Yesterday, a dear friend drove down from Miami for lunch at our campsite. It is said that a good friend is one with whom you simply pick up the conversation where it left off before, regardless of the time in between. That is how it is with Craig! We have spirited discussions on wide-ranging topics and his sense of humor is unparalleled. Thank you, Craig, for making the drive down to share our anniversary with us.
We first met Craig almost two decades ago, when we all worked together in San Jose. He and Sarah went on to teach together again at a different school in Irvine, California. Through the years, he has helped us move, paint our house, inspired us with recommended books, and showered us with thoughtful gifts and love. A talented English teacher, Craig also writes thought-provoking devotionals on his FB page.
After Craig departed for home, Joe readied the fire pit for a blaze to welcome in the New Year. Fellow travelers from a few campsites over joined us after sunset with a bottle of prosecco. Tom (Italian) and Heather (American) are international travelers who met on a beach overseas. They now own an octagonal house in North Carolina which they have restored and rent out through Airbnb. Like us, their 2020-2021 international travel plans caused them to shift to Plan B and they are exploring the U.S. in a tiny Scamper.
As we spent the evening trading stories, it came to pass that Heather and Joe know someone in common. Of course, Joe Gill would find the one person in all of the 1.5 million acres of Everglades National Park, that would have a mutual friend! Joe is the original King of Six Degrees of Separation. He often makes the connection in two degrees or less!
Traveling gives one new perspective and meeting other people from different walks of life is a way to build empathy and lessen our fears about differences. The warm weather of southern Florida affords us the ability to safely sit outdoors and converse with new friends we meet along this journey. We are blessed and privileged to have this opportunity to enjoy our national and state parks and have unhurried conversations with interesting folks in person. We are optimistic that science and good sense will lead the world to healing, as the Covid-19 vaccines are implemented in 2021. As you make your New Year’s resolutions, we wish for you abundant love and meaningful connections in your life.
Where in the world are the Gills? 