Day 10, Sunday
April 10, 2005

I did my best to get up on time and start moving early. I really wanted to be caught up today before Bob had to pick me up. We needed to be at church by 8:30 for his prayer group meeting. We had a fairly long drive to my starting point - about 17 or 18 miles. I needed to walk about 9.5 miles to be caught up. It was about 5:45 when we arrived. By the time I got myself and Walker squared away, it was probably about 6:00. The walk was very uneventful. I walked through the thriving metropolis of Carmine (wide spot in the road, actually) in the dark and on towards another major metropolitan area called Ledbetter. As I approached Ledbetter, Bob called and said he was coming. Could be nearly 8:00 AM already? Yes! I would not quite be able to get there before he arrived. Bob picked me up and we estimated we were about 1.5 miles out of Ledbetter. I could make that up on Monday.

On our way to the church building, we talked about Walker going to church. Bob thought it would be OK for him to go to the prayer group and to Bible study, but not to the assembly. After Bible study, I tied Walker up outside. It was not long before I could hear him crying and barking.

After church, a group of about twenty of us went to a Mexican restaurant for lunch. I had to tie Walker up outside. Crying and barking all over again. I was afraid he was disturbing other diners. Bob suggested I move him to the porch where he could at least see me through the windows. It turned out to be a splendid suggestion. We had a great time of fellowship, particularly with a couple named Darren and Adelia who were due to be married the following Sunday. I was proud that the Brenham church had taken a special interest in these two. Pray for this couple. They are making a new start on an entirely new foundation - the Rock.

Back at Bob and Patti’s I started reorganizing my stuff, did my laundry, answered email and made phone calls. In retrospect, I should have also been working on my journals, but by the time I got everything else done folks were beginning to arrive for their small group meeting and dinner. I love meeting in small groups, and particularly when I am visiting other churches. This evening was a real blessing. We had a wonderful meal, we sang, Bob brought a lesson, and then we had a time of prayer and everyone began to leave. A bittersweet sadness began to come over me as we stood outside and said goodbyes. Many of these people had become ‘instant’ friends, in spite of the fact that I will not remember many of their names a few days from now. But worst of all, this would be my last night with Bob and Patti. I would see Bob again in the morning for a few minutes driving back out to my starting point, but I would not see Patti again until who knows when. These three days had been a great time of refreshing for me. I would really miss Brenham, TX, the church here, and Bob and Patti.

Back in my room, I check my email. Buddy has responded. He wants to come this Tuesday. He doesn’t care that it’s 250 miles each way. He says, “If you can walk 1,300 miles for these kids, I can drive 250 for you. I’ll walk with you, I’ll walk for you (if your feet hurt too badly), I’ll take care of all your meals and your accommodations Tuesday night, and I’ll send you on your way Wednesday morning before I start back to Abilene.” I am totally overcome by his spirit. I forward his email to Gary Billingsley. I learned later that Gary cried when he read it.