SHARING A JOY:
Boise Valley Church of the Brethren
November 17, 2002

"When Pastor Ed asked if our home might be open to the 'peace walker' Don Vermilyea, I said 'yes.' After all, this was a home with the least walking distance from the church and there was 'room in the inn.' Then, I became somewhat apprehensive: questions arising — how does one prepare an adequate meal for a vegetarian?, etc. I believe I told a couple of people regardless of any apprehension beforehand, I was certain that after Don had come and gone I would feel glad about the time he spent here. Indeed I do!!!

"It was heart-breaking to see how weary he was when he appeared at the back door in near-darkness Friday evening. He had a pack, 73 pounds, strapped on his back (he weighed himself with and without the pack) and seemed almost to stagger beneath the load. (He commented, 'Imagine the weight of that cross for Jesus.'). Don had just completed a 10-mile walk from the Nampa (Idaho) church.

"He rested while supper was set on the table, then ate heartily of the meal prepared for him. (Mashed potatoes are not a regular part of his diet, and they seemed to be his favorite -- until the Ben and Jerry's ice cream.)

"He said he slept more hours than usual, and when he appeared Saturday morning, rested and showered, I found myself telling him he looked 10 years younger (much more like his 52 years).

"How I wish all of you could have the privilege of getting to know him one-on-one, to hear him sharing some of his experiences and adventures. This heart ached as he related some sad, hurtful times when people were unbelievably cruel; then rejoiced with the times of beauty and blessings.

"May I say here that I hope, should you see an individual walking the highways, carrying a heavy backpack, there will be no cursing 'the bum'; do not reach out and strike him, do not throw trash in his face, do not pull close to him and lay on the horn to see how high he can jump. Please remember this is one of God's children, probably praying every step he takes for strength, tolerable weather, and yes, for food and shelter come nightfall; praying that an officer of the law, doing his duty, will not find him and send him on in the middle of a cold night and darkness.

"You might 'beep-beep' a friendly hello. Smile, hand him a bottle of fresh water or a chocolate bar, and give him the old 'thumbs up' sign. It could be a blessing for everyone concerned; his load may seem lighter somehow, and you may find yourself humming 'Amazing Grace' as you travel on your way.

"Don chose to do this walk; others may be out there for who knows what reason. We are all children of God, and we may find they have a message for us if we listen. Thank you to all who were so supportive in various ways to make Don's time among us a good memory, for him and for us. Thank you to all who stayed and shared pizza and salad with Don following the services (broke bread together, if you will). Thank God for this encounter and God be with you, Don Vermilyea.

Mildred M. Brown
Meridian, Idaho