The Traveling Pin

I am touched by the impromptu generosity of strangers.

My trip to Tanzania begins this morning at 4:15 am — a time of day that I do not see often or usually care to. Yet, with the help of a strong hot shower (maybe my last for a week) and my early rising and punctual husband, I and my two Greenville carpool commuters manage to arrive 20 minutes early, just in time to watch the sun come up over the south side of Union Street as we wait for the rest of our group. I suspect both events — the sunrise and the waiting — are rare experiences for three out of four of us. So begins the first of our new experiences.

The bus arrives, we pack the multiple gear bags, suitcases and backpacks, and, after a quick stop at the Little River Roasting Company for a group caffeine fix (thank you Gervais!), make our way to the Charlotte airport.

Standing in the security check line, I meet Bob and Dale, a couple from Spartanburg who recognize our group from this morning’s Herald-Journal. They are heading to Canada to celebrate Bob’s father’s 90th birthday bash. “Wow,” I say, “I want to have a big party on my 90th.” Dale tells me that her father-in-law also plans to take his girlfriend to Paris next month to celebrate. “Wow, now that’s what I REALLY want to be doing on my 90th!” I say. Dale asks about our trip. I fill in some of the details. She asks “Do you have to be in shape to do this?” I say, “We’ll soon find out.”

For the 10 or 15 minutes in line, we chat. We pass through the checkpoint and are unloading our buckets. As I stuff the quart size baggie of liquids back into my carry-on, Dale removes a lapel pin from her coat and hands it to me. “Here, this will be a good luck charm for your trip.” I can’t help but hug her. We depart — without last names, but no longer strangers.

The glittery pin, with its blue jeweled flower center, is a great addition to my utilitarian khaki fleece jacket. The gift brings to mind two books — seemingly unrelated. The Blue Sweater – the memoirs of a woman who, while traveling in Africa, sees a boy wearing her childhood lucky sweater given away years ago on the other side of the world, and of her inspiration to found the Acumen Fund. The Traveling Pants – the story of a group of friends who share a summer apart through a traveling pair of lucky jeans.

As they call for our boarding, I wonder what’s in store for me. Where will this journey take me? What will I do with it? Who all will share this experience with me? How will it all connect?

For now, at least, I know my new lucky pin goes with me. And with that, I share my experience with one more spirit. Thank you Dale!

(This post was originally posted on February 24, 2012 on http://tanzania.blogs.goupstate.com/10046/the-traveling-pin/.)