Talk to Strangers II: Indianapolis

Cynthia grew up in Indianapolis and except for a year she spent in Africa, she’s pretty much never left the state.  Her story is typical in some ways and unique in others. Cynthia was married to a man from Botswana just before 9/11 making it impossible for them to be together. The Rwanda conflict and Homeland security keeps her husband in Africa. Cynthia’s devotion to her mother keeps her in the states. Her home is a testament to her husband and her hope to someday join him.

            Cynthia was my next host and she’s the reason why I’ve decided to stay with strangers during my journey. Not only is she gracious, but also she was very open and emotional about the guests she has welcomed with open arms into her home, guests from Korea, China, Italy, France, Germany, all over the United States, England and Australia. Tears came to her eyes as she told me, “I am poor. There’s no way I could even dream of traveling to these countries. By accepting folks into my home, to break bread at my table, to our share stories and, briefly, share our lives, I am traveling in a sense. I am lifted beyond these walls.”

            But those walls she refers to hold a lot of love. Her friend Jerry is one of most vivacious people I have ever met. My friends tease me all the time about my dreaming, so I could easily keep up with Jerry, matching her dream for dream; we both love the idea of living in intentional community. The joy is that Jerry appreciates the dreams of others. When Cynthia expressed a desired to explore her ancestry, she bought her an online membership to allow her to easily research. When she knew her good friend had a desire to travel she suggest the Couchsurfing website. Both of these changed Cynthia’s life in a profound way. And mine as well.

            My heart if full with the generosity of strangers who are strangers no more. Thank you Cynthia and Jerry!

Jerry and I driving around Indianapolis