Strangers in Death Valley
Cemented to our phones at the height of commodity activism. I came across a person whose interests sparked mine. So, we played it safe in the DMs, engaging on all the outdoorsy hype till we met several months later in LA. Got drinks at a bar, and the next thing you know, we're planning a 3-day trip to Death Valley. Strangers to each other, yet to me, everything felt familiar.
Now, if you happen to know Khristeen—she can talk. The type of talker that's inviting and full of expression. Though she's cool with the occasional "aiite girl," for a bit of silence, her passion in pursuit was the ultimate cliffhanger. Only at that time, I was caught up with this overlap of events I had yet to experience.
I know we are conditioned to believe our closest friends are measured through time. Yet, there are folks you meet whose pull gives you the depth of intimacy as if you've shared history. So, in the intensity of joy, we overshared through jet-boiled breakfast, long walks in the valley, next to the crackling campfire, and under the full moon. A long enough escape by the present to now look back as an unexpected gift.
As I think about my time with Khristeen, this was an exciting moment for her. She was in the process of divorcing her husband, a best friend of 13+ years, while quitting her 10-year career as an architect to repel into the depths of what others may fear, the unknown. Hence all the talking.
And unbeknown to me, I, too, was trailing right behind her. Just after seeing my mom through her last chemo treatment, I ran from my two year-relationship—even though it felt wrong. Then two months later, I lost my beloved Dad and Grandma only two weeks apart. Followed by a temporary end to my career as a School Counselor. I know, a lot. However, let some of that be a story for another day.
Back to the road trip, this girl spoke of past lives and other phenomena foreign to me as we're driving to the desolate sense of vastness. Yeah, I wasn't sure what I was in for. Though a clear memory spoke ease, a little déjà vu. I guess, what is time when you are with your past-life soul sister?
Next thing, Khristeen's pulling tarot cards almost every few hours. Having to sit with all she knew through the word of God and foreshadowing sentiments (that shockingly came true). As the winds intensified, throwing sand in our eyes, I hopped in the car to shelter, just in time for a much-needed break. As I settle in, I glance through the rearview experiencing her stillness as she meditates through the quiet storm. I'm thinking to myself. Who is this girl? Is she genuinely intuitive? And like, how did I miss this on the gram?
Listen, I have never spoken the language of tarot, let alone held a deck to even admire the art. In time, I have learned that cards are the tools, and the gift is within all of us, God's children. By which I do not necessarily mean a sole Christian concept. Whatever God is to you. Whatever your belief, I'm sure there are many of us with that calling inside for a "greater purpose." After experiencing Khristeen, (yes, I do mean experience), "God helps those who help themselves" takes on a very new meaning for me.
People like Khristeen are special. She's been given a gift to nurture what already exists within us. Whether we initiate or endure such life-changing events, I believe there is a wisdom of insecurity that leads to your most authentic self—your true purpose. If you "do the work." Khristeen's patience and power to cultivate a life soulfully enriching, despite others projecting, is fulfilling to witness unfold. For those who are curious—yes, the coins followed too. She now teaches people worldwide to tap into their intuition for personal development through tarot reading. As I raise my hand to say I am now one of her students.
Do you ever have revelations where you begin to understand why and where certain relationships are leading you to? You know, answered prayers that come in human form? Here I am allowed to dig deeper. Even if it doesn't make sense to others. I'm accepting this synchronicity as support and divine guidance towards the next chapter of my life. If I could leave you with something, it would be this. Be open to receiving gifts from unexpected quarters.
Till next time…
