Over a year ago two friends and one
of their granddaughters made a decision that would change all
of their lives. On May 12, 2003, the three women – Lyn Hanush,
Joni Balog, and Samantha Hanush-Garrett began a walk of faith
in Blaine, Wash. For over a year that walk has continued
uninterrupted across the United States.
On Feb. 25 that walk took them through Salem. “It’s just
something we really wanted to do,” Hanush, 61, said with a
laugh. “We felt like this country was in desperate need of
prayers, so everywhere we go we pray.”
Balog, 66, said they’ve walked more than 2,500 miles over
the last 10 months. She said they have traveled through
Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas,
Missouri and now Arkansas. Their goal is to walk all the way
to Florida, a trek of over 4,000 miles.
Hanush said the most amazing part of their journey has been
how nice people have been. People have given them money, food,
drinks and prayers. Balog said she was surprised by the
spiritual convictions of the people she’s met. She said there
is a definite spiritual revival in rural America.
Hanush said they try to walk 15 to 20 miles a day, but
sometimes bad weather, like rain or snow, alters their plans.
When they’re not walking they stay in an RV. Balog drives the
RV to a point ahead in the road, walks back and the three
begin their daily journey. Hanush-Garrett, 16, said they leave
a prayer stone in every town they stop. In Salem they left a
prayer stone at the entrance to the Salem City Park. Hanush
said she appreciated the Salem Dairy Queen feeding them free
of charge.
The three said they have enjoyed everywhere they’ve been
since the beginning of their adventure, but a few places stand
out. Hanush-Garrett said her favorite place was the Crow
Indian Reservation in Montana. She said she was fascinated by
their culture and it was a real spiritual experience for her.
Hanush and Balog said one of their favorite places was
Thomas Falls, Mont. In Thomas Falls they met a couple who run
an animal sanctuary. Hanush said the sanctuary was filled with
animals that were injured and could no longer perform in
circuses or other animal entertainment venues. She said there
was an assortment of animals including: tigers, bears and
mountain lions. Balog said she was amused by two of the tigers
at the sanctuary because they would get up on a bed and watch
television with the couple who took care of them. Hanush said
there was also a mountain lion that purred like a kitten when
he was petted.
All three women on this walk said the ultimate goal of this
journey is to give glory to God. Hanush and Balog have
non-denominational faith, while Hanush-Garrett is
Presbyterian. It has been a spiritually enriching experience
for them. The trio keeps a record of all the people they meet
and they keep a prayer book with names of soldiers and others
they’ve been asked to pray for. They expect to arrive in
Florida in July.
More information about their trip can be found at
www.greatamericajourney.com.
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