Q. Are you crazy? Coppell, Texas to Washington D.C.??
A. I guess that all depends on how you define crazy. It's really not that bad a walk, if you take a look at the itinerary. No more than 8 hours of walking in a day.
Q. Why are you walking? Couldn't you drive?
A. Yes, we could make this a road trip and it would be simpler and faster. However, transportation is often one of the big hurdles for those who are in poverty. It was what led us into poverty when my husband lost his job and three weeks later we lost our transportation because we couldn't afford to repair our car. It was only because I lived close enough to work that I was able to keep my job and we survived. People who live in Texas and have never dealt with that kind of situation often have no idea just how long it can take to travel even 5 miles on foot. It doesn't seem to take that long in a car - maybe 5-10 minutes. However, for a walker that same five miles can take a full hour and 15 to hour and 30 minutes!
Q. Why 100 Days?
A. Because it seemed a good round number. It gives us enough time to get there without straining ourselves or having to march 40 miles a day.
Q. Why are you only visiting Catholic Churches?
A. The simplest answer to this question is because I am Catholic, and so it's easiest to go first to those with whom I speak a common language and share a common set of beliefs. Also, because I am Catholic, it is where I feel I am most likely to find welcome on the journey. Now, I did have an epiphany today (3/11/2009) that perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to have tandem groups walking with us to cover the Protestant churches. If there is a family or small group interested in doing that, please email me at brandy.miller@claspsuccess.org
Q. Why are you leaving on September 1st? Aren't you afraid of running into winter weather and snow storms?
A. Winter is THE hardest time of year for those who are living in poverty. Going in the fall allows us to remind communities of their needs before those in poverty will need the help the most. Also, since we are going to be walking primarily in the South, the summer time would be too hot to be healthy. As my husband likes to say: You can always put more clothing on. You can only take a certain amount off.
Q. How much is it going to cost for a family to go on this walk?
A. About $15,000 depending on the at-home expenses of the family. That covers those on-going bills for the three and a half months we will be on the walk, plus expenses.
Q. How can we help?
A. Glad you asked. You can donate to the walk through paypal. You can also send a check or money order to: Brandy Miller, 901 Lakeside Cir. Apt. 2107, Lewisville, TX 75057. It doesn't matter how much you donate, or how little, we need it all. The other option, once I get it assembled, is to purchase from our wishlist. We'll have the gift registry published soon.
