This week, I wrapped up a thirty-two-day road trip across much of the southern United States. I was fortunate to be able to take advantage of a professional transition over the holidays and visit friends and family in some great places like Santa Fe, Denver, Austin, Chattanooga and Sedona. Among the scenic, hip and fun adventures, the amazing food ranging from tortas in Tucson to jambalaya in Monroe, Louisiana, I experienced something else in every destination I visited: A lot of people without a roof over their heads. The prevalence varied across locales, as did the manner in which many asked for help, often bearing severe cold to do so. The looks of sadness, despair, hunger and tiredness on their wandering faces though, were consistently troubling.
Today, I’m simply grateful to have a home to come back to!