Day 51 / May 24, 2012

 I woke up on day 51 in Edwards MS. I was behind a church sleeping up against a small fenced area around a drainage. It was about 8:30 and it was already getting hot. When I woke up there were a few mesquito bites on my face and I also felt my eye not opening all the way again. I felt my eye lid and it was also bitten. But it was not swelled shut like before and didn't seem bad.
       I got up and packed up. I looked around the church for a charger and a water spicket but the church didn't have any. It was pretty old. So I headed out and figured I would try and find somewhere to fill up before I was out of Edwards. I came to a church ahead about a half mile. It was bigger and newer. I went up and there was an outlet there. I plugged in and then also found a water spicket around the back of it. I filled my water jugs but the water was really green. Even after I ran it for 5 minutes it was still pretty green. I filled them up anyways and figured if I passed another place I could refill them.
         So I headed out again. I walked towards the end of town and right before the open road there was one last church. I found a spicket and poured my bottles out to refill them. But again, the water was still green. At that point I just hoped that was just the way the towns water was, and that it was still ok to drink. So I filled them all again and walked west,
       As soon as I got out of town the country side was beautiful. The highway was old looking and the whole walk was really pretty. I was taking tons of pictures, so many that my pace was pretty slow. It seemed like every 5 minutes I saw something more beautiful and snapped another picture.
       There were hardly any cars and it was peaceful. I would walk stop and go slowly for the next 5 miles. I came to a bridge and just as I approached it a man pulled off and gave me a country style lunch. Complete stranger. It was potatoes, Mac and cheese, peas, and a biscuit. It was the bomb diggity. I pulled off and sat up on the rail of the bridge and ate it. Really peaceful.
       After that I continued. My knees felt good and all around I was feeling ok. I walked about another 3 miles when I decided to take a break. I was at another bridge and pulled off right after it under some shade trees. It was real quiet and nice there. I had a blister starting on my left foot ring toe, and on my right heel. Not bad but I could feel them slowly coming on. So I patched them up a little and then also taped my shoe soles for a fresh coat. I sat there about an hour. Then before I left I hiked down under the bridge where I took an amazing peaceful dump by the creek. It was epic.
           I walked a few more miles when the 80 came back right next to the 20. So I stopped there at a gas station to get a drink. It was hot and something sweet sounded good. So I bought a fanta and sat inside there on a bench to drink it. When I was there I heard a lady at the register didn't have enough to pay for her drink and snack. She looked ragged and possibly homeless, so I hurried to grab a bar in my backpack. I ran up and gave it to her. It was the same as the bars I've been giving out to  homeless and has a $5 McDonald gift card and $5 cash with it. She was so thankful.
         I sat there a while and charged my electronics. After a while the sun started to set. There was a church across the way so I headed over there. It was a really good spot to stay. I made a bed and laid down. It was a nice easy day and everything went well. I fell asleep around 11.

     

Day 50 / May 23, 2012

On day 50 I woke up right behind a dumpster that was behind a Starbucks in Clinton MS. I surprisingly slept pretty well there and the bugs were not too heavy that night. When I woke up it was around 9 and I took my time packing up and getting ready.
        I headed down the road back towards highway 80. I stopped at a walgreens to pick up some glucosamine and new gel inserts for my shoes. I still have a stash of money from people pulling over along the trip, so I used about $30 to get that stuff. I sat outside on the curb to put the gel inserts in. When I was done I got on the 80 and walked west.
        I walked about 4 miles west when I passed an intersection that was an exit for the interstate 20. The 20 was right next to the 80 that I walked on. As I passed it there were signs on the 80 that said it was a dead end. My gps showed that it went through but it didn't look like it did. So I tried looking up an alternative route but there was nothing unless I wanted to walk an extra 5 miles. And there was no way I wanted to.
        At this point I wasn't 100% sure if it was legal or not to walk along the interstate in Mississippi. I know some states you can. But I doubted it was legal here. But I got on it anyways and figured I would walk just to the next exit. So I got on and was walking along a very wide shoulder along the 20. It was maybe 4 miles to the exit where I would get off. I hoped I wouldn't see any cops and risk getting a ticket or having to be escorted off.
         About 2 miles in a big red truck pulled off behind me and honked. I turned around and went back. He handed me a cold water and then a wad of cash. There were a lot of bills and a 20 on the outside. I thought it was a bunch of $1 bills inside a $20. He said to pull off at the next exit and get some food. I was really thankful and happy! He warned me that the next town (Edwards) was not a good place and to pass right through if I can. I hear that everywhere and am always warned for what's ahead. And it's never what people make it seem. So I wasn't too worried. When he drove off I pounded the cold water. Then I looked through the wad and it was $98!!! I was shocked!
           I got to the next exit and got off. The 80 continued from there and I was back on track. I walked a few miles and it was about 2pm when I usually like to take a break to avoid walking during the hotter part of the day. I sat under a shade tree and relaxed. About 5 minutes into the break a truck stopped next to me and asked if I wanted left over rice from a combination plate. I was so hungry by then and didn't eat all day yet so I said yes. They gave it to me and drove off. I devoured that rice in about a minute. It was very good.
         I started walking again around 4. As I started walking an old man pulled next to me and handed me a coke and a box of cookie bars. He asked where I was going and I said I was walking to CA. He thought I was insane and I don't think he believed that I walked this far already. He took off laughing. I pounded the cold coke and put the cookie bars in my cart.
         I finally got to Edwards. There was a gas station there with an outlet outside. I sat there and charged up. It was about 6pm. I stayed there a while then headed down the street to a church where I was going to try and sleep. The town was very small and pretty poor looking. Mostly trailer homes near the church I went to. The church was actually a good spot. I went behind it and was well hidden from any houses around. I made my bed there and fell asleep around maybe 11.

       

Day 49 / May 22, 2012

     
       I woke up on day 49 on the west side of Jackson MS. The ground I slept on was really hard and rough and I woke up at around 7. I slowly got up and was very tired. My knees were hurting a little and I had a headache.
       When I woke up I plugged my electronics in to charge while I packed up. I packed my stuff and then brushed my teeth. As I was brushing my teeth a car pulled up in the parking lot. A lady got out and walked towards the church. As she walked closer she saw me and stopped. I told her I was charging my stuff and would be leaving soon. She said no problem and went into the church. Then right as I was leaving she opened the door and asked me if I needed to use the restroom or anything. I said no thanks. But then I said I had a few things to donate if they would accept it. So I gave her all the Vienna sausage cans I had stocked up. I needed to get rid of the extra weight.
      After that I started walking. I walked for about 5 miles when a lady pulled over. She handed me $5 out of her window and said God bless. About 2 miles later a girl pulled over and gave me a snack and a sealed envelope. Inside it had a prayer and $5.
       I continued and there was a McDonald's ahead where I wanted to try and upload some videos stored on my iPod from the last few days. So I stopped there.
     During the 7 mile walk before I stopped my knees had been hurting me. I wasn't sure if it was from the surface I had slept on the last night, or from walking or what. So I took some anti inflamatories and pain relievers.
      I tried getting the videos up but they wouldn't upload. Also the McDonald's had no outlets to charge. So I stayed there for a bit and then walked next door to taco bell to see if they had outlets. And they did. Also I was able to pick up a wifi signal from a Starbucks right next to it. And I uploaded the videos.
       As I sat there I updated my location on twitter. Then 2 ladies showed up and brought me athletic tape for my knees. They talked with me a while and said they would pray for me, then left.
      Then a while later Terry, the guy who's house I stayed at in Brandon came by on his way home from work. He bought $30 of $5 McDonald's gift cards and gave those so I can pass them out to more homeless along the way. He offered to have me come back to his house to rest longer. But I didn't want to back track that far. He also offered to get me a hotel room across the street, but I told him I was alright and would figure it out. We hungout a bit then he left.
       A little later 4 more people that were all friends came to say hi. There were 2 guys and 2 girls and were around 22 years old. We talked for a while and they were inspired by my stories. I enjoyed talking and sharing with them some of my experiences. While we sat there a dumb (can't talk) kid came up trying to raise money for baseball uniforms. I gave him $20 and they also gave him money. They stayed a while longer and then took off. The 2 guys returned about 15 minutes later and brought me $24 and a $15 I tunes gift card. That was pretty cool.
       After that it was getting late. My knees were hurting still, and I didn't want to walk anymore the rest of the night. So I walked across to the Starbucks and found a spot behind the dumpster that was hidden. I made my bed there and I was out of sight. My bed was on grass too so I hoped my knees would be more comfortable for sleeping. I laid there a little while then fell asleep around 11.

Day 48, May 21, 2012

     
       48 days ago I woke up on Jacksonville beach in Florida. I slept on the beach on my tarp with my sleeping bag on top. When I woke up all I had was a backpack, tarp, sleeping bag, extra pair of clothes, and a few other little toiletries ect. I had no money, no access to money, no food, or acess to getting food. I had what I was wearing with my bedding in my backpack. And that was it. I decided from that day on, I would not accept any help from anyone I knew. I wanted to try and walk, and only walk, across the entire country. As I walked away from the water, it was a scary thing. I was committed in my mind to make it all the way under that condition. And I didn't want to ask people for help at all or beg or pan handle. I prayed to God and told Him this, I let Him know I was in His hands all the way. When I walked away that day I wasn't prepared at all for where to go or how to make this trek possible. I started with close to no thought on preparing for making this possible. I also did not exercise or train for the walking for even a day. I just thought about doing this one day and went.
        So the first few days were tough. I was out of shape, starving, and unprepared. I told God I wouldn't quit and would rot away slowly as a homeless poor man out here for as long as it took me to walk to the California coast. I called Him out, and then He answered me in an overwhelming way. I suddenly had support coming from people approaching me along my walks and in the areas I was around.
      Since then it has gotten stronger and stronger. I have not had help in any other form except for complete strangers who have come into my path. Only people who have approached me during my walk to help me. It was like God was on my shoulders at all times. I'm not a religious man, but when I was getting this support in a survival situation, I felt God protecting me. I lose faith at times but during this trek He has reminded me daily He is there.
      So now it is day 48 and I have all that I need and am moving right along. As a matter of fact I have more than I need and have been overwhelmed. So on this day I decided it was my turn to give back to the communites I am walking through.....
      I woke up behind a Lowes out in the trees. I woke up as I felt the rain hitting my face. I sat up and the rain quickly became heavier. So I quickly packed up and hurried to the back of the Lowes where there was a big rig trailer parked in a receiving ramp. It was tall enough for my cart and was the only place in sight to stay dry. So I sat underneath it to wait until the rain stopped. I ended up sitting there for about 20 minutes and brushed my teeth. I was very tired and didn't sleep well.
       After the rain slowed down I walked around to the front of Lowes and headed down the 25 towards Jackson MS. I walked about 5 miles to a McDonald's. When I got there I plugged my electronics in to charge and ordered two chicken sandwiches to eat. After I ate I took $90 out of the amount of money given to me along my way so far by complete strangers. I used that money and bought 18 $5 gift cards at McDonald's.
     I left there and walked into Jackson. When I got there I stopped at a hardware store and bought a package of rubber bands. I sat in front on the curb outside and pulled out about 15 granola bars that I had stocked up in my cart, all food I had been given from unknown people as well. Then I pulled out my money and sorted some dollar bills out. I made up a bunch of bars with a $5 gift card and $3 cash, wrapped in a rubber band. I threw them in a bag and headed to the ghetto of Jackson.
       I took me about an hour to get there. When I got down there it was a pretty rough area. I spotted the first homeless man sitting outside of an abandoned building. I yelled to him that I had something for him. He got up and walked to me. I handed him a bar with the money and card. He was so happy, he gave me a huge hug! It was a pretty cool moment and the first I have given back on this journey was an awesome moment!
       I walked down further and passed a man and lady walking. I handed them each a pack and they looked shocked. They said thanks and were very confused that I was homeless and helping them. That was a look and reaction that I loved!
      Another lady walked by. I gave her a pack, and she was very happy. I kept walking and when I stopped to look at my gps, she walked back up crying and gave me a hug and said thanks for sharing.
      I passed a bunch of homeless people through my day and it was an awesome day of giving back! I have never done anything like this. I've never even volunteered for anything. Ive just never been someone who truly wants to give back. This is the first time I could be appreciative and thankful enough to want to. And it felt really good! It was a special day and my heart was blessed in sharing what I have received.
        After a while it started raining. I got under an over hang to stay dry and was still in a rough area. I was hoping it would stop soon as I had a ways to go to get out of the ghetto to find a place to sleep.
      When the rain stopped I walked about 7 more miles to get to a nicer suburb of Jackson. I passed a few more homeless people and helped them also. I passed the freeway and it was instantly a nicer area. I came to a McDonald's where I stopped for a break. I sat there and just thought about the day. I couldn't stop smiling thinking of some of the reactions, and knowing those people could eat a good meal that night because I payed forward what God and his people have shared with me. That gave me piece of mind.
       I left there and walked down another mile or so and came to a big church. It was still in the city but I was tired and decided to make my spot to sleep there somewhere. I walked to the front and there were bushes between the front door and the parking lot. They were high enough to hide me so that was where I made my bed. It was on asphalt with a finish of small rocks on top. It was a hard surface and not comfortable at all, but I laid down and fell asleep.

Day 47 / May 20, 2012

     
       I woke up on day 47 in Brandon MS. I was in a nice house of people who took me in. I opened my eyes and almost forgot where I was. Much of this trip has been surreal and has felt like a dream. So sometimes when I wake up I have to think for a while and process what's going on.
       I stretched out and yawned. The bed was so comfortable and I was so relaxed! The little dog was still laying there next to me sleeping. It was cool that he liked me and just hung out next to me like that.
       After laying there a while I got up slowly. I walked out to the garage where Terry was washing his car. I hung out with him and did a few things I needed to do before leaving sometime that day. I put another coat of duct tape on the bottom of my shoes to prevent the soles from wearing out. And I also lightened my cart as much as possible. I took my atlas and tore out the pages of the states I will go through and put them in a ziplock bag. The rest of the book I threw out to get rid of the extra weight. Also took some other random stuff out.
     Terry had bought me some new wheels from home depot for my cart. So we put those on and trashed the other ones that were pretty worn out. They lasted 600 plus miles, so it was a good run.
      I stayed there til about 12 or so. I packed my clean laundry and clothes up in my bag, and was set to head out. I thanked them very much for taking me in. It was a much needed rest and I was very refreshed and recharged to continue. We said goodbye and I walked out to the street and off I went.
        I walked only about 2 miles to a McDonald's and went there to catch up on my journals. A guy on twitter wanted to meet me there. He showed up a bit later and came to meet and talk to me. He had a lot of questions about what I was doing and was trying to figure out why I was doing it. He lived right across the way with his dad in an apartment. He was 20. He asked if I wanted to stay with them and at first I thought maybe I would. But then he said his dad might freak and for me to tell him I was going to be on the Ellen show or something. At that point I really didn't want to go there anymore. He was trying hard to get me to come but I didn't have a good feeling about it. He also was calling a bunch of people and said he was gonna have a party and get wasted and smoke. After nobody answered when he called about 6 times, again I was just not sure about going. I told him to let me know later on twitter and I would play it by ear. But at that point I didn't want to go anyways. He went home and I stayed there to write my journals.
         I stayed there the whole day and just rested my legs. They were still hurting and my knees for some reason were pretty sore. Plus I walked about 100 miles in 6 days so I figured a few days to recover was in need.
       So after the day went by it was about 9:30 and I had a little more writing to do. Just then the same guy that came by earlier came back. He said he was drinking margaritas and trying to get at some chick but it didn't happen. He was a trippy dude. He kept asking very prying questions and talking to him was a little uncomfortable for me.
         On twitter I had the sherrifs fiancé tell me that Drew (sheriff I met 2 days before) wanted to come say hi one last time before I left tomorrow. His shift just ended so he stopped by there. I met him outside and the guy that was with me followed too. So we visited for a bit and Drew brought me a couple things. He had an off brand leather man fold up knife, and also a strong clip attached to some nylon cord that he made himself. It was really cool and I could definitely afford to pack it as it was light and may come in handy. We talked for a while and I told him if he and his fiancé ever wanted to visit California in the future we would love to have them out there. He was a really cool guy.
        So eventually we parted ways and I was off to find a sleep spot. I said goodbye and he said if I get into any troubled situation and I'm not too far to let him or his fiancé know and they would help. I said bye. Then as I left the young kid circled back around in his car and said he would like to come to California too. He said if I get rich and famous off of this journey (which I doubt would ever happen) that I should fly him out. I said we will see. Then he said he wanted to do a video for me before he left. I felt bad to say no so I told him ok. He got out of his car and I recorded him. He started marketing his raps and said if any record labels see this video, that they need to fly him out and record his rhymes. It was pretty funny. The guy was funny.
        So I left there and headed across the street behind a Lowes. In the back there were some trees and bushes. I walked into the bushes where my cart was hidden. I made my bed there. It was a pretty sketchy spot and I got there in the dark so I couldn't see much of what was right around there. But I laid down and eventually went to sleep. I woke up in the middle of the night hearing something that sounded like a possum, or something that size, stomping around getting closer to me. I got up and yelled and did a fake growl to try and scare it off. I heard it run away. Then I went back to bed.       

Day 46 / May19, 2012

       
         Day 46 was pretty wild! I woke up at around 7:30 at the church just south of Brandon MS. I was eager to get to the house where my twitter followers that I met in New Augusta were taking me in. They lived in North Brandon, about 17 miles from where I was. So I packed up quickly and headed out.
         I hadn't even walked for 10 minutes when a man pulled off in front of me and got out to give me a hot breakfast sausage sandwich. He said he had passed me a few minutes earlier and ran to the gas station just ahead to bring me that. He gave me a cold soda with it too. I didn't eat yet so it was pretty awesome!
       I hit highway 18 where I would take that up to central Brandon. That walk was tough and there was no shoulder. It was a lot of uphill and off and on the road (also tough as it dropped off 6 inches on the end of the asphalt). I was huffing and puffing up the hills and it was hot already by about 9.
       Around 10 a lady pulled over in front of me. She handed me a bag that had a carton of food (chicken and a sausage biscuit) 2 big waters, and a gatoraid. She said she also passed me and wanted to help.  Both her and the first guy were complete strangers.
        A little further down the road my iPod ended up dying. I tried to find an outlet at the church to charge before I left while I packed up, but the 2 outlets I found were not working. So I knew the road I was on would get me to the town, where I could plug in somewhere and have my gps to get me the rest of the way to their house.
         I finally came to a gas station on the side of the road and I sat out front and plugged in to use an outlet outside. I was going to stay there and charge for about an hour, then finish the walk to their house that was 9 miles up still.
         About 10 minutes after sitting down there a cop walked up. He asked if I was ok? I said yes and told him why I was there and what I was doing. He thought it was pretty amazing and was interested in my travels. He said unfortunately the owners didn't want me there and that he was sorry but he had to ask me to leave. I told him I understood and that it was not a problem.
         So he shook my hand and said good luck. I put my backpack on and began walking. Just before I even got out of the parking lot I saw another cop car pull in. He pulled up next to me and it was the same cop from the day before! His name is Drew. He said he heard my name while my ID was being checked over the radio, so he called the city dispatch to see where I was at. He was such a nice guy and said he came incase there was a problem. We talked for a little while. He asked how it went staying at the church. He had driven by during the night to see if everything was good there. That was cool to hear and I said it was a good night. He said he had a chance to check out some of my updates through his fiancé's twitter. He thought it was a very cool thing. So after a bit we shook hands and I told him I really appreciated him coming by to check on me. And I took off.
       I had enough charge to see the route, so I headed north. I walked for about 4 miles when a cop car pulled over. A cop got out and it was the same cop who came to the gas station for the call. The one that had to ask me to leave. He asked if I was hungry and that he would buy me lunch. I was so stuffed already I told him no thanks. But the offer was really cool. He also helped me with directions to the street I was heading to. I already knew where I was going, but I let him tell me anyways since he wanted to help. Then he shook my hand again and said he really is inspired by my walk. He also said sorry he had to kick me out of the gas station. I said no problem at all. I continued.
        I walked maybe another 2 miles when a car pulled over and 3 people got out. It was a mother and daughter and then a little girl they were baby sitting. They said they saw my route on twitter and wanted to come meet me and take pictures. It was really hot at this point and they had also brought me a cold drink, and a wet towel that they had on ice inside a big tray. That was awesome! They put it on my neck and it felt amazing! They had snacks for me too and also a $15 McDonald's gift card. I was pretty happy and we got some pictures together. It made me feel like a rockstar to have the cold towel delivered on ice. They were very nice and were supportive of what I'm doing.
         I walked another mile or so when a girl pulled over. She had a bag she brought up to me and she said she was the sherrif's fiancé. She said her and her fiancé Drew (cop who checked on me and that I met yesterday) were very proud of what I am doing. She had a sandwich from a shop in town and some fresh fruit. I was so thankful and I got a picture with her too and then left again.
       Then it got really wild. I was walking in the country north of Brandon about 4 miles from my destination when I heard "nick!". I looked back and saw a young kid around 15 maybe, running down the side of the highway with no shoes on. There was no car and just a house a ways back. He came running up with a black bag in his hand and smiled from ear to ear. With no car I asked him "do you live there?" and he said "yes sir!". And that blew me away a little. He saw me walking down the road and he already follows me on twitter. He wanted a picture and kept saying "this is awesome!". It was really cool and I was just so shocked that he just coincidentally saw me walking. And he also didn't even know the people I was meeting to stay with. Pretty nuts!
        I kept walking and it was real hot. I got to a church and my iPod was almost dead. So I pulled off under the front overhang to charge up and take a break. After 5 minutes of sitting there a car pulled into the church. Then just behind the car the guy I was staying with ahead pulled up on his bike too and had tracked me down to meet me. The kid in the car asked through the window if I was the guy walking across the country? I said yea, and he asked for a picture. When Terry pulled up on his bike (my host) I thought him and the kid knew each other but they didn't. So Terry ended up taking a picture of me and the kid. It was pretty surprising and I felt like a homeless famous dude haha.
       From there me and Terry walked to his house. (I walked and he road). We got there and I was relieved. Right away I got into the shower and it was amazing! I threw my laundry in and then just relaxed with them. It was a nice house and I was so comfortable and thankful they took me in. Never knew them before this trip and they still invited me in.
       So the rest of the day was very relaxing. We hung out and watched movies and talked. He had some friends over also to visit and we all just hung around and visited. They BBQ'd for dinner and I ate some burgers and sausages and it was nice to have fresh hot food off the grill. Their friend and his girlfriend from work were over and they gave me $20 and said they enjoyed following the journey. I was thankful.
        After a long night of resting and chatting with them, I went to bed around 1 am. I had my own room and a soft bed. When I laid down their little dog jumped up and fell asleep next to me. I passed out and it was a great night!

Day 45 / May 18, 2012

        On day 45 I woke up just south of Mendenhall MS. I slept good and woke up on the concrete in front of the baptist donation center I was at. It was up on a hill so the highway was down low and I was out of sight from it. When I woke up my eye was able to open. It felt way better and I was relieved.
        I got up and packed my bed up and got ready. I couldn't find a water spicket anywhere to fill my waters, so I was gonna have to find somewhere down the road. I packed some of my new stuff up and threw some of my old stuff out. I ate an MRE for breakfast and was ready to head out.
        I walked through the town of Mendenhall and there wasn't much right off the highway. I didn't see anywhere right off the road to fill my waters up or anything. So I passed through it and kept walking. Finally past the town a little, I came to a gas station. I stopped there and by that time was a little dehydrated so I got a cold drink there and a snack. I sat outside there in some shade and charged my devises while I relaxed for a little break. I filled my waters and after a good charge I took off.
       My route from there turned off of the 49 and onto a back country road heading north towards Brandon MS. It was a nice quiet walk and there were big shade trees growing over the road. I enjoyed the walk through there.
       I came to a couple of really nice houses where I noticed a guy walked towards me from his driveway and was asking if I was lost. I told him no, and that my gps was taking me through here to get to Brandon. He asked if I was thirsty and invited me to come to his brothers house (next door) for a cold water. 
       I walked to the house and both of the houses were really nice. They were brothers and worked on oil rigs around the world. They asked me some questions and gave me a few cold gatoraids for the road.
        I walked about 5 more miles when a cop pulled off. He was really friendly and just was curious where I was headed. I told him and he was amazed. He had a twitter and took my twitter name so he could follow me. He didn't check my ID or anything, just totally curious.
         I walked about another mile when a car passes me then turned around and came back. It was a guy around my age. He said he saw me the day before by mendenhall and asked if I needed a ride. I told him I couldn't and why. He said no problem and took off.
       About 5 minutes later he came back around. He asked me if I wanted to stay at his and his cousins house for the night. I asked where I was but I would have had to walk and extra 10 miles total to go there. Then he asked if I was looking for a spiritual trip I could go there and eat some mushrooms they had. I for sure was not wanting to go play with the sesame street crew, so I said no thanks.
           I walked another mile and came to a nice shade tree with grass under it. I pulled off for a break. As I sat there another cop passed me. Then he came back around and pulled off next to me. He asked if I was ok. I told him yes and why I was out there. He thought it was pretty amazing. He was real interested and he was a really cool guy. He asked where I was staying and I told him the church I was headed to. He said that my gps was wrong and that church was down another road a ways away. So he told me where to find the next church and said to stay there and I should be safe! He was so cool!
         Finally he had to go. Just as he pulled away a man pulled off next to me. It was him and his little daughter in the back seat. He was well dressed and driving a progressive (insurance) car. He said he saw me and wanted to make sure I was ok. I let him know I was good and where I'm headed. He said it was a blessing to meet me and be a witness to what I had experienced so far. He also said "it was funny I met you as he I've been trying to find someone to give this to".  He had a hundred dollar bill in his hand already. His arm was outside the window the whole time, so when he pulled up he already had it ready. I didn't even know how to react! It was pretty wild! He said he was lucky to meet me and it was meant to be by God's guidance. We talked a while longer and then he left. I couldn't believe it!
         I continued walking and about a mile down the road a car pulled off. It was a man who said his friend told him about me and he wanted to meet me. His friend was the man who have me the $100. He had some questions for me and told me a little about his life and how it has turned around with the help of god. It was pretty cool to hear.
          About an hour later a man and his wife pulled off and wanted to know of they could talk to me for a while. I let them know I had to try and get to the church 4 miles up before it was dark, but if they wanted to meet me there I was happy to meet and talk.
        So I walked the last 4 miles. My knees were really hurting me and my feet were in pain. It was a tough end of walking for the day. So when I got to the church, there was a gazebo next to it where I decided I would sleep. I made my bed and relaxed on it. I took my shoes off and let my feet stretch a bit. I sat there for about 20 minutes and then the old man and the guy who gave me the $100 showed up together. They were pleased to meet with me and I was happy to have the company.  They brought me some snacks for dinner and some drinks. I was starved and hadn't eat since breakfast so I was thankful.
       They brought a Bible and wanted to go through some Bible verses. We went though it for maybe an hour. I had many tough questions and picked their brains about their belief in truth. It was tough to understand the things they believe for me, and the fact that I am going to hell right now without Jesus in my heart is scary. I am not religious but I am very spiritual. I would live to know a truth and share it, but it needs to be evident to me and I need to know its real! So we prayed for me to experience something to show me what is real. And I was thankful to them for that. I had mixed feelings about some of the answers they gave to me about what they believe in. When they left at around 10 I was a little stressed out with the thoughts evoked from our discussion. I didnt sleep well that night as my mind was stressed over that.