“When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but we know their presence by the love they create in our hearts. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”
Caption: Googlers form a circle with their hands raised at Connect Live (Photo: Local Guides)
Connect Live 2019 had a special aura around it. I felt sensations at various points during the four day event but couldn’t really comprehend. At each of those moments, I thought to myself that someone was watching me closely; like they already knew how my mind was working. Intermittently, I got carried away in thoughts but someone was there to stimulate me - guardian angel or Googler angel precisely.
All the Googlers were strategically located at the events; from the welcome reception to the closing party. During the sessions at the event center, they were always available to guide the 200 attendees to the right places and answered our questions politely. One moment you are tempted to take a photo at the presentations but someone whispers into your ear and say “it’s not allowed, remember?” Each one of them at their best, promoting a positive, helpful and friendly atmosphere, just to ensure Local Guides had a positive experience.
Vividly, I recall that Local Guides were looking hopeless during the session we had with the Perk team. One of the Googlers laughed deeply with her eyes almost shut, as we discussed socks and challenges around perks. (I wish I could laugh in such a gorgeous way). Little did we know that something was being done about our bare feet?
Caption: A photo showing Emeka beside the neon screen (Photo by Brittany)
These principles were also shown at all times by the team leaders too. Typical examples, @brittym offering to take a photo of me beside the huge neon screen and @TraciC giving me a big departure hug before rushing to join the airport shuttle. I can’t hide by admiration for the excellent leadership skills displayed by both especially #PresidentTraci !
“We cannot pass our guardian angel’s bounds, resigned or sullen, he will hear our sighs”
We were hosted and entertained by angels without knowing it. Did you notice Googlers were sitting with Local Guides on each table? This is one thing that made me glad at this year’s event and I hope it gets better.
One person was ubiquitous. I didn’t know she was a Googler, I thought she was an angel alas she is. Three times I was about to do wrong, she appeared and guided graciously. Dancing to the 90s hip hop rendition at the closing party capped it all. So I dedicate this post to her in particular and to all the helpful Googler Angels for this special experience at Connect Live. To Someone Special @AngieYC , you are my favorite person at Connect Live 2019.
Caption: Emeka and Angie in a selfie
Back home in Nigeria, I’ve been ruminating on how to write this article and get other readers share my experience. Could it be possible other attendees had similar angelic encounters? As the Yule tide season gradually approaches, I’ll do my best to be like the Googlers - an angel unknowingly to others!
To: @JuanCh @DeniGu @KatieMcBroom and the entire Local Guides Team. Thank you for making Connect Live 2019 unforgettable!
“I believe in angels, something good in everything I see”
.
