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April 2008 UPDATES From The ROAD
Greetings All,
Steven Ware here. I'll be postings updates daily and weekly on Rachel's progress on The 250 Mile Push for Awareness. Come back often for further news!
April16
Rachel ended up leaving a little later than we had expected. After an all night retrofit and upgrades to the wagon Rachel was finally able to get underway at 8am this morning. I walked with her to the corners of Victory and Waters and helped place the first Awareness Flag in Daffin Park on that corner. Rachel was in great spirits and she has been blessed with great weather to start...not too hot and slightly breezy. Mile 9 (Garden City)
Read Rachel's Interview with the Statesboro Herald HERE
April 17
Rachel made it out of Savannah last night and into Garden City. We knew that the road to Atlanta was an uphill climb...she just hadn't figured that the entire way would be on an incline. The road and the traffic have conspired against her and along with the huge amount of weight added to the wagon (it may be close to 750 lbs now) it has cut her progress in half. A good friend of Rachel's from C.A.S.A (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Lloyd picked me up and we went to meet Rachel at her lunch stop to deliver some materials. Rachel had just taped another interview with our good friend at WTGS FOX Savannah. After consideration, Rachel believes that adding another week onto the walk is probably warranted, I agreed. Rachel recounted a story about a police officer out there who was very rude to her for no good reason...until he called his superiors and they told him she was o.k. Though I believe he left her with the parting comment that she would not get out of Savannah today (yesterday)...But Rachel made it a point to cross over the city limit last night. But for the most part people have been honking and waving and stopping to ask what they can do to help...in general People Do Care! But still traffic is a huge problem and at times downright dangerous. She needed to cross a bridge to get to Bryan County from Effingham County and it took her two hours to do so. In fact it wasn't until a gracious lady and her father (a man who was days away from dying from inoperable prostate cancer) came to her rescue and actually escorted her over the bridge following behind the wagon with their flashers on. Mile 15 (Pooler)
April 18
A growing problem seems to be in finding Rachel a place to lodge at night. When we had mapped out this trip I had noted the large number of churches along the route and just figured that this would be the absolute best way to secure Rachel a place to rest her head and park the wagon. Apparently, I was wrong in that assessment. Most of the churches I call can not of will not give Rachel a place to sleep and I can't tell you how sad this makes me. The last 2 nights Rachel has been given lodging through happenstance and the accidental generosity of strangers. But she soldiers on. Each day her strength and faith is renewed and she pushes further on. Mile 21 (Faulkville)
April 19
Bad weather made it slow going for Rachel today and the wind and rain dampened her spirits as much as her body. Plus some of the people on the road can be annoying and at times downright menacing. We were scrambling here to try and find lodging for her as usual and were being met with the same amount of success. Finally Immanuel Baptist Church some 6 miles away in Stillson heard our cry and arranged to pick Rachel AND the wagon up and take them to a parishioner's home. Thank you so much Immanuel Baptist for showing the true nature of being Christians! Rachel got to wash her clothes and had a nice rest. Mile 35
April 20
Rachel enjoyed the generous hospitality of her hosts today. And attended church with them as well. Today was a much sunnier day and Rachel is back in the afternoon pushing the wagon and making good time. Her spirits are considerably higher and she found lodging early. We are sending out emails and working to get the word out on her behalf from here. Knock on enough doors and someone is bound to open up. Mile 40 (Stillson)
April 21
Rachel had another great day today. And her hosts from yesterday are playing hosts again this evening (FOX out of Savannah is even planning to interview these kind folks about the walk). People were especially supportive today, Rachel received two orders of fried chicken to keep up her strength and was positive and almost giddy on the phone. It's beautiful to hear that this was a good day for her. Made an initial contact with Bikers Against Child Abuse , Georgia chapter today and we are making arrangements for B.A.C.A to come out and meet Rachel on the road sometime in the near future. As always, if you are reading this and would like to keep Rachel in your thoughts and prayers for a safe journey we all would be greatly obliged. Mile 49 (Brooklet)
April 22
The Road has its ups and downs. Today Rachel was way up and the Wagon was down, down down. It turns out that the wheels meant to make the Wagon easier to maneuver were overstressed and would have broken down on the road soon. As well as the large main tires having escalating problems with their axle. But that's where Rachel's day over-rode the Wagon's day. First an angel by the name of Sparrow came and walked with Rachel for a little while helping to ease her burden and make great time into Statesboro. Then a couple more very gracious hands helped out. David at Nevil Tire in Statesboro diagnosed the problem and did some much needed tuning up on the large wheels. Then AgriSupplies of Statesboro stepped in providing the new caster tires with higher weight loads and even putting new bearings in the one good small tire. All at NO COST!!!! Rachel was able to line up lodging and the Statesboro Courier Herald Newspaper came out to interview her at Ryan's Steakhouse about the journey. Tonight she is attending a revival meeting at Statesboro Church of God where the Wagon is parked for the evening. Sometimes when it rains it pours... Mile 55 (Statesboro)
April 23
Well the Wagon was still having issues which forced Rachel to take the whole day off in Statesboro. But Rachel made some interesting contacts today, one with the Statesboro based African American Business Journal and Rachel spoke to Rick with B.A.C.A and the Bikers are going to meet and ride beside her between Portal and Twin Cities which should be around the weekend. Statesboro is to be commended for their generous spirit and caring. Rachel hopes to be underway early tomorrow Mile 55 (Statesboro)
April 24
Well...Rachel finally got under way late this afternoon and met the first of the REALLY steep hills leading to Atlanta...It is a 1,000ft climb from Savannah to Atlanta and, to compensate for the Wagon's weight, Rachel had to zig-zag her way up the hill. Tonight the Wagon is parked at Friendship Baptist Church and Rachel found a nice lady to stay with and looks forward to the zig-zag journey down hill toward Portal. People are really noticing here on the streets, though and she is stopping to talk and smile and spread the message of Awareness to all who will hear. Mile 59
Read Rachel's Interview with the Macon Telegraph HERE
April 25
Rachel got a late start today and found hills so steep that she has been unable to push the Wagon over them. She is off-loading most of what is on the Wagon and the hood to try and navigate the hills tomorrow. Rachel is planning to permanently lighten as much of her load as possible to prepare for the road ahead. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and, please, keep them coming they will be needed in the days ahead. Mile 65 (Hopeulikit)
April 26
Rachel had a much better day today even though it stormed most of the morning. The Wagon was much lighter and she felt considerably more able to challenge the hills than before she lightened the load. A lot of people have been stopping and some even walking with her. And more than anything else, there have been people who have been her 'Guardian Angels' on the road to keep her safe. Rachel is beginning to notice the strain from this walk in her body now and she needs your thoughts and prayers to keep her well. Thankfully Sparrow swooped her up tonight and she was able to enjoy a much needed luxury - a bath! Mile 72 (Aaron)
Rachel, Friend Debbie and her Husband and Rachel's kids outside Portal, GA
April 27
It was another stormy day for Rachel today. But she was able to make consistent progress with Sparrow and her family accompanying her on the walk today. Sparrow's son-in-law was wounded in Iraq which left him in a wheelchair, yet he stayed right alongside, giving his support to Rachel for the walk. The rains should peter out by late afternoon Monday and Rachel should be dry at least until the weekend. Mile 78
April 28
Rachel had to take the day off today because of an infection in her eye. She made the trip back down to Savannah with Sparrow this afternoon to have her eye looked at, take care of some business here in the office and see the kids. But tonight they are back getting ready for a fresh start in the morning. Mile 78
April 29
Rachel arrived in Twin City today along with Sparrow. Rachel needed to make an extended layover here when plans for her staying over fell through. Sparrow, who by this time had driven back home, was needed to be called on again for lodging. As she was driving in, Rachel was able to meet with and counsel few women who had gone through childhood and recent trauma. This is where Rachel is at her best, helping people see that there is thriving after surviving abuse. Everything happens for a reason...Mile 83 (Twin City)
April 30
Well Rachel's interview was broadcast today and several people stopped her on the road to Swainsboro to say they heard it and complimented her on it. This was a hot and hilly day but Rachel made good time with the stripped down Wagon and made it into Swainsboro late this afternoon. Thankfully, Rachel made some acquaintances that are allowing her to stay with them...though Wagon storage continues to be a bit of an issue. Mile 95 (Swainsboro)
May 1
Rachel surpassed the 100 mile marker today! And this has been a day to celebrate. Rachel is helping out people left and right on the road with words of encouragement and overcoming. Also, Mount Nebo Baptist Church (1030 Martin St SE, Atlanta) will be the last stop on this journey and we thank Ms. Vicky Walker and of course Pastor A.J. McMichael for the generous contribution of their facility for this cause. If we at SWR have been lax in any way in acknowledging the contributions of all the people and organizations that have come to our aid for this historic walk, we apologize and offer our heartfelt thanks for every dollar, every product, every phone call, every meal, every pillow and blanket, every moment of companionship, every conversation, every loving thought and prayer given .. may you all be richly blessed for your sacrifices! Mile 100
May 2
Rachel met the hill challenge head on today and thanks to new friends Michelle (who helped push the Wagon) and Diane (who followed along as well)she was able to overcome it making pretty good time. I neglected to tell you that Rachel took some time to spend with the staff at Swainsboro's Sunshine House Child Advocacy Center. Rachel was much impressed with the facility. Instead of making a sterile, clinical environment, Sunshine House looks, inside and out, like a real house...designed specifically to keep its' child charges as at ease as possible. We thank Sunshine House and all of the Child Advocacy Centers in Georgia and through out the country for doing some of the most important (and sadly under appreciated) work that this country so desperately needs. Stay up, Stay Positive CAC! Mile 105
May 3
Well the road pushed back today and Rachel faced one of her most challenging days yet. The almost constant uphill climb, pain in her joints, sporadic phone service, a painful toothache and the rain made it a lonely and discouraging day for her. But Rachel was able to press on and make it to Adrian. As is becoming a practice, someone came along to help push just when Rachel needed a hand for a little while. Rachel will be taking a couple of days of to get her tooth examined/fixed but will be back on the road Tuesday. Mile 112 (Adrian)
May 4 - May 5 off
May 6
The weather was milder today and though her toothache medicine has made her a little nauseous Rachel had a fairly good day on the hills. Again, the road from Savannah to Atlanta is a 1,000 ft climb with 750 ft of it between Macon and Atlanta. But with a few days rest and some 'Goody' powder and Rachel was good to go. And, thankfully, a new friend that Rachel recently met helped Rachel to find lodging for the night. Mile 120 (Johnson Co.)
May 7
The days are still about overcoming for Rachel lately. The toll is being exacted on her physically, with joint soreness and nausea from the medication which then work on her resolve and spiritual outlook. But each time Rachel needs a boost, Grace sends her on. Today, at the end of her journey, Rachel came to East Laurens Elementary School and Principal Marc Davis, School Social Worker Melanie Holt and a throng of excited kids met here there. Rachel talked and laughed with the kids, giving them stickers and paper monkeys. And then the staff pulled their monies together and got her a room at the Ramada Inn. Thankfully she got to rest, got a nice meal and most importantly, renewed her spirit. Mile 126 (East Dublin)
May 8
The antibiotics causing nausea and the cramping made it a hard day for Rachel today. And of course...THE HILLS were back to be a thorn in her side. Thankfully, Melanie Holt came back to run interference for Rachel picking up more flags for her, checking on her on the road and even helped her find a nice bed and breakfast to stay in tonight. Sparrow and I were busy here in Savannah doing work for the documentary and we both really thank Melanie for being there for Rachel. Also a big thank goes out to Sherry at the Laurens C.A.S.A. But we...she really needs your prayers now. Mile 133 (Dublin)
May 9
Before she got on the road today Rachel had some time and got a tour of the Laurens C.A.S.A. The staff signed her book and Rachel got on the road. Another hilly day as Rachel transitioned from Hwy 80 to 441. Sparrow came out to meet her and Rachel stayed with her since we could not find lodging on the route. Mile 140 (Dublin)
May 10
Rachel faced the hardest hills yet and (with Sparrow following behind in her car) met that challenge well...until the leading edge of a mighty storm forced her to call her day short. Mile 143 Jeffersonville
May 11
Mother's Day...Rachel came back to Savannah (as it was storming most of the day) and spent the day with her children. She will be back out on the road Monday morning.
May 12
We would all like to send our condolences to those poor souls and their families in Myanmar, China and here in the southeast as nature wrecked havoc with so many lives. Because of the inclement weather Rachel got off the road Saturday and parked her Wagon with a nice family in Jeffersonville. The super cell that had started 3 states away came down with a vengeance Sunday and when Rachel arrived Monday morning she found that a tornado had destroyed the house across the road and had done an untold amount of damage in this community. Yet the family, house and Wagon were safe and sound and almost completely untouched. There is a purpose and a plan for all things...even if it is just to have us open our own eyes to the needs of so many and the miracles present in this world. Mile 143 Jeffersonville
May 13
Rachel was making great time today in spite of the hills and heat. But then the unexpected happened. A semi truck came over the shoulder and almost struck her causing some damage to the Wagon and banging up Rachel. The driver didn't even stop after the incident. The police came out but made no report and Rachel was left to make the few repairs on the Wagon that she could. I am not sure what to say here...this is one of those incidents that make you realize how small we are sometimes in the face of maliciousness, hate and apathy...But there are things that no matter how hard those who are vicious and mean make things, they need to understand, you will never stop a person determined to do good, because the good will go on! Mile 152
May 14
Rachel pressed on today over pain and bruises. But ultimately her body made her stop today. She needs to address some physical issues so she may be off the road for the next few days...Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Mile 158 (Irwinton)
May 15
Rachel is at home for a few days and should be getting a fresh start Sunday. Some sad news to report...The trailer house that was destroyed in the tornadoes that hit the southeast last weekend (across from where the Wagon was parked) claimed the lives of both the people that lived there. The husband died this weekend and his wife just lost her battle to stay alive on Monday. Again, our condolences go out to their families and loved ones.
May 16
The day started with another interview with Savannah's FOX about the incident with the semi truck. Rachel has been getting around with the help of a cane and we ran a few errands to pick up replacement parts and more flags. Rachel is determined to get back on the road Sunday, not wanting to let too much time pass since she only has roughly 110 miles left. Please Pray for her and if you or anyone that you know can walk a couple or three miles with her on her journey she would sure welcome the support. Also, new videos are up on the 250 Mile Push for Awareness. Check out this link. Videos
May 17
Today we picked up some paint for the wagon and a few more replacement parts. Rachel left for Statesboro this afternoon to work on the Wagon. We have been having a difficult time securing transportation back to the Macon area for Rachel and her Wagon but we will keep trying.
May 18
Rachel completed the repairs as we were in a desperate scramble to secure transportation back so shew can continue her journey. The Wagon is now gold.
May 19
Rachel took her twenty mile advantage and made the jump to just outside Macon. The greatest thanks in the world go to John Edwards, Roger Burg, Drew Hickman and the entire membership of First Baptist Church of Statesboro for their generosity and contributions. This trip would have never been completed without you all. Rachel's spirits have been tried the last couple of days and her body is really being pushed to the limit. But she has a calling...and even though the reception when she arrived in Macon was cool at best,(notable exception being a gentle lady named Joanie Spence who put Rachel up in an inn) She is determined to finish this journey and to do so with all deliberate speed. Mile 188
May 20
From Rachel;
"It was good to be heading out of Macon...the drivers moved over, for the most part. Thank you to Joanie of course. And thank you to my publicist and my team for helping get the word out in keeping with our awareness focus. This has been a day of thanksgiving. Please pray for my leg, in trying to nurse the wounded knee I am hurting the other leg. Also I am putting the flags down in groups of eight since Macon is a difficult place to find to place the flags. Much love and respect to everybody. KEEP PUSHING!...BOSS UP MAN / WOMAN!!!!!" Mile 196 (Macon)
May 21
Big thanks go out to Macon for warming up considerably to Rachel on this journey. People were taking time out of their busy schedules to stop Rachel and encourage her, hug her and give her supplies for the journey. Huge thanks go to Yoshi Simms and her team at The Publicity Formula for getting local media (namely WMAZ Channel 13 and The Macon Tribune) on board. Once people became aware of why 'that lady is pushing that Wagon', Rachel's reception could not have been more gracious and caring. Forgive me Macon...I stand gleefully corrected. Tonight Rachel is being taken out to dinner at the Bonefish Grill and staying with a nice couple whose neighbors are even going to make brownies for her! Mile 203 (Macon)
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