When I was in college, I was working at a car rental company called AVIS. There was a new employee that started named Omer. He had come from overseas to obtain a degree and worked part time at this company with me. I knew him for a short amount of time (maybe a few weeks), before he let me know he and a friend were planning to rent a car and drive up to New York. After a short conversation - I got invited! What I came to find out is that they were leaving the next morning! So, I spoke with my manager and get blessed with the time off, I run home, excited that we are leaving first thing in the morning and knowing I need to pack. Well, when I get home to my mom’s house (where I was living). I told her and her boyfriend at the time (now husband), the exciting news! Well – to my surprise, the news was not exciting for them. I was told over and over how bad of an idea that it was to go out of state with people I barely knew, going to a place I have never been. So many things could go wrong, it is dangerous, it is irresponsible and stupid!
I knew that I was going – so below is the letter I wrote to Bob. Looking back on it, reading it in the notes section on my phone, I think this is a life lesson worth absorbing – it has served me very well in life having so far traveled to more than 30 countries, met amazing people from all walks of life and having many stories to tell, although not all great... the great times far outweighed the bad times, but many times the bad times make the best memories. (So where is the loss?)
Dear Bob,
Presuming the reservoir of goodness in other people...that can be a risk... and there will be times where the process will disappoint you..
But those of us who are fortunate enough to see this process up close and partake in this process.... let me tell you... It can energize and inspire.
And more often than not, your faith in people WILL be confirmed.
Mine sure has been.
Over the times I have met people and traveled, I have seen people grow into who they want to become, I've seen people inspired by my story as well as myself become inspired by theirs.
Most of all I have met lifelong friends.
I have seen people, through their actions, generosity and love of other people confirm our obligations to trust in people, care for one another, and do good in the world.
We must have faith. So let your faith be bigger than your fears.