WHAT AM I DOING?
Over the past 2+ years of my life I will be driving to every single state in the country, staying with people who are willing to host me, collecting stories of human kindness from people who I connect with on my journey. I am compiling the stories into a book I plan to donate to hospital waiting rooms once I complete the mission.
HOW AM I AFFORDING THIS?
I am budgeting on hospitality! When I first began the trip I created this video explaining to people what I was doing. I told them my plan, and then asked them if they knew anyone who would be willing to host me as I traveled through their state. Did they have an aunt in Texas? A friend in California? A cousin in Iowa? And if so, would they be willing to host me for a night or two during my journey?
​
I began getting e-mails in from people and started tacking names on a map. I don't know the majority of my hosts but someone I know does - so they are vetted in a way. I have also stayed with a few friends and family members (some very distant family I hadn't had much of a relationship with until I stayed with them), the editor of one of the articles written about me, and plenty of complete strangers who were incredible hosts!
​
I also started a GO FUND ME page to help with gas, tolls, coffee, and maybe a cheap hotel once a month (or as I like to refer to as my "sanity stops") throughout the journey to recharge myself in between always driving or being in someone's home.
HOW LONG WILL I BE DOING THIS FOR?
FOREVER???
HOW DO I CHOOSE WHICH CITIES I VISIT?
The majority of my stops are based on someone reaching out to me and offering me a place to stay in their city! Once I have a place I know I can sleep safely, I reach out to the community via local papers, media stations, or through my hosts to try and connect with the people in the town so they know what I am doing and where to send their stories!
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE STORIES OR PEOPLE I MEET?
The only guideline for the stories I obtain is that they relate to human kindness. Either someone you know or someone you didn't know did something kind for you. Something you may have experienced that you think could provide healing and hope for others. I try to meet everyone that reaches out to me via e-mail and if I cannot meet you in person I would still love to highlight your story of kindness if you write to me!