DAY THREE.

This is my new friend Warnetta, Nett for short. She flagged me down as I was pulling into the Kroger parking lot. The first words out of her mouth were “Honey, I don’t know if your a Christian but God just sent you to me as an affirmation.” She is turning 68 on Sunday and has been contemplating the idea of purchasing an RV to travel. After losing her husband in 2011 she doesn’t see the point in sitting around in the same place being bored. 

I invited her in the van, showed her all the renovations we had done and how it all worked. We talked about my journey, her life and what had brought her to where she is now. We exchanged cards and I finally was brave enough to ask her for a portrait. She said “Okay, just let me put some lipstick on.”

She already texted me inviting me to park at her and her boyfriend's condo. Told me that whenever I was back in Columbia, that I had a place to stay with her. To call her if I needed anything. I am completely blown away by the kindness of people and their willingness to help a stranger. I told her that it was never to late to chase her dreams, life is short. 

I have only been gone three days, and each day I have met an inspiring person. The first day it was the older couple living in their jeep parked next to me at the truck stop. They were on their way to where they could always be barefoot. Then last night is was Shirley, the young waitress at the juice bar with tattoos and green hair who was studying ministry. When I asked her what called her to become a pastor she told me (in the sweetest southern accent EVER) that from a very young age she knew all she wanted to do was love people. And then today it was Nett, MY affirmation that even when I am 68 I will still desire to see the world. 

My soul is happy and my heart is bursting. Life on the road.