As Fi says...Men in black...so quick to categorise...

It's a strange time...we are trying to get as many aid drops in before we go back to England for a couple of weeks.
Today we spent most of the day with two American friends, who were completely unknown to us a few days ago.
I can say, with total confidence, that they are now solidly a part of what we do. In relating our stories it's amazing that our paths so nearly crossed in Krakow, nearly 18 months ago. Too boring for here. 
So this recent stranger went with us today and spent some £900 of money at a wholesale warehouse to buy food for our next aid run tomorrow. 
As we know, America is at the forefront of technology. However, as we got to the till, after many attempts with Apple pay and the remainder of his 5 bank cards, none of which were accepted, we paid with my card, which was instantly accepted. How they beat us many years ago is quite beyond me!!! Funds were instantly restored through PayPal! 
What's funny though is that J had informed the banks in America before leaving that he would be in Ukraine. And still his cards didn't work.

Having spent the day with these two friends, made me question my somewhat jaundiced opinion of people from across the pond. It's too easy to label and judge. We had a lovely day. The conversation was challenging and thoughtful. And flowed. For me additional insights of America. It's too easy and comfortable to have stereotypes. It was lovely spending time with these generous, kind people. I learnt a lot about my prejudices. Tomorrow we will deliver aid together. Strangers no more.

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