We find ourselves outside the Phoenix zoo with nothing on the agenda. We drive around the park, but hiking in the desert sun after walking the entire zoo is not appealing. It is too late in the day to pay admission to a large attraction and too early to head back to the RV.

It is time for some Google magic. This is the Hail Mary travel hack. I type in things to do near me and see what pops up. Bingo! We are near the Chandler Museum. It is small and best of all, free.

We enter with zero expectations, besides air conditioning. The attendant is friendly and welcoming. She tells us there are four exhibits. I am unfortunately not paying attention, because there are historical photographs just behind her of the Chandler ostrich races. I guess that used to be a thing. There is even an ostrich statue.

It is the rest of the museum that truly stops me in my tracks. The first room is an honest look at Japanese internment from the eyes of those who endured the injustice humiliation. It is sobering to see what humans will put each other through.

The second room was beautiful photographs of immigrants who were recently naturalized. They are captivating by themselves, but the narration panels tell their stories in their own voice. It is both sobering and I inspirational. I can only hope America embraces their courage and fortitude.

The rest of the museum passes in a blur. I think a room is dedicated to cowgirls and another to local history. I am not really paying attention. I am thinking about identity and how fear is often a terrible motivator. This is pretty heavy for a random stop seeking air conditioned amusement. I can only pray that we are guided by our better angels and learn to make decisions based on liberty, love, and justice for all. That after all, is the real promise of America.