Day Five, September 8th! of Trey's Trek continued...

Tony Hall on his second day of "Trey's Trek" as we walked through Flint

This morning, Pastor Bob Roberts came and fetched us from the Hotel and we went to breakfast with him.  I tell you...I am so thankful for friends!  Then he took Tony and I back to the Church so we could pick up the "Trek" where we left off yesterday.  He prayed for us and we headed out to the front of the church and up Porter Road to East Hill Road.  As usual, the first mile or so for me,  is used to work out the kinks in my socks and shoes as I walk along!  Just getting comfortable in my feet is important since they are the "thangs" that carry me along!  Without my feet, there would be no connection with the ground!  Without my 'spiritual feet' there would be no connection with following Jesus!  (just a thought!)  So I have learned by now to not tie my shoes too tight and also that cotton socks can blister my toes and feet!

Just over from where Porter and E. Hill intersect is the road we walked up that eventually turned into Martin Luther King Avenue.   That road carried us straight North, through the middle of downtown Flint.

When Tony and I reached E. Hill, we crossed over at the red light and walked on the North side of the street. There was no side walks there so we had to watch our step as we trekked along in the grass.  The reason we crossed the road was to be able to walk facing the traffic.  Personally I want to see what is 'coming at me.'

By this time in the trip I had found a small orange, triangular "caution" flag that I had duct taped onto the lower part of my walking stick.  (those are awesome instruments!)  I usually held that particular walking stick in the hand closest to the traffic as we walked along.  So when there were cars or trucks or whatever coming at us, I could wave at them and the walking stick would come up and the orange flag would wave and we would at least get noticed!   I can tell you that I waved at 'alot' of people who drove by.  And wouldn't you know it! Most folks would wave back!  There was only one guy on this Trek, just one person that was not really cordial!  He had a mouth like sewer!  I just wonder where he went to school?  If, in his English class the teacher taught him to talk like that or did he just not pay attention to what words mean?  Or did he even know the definitions of the words that spewing out of his mouth!  I am sure that his "Momma" didn't teach him those words!  

But culturally for me, 'waving' at folks is something that you have do... to atleast acknowledge them!  Like you are saying..."hey, have a good day!" or  "God Bless you!"  or  "Jesus Loves you!"  Acknowledging folks is important to me!   I think that it does a person good, to be greeted with a smile, not matter who it is!

So when we turned North onto 'South Saginaw Road', it was a major 'thorough fair' with a lot of traffic! There was really no side walks on this street but plenty of businesses with driveways that even had "green" areas that we could walk on.  But we had to watch for cars coming in and out of those places of business!  Being a bit more cautious was in order now because of the amount of traffic that was passing by.  But it was an interesting stroll through that portion of town, just South of Flint.

It was on this street where I purchased another American flag.  The first one I had was really ragged!  It would not be until tomorrow that I would find a 'pole' suitable enough to attach it to.   It fit well on my backpack and was light enough to carry but strong enough to shoulder the flag and high enough to be seen by those passing by as we walked along.

As we entered the Downtown area of Flint, it was around mid day and people from the surrounding businesses and City Government seemed to be outside getting some exercise or going to and or from lunch.   About midtown...

Trey... coming into Flint, MI


Tony and I saw a restaurant on the West side of the Street.  People were lined up on the inside to be able to order.  So we stopped and went in.  We joined the line up to order!  Good basic burgers they were!  If you are in downtown Flint, I recommend the place! 

Halo Burger, Downtown Flint, MI 
(people were standing in line to be able to eat in this place!)
[google maps photo]

So as we were waiting to get in the door, there was a man outside asking for some assistance.  It didn't seem like many people where paying him any mind!  So I greeted him and asked if I could help.  I introduced myself and asked him his name, which he told me but for the life of me, as I am writing this, I cannot remember!  I must be getting old!  I did not forget his name because our friend was not worthy of being remembering but that I just 'flat out' forgot!  I am so Sorry!  But if you are reading this and  know this person; just drop me a line and I will add his name in!  


We talked for a few minutes and I found out that he used to work in Flint for many years at one of the GM plants.  Now since work is almost non-existent at most of these plants, many people are out of work!  It broke my heart to know that such a fine man was out here asking for help like this!  So I invited him to have lunch with Tony and I.  He graciously accepted and we stood in line to order our food. Then we sat down to eat...together!  We thanked the Lord Jesus for our food and spent about a half hour eating and talking.  I wish I could have done more for him today but right now, sharing a meal in this crowded place was what we could do!  Thank you for taking the time to eat with us, Sir!  Maybe there will be a next time!  Maybe next time, you will have to buy me a meal!  Only the Lord knows!  Either way, I was thankful that we were able to spend some time together over a meal.  It reminds me of a sentence that I read in The Revelation that says... "the Spirit and the bride, say Come!"  And let him who hears say, "Come!"   Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life."  
'Ah'lan wa Sah'lan, Ya'll!

A friend we met in Flint!  We had lunch together!