The Two I Met

This evening has been a success! I met two very cool people this evening and feel more confident about our trip now more than ever.

While running late to my 5:30pm documentary class (nothing new) I had remembered that documentary director, Frank Popper (Can Mr. Smith Get to Washington Anymore?) was guest speaking. Now perhaps you've never heard of this fellow, but I was totally thrilled. I've been trying to see his documentary about politician Jeff Smith, since I first saw a flyer forever and a half ago. It seemed that every time I made the effort to see the film in theaters or at a school showing something would come up and prevent me from seeing it. WELL NOT TONIGHT. Not only did I see the film, but met the director. I must say...to get such positive feedback about our endeavors from other documentarians is a real honor and energizer. Sometimes I feel as though I AM too close to our project already and need to take a step back just to realize what the four of us have done so far in our planning. Yes, we're behind with some details, but we're learning as we go and that's what's important. We really have come quite a ways in our planning...it's just that we're taking on America and it's a pretty big bite.

The second cool person I met this evening was Debbie Schachner. I have to thank Rachel Davis for sharing an article from the Bellville paper about Debbie and her walk across America. She has been walking on and off for a few years across the American Discovery Trail to raise money to build a library in Kenya. Visit her site at www.walkingwithfaith.com to learn more about her and her adventure. It's truly humbling to read about an individual who has devoted so much of her life to a cause that she is very passionate about. Debbie supports herself financially and all of the donations she receives go toward the fund for the library, which I believe is amazing. I spoke with her over the phone tonight and got completely tongue twisted.

It's a very odd feeling...talking to someone on the phone who is doing something out of the ordinary that you yourself will be doing very soon. I suppose that between Frank and Debbie, I have finally realized that my summer plans are...yeah...walking across the United States. lol. I can't really believe that I've typed it this long and it's only now sinking into my brain.

I had so many questions lined up to ask each one of my new friends and yet couldn't really get anything out. I'm simply in awe of what some people do with their lives. I can't wait to meet more and listen to their stories.

Please, if you get a chance...rent Frank Popper's Can Mr. Smith Get to Washington Anymore? and visit Debbie Schachner's website www.walkingwithfaith.com