The Great American Journey

GAP WALK JOURNALS - III

Thursday, May 22, 2008    Day 77    0.0  miles

Total North Carolina miles - 111.0    Walking Days - 39

Accumulative miles 583.0

Today I said good-bye for now to Alyce-Kay, Lois, an Kitty. I didn’t leave until noon, after spending the morning with my prayer and Bible time, packing, and visiting with Lois and Kitty while A-K worked. Then I took A-K over to the Ford Dealer to pick up her car after it was repaired. Then back to the house to load my stuff into Snow White.

I headed for Atlanta via Hwy 75. The drive went well, though I was tired. I stopped once to get out and exercise, and get some snacks out. I drank my green tea throughout the drive and listened to CD’s.

I had the GPS set for both the TV studio and the Hyatt Place hotel where I am staying (I got this at an excellent price via Hotwire.com - the price lower than many motels I’ve stayed at).  I went first to the TV studio so I would have an idea of how long it would take me to get there, then to the hotel.

After checking in I got my stuff in and relaxed for a few minutes in my suite. Then I changed clothes and headed out to get a bite to eat before going to the studio. Once there I met the others who would be interviewed, and we were all given our instructions and told what to expect. This was done different than others I’ve been on, but I really liked it. The program was Atlanta Live on WATC - TV.  It’s an awesome Christian station. The program was done in front of a live audience.

A children’s choir started the two-hour program. After they sang a song or two I was interviewed for a nine-minute segment. Then the choir sang again, and I was interviewed for another seven minutes. The children in the choir were great - so cute. Betty, the host of the show was delightful, and did a great job of talking with each of us. When I was done I went out to the sitting area where a large screen TV was set for us to watch the rest of the time if we wanted.

Next up was Lynne Saunders of Papa’s Pantry. She told about how Papa’s Pantry got started, and how it has developed. This organization not only supplies food and other necessities, they also teach people how to budget, and give counsel in many areas. I didn’t get to hear a lot of what Lynne said since the children’s choir had finished and was now in the sitting area talking and laughing. That was ok too. They had to be quiet inside the program area, and now needed to get the wiggles out. They were all so sweet.

Later I met the talented choir director, Summer. What a sweet young lady with so much love for these children.

I invited a little girl to come sit in the big chair I was sitting in - there was plenty of room. I learned that her name was Allison, and that she was nine years old. She has Down’s Syndrome and is so sweet. Her mother, Nancy (I think that’s right) was so sweet as well. We chatted for awhile, then Nancy wanted to get a picture of Allison with me. I asked her to take one with my camera as well. Then I got a picture of Mom and daughter together. What a blessing to meet them.

John Jones then sang on the program. He has John Jones Ministries - Singing for the Lord. John sang between segments the rest of the evening - what a beautiful voice.

Jackie Goad was interviewed during the second hour. She told the story of her husband, Rick’s, bout with pancreatic cancer, his total belief that he would be healed, and the songs that he wrote and sang during his illness - all to the glory of God. These songs are all on a CD called “My Miracle.” It is Rick’s musical legacy giving witness to God’s faithfulness even in the darkest of times. His goal was to give away one million copies of this CD to help and encourage others going through tough times.

On January 6, 2007 Rick went to his final home to be with his Lord and Savior. The question he always asked people when he met them was, “What can I do for you?” This CD is the answer to that question. It has now been given - completely free of charge - to over 400,000 people. It is available just for the asking. You can go to www.rickgoad.com to find out more and to ask for a copy for yourself or someone else. I listened to my copy on the way back to my hotel afterwards.

The time last night at the TV studio was truly awesome, listening to the stories, talking with the individuals before and after, and just being so blessed by God. It was an encouraging time.

Back in my room I was soon in the big comfortable king-sized bed, leaving this journal entry to write on Friday morning before leaving for Lucama, NC again.