A letter to a church in Atkinson, Nebraska
- Ken Ilgunas
- Dec 25, 2012
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 28, 2022
Dear Faith Wesleyan Church,
Today is the 65th day of my journey. I am walking cross-country from Alberta, Canada to the Gulf Coast of Texas. For the first part of my trip, when I’d have to camp in a town, I would normally find some shadowy spot to set up my tent–some place where I wouldn’t be seen and where I wouldn’t bother anyone.
I’ve learned, though, that traveling in this manner–solitarily, secretively, pridefully–is not the best way to travel.
There are many qualities that make a good traveler. Among them you could list strong legs, a sense of direction, and knowledge of other languages. But perhaps the most important is knowing how to take a favor.
In taking a favor, not only will I be more comfortable, less hungry, and better rested, but I will allow a bond to form between the giver and the taker of the favor. It provides me the chance me to engage with people I normally wouldn’t engage with. I give them my story, they give me theirs, and we all feel richer in the end. I have allowed myself to receive many favors in Atkinson, and not only have I been rewarded with food, warmth, and this building in which I will comfortably rest tonight, but I will leave town with a store of stories, and a renewed faith in the goodness of people.
I should admit that I’m not a religious person. Far from it. If I have a religion, it’s the belief that we ought to care for our fellow man and for Mother Nature. While I feel slightly guilty taking a favor from this church and you kind practitioners, I gather that our similarities are greater than our differences, and that maybe I shouldn’t feel like such an outsider in here. And while I doubt that many of you are planning on going on a long walk across the country, perhaps you’ll still be moved to know that, if you did go on such a walk, you’d find open homes and open hearts all along the way.
Happy trails,
Ken
The journey described shows how receiving help can create meaningful connections and ease difficult challenges. It inspires me to seek support when needed instead of struggling alone. Balancing studies and life can be overwhelming, and sometimes I wish I could take my nursing class for me to manage my workload better. Getting assistance allows me to focus on learning effectively while maintaining my well-being.
This is such a moving story! It's a great reminder that sometimes the strongest thing you can do is accept help. Your journey sounds incredibly challenging, but also rewarding in unexpected ways. It’s funny how a simple act of kindness can create such a meaningful connection. Makes me think of the adventures you go on in Poptropica, facing challenges and meeting new people along the way – though perhaps a little less physically demanding! Safe travels, and may you continue to find open hearts on your path.