Day #4 - Headed to Baltimore

I want to thank everybody who wrote me such kind, wonderful and supportive emails.

The last 3 days have been challenging, perhaps the most challenging of my life. I've experienced joy and fear, in both their extremes. It helps to know that you guys are with me.

I'm in a Best Western in Denton, Maryland (didn't stay there, but the concierge was kind enough to let me crash on their couch, eat their complimentary breakfast and use the computer). I want to write so much more, but time is limited...

Thanks to everybody who I met who gave me food. I am convinced God sent you, because when I received your food, I was close to what felt like starvation. The spirits that I walked with kept telling me that support was coming soon, to be patient. And they were right each time.

First night I spent sleeping outside of a Catholic church. Talked to a few people, dealt with insane levels of fear but got through it.

Second night was a little better--I walked into Georgetown, Delaware, warmed up on their university campus, met some wonderfully kind folks along the way, got an invitation to stay at a place once I hit Pittsburg and slept in a baseball dugout, wrapped in fake grass that smelled really funny.

It's already getting extremely cold...I'm getting nervous re: the following months.

Last night was rough. I passed the state line into Maryland, walked most of the night. It was freezing. I got stopped by the police as I walking along the highway. I didn't have ID, so I looked a little shady. I explained to him what I was doing, and he seemed to understand, though he looked and talked to me as if I'd taken leave of my senses (fair argument, of course). Ran a background check on my real name, decided I was harmless, and let me go.

I stumbled into the Best Western to escape the cold, met the kindnest concierge I've ever known who let me sleep, eat and write to you all.

I cannot do this without God. That is my mantra. I cannot do this without God.

I hope you all are well. Sorry this was so brief. I have to hit the road soon.

I love you all,

Peace Pilgrim