The Kindness of Strangers

Thank you, Tim & Barb!

I left Darwin this week being reminded of how the kindness of strangers has sustained me on so many of my travels; my time with Barb & Tim were no different. This lovely couple completely opened their home and world to me the past week and a half. THANK YOU BOTH so much for being so generous and kind to me. And, thank you, Connie & Paul, for making the effort to see that I was looked after so well in Darwin.

Barb, you were so great to teach me all the details about South African history/apartheid/the orange farm you grew up on, lending me books to read, showing me how to drink champagne with hibiscus flowers, and even buying my favorite avocados and fruit mince pies from the shop! Not to mention saying 'Darlin' every other word! I will miss our morning rituals on the patio over coffee and then a swim.

Tim, I am so thankful that I had you there to assess my knee and deem my quads weak!, And to lend me your weights and your Scientific News magazines. Thank you for looking out for me at the Sports Banquet and making sure I had my James Squire. I will forever remember what a mango tree looks like and and how much you loved them so.

You two were simply the best to give me your keys, your car, and share your tropical space for my time there. I do hope you’ll take me up on my offer to repay you in a visit to Mississippi.