A Walk Across America - Peacefully, Simply, Together

A Walk Across America — Peacefully, Simply, Together
Connecting Church of the Brethren gathering places

Sponsored by Brethren Volunteer Service and Brethren Witness/Washington Office, Church of the Brethren General Board

Meandering thoughout the U.S. entirely on foot

Map of the United States

Miles to date: 19,502

Last stop: Burlington, West Virginia

Money picked up along road: $1,698.50

Unsolicited money given by motorists: $6,325.47

Of 1,591 nights:

741 nights homeless

850 nights cared for by humanity

Don Vermilyea is on a mission—he's chosen to walk across America visiting every Church of the Brethren congregation that extends an invitation. Don's mission has a message—that we must continue the work of Jesus: Peacefully, Simply, Together.

Don took the bus from his home in West Virginia the last day of Jan. 2002 to Tucson, Arizona where the Walk began Feb. 2, 2002. It will continue until the mission has been accomplished. If it doesn't end early, the estimated completion date is 2011 or 2012.

A typical walking day is 14-22 miles with zero the least and 34 the most. The typical weight of the pack is 60-75 lbs. with 90 the most. Ideal walking temp. ranges between 45-55° F, and the best sleeping temp. ranges between 35-50° F

June 2006 - West Virginia Day 1589 - Mile 19,492	Done 19,502 miles walked 1591 days walked Most miles in a day: 34 Average miles per day: 12.3 Average coins per day: 31 81% were pennies 741 nights homeless 850 nights cared for by humanity 53.5% of nights cared for by humanity

February 2006 - Florida Day 1462 - Mile 18,020	Fading Fast 1797 miles walked in 2006 162 days walked in 2006 Most miles in a day: 26 Average miles per day: 11.1 Average coins per day: 35 83% were pennies 76 nights homeless 86 nights cared for by humanity 53% of nights cared for by humanity

February 2005 - Texas Day 1,108 - Mile 13,605	Walking Death 4,858 miles walked in 2005 365 days walked in 2005 Most miles in a day: 29 Average miles per day: 13.3 Average coins per day: 54 82% were pennies 224 nights homeless 141 nights cared for by humanity 39% of nights cared for by humanity

February 2004 - Iowa Day 736 - Mile 8,494	Frozen Fool 4,732 miles walked in 2004 366 days walked in 2004 Most miles in a day: 29 Average miles per day: 12.9 Average coins per day: 16 77% were pennies 171 nights homeless 195 nights cared for by humanity 53% of nights cared for by humanity

March 2003 - Utah Day 423 - Mile 4,676	Veteran 4,126 miles walked in 2003 365 days walked in 2003 Most miles in a day: 34 Average miles per day: 11.3 Average coins per day: 16 78% were pennies 145 nights homeless 220 nights cared for by humanity 60% of nights cared for by humanity

February 2002 - Arizona Day 27 - Mile 349	Rookie 3,989 miles walked in 2002 333 days walked in 2002 Most miles in a day: 30 Average miles per day: 11.9 Average coins per day: 35 83% were pennies 125 nights homeless 208 nights cared for by humanity 62% of nights cared for by humanity

June 11, 2006

It's over

Much thanks to the many who have loved me across the U.S.A. I wouldn't have made it this far without your greetings, hospitality, gifts, prayers, and love. It has been my pleasure & my blessing to spend time with y'all.

In Christ's love,
Don

P.S. December 2006

My address is:

Don Vermilyea
9637 SR 534
P.O. Box 193
Mesopotamia, Ohio 44439

Other Resource Links:
Click to view

Reflections from a host
Elgin, Ill. - August 2005
Mount Morris, Ill. - July 2005
Springfield, Ill. area - June 2005
Roanoke, La. - February 2005
Kingsley CoB - September 2004
Robins CoB - February 2004
Eden Valley CoB - August 2003
Quinter CoB - August 2003
Aztec, N.M. - April 2003
Boise Valley CoB - November 2002

Don's reflections
2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002

Congregational photo pages
2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002

Meeting Ground Community
Loaves & Fishes newspaper articles

WISH LIST: Dental teeth cleaning; meatless pizza, mushroom pizza, Pizza Hut gift certificates; meatless spaghetti, lasagna, mac n cheese; any form of potato; ice cream, chocolate ice cream, Dairy Queen gift certificates, Ben & Jerry's Ice cream coupons or a pint of chocolate...; real old fashioned peanut butter; real cheese (Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Colby, etc.); citrus/other fresh fruit; unsulphured, unpreserved dried fruit; and chain grocery store cash cards. Call 800-323-8039, ext. 239, and leave a message if you can help.

Link to Congregational Photo Page

Photo Gallery
Click on the images below
to see larger views

How can your congregation be involved?

Host Don while he's in your area—he'll be willing to preach, teach or simply attend your service or study group.
Walk along with Don for a few yards or for miles.
Pray for him and for our church and world as we together seek the peace of Christ in our hearts and in God's world.
Give a love offering to the "Walk fund." Proceeds will be split between the Global Food Crisis Fund and Emergency Disaster Fund unless designated otherwise. Make checks payable to the Walk Fund and mail to Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.

Note: Congregations willing to host Don will need to do so when he is in or near their area. Host groups are encouraged to provide housing and simple meals (Don's a vegetarian).

Don has voicemail at the Church of the Brethren General Board. Feel free to call and leave him a message at 800-323-8039, x239.

Don would like to invite children and others to write to him. Send any letters to: Don Vermilyea; c/o Church of the Brethren General Board; 1451 Dundee Avenue; Elgin, IL 60120. Our office will make sure that the correspondence is forwarded onto his next stop.

Read Don's Loaves and Fishes articles at www.meetingground.org

Link to Brethren Witness/Washington Office Home Page | Link to Brethren Volunteer Service Home Page
Link to General Board Home Page | Link to Church of the Brethren Home Page