I knew I would likely be bored on the plane, so I decided to pack a narwhal Woobles kit. For those of you not aware, a Woobles kit teaches you how to crochet through the magical construction of a cute little animal. This was one my sister Teresa gifted me for Christmas (shout-out!), but I have never done any crocheting or knitting before. In other words, I was very excited to get hooked. Beginning our 14 hour flight from Dulles to Addis Ababa, I decided to make my start. I messed up a ton. Switching up stitches, crocheting too tight (which I found out I do often), and having to redo a layer, just to name a few. Layer by layer, the narwhal began taking its blue and spherical shape. Once I got past the tedium of understanding the stitch hand movements, I entered into a rhythm which drew me to be calm and patient (even more so than I usually am). I found out I actually really liked crocheting. This project carried on through our stay at Natwange, while talking to Jacob—a Peace Corps volunteer taking an unsanctioned break at this hideout—and me coping with how to fill my time without internet access. When I completed (the bestest) narwhal on our ride to Livingstone, I was ecstatic, but also, on the inside, a little let down that I had completed this fun side activity so soon.
A couple days passed in Livingstone, when–freshly post-bungee–I found myself sitting beside Jeff, overlooking Batoka Bridge as brave ZamFam continued their jumps. He was working on his socks, when I mentioned that if he ever wanted to teach me a thing or two about knitting, I’d be more than happy. Without hesitation, he was up to the task and asked what I’d want my starting project to be. Eventually I landed on a beanie, and he replied with something along the lines of: “let’s do it.” Once in the convent, I was presented with a spread of yarn colors, and of course, I chose purple. With the help of some professional-grade YouTube videos, Jeff taught me how to do a cast on, along with the basic purl and knit stitches. I started knitting my pattern of 2 knit then 2 purl for a round, then was informed that I’d have to continue that exact structure until reaching a tube of around 9-10 inches. Jeff was worried that I would be annoyed by this news, but I was ready to continue the calming rhythm that my narwhal had brought me. (I named him Teddy btw, after Mama Katendi’s 2nd son, and because it seems like a bit of a misnomer.)
I knit in our convent common room, listening to hilarious debates (ie. whether one should wear underwear to bed: “let her breathe!”), kind words, and simple silences. I knit while answering questions or observing the room in computer class, quietly soothing my nerves. I knit under my mosquito net, feeling safe and sound. I even knit throughout our bumpy ass car ride to and from Dipalata. It’s very satisfying to be working on something with my hands, while at the same time not taking my attention away from the task at hand or the thoughtful conversation. It gives me pause, patience, and a moment to breathe. In these lulls, I tend not to overthink as much and can then be more truly myself.
Living in community asks you to make sure you’re always contributing. If you are available, it’s best to lend your hand. And sitting in presence with one another is usually the most fruitful way to spend your time. Always putting energy out there like that, though, can be draining. I’ve had nights where I immediately pass out from pure exhaustion. I can also be hard on myself for not being as present as I could be because of that exhaustion. Knitting is my way to take time for myself while in this busy community. It has helped me understand that doing something just for me is okay. I can wash the dishes and pump the water when it’s that time, but I can simply just be with myself as I am with others too. As a pretty chronic people pleaser, whether as a child or a student or a friend or a stranger, I tend to take actions to prioritize others’ feelings rather than my own. But each loop pulled through the yarn grounds me more and more and ties me to something calming, reminding me that I matter too.
MP brought up in her blog a guest she invited for dinner named Gift. I don’t think there are possibly enough positive things to mention about his presence. (His similarity to Yam Yam was quite remarkable for my Survivor fans out there: his laugh, demeanor, and overall character.) He shared about his life story, being placed under the care of those who did not take care of him until he ran away. Someone asked him how he’s always so bright and bubbly and a light for others despite everything he’s encountered. He explained that he hid his upbringing for many years, which ended up eating him up inside. Sharing that with someone was the first step in accepting and loving his whole self. He stated that it’s impossible to love others (like the way he does) until you love yourself. I found knitting to be a small way to ensure that self-love on this trip. Others discovered their own. Many learned friendship bracelet patterns, everyone journaled, Hannah water-coloured, and Joe temporarily found a cello.
We can do lots of great things for and with a community, but without taking care of yourself, you’ll reach a limit and show that you’re not willing to take what you’re offering to others for yourself. I have been continuously inspired by ZamFam 26 and the humans in Zambezi each day who illustrate this self care and self confidence. I have witnessed the power of dance in letting loose some much needed energy, and walking in conversation or silence bringing much peace. My journey of self-love and confidence within community still has oodles to grow, and I’ll continue my mistakes each day. But with my newfound crochet hooks and knitting needles to loop them back up, I’m sure I’ll be quite okay. (Dear parents, please prepare a pair of 5 mm knitting needles for when I get back home if possible, thanks!) Through hard days and problems with no clear answer, I know I can use this greater confidence and love to love others and, together, knit a network of love and care. Let’s all work together to knit love.
Much Love,
Noah Barron
Class of 29
ZamFam 26
Other Notes:
Half of our crew has flown back to Lusaka, while I’m in the convent with 8 other zags. This place truly isn’t the same without all the decor, but most importantly without the whole group. (aka. the knitting has come in handy today.) It’s going to be a really strange feeling to leave this place and to leave Zambia, but I’m excited (and sad) to meet back up for our last moments together as ZamFam 26.
To my friends and family– I can’t wait to see you all again at SeaTac, Lynnwood, Spokane, and beyond. Just know it’s going to be really hard to express how complex and layered this experience has been, so be patient and understand that not one conversation (nor a hundred) will contain it all. Catch ya on the flip side!
Noah,
I’m happy that Teresa knew what you would like and that her special gift has meant so much to you. Your hooked / crocheting Dad joke was perfect. It got a full laugh from me.
I also loved the part where you said. “I have been continuously inspired by ZamFam 26 and the humans in Zambezi each day who illustrate this self care and self confidence.” I’m really happy for all of you to have this amazing experience to broader your perspectives at such a pivotal time in your lives.
Kathryn,
The dogs got bathes today so they will be extra huggable when you get home. We booked all of our flights to the Cape this summer, so Grandma is super EXCITED for all of us to come back!
I hope that you are having fun in Lusaka. It’s so great that we get to see you in less than a week. Safe travels.
Noah,
You speak my language. I was in my mid 40s when I learned what a chronic people pleaser was and that he is me.
I was talking to some friends just a few weeks ago about how I still say “put the oxygen mask on yourself first” because it is the only widely understood example of self care in the modern world
MAN.
So yeah bro you are 100 miles ahead of where I was at your age so keep learning the care and maintenance of the self in the service of humanity.
My first Wooble is 6 stitches in waiting quietly in his bag where I left him 2.5 years ago. Someday someone who can count things will come along and finish him into the barrel cactus he could be.
Emu I am putting your keys on my keychain now so I don’t get to Spokane and we have to Uber to Denver at a cost of 186,000 million dollars. Love to to infinity and beyond!!!
Mark Mark
PS I am going to miss all you fine peoples and your unironic honest straightforward awesomeness. Stay gold, Ponyboy!
Happy birthday Noah!
Happy birthday Noah! Thank you for today’s post! As a parent we are looking forward to all of you coming home. Hope this was a once in a lifetime experience for all of you. Lily and all……hope and pray you all get home safe. Lily, A Lou Malnati’s pepperoni pizza with a salad and Olive Garden dressing sounds good right now!!!!
Noah, It is so great that you had another chance to blog, and I am now in the habit of reading every day so I can respond in a timely fashiona. I am so excited that you enjoyed crocheting and knitting. I can’t wait to meet Teddy. I have a gazillion knitting needles and crochet hooks around here. And tons of yarn ready to be made into something fun. I am looking forward to knitting and/or crocheting with you. Dad still hasn’t watch the season finale of Survivor (I couldn’t wait – but I’m better at not giving things away). We are excited to watch with you. Enjoy the last legs of your journey. I love you!
I forgot to say that Teresa will be so excited that your Wooble was such a hit. Also, I was hoping to get one post written without a type, but it was not to be. We’ll see if this posts. I already tried once, with Mr. Firewall making another appearance. Ugh!
It is amazing reading your experiences in Zambezi and beyond, Noah. I found myself reading this like I was on Survivor and I got a letter from my son. I savored every word as I read it. I’m so happy you’ve had such amazing experiences, and I am eager to hear about all your adventures when you get back home. I’m also sad for you that it is all over. It must have seemed like it raced by quickly. Looking forward to seeing your smiling face when we pick you up at SeaTac (or SEA as they’re calling it now). I love you Noah! – Dad
Noah,
I’m so excited for you, but I wish you would have posted a picture of Teddy the narwhal! I love all things crafting, and have often thought about learning to crochet. Maybe I’ll start with a Woobles kit too.
Hayden,
Are you dreaming of Mexican food? That’s the plan for Wednesday night and we can’t wait! I know you’re probably going to be exhausted, but is there such a thing as too tired for queso? I think not. Love you! mom
Happy Birthday Noah!
I’m thinking of your last comment, “Just know it’s going to be really hard to express how complex and layered this experience has been”. No need to try and express it all at once, and perhaps there are things that you’d rather just keep to yourself.
Graley, giving you permission to relax and take your time when you get back. Mom and I will completely understand. When I arrived back home after my lengthy time in the Amazon, felt like I was always looking through the lens of the movie camera, like LA was too surreal and how can these two worlds coexist. I’m telling you this, because some folks have a greater shock coming home than expected. So when you get back, like in the car ride home from the airport, I could see you feeling pressured to tell your story, but you don’t have to. We have all summer and beyond. I’m just going to be super happy to see you.
I am planning to come to SeaTac to pick you up, but I’m fine not doing so if you’d rather hang with MP for the evening. Just text me when you have service. No pressure either way.
Luv ya and lifting up your final days in country.
Pops
Hi Noah–I find myself feeling many emotions today as I read this blog–sad that the experience for ZagFam26 in Zambia is coming to an end and that I will be unable to live vicariously through the blog and your experiences every day. Pure joy that everyone will be reunited with their loved ones in a few short days (Sean-get ready for a very long hug!).
I appreciate your title ‘knitting love’ and referencing that love for self. I love what Gift shared with you about it being impossible to love others (like the way he does) until you love yourself. It seems like a cliche yet it’s such a simple truth.
Hope you all enjoy your last few days together.
Noah, what a happy surprise to have another blog post! And it was a great one. I love the points you made about the importance of loving yourself in order to love others and fully engage in community. I think that it makes total sense – if we love ourselves wholly, we will naturally reflect that love toward those around us. The stories from Gift at dinner sound so insightful. I’m sure you all felt so lucky to experience his vulnerability.
The image of Jeff knitting while watching everyone bungee jump cracked me up. Classic Jeff! I know we all like to joke with him about it, but I also see that knitting often leads to genuine conversations and deeper relationships with those around him. I really admire that.
Safe travels as you all head back to the US! We can’t wait to welcome you back and hear more about your experience.
MP: I think I have a stellar first adventure planned. Don’t worry, nothing too crazy, great way to ease in to being around me again.
Taylor: I am expecting a text back as soon as your get service again. I sent some info about “the game.” Feel free to share with Jeff if you feel so inclined (although it really isn’t as exciting as yours!).
Love,
Caroline
ZamFam ’25
Noah!! I am so happy you loved your gift and that it’s been able to have far-reaching benefits and lessons beyond what I imagined. I can’t wait to see you and meet Teddy when we’re both home this summer.
What an amazing and thoughtful beyond your years reflection. Growing up I have seen you be so giving to others from such a young age. It breaks my heart a little but makes me so proud seeing you learn how to love yourself and put yourself first. Working in a caring profession myself, I continue to battle with filling my own cup so that I have enough left to fill others’. I hope you carry these reflections with you through the rest of your experience and after you come back, because you are so important and deserving of love from others as well as yourself.
I love you so much and I can’t wait to hear all about it! Enjoy the rest of your journey and soak in every moment!
P.S. Andrew says HAGS (and he can’t wait to see you too!)
Noah, what a perfect way to sum up the 2026 blogs. I’m so glad you found a new hobby in Zambezi, self-love and finding time for yourself is one of the most important things to have throughout this trip. It 100% has exhausting days, so to have an outlet like knitting is so healthy. Also, your note about being with others in the convent as you knit or in computer class brought me back to one of the more impactful lessons I took away from Zambezi — which was the impact behind being intentionally a listener and observer. I have never loved silence, always trying to fill the space with words, but in Zambezi, I learned that so often the most meaningful thing a person can do is be there next to you.
What you said at the end is so important and I’m glad you included it. I got to also write the last blog for our group, it’s a special honor, but also comes with the responsibility of warning families just how complicated this experience is. A year later, and I’m not sure anyone knows what it all entails (except for my ZamFam). Be gentle on yourself; it’s one thing to try and explain the last month of your life, and it’s another to heal and reflect on it by yourself.
Love,
Weenie
9:50pm in California, 6:50am in Zambia
P.S: you’re inspiring me to try Woobles. My best friend, Paige, is obsessed with them but I’ve been too nervous about being bad at it… maybe this is the push I needed! Will keep you updated on my crochet journey.
Noah- happy birthday. Glad that you are entering a new year with a new gift to create.
Pickle, I am thinking about you all the time. hoping all is well and that the travel is ok. missing you a ton. remember when we bought the woobles and thought it would be fun to learn to crochet together? Caroline made me buy her a crochet bookmark set a few weeks ago. I still haven’t seen one. love you to the moon and back xo gsdily momma
I hope all the upcoming travels in the next few days go smoothly for everyone. Noah, Appreciate you naming the complexity of feelings about returning home. I hope you continue the knitting – maybe that can help you in this transition as you have found it valuable while in Zambia.
Graley, Pops literally took out the kitchen sink today and I’m hoping it’s back in before you are home. Priscilla is excited for you to meet her puppy who she says is now a teenager. Apparently he’s managed to catch a frisbee a total of five times. And you’ll be arriving home in the thick of berry season – so we should make some ice cream I think. I’m excited to just do regular stuff with you and hang out. And I promise to make you crepes for your first breakfast at home. Love you!
Reading this made me think of the ancient statement that when one washes the dishes they ought to only be washing the dishes:)
Olivia! Thought of you tonight as I went to my first Portland Fire game. Super fun! Wish you had been along! Love you and miss you. Just a few days more!❤️❤️❤️
Hi Noah! I could feel how relaxing it must have been and be to be doing handcrafts while other things are going on, and just have this other focus going on to calm the mind. So wonderful you learned this…I love it when friends knit around me because it’s also calming for me! So cozy. Also, just loved the blog post in general. That picture gave me an idea of just how small those planes are! Whoa!
Liv! I spent the summer night eating dinner and strawberry shortcake with the Goddins-so fun. Kale sent an epic picture from the locker room in Kentucky today that you’ll love! He texted that he just has so much to share with you. We can all hardly wait until your home!! Love You! Mama
Noah, glad we were graced by one more blog post, and yours was stellar. It’s really hard to navigate what it looks like to care for yourself and express self-love when you’re surrounded by opportunities for community — and you feel like every moment you’re not engaging with that community is a waste. It seems like, throughout the trip, you struck a great balance between making time for others and making time for yourself. As a future teacher, I think a lot about burnout, and while I haven’t mastered the habits yet, it’s an important mantra for me to know that I can’t show up for others if I have nothing left of myself to give. And also, the activity that gave you some personal solace — what a great choice! I might have to give knitting a try. I’m sure Jeff was overjoyed (even if he tried to hide it) to introduce you to it. Best of luck with the arrival into the U.S. and the beginning to knit a renewed network of care and love with the people you care about and love here!
I have loved these posts so much. All of you are wise beyond your years and I am grateful for your reflections and various perspectives. Safe travels home and remember to give yourself some time upon your return. “Re-entry” is complex and harder than one might think. Thank you for your honesty and openness.
Hannah! We will see you so soon and the family will be complete. A rare gift these days to have all of you under one roof. On Friday night I helped at the spaghetti dinner at Meadows and it was strange to realize all the “big kids” are the kids that were the littles for so long (like your brothers), and your sister is now leading the team. I had the unexpected pleasure of seeing your friends too – Charlotte came over to say hi, and Carrie and Leo, and Joy and Vivi, and Jayden and Allen, and the whole crew were playing basketball in the pool. You will be welcomed back with open arms by all shortly. But it makes me happy to picture you dancing with your new friends there, making apple crisp, painting, having late night chats, and getting to know your students. I know saying goodbye is hard so I’m sending you lots of love as you prepare for the long journey home. You got this honey, and I’m so excited to hear more from you directly! Love you so much. Once again, teary as I write this. 🙂
Noah, I loved reading this reflection!! As you know, I love a good craft to focus the mind, and I’m so excited you’ve found this new hobby! I’m very excited to see you soon!!
Noah – I agree with the comment above that I’d like to see the crocheted narwhal! And also the knitting projects that you and Jeff have completed on the trip. I find knitting peaceful, meditative, and calming. I’m excited for you to have a new hobby, and love how you have tied it to self-love and self-care, which so important and often hard.
MP – we can’t wait to see you. I know it’s going to be a long few days of travel! We’re thinking of you, sending you good wishes and anticipating your arrival! love, Mom