My mom always kids me that I run into people I know everywhere I go. It is not too terribly surprising I run into the Peeples family in the Asheville Airport flying on the same flight as me. Gary was randomly assigned the seat next to me. Both Gary and Molly are Peace Corp Veterans I could not think of more perfect people to meet up with before such a grand adventure! Their own enthusiasm for travel and adventure was a gift to me!
The next connection awaited me in Detroit where I had five hours to kill (three now). I had a nice conversation with my Dad and then headed to the nearest crowded airport restaurant. I found a seat scrunched between two strangers who had to rearrange their bags to accommodate me. I put away my phone knowing I should make "stranger conversation", which is 9 out of 10 times a good idea! The guy next to me was a US Marine who was traveling home from training in DC to his wife and 4 year old son in Oklahoma. After chatting a bit about the unusual gyro sandwich we both ordered he shared he had been to Kenya to help the US Embassy! When he found out I was an art teacher he told me places not to miss and was very encouraging. I told him my two sons would be in the Dominican Republic with their dad while I was in Kenya and he had been there, as well! He also served in Haiti before and after the earthquake. When we parted I thanked him for serving our country... We should all have more "chance" encounters!
Now the journey and connections continue.......