After my last post about Layla, I dreamt about her. She was exactly how I described her before: big brown eyes and just as feisty as ever! She seemed happy at a time where happiness didn't seem to belong. I woke up that morning thinking of where she was, how she was doing and which tourists took the time to look past her ripped clothes and bare feet to fall in love with her fierce intellect and warm heart. Not many, I presumed.
If you haven't read the first part of this Layla series, then click here to get caught up!
I had no way of getting in contact with her. Our initial departure was brief but left a lasting impression, and I couldn't stop thinking about her. Around every turn of a corner, there was a memory or a road that led me back to Layla. A beggar, a child with her devilish smile, a hipster with some ripped jeans, it honestly didn't matter, she was everywhere and in everyone I saw some of her. When Layla's face and voice appeared in my Facebook inbox, I couldn't believe it. There she was, healthy, warm and seemingly happy.
You might remember the lovely man shown above, by the name of Fuat, from previous posts. He was the most amazing friend I could have made while in Istanbul. By some stroke of God, he went on a mission to find Layla after reading my article. Lo and behold, he found her. Fuat expressed that he understood my relationship with Layla a little more clearly after meeting her. He took care of her when I couldn't, and for that I am forever grateful.
In a time when tensions are running high in a place like Turkey, and the economy is dipping into a low, it is nice to know that there are some who think of others. Fuat didn't have to go out of his way for Layla or I, but he did. It goes to show you that people are kinder than you would imagine In a war zone, I find relief in knowing that Layla has someone watching her back .
The internet is a funny thing. It connects people in ways we never imagined possible. We are all connected to each other in one way or another. In this moment I feel beyond blessed to have met someone like Fuat. If it weren't for my Turkey adventure, I would have never met him nor Layla. Explore my loves, meet people of all walks of life and build connections with them. You have no clue what a lovely conversation can do for your soul, especially when it's with an unexpected stranger.
Happy Wandering...