The Question…

Everyone has a story.  A journey.

We often separate ourselves with beliefs, biases, and our agendas.  Something even as simple as our zip code.

Torin Rouse began his adventures  with hiking and then followed it by traveling in a van.  Paige joined him, and now traveling by walking has allowed them to experience their adventures without the stress of earning gas money and the restricted view of a windshield.

Their 1st journey was when they decided to walk through Kansas to Colorado.

One step at a time.  One foot in front of the other and somewhere along the way you decide that you can go further.

How about the entire 48 contiguous states?

They start out and there is an understandable feeling of doubt. Just 3 days in at a gas station, and someone stops to ask what they are doing.

When they tell them that they are trusting in the kindness of others, things began to change.

Now, they have 431 days and 15 states behind them.  And they have 33 to go.

They have already walked a greater distance than walking across the entire U.S.  Before they are finished, it will be that distance 3-4 times.

An unbelievable journey that they accomplish 10-15 miles per day.

One funny story is that their very first supporter misreads their sign when he stops. 

Six weeks and hundreds of miles later, he stops again.  By now, they are almost to Colorado.  He is amazed to see them and even says that he can’t believe they are still walking

The curiosity of people who they encounter along their journey comes with questions. 

Their faith becomes the #1 question.  They will tell you that they have come across people of many faiths and those who have none.

They meet Navajo Indians and Mennonites.  They are helped by a healer.

They have ventured over lands with no roads, no trail and what would terrify most Americans- no signal.

Across America, the adventure has been hosted in bars, a train caboose, a camel farm, and fire stations.  They have even set up camp in the low spot in the middle of a river.

I can’t imagine the courage it takes to sell everything and start walking with only enough money to feed yourself for a week.

They experience daily interactions of love and kindness, and a freedom that would make anyone jealous.

No guilt.  No debt.  No yardwork.  No dishes.

Hosting them gave me time to not only reflect, but envy.

When I often have the desire to hibernate, what would change in my life if instead I got outdoors.

I loved it when they shared that their 2 most prized possessions became their shoes and hat.  And that they quickly learned that workwear outlasts camping gear.

You may be shocked at the simplicity and the number of items that they push 10-12 miles a day on their modified dollies.  Every thing is well thought and has a purpose. There are no bells and whistles.

I admire how well they know where they are going and that they are not stressing how they get there.

When you cross paths with someone who is making their own way, don’t waste the opportunity to learn from them.

This journey began with no social media and marketing, just blind faith.

They picked up a lot of knowledge along the way.

Knowing to avoid the ticks and that New Mexico bush of thorn flowers.  Learning also that grass can be misleading.

They tell me that Alabama roadsides have a lot of thorns.  I haven’t walked them enough to know.

When Torin traveled previously and returned home to Missouri, he said he had a new appreciation for the beauty of the place he left.

I think we could all use a little of that appreciation in our own lives. 

We can let our daily lives become so blurry that we don’t see our own landscapes.  I myself have even been blind at times to all that is going on around me.  Just existing in life, not experiencing it.

If they could spread a message, Paige would tell people to let go of the doubt that prevents you from connecting with others.

In my quest to get to know them and my fortunate experience to host them, I wondered about life through their eyes.

When I look at the picture of my grandkids who excitedly met them in our drive, I felt like I had my answer.

When you free yourself of the burdens we imprison ourselves with in adulthood, we can gain that childlike appreciation for literally all walks of life. 

The Walking America Couple prove that contentment is not in the accumulation of anything but the kindness of strangers.

Thank you Torin and Paige Rouse-I love your faith in others.

When you shared your stories about your travels, you told us that your journey is not about the view, the local attractions, or even the accomplishment itself. It’s about the people.

I am so glad that your rural route happened to take you into our little town, our humble home and before you left-our grateful hearts.

For a holiday that celebrates our blessings, you have made me count mine.

They just increased by 3 because we can’t fail to mention our appreciation of your beloved dog Jak. 

Our Thanksgiving couldn’t have been any more beautiful, and it will definitely never be the same.

We hope and pray for your safe travels.

I am already dreading your departure but excited to follow your journey.

If you get the chance to help them, please do.  A host, a meal, a word of encouragement and support can help them reach their goal.

And the real question isn’t what their faith is, but what they can do for yours…