WALKING ROUTE 66
Bye Bye Missouri, Hello Kansas.
Two states gone, six more to go.
I arrived in Joplin around 9 AM. Dr. Ahmed picked me up from the Greyhound station, and we had breakfast at Panera Bread.
Afterward, I spent some time with him and Mrs. Ahmed, chatting about Urdu Poetry and literary giants of Indo-Pakistan.
I had to re-organize my perambulator, as Mr. Gossett would call it. I suggested some fruit in place of lunch and was ready to get on the road around 1 PM. Dr. Ahmed drove me over to the main road outside his residential sub-division and said goodbye with a parting gift.
I planned on walking 15 miles and taking shelter at a roadside rest area on the Old Route 66. I didn’t quite make it that far because I got engrossed in some photo opportunities of old buildings in Galena, and the fact that my walking muscles were a little rusted after almost a week off.
I made it to Riverton and was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Nelson of the General Store; he was kind enough to let me spend the night on the property and said that he would let the Sheriff know, so I am not bothered at night. I am continually amazed at the generosity of folks that goes over and beyond the common courtesy.
As I think back and ponder.
My first day back on the road, I was eager to get back in the groove of things and rushed into it. I could have taken some time to have a more meaningful conversation with the Ahmeds, for example.
I realize now that I was so focused on completing the walk as soon as possible. Not only did I miss out on making more meaningful and lasting connections, but I also failed to fully appreciate the experience by allowing God to show me more miracles. As my friend Gabriel pointed out, I hadn’t fully put my trust in God. I was still worried that if I took too long, I might run into financial issues and may not finish the walk as planned.
Stay blessed and be happy, my friends.
Day 61: Kansas, Here I Come (Original blog post).
Just for fun.
I invite you to tag along if you’re up to it. I am mentioning a few friends who may be interested in it. If you are tagged but don’t want to read my stories daily, let me know in the comments, and I will remove your name moving forward. If you are reading this and aren’t included in the list below, but you’d like to come along, let me know so that I can add you.
Michele Amy Trista Henery Timothy Tim P.G. Sherry Saloni Indra B. A. Linda Sharon Tree Linda Britni Desiree Elisabeth Simona Kristin Helen Julia Chris Rosennab Tom Truenorth Agnes Aurora LauraRaduenz Catherine Joe Stuart Gurpreet BFoundAPen Margie Bob NaNa’sworld Wolfie Rebecca Susannah
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Rasheed Hooda is a published author who has contributed to many of Medium’s top Publications; The Startup, The Ascent, P.S. I Love You, Rogues’ Gallery, and ILLUMINATION, to name a few. He is also a Top Writer for several topics. If you like his work, buy him a cup of coffee, he drinks a lot of it.
