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Time is drawing near...

It just seems like yesterday that we were looking for where God wanted us to be.  We kept talking about going to Honduras for the summer, or maybe even going to the Philipines to work with missionaries over there.  We planned a trip to Haiti, then during our plans to go to Haiti, we were given a mssion.  This mission certainly wasn't what either of us expected, but it is where God wanted us. 

Ken and I have spent the last few years searching for places we wanted to go, but we didn't search for where God wanted us.  We would talk about what we could do and how we could do it, but we never seemed to include God in our plans.. of course, we said we were going as missionaries, but we never really sat down and asked God where He wanted us. 

Then, it hit us...  we both started praying about it.  We both started asking God to guide us to where He wanted us.  That is when it happened. God told both of us, on the same day, at the same time, that He wanted us to go to Lesotho, Africa.  We saw pictures of Lesotho and we heard a little about it on that day and it all looked really cool.  We still didn't realize God wanted us to go there.  We just thought we were supposed to help get a group over there to help with problems of human trafficking. 

Little did we know that God had other plans.  We made a committment after talking to board members of a group going there.  Before we left the meeting, God has put it upon our hearts that we were going to move there.  Since then, we have researched about Lesotho.  We have met people from there, we have become friends of people who are moving there and we have done all we can to make this a reality. 

Actually, we have not done all we can, because we have taken steps as God has led us.  Ken's dreams are so vivid that I wish I could jump in them with him to see all the plans God has laid out for us.  I have to admit, I am a little scared at times.  Who wouldn't be?  I get a little anxious to get over there, but then I get a little anxious to stay here too.  After all, I am leaving everything that is familiar to me, except Ken and my clothes. 

Ken leaves soon to go find us a place to live.  He will be gone for a few weeks, then when he comes home, we will work on our plan for the move.  We will settle everything here, and make sure all necessary things are in place for our move.  We will spend some time with friends and family, then we will say goodbye for now. 

I am excited.  I am scared.  I am afraid that I will let God down, but I know that if God is for us, then who could be against us?  I also know that if I never come back to Oklahoma, that is ok too.  I am content to say, I lived my life according to what God called me to do. 

New Day, New Walk

Although I am finished with my walk to Houston, I will never be finished with my walk for God.  He has called each of us to take up our cross and follow.  For some, that may mean staying right where you are, for others, that may mean finding that perfect fit with you and society, reaching out to others.  However, for me and Kathy, that means, following God's call on our lives to reach out to those who are being harmed by human trafficking.  It also means, that we will be standing as protectors of those who will minister to the ones who are hurting and needing the sanctuary for their lives to be made whole again through Christ. 

We didn't ask God to place us in Lesotho, Africa.  We simply asked God to use us.  Most know the old saying, "be careful what you ask for, you might just get it."  Well, we can't be careful about that type of asking because if God needs us to do something, then we should be more than willing to say, "Yes, God!"  What good would it be to say, "Hey God...  I want you to use me, but only when it is comfortable, non-threatening, easy and full of happiness for me."  That is like saying, "Hey God...  I will do your will only if it is something I want to do, otherwise, don't ask, because I don't love you enough!" 

Not long ago, I heard Christine Caine, (a21campaine), speaking about how life is just a vapor.  She stated that people needed to rise up and be who God called them to be, not sit back in their safe little lifestyles.  Well, she was right.  Life is just a vapor, compared to what eternity is.  I have to say, we have wasted most of our lives just sitting around, pretending to be something we are not.  We pretend to be good Christians, but then we gripe about not having enough in our lives...  enough what?  Did God promise you that you would have everything your little heart desired?  NOPE, he sure didn't.  He said that you were not to worry about tomorrow, that he knew when even a sparrow fell, that he knows the number of hairs on your head.  However, he never said, I will give you everything you want.... because He won't do that.  He will give you what you need, if you are following Him and are living in His will for your life. 

Vapor, yep, that is what she said....  your life is a vapor.  Guess what.... that means, that if you wait till tomorrow to do something for God, then you may never do it.  It means that if you have to get out of school before you can serve God, or get married, or get your kids grown, you will always find another excuse, then your life will be over before you ever give God the respect He so much deserves. 

I am not saying that we (Ken & Kathy) are perfect or that we have led perfect lives full of God's will.  I am simply saying, we have finally realized that our lives are supposed to be lived for God's glory, not our own.  We have finally acknowledged God's call on our lives. 

Kathy has spent the last 28 years, somewhat ignoring God's call on her life.  She was told when she was only 15 that she would be a missionary.  She got married, had kids, got a divorce, repeated the cycle and now is looking back on her life, wondering where she would be now, if she had followed God's will for her life, instead of following her own desires.  No, she doesn't have regrets, because what she went through, God is using now.  However, she does hurt for those she did not help along the way.  She does fear that maybe she should have done more back then and that she can't make up for lost time.  However, God has called her again, and has said He can still used this broken and used vessel of His, to bring glory to His name, so she gladly follows now. 

Ken has spent even more time ignoring God's call on his life.  He thought it would be easy to run away from God because he was mad at Him.  He thought he could hide behind friends, boats, bikes, parties, drinking, work and anything else that would help him forget his call.  However, God's call on his life was simply stronger and more appealing than anything else.  God placed Ken and Kathy together for a specific reason, so that they both would heed His call on their lives.  Together, with their faith in God, they have decided to follow Jesus, to follow God's call on their lives and to not let anyone or anything stand in their way. 

Now, that being said, we want to make it very clear here....  God has called us all to live a life for Him.  Some are called to be the best dad they can be.  Some are called to say kind words to someone in need.  Some are called to lay down their lives for others.  Some are called to simply smile or hug the person that walks through the door.  If you really search your heart, meditate on what God given gifts you have, you will find where God has called you to.  Will you stop being a vapor and become a walk for God? 

To those who opposed me...

I want to give a message to those who tried to scare me, intimidate me, threaten me...  Bring it on.  If you think your threats harmed me, or stopped me in any way, you are wrong.  I will not stop, nor will anyone else stop because you tried to get me to stop.  I believe you added more fuel to the fire.  I believe that because of you, I am now more passionate about this cause and I will spend the rest of my life fighting for it, as will my family and friends. 

Psalms 91:11
Romans 12:18-20

Last Day?... or a New Beginning!

After ten days, I am not sure what type of emotions to have as I make my final stretch of the walk.  I am overwhelmed with emotion.  On one hand, I don't feel like I did enough to let people know there are men, women and children out there being victimized on a constant basis.  On the other hand, I am glad it's done!  All I want to do is go home and be in a place of familiarity and not walk. 

I see the end of this journey as the beginning of an entirely different life for myself and Kathy.  I did what God asked, even though I questioned myself and God at times.  However, I saw God's hand in every step I took.  He guided me to where I needed to be.  He talked to me when I couldn't go any further and helped me make it just a few more steps. 

I learned that sometimes the people you least expect to help, will be the ones that step up in great ways.  I learned that the ones you thought would be there to support you and give you encouragement not only let you down, but they act as if what you just did was nothing.  I also learned that it doesn't matter what anyone thinks of what I did, because I was obedient to the call on my life and God is proud of me and loves me. 

I saw people go out of their way to make sure that I knew they were praying for me.  I got text messages, calls, encouragement via Twitter and Facebook.  I had some have to encourage me by letting me down, making me mad or just flat out not being there for me when I "thought" I needed their help.  I will admit, there were times when I tried to use the convenience of Kathy as a crutch to not walk anymore.  However, God was also working on her too and she didn't allow that to happen.  Each time she said no, there was a reason for her saying it... like people stopping to pay for a meal or someone who was there that I needed to talk to.  It amazes me that God can take a tense situation and make it all about Him. 

Life lesson that I will carry with me forever and hope to get to teach others...  God calls us to be obedient.  It doesn't matter how old we are or how fit we are, God gives us everything we need, to do what he has called us for.  You just have to make the decision to do it.  I was the least prepared for this journey.  I HATE walking.  I used to fight Kathy all the time when she would ask me to go walk with her.  I have a thousand excuses why not to do what I did, but those did not hold me back.  Just to name a few, I was out of shape, have diabetes, didn't have money, would lose my job, had no clue how to get there on foot, just flat out didn't want to do it, didn't have the time and simply didn't think I could do it.  However, God provided all that I needed and will continue to provide all that I need.  It doesn't matter if you are educated, rich, poor, happy, sad, over weight, sick, crippled, injured or any other millions of excuses, God can and will use you and equip you, no matter what His call is on your life!  He will walk with you and carry you through even when you think He is not there, even when you injure your knee and can not walk, He will help you to finish the journey. 

I will tell you now, when I twisted my knee and fell, I was done.  Kathy had just brought me a few things to help me and she watched as I limped off, this was on the third day of my journey.  I told her daily that I could not handle the pain, but she told me rely on God.  There were days I cried, there were days, I simply asked God to just give me a place to sit for a few minutes.  Another lesson I learned, be careful what you ask for, be very specific because He gave me a place to sit... right out in the open, with no breeze, no shade, but it was a place to sit, so I asked again, this time I asked for a cool place to sit.  He provided me a cool spot, with shade and a breeze.  I think He has a sense of humor. 

Ben, Thanks so much for not giving out my phone number.  I really don't think I would have had much of a phone left if I had gotten all the calls that would have come in.  I know how much everyone was behind me.  I know at night when I would look at the messages or Kathy would tell me about people who were calling, it would lift my spirits and give me that much more encouragement to keep going.  I sometimes believe that the fact that I didn't want to let my friends down made me try even harder.  However, the truth is, my driving force was to not let God down, because He had not let me down. 

I walked alot by faith, not by sight, because most of what I saw were people's discards, lost items, dead animals and crazy drivers.  I think I could have equipped an entire tool box with all the lost tools I found.  However, I just didn't have the energy to pick them up and add them to my backpack.  It was heavy enough.  I could have eaten alot of "road kill" soup, but the thought was just not appetizing.  I also saw the destruction of our land with all the discarded waste that people were just too lazy to put in a trash can.  As for the drivers lack of care for anyone, that was the saddest part to me.  Many would not even pay attention and nearly run me over.  Others were in such a hurry that they were trying to run other cars over.  No wonder so many people get injured in construction zone accidents.... I was most amazed at how some of the truck drivers were driving....  running over the line, not paying attention, and wide loads not giving me any room to walk.  I actually had one come within inches of hitting me and I was on the grass. 

My day ended with a flight home.  I was a little upset because I was leaving Kathy behind to drive home, I was not mad, but I guess I felt guilty about it.  I really felt bad when she had to bring me a key after leaving because I had no way of getting in the house when I made it home.  I have to say, Thanks God for not letting her get lost when she came back. 

As I went to the gate to check in, my free ticket for 5:10 pm was bumped up the the 1:00 pm flight that had been delayed to 2:30 p.m., so I was able to leave much quicker than expected.  I tried to find out who changed my ticket, but nobody could tell me.  Not one person had an answer for me, so I will just say, it was another God thing.  Of all the places for me to sit, I was placed in a window seat, beside a man that was reading a book.  I am usually the type that leaves people alone, but I just happen to glance at this book and see something that sparked my interest, it had a reference to God in it, so I struck up a conversation.  Come to find out, this guy, Carl is a manager of a Mardel, (my wifes favorite place to shop... ok, mine too) He and I talked about my journey and we talked about the book he was reading.  I have to laugh, because the book he was reading is Max Lucado's newest book and that just happens to be Kathy's favorite author.  Carl told me that this book talked about what I had just done.  He then gave it to me, even though he was not finished reading it, because I told him Kathy was an avid reader of Max Lucado.  I was thrilled to be able to take this home to Kathy, the book is Out Live Your Life.  I want to thank Carl for the conversation, the book and the encouragement he gave me.  I have to also say, Kathy will get the book when I am done reading it.  I have not been able to put it down since I started reading it. (I don't like to read) 

I want to end this blog by saying, this is not the end.  I will be adding more to my blog, because I have a feeling that my journey has just began.  However, I want to quote Max Lucado from his book Out Live Your Life..... 

"God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.  Don't let satan convince you otherwise.  He will try.  He will tell you that God has an IQ requirement or an entry fee, that He employees only specialists and experts, governments and high powered personalities.  When satan whispers such lies, dismiss him with this truth, God stampeded the first century society with swaybacks, not thoroughbreds.  Before Jesus came along, the disciples were loading trucks, coaching soccer, and selling slurpy drinks at the local convenience store. Their collars were blue and their hands were calloused, and there is no evidence that Jesus chose them because they were smarter or nicer than the guy next door.  The one thing they had going for them was a WILLINGNESS to take a step when Jesus said, "follow me." " (emphasis on willingness mine)

"Are you more dinghy than cruise ship?  More stand-in than movie star?  More plumber than executive?  More blue jean than blue blood?  Congratulations.  God changes the world with folks like you." 

Random Pictures from the trip...





Cool, more music to listen to...  Can't believe someone would actually throw this away!



Will I ever make it?



Beautiful Sunrise...

Beef Jerky! Centerville, Tx.  Great stuff!



Wonder if this place has a bathroom?



Can you see me?



Talk about empty headed...



His head is taller than me.

This guy was watching me the entire time!

Houston! It just seems like yesterday I was in Oklahoma... NOT

Did anyone know that Huntsville is one big prison?  Well, actually I saw at least three different Huntsville Prisons.  I am not sure if I should have been hiking through there or not.  I did have a great reception at the hotel I stayed in.  I figured they would take one look at me and think...  "this guy might be one of the escapees.." 

I had to make my way through tons of construction today, so I had lots of help from Kathy because it was just too dangerous for me to try to get through it all.  Many of the roads didn't have any side roads to walk on either, so that made it even more important for Kathy to let me back in the car.  She was not going to allow me, until she drove the road and realized just how close I would be to the traffic. 

I went past the giant statue of Sam Houston...  still sort of creeps me out that someone would want to have a giant statue looking over them when they sleep.  I have to admit, Kathy and I jumped in the car and went backwards to the statue, so we could see the little, and I mean little, museum.  The pictures will have to be posted later because they won't load.

After walking for a while...  I began thinking...  it sure would be nice to find a bathroom.  Here is the closest thing I found...  not sure which would be better...  using the shack or going to the Sam Houston National Forest.  I did see a picnic area, but that doesn't do any good, since there are no facilities. 

As I got closer to Conroe, it was quite evident that there was no way that I would be able to walk on the road.  I have never seen so much construction anywhere.  Oh wait, I live in Oklahoma, there is no such thing as a road without construction. 

Somewhere between Conroe and Houston, it started raining, so I will admit, today was a short day.  I don't think I could have walked through the construction, with all the traffic, in the rain.  Kathy was stressed about it all too, so I gave in to her and I climbed in the car for my final miles to the hotel.  Tomorrow, I will walk down the road that leads to George Bush Intercontinental Airport.  I will be at the welcome sign at Lee and Will Clayton prkwy at 10:00 a.m. 

Then, Kathy will take me to Hobby Airport and she will head home, in the car.  I will be flying home, thanks to some great people, Terry and Cheryl Bond!  Thanks so much!  I really, really appreciate you letting me have your frequent flyer miles!  I will be leaving out around 5:10 and be home at 6:25.  Kathy will be driving so I will be getting home a few hours before her.  Do me a favor, keep her in your prayers for safe travel.  Thanks! 

I will have a few more posts to this, because I have some reflections to make, not to mention lessons I learned and a message for the men who tried to intimidate me with their threats. 

So close... but it feels so far away...

Today started really early for me.  I was actually the first one to get down to the breakfast.  That was cool, because I got the first pick of everything.  I even left out before daylight.  I felt really good when I left out of the hotel.  I even decided to leave my "body guard" behind so she could take care of some computer stuff and finish packing the bags. 



Almost my bathroom



Woody's



I walked for about two hours, then realized, I had to go to the bathroom....  I now believe there should be a bathroom every mile on the highway.  I was again wondering where I was going to find a bathroom when I was rescued.  It was nice knowing that I had such a close call, but I didn't have to use the shack that I found.  

I have to say, it was a really cool place that we stopped at.  Nothing like getting some fresh buffalo jerkey to eat as a after breakfast snack, then I got a bite of walnut fudge to top it all off. 

I took off again and spent many hours walking.  I got encouraging calls from many people, making my morning even better.  Kathy followed me by the side road, until the side road ran out.  I thought it was quite humorous to watch her look at me as I walked off.  Not quite as funny as seeing her traipsing through the grass trying to find a tube of grease that I threw to her.  She didn't find it, but she got a little eaten up by the grass that attacked her.  I did learn a big lesson.  I had her come back to the main road so I could change a bandage on my foot and I did not watch where I was standing or sat my backpack.  Let's just say, ants are not my friends.  I think I spent the next fifteen minutes finding ants crawling on me. 

Kathy went up a couple of miles and waited for me in the picnic area.  I guess I was really getting tired when she left me, because it took me a long time to get to her.  By the time I got to her, I was so tired that I felt like my body was falling apart. 

This is me....  when Kathy forced me in the car to go get something to eat.  I was so tired that I literally could not get up. 

We ended up at Taco Bell where I had a couple of five layer burritos and got to just sit for a bit.  Then we were so excited about finding a WalMart, we went shopping.  Actually, I needed more sunscreen, so powder, some more Icy Hot and really wanted to have a rasor when I stopped for the night.  We went to the smallest WalMart I have seen in years.  Did you know they still have just plain WalMarts...  not super WalMarts... well, now you do. 



RED BULL!



Good to the last drop!

Kathy took me back to the road, but I had her stop at the gas station for a few minutes so I could get some ice for my camelback.  I found something really cool...  I discovered Red Bull!  I now know why Pastor Mark loves his Red Bull. 



Now, to get the VMusic going!



A few items that I found along the way.  I guess this just brings back lots of memories...  my days driving up and down the road, delivering oilfield tools. 

By the way, did you know that if you drink a full camelback of water with G2 powder in it, while walking, you tend to get really ansy to find a bathroom.  I can't win for losing... either a drink to keep from getting dehydrated or I don't drink. 

Oklahoma take notice...  this is what a really good rest stop looks like.  Even has monitored cameras to keep everyone safe. 


Texas rest area

I know this blog is not as interesting as the others, but today was just a hard day for me.  I was ready to stop walking within a few hours, but hung in there so I could make up some miles.  I did figure out why nobody offered to pick me up and take me to Houston...  Huntsville, Tx is where the largest prison in Texas is located and there are signs everywhere that say, "Don't pick up hitch hikers"  Oh well, I guess I looked like an inmate trying to make my way to the prison. 

All is well.  I finally got the icecream that Jack kept eating for me. I couldn't decide which one I wanted, so I had both. 

Day 7... It's not Heaven... I'm alive though.. (with pictures)

I slept in today.  I actually slept till almost eight today, I guess that is sleeping in.  I have to say, last night instead of watching some show that was entertaining, I got caught up in a show on CNBC or some channel like that.  It was a congressional hearing about Craigslist and Human Trafficking.  I was so floored to hear that the lady, a representative of Craigslist said that Craigslist was not willing to stop the adult part of Craigslist in Canada because she wanted them to make that decision.  I'm sorry lady, but if it's wrong to have that site up because it encourages more human trafficking, then it should be stopped.  Who cares about if Canada feels that it needs to be stopped or not. 

Okay, now onto my day.  I had a decent breakfast today and then I went out to meet up with Bob from the Corsicana Sun Newspaper.  He said that the story will run in the Sunday paper because they don't have a Saturday paper.  He was a great guy and we had a really good coversation. 

I took off walking from Corsicana a little later than I normally do, but that was okay, we got some more media coverage.  My mission is to get the word out.  Mission accomplished today.  I walked and walked and walked, thinking that I would soon find a bathroom.  I finally found one...  only to see that it was a closed down station.  Oh man...  seriously.... what's a guy to do...  find toilet paper on the side of the road and squat behind the tall grass?  Don't laugh, I found a roll of toilet paper, but the grass was just too short for me.  After several miles of hoping to find an open bathroom, I finally gave up and hitched a ride to the closest bathroom.  I am so glad that I didn't wait any longer....  it would have been an ugly mess. 

Seriously, I did make it to the bathroom without having an accident, so all was good.  While I was there at a Loves that was really busy, there were several people in the store.  I handed out a few cards and even had a couple of people say they saw me walking.  That is cool!  I took off walking after drinking some G2 gatorade and eating a banana. 

I walked a little while and then I saw a big white truck stop up ahead of me, then pull onto the off ramp.  Some guy got out of the truck and headed straight for me.  Since I am not wearing my glasses, I really couldn't tell what he looked like.  All I saw was a really tall guy walking straight for me.  My body guard was just sitting in the car...  watching.  So, I got ready...  I undid my backpack and braced myself for whatever this guy was going to do.  About twenty feet from me, he smiled and I was shocked to realize who it was.  It was Ray from The Steelhorse Disciples!  He was there to take me out for lunch!  It was so awesome to see a familiar face.  He and his wife, Wilma, were going to College Station to visit a relative and just happen to drive by at the right time. 

While Ray and I were walking towards his truck, two of Texas' finest pulled up and stopped us.  They wanted to know what we were doing and why there were two vehicles pulled over on the highway.  I gave them my information and they said they would make sure to let all the officers in the area know what was going on.  One even told me a good place to stay up the road.  Thank goodness because I thought I was going to be sleeping on the side of the road with all the trees and no towns. 

I made it to Buffalo, Texas and was so thankful that there was actually a town here.  I was beginning to think that all the Texas towns had disappeared. 

Huge thank you to Shelly & Mark Jordan for paying for the motel tonight!  I can not tell you how much I appreciate your love and encouragement.  All throughout my travels, I have had many people step up to help me and this has saved me from having to sleep in truck stops and such!  You guys are loved and I am praying great blessings over your lives. 

Oh yeah, I almost forgot....  I got to eat pizza again!  I am so happy, because that is a rare meal for me since Kathy doesn't eat pizza because it doesn't like her.  Seven days on the road, three nights with pizza!  Go God! 

Help

As Ken makes his walk, it would really be encouraging to know that others are keeping up with him.  If you are reading the blog even if it is just one time, would you please leave a comment so he knows who is checking his progress.  Thanks! 

War Wounds..... and what kept me going...

That's a bruise!

Red spot, not sure what it is...

Yes, that is the real color of my legs...  they are darker than the dirt from the first day....  Go tan!

Notice spot on big toe, small bruise.  The second toe from the right has a huge blister or soar on it, and in the arch has a calous on it.


My inspiration!

It's a great tan!

A hard day .... but Jack got to eat my dip cone.

After the nice breakfast, where I got to eat Texas, (check out my last blog), I took off for another day of my leisurely stroll on the highway.  As I walked, I couldn't help but notice all the poor discarded, mistreated items.  I had to take this little guy with me to give him a proper burial.  He just looked so sad. 

Side Note:  After having some opposition on Tuesday... which consisted of a car with at least two men in it, pulling up in front of me and one of them jumping out and yelling, "Stop what you are doing or we will kill you," I had a constant companion to keep his eye out on me.  I did not allow Kathy to post this, because Jack wanted to remain undetected for a while.  He was great at checking cars that were pulled over, cars that were on fire, cars that seemed a little suspicous and motorcycles in the Harley shops. 

Is this big enough?

Jack encouraged me the entire time I was walking. When I would get tired and ready to give up, he was quick to find a local Dairy Queen and get me a dip cone that he ate for me.  It was awesome knowing that he was enjoying the sweet treat.  I could almost taste it....  NOT. 

Seriously, Jack was great!  He encouraged me and was quick to stop everything he was doing to make sure I was well protected.  He is now home, after spending two days with me.  Kathy was able to take his place, so he could take care of his business. 

I know we are both grateful to him for all he has done.  We love you! 

Kathy showed up about lunch time and we had Sonic.  I can not believe how much I ate, but I guess I am burning way more calories than I normally do.  I ended up eating a double cheeseburger and tots.  It tasted so good.  Kathy took over the watch and we sent Jack on his way.  However, he did give Kathy all his pointers so she would be able to protect me just as well as he did.  What he doesn't know is that Kathy would probably take on anyone one handed if she thought they were trying to hurt me.  She gets fierce, I've seen that in her. 

I did have a guy pick me up and take me a few miles ahead, which was great, because I was ready to sit on the side of the road.  He and I prayed together then I went on my way.  I apologize, but I do not remember his name.  You know who you are... thanks! 

My day ended earlier than I wanted because my knee was just not cooperating with me.  I guess today was the day it wanted to act up on me.  I do have a HUGE shout out to make to the WOW ladies from Oakcrest Church of Christ who paid for my room tonight.  I love you ladies!  Wish I had a picture to post. 

Kelly walks to raise awareness of human trafficking

Kelly walks to raise awareness of human trafficking

Texas Sized Breakfast



Are they proud or what? 

 I guess you could say that this hotel is proud of being in the state of Texas.  Maybe Texas is proud of having this hotel and decided to send them a waffle iron that makes Texas shaped waffles....  Thought to ponder.  Eitehr way, I am eating a Texas shaped and sized waffle for breakfast. 

I had a rough night last night.  I think the food I had for dinner didn't set well with my stomach.  I should have known better because the last three times I have eaten at Long John Silvers, I have had problems.  Sad thing is, I still love it. 

My knee is hurting me this morning, so I am going to be walking on God's strength, not my own.  We shall see how far I get tonight.  I am hoping to make it a good ways, I have been doing really well so far.  However, I am afraid my weekend goal may not be met. 

Getting Tired... Ken Spotter Sent This..

I think Ken is getting tired..  this was just sent to me by a Ken spotter. 

Great lunch with a great lady.... and two county deputys

Before anyone asks...  yes, Kathy knows that I was picked up on the side of the road by another woman.  Actually, Kathy spoke with her first and gave her permission to do so.  Deb is a displaced Okie.  She apparently lived in Shawnee not too long ago and ran with the Shawnee chapter of CMA (Christian Motorcyclist Association) and had gotten my info that way.  She has been keeping up with my progress and volunteered to get me through down town Dallas without me getting run over.  To my surprise, she insisted that she be able to feed me lunch today. 

About an hour after Deb dropped me off, I was met up by some of Texas' finest.  I am always very appreciative of any local, county or state officers that stop to check on my welfare.  These guys were great.  They just checked on me to make sure all was well.  Big shout out to you guys!  Thanks for all the service that you do for everyone! 

Side note:  Motor Officers have more fun!  Stay safe guys!




I am really hoping to be able to stop soon.  My knee is hurting, must have been that jump off the bridge to get to the water for a taste test.  Just kidding, I didn't jump off.... 

I know this may seem strange, but I have a special request.  While I was walking, there was a guy that apparently had his car just spontaneously combust.  It was totally engulfed in flames, so I am sure it will be a total loss.  Please take a minute and pray that all is well with him and that he didn't lose anything important in his car.  Thanks!  Not often I get to walk in an area where it's hot enough for a car to spontaneously combust.  <sarcasm>  I didn't think to take a picture, besides, I didn't want to add insult to injury. 

More Pictures from Ken

First Ken wanted me to send out a huge thank you to Nathan.  He saw Ken trying to get across a dangerous area and stopped to pick him up.  He really wanted to take Ken all the way to Houston, but Ken let him take him about two miles down the road past the danger.  He was able to pray with Nathan about his new job and feels that God keeps placing people in his path for a reason. 



That might have hurt..



Here is one of the many treasures Ken has found along side the road.  I am hoping that there was not a trailer hooked to this when it came off the vehicle.  Just goes to show you.... you must check your equipment and make sure it is securely placed on the vehicle.  For those of you who do not know, This is a trailer hitch...

Okay, guess it is time to cross this road.  Everyone pray that Ken crosses safely. 



Let's see...  hhhmmm, what else can he do to make this adventure a little more fun.  How about try out the water straw, just in case he gets stuck in an area and has no water left to drink.  You never know when a cool drink from a mud puddle might save my life on this journey. 



Wonder what this water tastes like?

Last but certainly the funniest...  is a picture that was just sent to me by a Ken spotter.  He spotted Ken last night at the Comfort Inn.  I am wondering if he isn't getting a little spoiled here.





Another Angel Taught me a Lesson

I truly believe that sometimes we think that God puts people in our paths to help us, when really, we are the ones that are supposed to minister to them. 

I have to say a big thank you to Cynthia for getting me through an area that I could not safely walk through.  I am deeply touched by your willingness to help me and to want to help our cause.  May God go with you everywhere you are. 

I am amazed at when I need help the most, there is always someone that comes along to my rescue.  I am so glad that I didn't have to walk through that bridged area that had no shoulder.  I really didn't feel like jumping over the bridge wall to avoid a driver not paying attention.  I think that might have hurt a little.  I used to think that I was superman, but that changed when I was about five and broke my arm.  A man of steel, I am not.  A man of God, I will always be. 

Day Five... Already started running....

Ken started his walk early this morning.  He now has the smaller backpack on, which he said is wonderful!  He said that last night he had leg cramps all night, so he did not get much sleep.  He has a few new blisters on his feet, but he has bandaides and ointment to help him out.  I have a feeling he has his entire foot covered in bandaides right now.

He was supposed to have an interview with a television station today, but they have not contacted him, so he decided that he would just walk and if they find him, good for them.  If anyone knows any local stations around the Dallas area he is going to be there sometime soon.  He still is not sure how he is going to get through Dallas, but I have a feeling he will figure it out. 

Last I heard from him, he was crossing from the west side of I-35 going south to the east side, so he could take the Dallas split.  He basically said, "Ok, let me go, so I can get across the highway." 

He did say that Comfort Inn had a great breakfast as well.  I was hoping for more pictures today, but Ken keeps forgetting to take them.  More later. 

Just a few random pictures that were sent to add to the blog



I think this was after the McDonalds break..



This is how hot it was the other day.. 

Ken spotter in action!

End of the day report... It's been a good day..

So, here is the scoop...  I left Dairy Queen and headed toward the great town of Denton. 

I guess I must have gotten someone's attention with my walk, because I met with a little resistance while I was walking.  The great thing about that, is that I have friends in high places, low places and in between too, so my friends in high places decided to step up and make sure I was never far from a watchful eye.  Thanks to my friends the Texas State Police.  Although, I do think the people getting pulled over left and right for speeding were not too happy about it.  Oh well, win-win situation for me and my new friends...  cars slowed down and the State of Texas made a little more money today. 

I stopped at a very large truck stop today, just north of Denton.  I stayed around there for a bit and talked to tons of people.  I passed out quite a few cards and started asking people if they knew anything about human trafficking.  Out of the 25 I asked, only 4 knew what it was and knew that it was a problem in the United States.  This is why I am walking.  More people need to be aware of the problem.  Some of the folks I talked to were totally shocked and appalled by even the thought of it happening. 

I called Kathy to see when she would be heading this way and she told me that someone was arranging for me a hotel and that she would get back to me as soon as she could on where it was.  (Side Note:  I thought Kathy was coming tonight, but she was only saying that, to keep me from knowing what was really going on.  She even had to turn down an offer for someone to put me up in a motel because another friend had already made plans for me.)  So, here I am waiting at the TA for Kathy to tell me where to start walking to, when she calls and leads me to believe that one person had us a room at the Comfort Inn. 

I headed out, knowing that I only had a few miles to go to get there.  When I walked in the door of the hotel, a young lady at the desk said, "You must be Ken Kelly."  I asked her how she knew and she said, "Well, you look like you have been walking all day."  She then proceeded to tell me about the hot tub, the pool, the breakfast and that the hot tub would probably be great to soak my knee in.  I was trying to figure out who told her about my knee, so I even tried to bribe her to tell me who paid for the hotel. 

About ten minutes after getting to the room and taking a shower, I got a message from Kathy.  I am sorry, he made me do it.  I love you.  Next thing I know, someone is knocking on the door.  I was thinking, okay, Jack, my friend, ordered me pizza because he knows Kathy doesn't like pizza.  So, I answered the door and the young lady from the front desk hands me a bathing suit, smiles and says, "I bet you feel better now that you have had a shower.  There is a man waiting in the hot tub for you."  I sat there for a minute with my mouth open and then I asked, "Do you know who it is?"  She said yes, then walked away with a big grin on her face.  I stepped out of the room, and told her... "This isn't what it seems... I'm married."  She just smiled.



Hey Ken, how do you work this thing? Oh guess that's how.

 So, I put on the suit, and head down to the hot tub, which was exactly what I really wanted to do.  I found this guy waiting there for me.  I love my friends and the things they will do just to help me when I am facing my giants! 

We soaked for a while then Jack told me to get dressed.   We met his sister and brother in law at Pizza Inn and they bought me pizza!  I was so excited.  I haven't had fresh pizza two days in a row in many years.  I love pizza!  Greg and Lori were great company and I am so thankful to all of you guys who have helped me along the way.  I think I have eaten better on this walk than I do normally. 

All in all, I think my day turned out really well.  Knee is still a little swollen, and hurting, but God is seeing me through it all.