Tale of Two Cities

I'm in Wisconsin!

I haven't been able to post for a few days, so I will try and catch you up in the next two entries.

My Granparents so graciously brought me to lunch the day that I left. And as we came to their favorite restauraunt in Stillwater, Mn, it was closed for the season. So dang, we had to drive farther south to the town of Afton (nearly three days walk from where we started). After a beautiful walk along reclining pastures, I crossed over the St. Croix River into the Dairyland.

Just as I turned the corner into Prescott, I met the sweetest woman who was hostessing for a bar downtown. She wanted to know everything about my journey then insisted on helping in any way she could. After directing me to a cafe and talking the owner into buying me a drink, she then brought some muscle relaxing ointment, a bible verse, nutritional supplements, then even found me a place to stay.

When she had handed me her phone number repeating 'If there is anything you need,' I went to find the patch of grass that would be home for the night. There were four young men at the house doing normal small town things (launching tennis balls into the street). The five of us set up a bonfire and they brought out pizzas and other great health foods. I just relished the time sitting around the fire getting to know them and talking about God and life. God bless you guys! I'll write you when I get a chance.

The town of Prescott was picturesque. I kept imagining 15 years down the road, when somehow I had come back to Prescott, bought a little brick house, and moved in with my wife and a baby on the way (all imaginary of course).

But the next morning, I left at dawn towards the second city of this story.

This section of road has the most incredible scenery thus far. And I was enjoying the views all day long. During a stop for water, I was invited into a couples home for a lunch of fried chicken, pasta, and whatever leftovers they had. They filled what little space I had left in my pack with treats then decided to drive me a few miles down the road. And I was so very grateful.

Only 3 miles of walking later, I was in Bay City; which I thought would be my night's destination. God orchestrated things beautifully and soon I had a place to stay (even in a bed!) a meal, and a chance to do laundry.

When the women who owned the home went into town, I relaxed while watching a movie on their couch until I bagan to feel very uneasy. I wish I could describe it better, but it was almost as if everything around me became suddenly unnatural. The town the people, the home I was in, soon felt as if they weren't real. Like they existed, but wouldn't be found on a map or in any phone book; and if I left, I would never be able to find the place again. And I was the only one who didn't belong.

Around 8:30 pm I could feel God's leading saying "get out of this town and fast." I still don't understand why but I began to pack as fast as I could before common sense talked me out of it. I quickly scrawled a note of thanks and headed out the door.

I explained as best I could to the next door neighbor and, thank God, he drove me out of town. Wether he understood, or simply thought it best to get this lunatic out of the city limits, I'm not sure. I spent the night in a wayside rest while my head wrestled for answers until sleep beat me down.

Then on to the most beautiful place and people on my journey thus far; but you'll have to wait until tomorrow for that.

Christopher Andrew.