Why am I doing this? To answer that, I have to tell you a little about who I am. I am a 52 year old third-born of four to deaf parents.  I have two children and two grandchildren. I've spent 32 years in the Louisiana Army National Guard representing and fighting for the country I love. I'm a former bar owner and all-around sinner.  I've always had a passion for travelling around this great nation and have visited all 50 states. 

Prior to, and during the Summer, God had been dealing with my distancing myself from His presence. I had finally started realizing how far I had gotten away and how the decisions I made had put me in a place where my family was torn apart and I was unhappy. I knew I was not following God's plan for my life and worse, I had stopped trying to even look for His instruction.  I had also grown weary of people. I had always said I love everyone, but the truth was I had disdain for anyone who had opposing views to mine both spiritually and politically. I had lost tolerance and the hope that I was even capable of helping anyone.

Then, the world was set on fire with the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Like a lot of people I know, I was shocked, concerned and angry. Charlie was a gifted, courageous and bold man who accomplished so much for God in his very short time on earth, and died as a martyr. His death brought to the forefront the division we have in America: on one side, many mourned the loss, on the other side there were those who celebrated. I couldn't make sense of the contrasting views and could no longer sit on the sidelines.  But, what could I do? What was it that I thought I needed to do? 

Walk. The idea had been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Each place I travelled through, I would always think, "I wish I was walking through here to really absorb what is here." At the same time, I truly believed that if others had seen and experienced the the great landmarks and landscapes of America, along with meeting the wonderful people I have throughout this country, they would not be so divided, because they would understand how wonderfully it all comes together and how truly special this nation is. 

So, that's what I am doing. Walking isn't some great talent. That's ok! How many talentless people have you seen making at least small differences? It is just what I KNOW I can do. And, if God can somehow use me for His purpose in this walk, whether it's to help ONE person feel His love or appreciate their place in His universe, help ONE person appreciate America like I do, or even if it is to only help me to truly love everyone like I'm supposed to, I will walk each step of these 3800 miles across the greatest nation in the history of mankind.