The Air is Full of Stories

A wise yet comical person once told me your whole life enters a room with you - your past, dreams, joys, and heartaches follow you wherever you go, even your fears from your 4th grade teacher. Our experiences shape us.

Part of the joy of this trip has been hearing travel stories from those who have been where I'm going or wish to go someday. Eyes light up with the thought of such an adventure or brows furrow and concerned voices waver at the same thought. Whether hearing one's excitement or fears, I have embraced them all and realize I'm not alone on this journey. Your stories and advice accompany me and will help mold my experience.

I am especially keen on being resourceful. For instance, one of my friends told me of her travels to India where she packed old clothes she didn't care about. When she was done wearing them, she threw them away, leaving more room in her suitcase for gifts. What she didn't realize is the trash from the rooms was dumped into the main court yard. When she threw her clothes away, they were dumped from her second story room and by an unfortunate circumstance, the wind kicked up and carried her used undies to the neighboring tree where they hung like a flag smiling in the wind. The maid came running after her with the remainder of her clothes she'd thrown out thinking she forgot them. To claim them would be the same as saluting the new courtyard flag so she denied ownership and left, watching her undies billow in the breeze.

For clothes on their last legs, I think this is a wonderful way to go and I know friends that reserve such items for their next trip. While I didn't bring last leg clothing, I did go the quick-drying route, packing light with quick-dry clothing so I can hand wash and go.

Other friends inspire spontaneity and bravery. One such friend was visiting relatives in London who ended up getting sick. She didn't want to spend her whole time in a house full of sickies so she did something about it. She went to the local grocery store, bought the fixings for soup, made a big pot for the home bound folks, and set off to explore London on her own. It wasn't her original plan but she made the most of her circumstances and had a great time.

Others are filled with concern. One friend told me of a discussion she had with her mom about my friend's avid desire to travel. Her mom was not pleased. Exasperated she summed up her frustration with this question, "Why do you need to travel?" Her mom went on to explain she felt like she could protect my friend when she was close or at least in the same continent, but when my friend went abroad, she felt helpless. Another friend told me, "It's not you we're concerned about. It's everyone else."

I think if our parents could they would wrap us in bubble wrap to protect us from all hurt and harm. That's their job and that's what comes with fierce love. However, Bubble wrap may be a way to exist, but not to live. With life there's risk, but wisdom is a trusty companion.

These stories and more will also help me embrace those I meet along the way like the two truck drivers I met in the airbus going to the airport. They were on their way back to Kansas City after their semi flipped on the highway because the load wasn't properly secured when they received it. They survived with minor injuries. I talked to them about worker's compensation.

On the plane I sat next to a lady going to Romania to take care of her ill mother. She didn't know if this would be the last time she would see her. As tears filled her eyes, she explained the health care there is far from what we have in the US, so when people have to go to the nursing homes, they are often moved to the cemetery in a month. I had the opportunity to encourage her to do her best for her mom, show tough love, pray, and to make sure she took care of herself. I prayed she would find hidden blessings during this time.

As I sit here bound for Amsterdam trying to see how I can eat my dinner without moving my arms or elbowing my row mates, I realize this is a crowded flight, not just with people. The air is full of the stories and life experiences you've shared with me all compacted into this little seat I'm in scrunched between a row of people. I'm thankful to have you on this journey. Ok, stop elbowing me! I'm trying to eat!