No Stranger Land

It is no small wonder how so many people want to dedicate their lives to doing good, spreading happiness, and connecting with people from all over. But currently two small wonders, trekking across the country on foot on a tour of goodwill and adventure, are making the intentions of many into the reality of a few. The No Stranger Land Project is an inspiring journey by two recent University of Iowa grads to walk from Maine to the West Coast, performing random acts of kindness in attempt to make the country into a "No Stranger Land." The duo of foot travelers keeps a great travelogue on their blog, and the writing is almost as inspiring as the journey.

Projects like this one renew my faith that if you dream it, you can do it. But seeing two boys set off on such an awesome adventure also reminds me how much easier it is to be an adventuring man than woman. These boys are big and strong; they can carry their large packs and still have energy to perform random acts of kindness (albeit a struggle). But they don't have to worry about rapists or tampons. The pair of them can hitchhike with confidence. They simply have it easier. I envy them.