, but instead sitting in the challenging places with those who are struggling. That’s the role of the accompanier — to simply be with. If anyone gets the chance to be at Victor and Cleopatra’s house for their homestay, ask Pretty to teach you how to dance! Katy and I didn’t do so great, but maybe you will.
MP: made it home after driving up the coast all day! My highlight was sitting and observing a bald eagle on a cliff just north of Brookings. We named him Dave. Unfortunately, yesterday was so foggy that we couldn’t even see Crater Lake. We paid $30 to look at a pit of fog. I also got my technology package for my internship (which starts on Thursday) and boy does it look intense. Let’s just say the box was as big as me. Wish me luck!
Taylor: I am staring at my sleep sack right now and wish I was heading to bed under my mosquito net talking to you about our future weddings. I keep checking flights to Europe btw…
Love,
Caroline
ZamFam ‘25
Hi Hayden! Thank you for describing some of the sounds of your experience so far (Taylor I can’t wait to hear your original song:). I love the parallels you drew between music and accompaniment. You noted that your reading stated that “the accompanist is sensitive to what the singer is doing” and you are doing just that! Your words captured how you are making an effort to understand and appreciate the “singers” around you. I love this reminder to appreciate the journey of others as you stated so beautifully!
Taylor- Well the stiff back stingers (aka the old guys) beat the studs with jobs (aka your brother and his friends) by 3 strokes today…they could have really used your help that’s for sure!
Hayden, this post is awesome! I love the way you are able to write down your deep connection with music. I hope you’re having an awesome time teaching and experiencing! I can’t wait to hear about all of your adventures in class next year.
Sam, I just watched Gauff lose to Potapova in a three set match. Twas devastating. Anisimova is out too :(. I spotted you in the elderly aerobics photo. You thought you could hide but I would recognize those dirty dogs anywhere. I miss you (but not your dogs)!!
Lily, I googled Harry Styles to see if there was anything big to update you on but I don’t think he’s up to much except touring? I got into a deep dive and apparently there’s rumors of him expanding his tour? I’m not sure if that’s true, that’s just what the people on Reddit say lol. I hope you were able to see the crocodile but didn’t get too close!
Hayden! I love how you’re seeing music as such a powerful part of your experience, both at home and in Zambezi. I’m glad you’re filling your day-to-day with songs chosen by all of you — I can’t listen to Silver Springs without thinking of handwashing dishes in tubs on the convent porch, or Meet Me Halfway without picturing the bumpy ride to Dipalata. (And like Caroline said, hopefully Jeff has graced you all with Booty Like A Drummer already!) Perhaps the best music for me, though, was the swell of many voices during a lively church hymnal in Zambezi. Never once had I felt so welcomed and accompanied in a place of worship, and the way that the music transcended differences like you speak of in this blog post was so powerful. I admire how you see music as a model for accompaniment and empathy, and applaud how you’ve been able to demonstrate those qualities this far in your time in Zambezi. Keep the music playing, and keep learning from it too!
Hayden,
What a beautiful and moving post! Your words really resonated with me. Music, one of the oldest and purest art forms. It brings us together, binds our spirits in celebration and in sorrow, opens old memories, exposes us to something new. It allows us to communicate with each other, regardless of our spoken language barriers. Thank you so much for highlighting how music has been so instrumental in your Zambezi experience.
Joe, I think about you ever day, and look forward to getting to hear all about your adventures when you return. I hope you got to play some Dvorak on that cello!
I loved this post. Thank you for sharing with us.
hayden! we read this in the car on the way back from seeing “project hail mary” and it instantly brought a smile to our faces (i know we are late to the game seeing this movie, but have you seen it yet? if so, how’d you feel about the “sign of the times” karaoke feature lol)
this website doesn’t like that i’m yapping rn, but oh well! anywho, i am living vicariously through you right now.
i cannot wait to see all of the digi pics you’ve collected along your journey-we will be having a slideshow night btw!
sonic and whataburger have not been the same without you, but never fear, your seat will be saved when you return! also, we have picked up nighttime walks as an activity and play cards-monopoly deal comeback era-at whataburger to the point where high schoolers called us “so wholesome”. also, side note, the lore drop is going to go CRAZY when you get home!!
and get excited for the nightly love island watch parties when you return! you’re gonna have to catch up on your plane ride home because it starts in 3 days! but the cast has potential so it should be an entertaining watch!
but the group has not been complete without you, my friend. i miss you every day and can’t wait to see you again and catch up like old times. but for right now, enjoy every moment you can on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. i have bragged about you to all my fsu friends that you are apart of this program, so they already know how cool you are!! i am sending you all of my love, hugs, and positive vibes throughout the rest of your journey. have so much fun, hayden, and stay present. i love you always, and i’ll see you soon! love, madi
MP- Been having trouble with the firewall so sorry for not posting more. This post really hit home for me as you know that music is so important to our family. The kitchen dance parties, rocking out in the car, non-stop 80s music, seeing live music and my terrible dancing/singing. I miss sharing all of that with you and subjecting you to some of it … hahaha. You are such a central part in the music hijinks in our lives. I have been listening to Noah Kahan’s new album, good but sad, and we are listening to the Lemon Twigs as E and I are going to see them in a few weeks. I would love to hear that Zambia playlist too when you get back.
JHS graduation activities this weekend and G & P are coming down today. We’ll be sure to give hugs to John and Susie for you! We miss having you home with us. We could use a regular injection of MP positivity and good energy! You know when to bring it. All the flowers are in bloom and I an constantly surprised at new ones popping up that Mom/E planted last year.
Keep sharing your music, your positivity and your gifts with the students and with the Zags! We are sending you big hugs and will wait to play Midnight Train to Georgia until you get home… you know we will. Love, Dad
HAYYDENN!! I miss you sooo much!! I’m so proud of all you have done in Zambia so far. It’s actually the coolest thing ever and I can’t wait to hear about it in person. Yesterday in the car on the way back from Project Hail Mary, we were thinking of you and checked to see if your blog came out (it did!) best part part of the night!
Also idk if you’d be proud but we have upped our coolness status at Whataburger, we have a fun new card game and have played monopoly deal/uno. It’s very wholesome. Soon we are planning to walk a 1/2 marathon so we will def do another once you return.
Ok there is only so much I can say on here but I can’t wait to actually see in real time again. When I watch Love Island on Tuesday I WILL be thinking of you (mommys little meatball) and I can’t wait for THE watch parties 😮
Also there are so many funny shirts I’m going to get— you will love them!!
Ooooh and ask all your friends my question!: Bouse Mogger? OR Touse Squid? #TouseSquidForLife
But I love you so so much and continue having the most amazing time ever. #StayTousey #Mog
Love, your High Tier Status friend,
Skylar Mintz