vblog series: meet karen

Karen and I met in the Atlanta International terminal before the flight to the UAE.  We agree before we left to look for each other at the gate.  I passed by the gate several times but couldn't find anyone who appeared to look like an IBMer ready to embark on a month abroad.  When the plane started boarding, I finally saw a woman, hat in hand, scanning the crowd.  From about 15 feet away, I hissed "psssst!  Karen!" and she spun around, strolled over and enveloped me in a big hug.  I knew right then we would be friends.  She managed to sweet-talk some dude into switching seats with me so we could sit together for the grueling 15 hour flight over, which totally cracked me up.

It was lovely for me to have her there... it's difficult to explain how she just knew what I meant without having to say the words.  Maybe it's because we've shared a common culture but it's also because she is so open, caring and supportive.  The night before my Survivor Anniversary, she and I shared a quiet dinner where she was fully comfortable with my excessive emotion spilling all over our table.  Without her, I would have had to be alone with the mess I was feeling, which is a good way to describe the general role she played for me during this month.  We talked extensively about what we were learning about being Americans (much of which was not flattering), about all the other cultures and the role of the U.S. in the world. 

When we arrived back in Atlanta after it was all over, we gave each other a hug and said our goodbyes.  Then, after we got through customs, she stopped outside the doors and came back over to me, saying "I just have to give you another hug."  It was a kick in the stomach to say goodbye to her.

I adore you, Karen... thanks for being my travel buddy and friend.  #ibmcsc uae