Feb 19, 2004

Injuries and RV repairs can’t stop The Great American Journey

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

As of Feb. 10, the Great American Journey continues, despite several setbacks.

Originally reported in the Jan. 8 issue of the Almaden Times, Almaden’s Joan Balog and two friends set of on the journey of a lifetime. The California trio began their walk at the Peace Arch in Blaine, Wash. and plan to finish at Key West, Fla., later this year. At each town, the three stop to pray for the town and its residents.

Despite RV repairs and injuries, the three are eager to set off again this week after a delay in Walnut Ridge, Ark.—having traversed more than 2,500 miles since their journey began last May. The prayer-walk will take the team nationwide—from corner to corner—through 15 states.

After a brief hiatus in December, the three women succumbed, albeit temporarily, to an ailing RV in need of repair. Five precious days of walking were wasted while waiting for parts, setting their May 26 arrival date in Key West back about a week.

Once back on the road in Salem, Ark., Balog and her dog Cassie took in some sights along the way, including a herd of donkeys. While snapping a few photos of the lively critters, Cassie decided to break loose and chase after them—but not before sending Balog, [at the other end of the leash] tumbling down a ravine. The dog finally returned, bleeding badly. It is still unknown whether a swift Equidae kick or a nearby barbed wire fence caused her injuries. Balog’s injuries would later prove just as serious—both master and canine would need emergency treatment.

According to an orthopedic surgeon, Balog had burst a bursa sac in her shoulder, causing bursitis and making her unable to drive the van between checkpoints. At the same time, her companion, Lyn Hanush discovered that she had been walking for miles on a stress fracture in her foot. Both injuries prompted the team to take yet another week off in an effort to heal and prepare for the passage still ahead.

All things considered, the determined team is eager to forge ahead this week with a route that will take them through Pocahontas, then across the southeast "toe" of Missouri through Malden and New Madrid. They will then cross the Mississippi River at Hickman, Ky. on a ferry before turning south through Union City, Jackson and Bolivar, Tenn.

According to Dave Hanush, who maintains the Web site, timing is now up in the air and a revised arrival date will be determined later. “Once they get moving again and cross Kentucky, we will have a better idea of their potential arrival date in Key West,” he says. “And some points in between.”

For updates on Balog and the Great American Journey, log on to www.greatamericajourney.com. Tax deductible contributions can be sent to: Seek Him First Ministries, 2307 Mesa Vista Court, Paso Robles, CA 93446-6315