Finding Home Everywhere: Unexpected Connections in America's Heartland

All the way to the heartland of America only to be reassured that I'm never really that far away from home (the Indian subcontinent).

On a recent business trip to a midwestern state I hadn't previously visited; I found myself wondering about the people I was scheduled to meet with and the connections we might form. The journey was straightforward—26 hours on the ground—and with favorable weather, I anticipated no delays.

Upon arrival, I made my way to the rideshare pickup point with optimism, only to face a frustrating stream of canceled rides to my destination 23 miles away. Eventually, I secured a "priority pickup" for just $2 more. What seemed like a minor travel hiccup transformed into an unexpected gift.

My driver, originally from Pakistan, and I fell into conversation that flowed effortlessly between English and Hindi. Our discussion ranged from sports to gender equity in athletics (sparked by my "Everyone Watches Women's Sports" t-shirt). What could have been a forgettable airport transfer became a meaningful exchange across cultural boundaries.

The pattern continued the next day when my return driver shared that he had come from Afghanistan. As we drove, he opened up about the weight of missing his homeland and family. As a former journalist and translator, he had been forced to leave when the current regime took power, leaving behind not only his career but also family members who now struggled because of their association with him.

"My small friend group, kayaking, and occasional visits to nearby cities help keep me grounded," he confided, explaining how he balances the pressure of supporting his wife, three children, parents, siblings, and their families from afar. When I asked if he still writes, his answer revealed both loss and resilience: he loves writing and misses his purpose, but securing his family's future takes precedence now.

Before departing, I asked how to say "thank you" in Pashto, and left with a heartfelt "Manana."

During my extended wait at the airport, I reflected on these encounters. Taking stock of meaningful conversations and authentic connections comes naturally to me—it's how I measure success. This brief journey reinforced what I've always believed: we're all connected through origin, purpose, passion, and community.

At RK Collaborative, we don't just focus on projects. We connect people, passion, and purpose—because meaningful relationships make all the difference, whether you're across the world or just 23 miles from an airport.