Global Gratitude

Have you ever noticed that no matter where you may be or who you might be with, humanity and compassion abound? When I left Silver Spring six days ago, I was very uncertain of what I was about to experience. I won't say that I was fearful or full of doubts about what I was about to do; but I was a bit apprehensive about traveling alone to the other side of the continent and into a foreign land.

Luckily, in my suitcase I had a large envelope full of cards, notes, emails, and letters of love and support from my dear choir friends at Saint Luke church. I have opened and read a few each day and they have been a wonderful source of strength for me. At times when I might have felt lonely, instead I felt held and loved by these dear friends with the reading of each card and each email. Thank you, Saint Luke family. I sure will miss belting out that anthem tomorrow with all of you!!

And of course my own family -- my children, my brothers, sis-in-laws, cousins, nieces -- they are always there, just a phone call away. Boy, gotta love face-time! With an easy connection, I am transported right back to my backyard, where I can see my house, my son, my dog, my cat.

But perhaps the most gratifying experiences have been making new friends who only a week ago were just strangers: my first night in the hotel restaurant, the sweet little Mexican girl Cristina who helped me figure out the conversion of dollars to pesos on my bill, after which she insisted on taking a "selfie" with me on her cell phone. There was Patsy and Heavy, whom I met briefly on my shuttle ride from San Diego to my hotel; boy, didn't we cram a lot of conversation into about 15 minutes! And my "clinic buddy" Joan and her husband Sam, who have become fast friends in one short week.
We've shared many meals together and today enjoyed a very fun "day off" from the clinic traveling to the beach to dip our toes into the Pacific waves. One of my favorite new friends is our shuttle (pronounced "chuttle" by the locals) driver Javier. He was our driver today (in his own car) transporting us to the beach, to Costco (yes, Costco!) and to the local vendors' market.

We all know that there are good people everywhere. But it's so nice to really be reminded of that now and then. This trip is my opportunity to appreciate that very comforting fact. Hope all of you good people are enjoying this weekend wherever you may be.