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I have lots and lots and lots of new information for you pertaining to this adventure. The problem is I have very limited access to this site. I use someone else’s computer to write this and the admin portion of the site is blocked at work. However, I can access my personal email and if anyone at all wants that just post saying email address please and I will drop you an email from my personal one. We can all communicate through that. I will be able to update the site once a week now on my day off… Monday or Tuesday as my time fluctuates on those days.
I don’t want to go into specifics on what material I am talking about because I have a meeting this Monday about the future of this. All I can say is that all costs associated with this from now on are mine. I don’t even own this website so whatever happens to it is out of my hands. I am trying to set up a financial means to the rest of this so I can continue. So far the cost of the entire trip (gear, food, the early hotels, etc etc) nears 8 thousand dollars. Maintaining this website through the Helio alone is more then I want to spend myself as I have no money. If I am correct and my sponsors are pulled out because of the lack of actual interest from big name sponsors then I won’t be able to afford much and that includes my brother joining me. I may find myself working myself across with just a pen and notebook.
This is all premature so more will come after my meeting. Also I may have a used camera for pictures of work and my job. Thanks Jeff BTW for the advice on Yoga… I think that will help me out a lot. There is much behind the scenes chat via email as I said I don’t have much access to the actual site. Just drop a post and I will share my email.
I am sorry how this is going for those that I really have interested. As far as negative comments I really don’t care. I am struggling with so much right now in my life that I just don’t have time for it. This is the hardest turn I have had to make yet. For the first time the limiting factor on my continuing is not controlled by me and I find it incredibly frustrating. If I fail that is one thing that I will just live with, not being as strong as others that have done amazing things. Or deciding to stop for this reason or that is fine. But wanting to continue and can’t is hard to deal with.
I have no problem just walking and stopping and working then continuing again as a long term goal. Again, I don’t know this is all before the fact. Let me see what I can do. Also, I do love my job and going to approach them with the possibility of just taking unpaid time and returning between walks. It would save me lots of unpaid time per the 100 or so bucks to fly. I will keep you all posted and try my hardest to get some picks.
As for my location, I didn’t post it because I find it irrelevant. But if you must know, I flew back to NY for the holidays with family and ended up staying helping them out. I got a job offer here that was ideal… no rent (saves me lots of money), job is on a bike path from home about 6 miles round trip so I don’t need a car (although its covered in snow right now!), and I am helping my family with a few troubles they are going through that are of a personal nature. I sleep on a floor as I have no bed or room really but its luxurious compared to what I have done. All my stuff is in that barn down south waiting for me to continue.
I had a job lined up but this one was more advantageous to my situation. So taking one job over another is wrong? I really don’t understand your logic. If you are trying to get arise out of me that won’t work. I feel I am above anger… it is anti-productive in every way. This site has been so censored during my progress its not even funny. So much happened behind the scenes that only my family and friends know about as I called them in tears. I have come close to what I perceived as death multiple times, the anger that overtook me at negative people, the embarrassment of being covered in feces and trying to find a place to wash. I look back and am thankful it was all censored. The things I yelled alone should never had been said. The things that happened I don’t want random people to know. The site was my sponsors idea anyhow, so was the publicity. They wanted a return on investment. I don’t need any of that, this is about me and Him, not you. If I do continue on my own without backers then rest assured you can read all about what I choose to tell you after I have done it. I will never take back the people I have met through my travels thanks to this site and papers, radio, TV… it has been a huge blessing but I don’t need that anymore. As for inspiration, I went from being 400 pounds, unemployed, suicidal, alcoholic, etc to completely changing my life in 4-5 months. I was at the brink of hell and stepped back. No matter how bad everything is you can get up and walk it off! That alone should inspire. My dreams and goals and pure positive attitude was obtained by what I did. The rest is my deal and I won’t have people distracting me from what I want to do.
Again, I would love to keep in personal contact with anyone… just let me know.
February 27th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
I think that what you have accomplished so far has been amazing. The fact that you have been willing to share your experiences and personal changes with the world is extraordinary. It’s tough enough living your life in private, but to take such huge steps with everyone watching and commenting on everything you do is more than I would be willing to take on. Remember that no matter what you do in life, people will have something to say about it. Chin up, keep the faith, and continue to walk the path that unfolds before you.
February 27th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
I’d be interested in staying in touch with you regardless of what you decide to do or what situations dictate your next move. Send me your e-mail. It sounds like you have been through a lot that most of us may never know about unless you make it public.
Take care.
Greg
February 27th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
I would like to be kept up to date………
February 27th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Oh Jay, it sounds like you are having a tough time. I have thought of you and prayed for you these last couple of months. I know you must be facing some tuff stuff.I would absolutely love to hear from you and just keep up on what you are doing with your life. I consider it a privilege that you have chose to share so much of your life with us. I would like to continue to get to know you. No matter what you choose to do from here.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Jaybo,
I have personally been inspired by your story and would love to stay in touch with you and receive updates! Whatever happens, as you said you have accomplished much!! I for one am proud of you and you’ve done something I never would have had the guts, courage, ambition, etc. to do! Good luck and please keep me informed!
Andrea
February 28th, 2008 at 2:06 am
Jason
It was truely exciting following you on your trip, I understand your desire to do a great thing and I know how much of a problem in our day to be as it is called homeless. It has to be truely a blessing to once again have a roof over your head and when you get thirsty get a glass and pour yourself a drink. And when you get hungry to go into the fridge and break out what it is you wish to devour.
Now that you have stopped your journey. I will find a better way of surfing the web, I looked foward to checking out your post, but now that you`ve stopped I want to say it was nice to read about your adventure. I`ll wait for a week before I take this site off my bookmark, I know you`ve left a stump in the ground, but I also know how hard it must be to resume your travel the way you planned, so get your life back together and don`t feel pressured into doing anything you feel is not worth the effort.
February 28th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Hey Jason, I interviewed you for the Sumter Item Newspaper while you were walking through South Carolina. My readers really want to know how are doing. Please contact me whenever you can.
February 28th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Jason, I want the email address. Thanks, Mark [Station 35]
February 28th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Jason,
I would love to get updates via email.
Please add me to your distribution list.
Best of luck to you.
Amy in Fayetteville
February 28th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Add me too via email! I’ve been enjoying keeping up with you and your adventures. I don’t care how long it takes you….where it takes you….or how you get there….just go where the good Lord leads….and continue on your journey of growth!!
Good luck and God Bless!
February 28th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Hey Jason,
It’s Belinda … I am Gene’s neighbor in Memphis … the one that gave you the knit cap and sweat pants when you came over for dinner) … I would LOVE to keep in touch with you … whether you decide to continue your journey across America or your day-to-day journey … it was so cool sitting down with you at Gene and Maria’s listening to all your stories of your travels … seems like it was just yesterday …
So take my email address & stay in touch w/ us … I still have your cell number (you gave me that night) and I’ve thought about sending you a text, but I didn’t think you’d know who it was … go figure. So take care, get things in order and do whatever makes YOU happy … whether it’s continuing your journey or starting a fresh life back in NY …
Take Care Jason … and know your friends in Memphis on Kimball Ave. are thinking of you and wishing you well …
Belinda, Dennis, Kyle, Gene, Maria, Brian & Matt … oh and “The Cat” !!!
February 28th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Hi Jason, I’ve enjoyed reading about your adventure since you came through Sumter, SC and would like to read your updates! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding… in all your ways acknowledge HIM, AND HE WILL DIRECT YOUR PATHS.” Proverbs 3:5&6
February 29th, 2008 at 1:23 am
Email address, pretty please. I’ve had March 2nd on my calendar as “Jaybo Walkin Resumes” for nearly 3 months, since you first told us that was the date you’d start again. I’ve been getting antsy as the day has neared, and would love to be updated about your progress. And, God willing, I will one day donate to your cause when I have money.
February 29th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Hi Jason,
I have never posted, but have been with you soon after you started on your way. I am sure that there are others like me, who never would leave a comment, but would check on you and pray for you. I wished you had walked closer to where I was, I would have loved to meet you and spend some time talking to you. I would love to recieve your updates via email.
May God be with you and your family, trust in Him.
BAV
February 29th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Jason,
I would love to get updates on your adventure. It takes a lot of courage to make your private life public. I know the path you have taken has been difficult but I am sure that you have grown tremendously. Please know that you have been an inspiration to many of us along the way.
Amanda
February 29th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Jay: it has been fun keeping up w. you. I say Press On until the end. Its only time and its an Adventure you will never take on again. Its going to help you with your walk with Jesus. Your witness story will carry many people through their diffcult times. Its your Time in life< dont giveup. Press on and He will see you through. See you in Heaven, then you can tell us all about your Big Adventure. God Bless…..
March 1st, 2008 at 12:01 am
I have book marked your page. Even my husband thinks I am a little crazy for going to someone’s page that I do not know. I find myself thinking how jaybo doing today?
I was also thinking that maybe a local university or community college has access to the internet. Could you use their libary or maybe they have a center where you could say on-line? At the very least you could call and check.
March 1st, 2008 at 12:37 am
Jason:
When I first read about your adventure and began to track your progress on this website, I was amazed at how society was embracing your journey. How each town you visited presented a new group of folks that displayed what’s beautiful about our people. These strangers who opened their hearts to help you in so many ways inspired me and I felt that the world that mainstream media paints is not as accurate as I feared. While some comments from this site suggested that you were a moocher and fleeced from people, I always saw it as what one Christian is supposed to do for another in need. This journey began to me, to be more about the strangers and less about Jay. Each day, I was excited to hear about the new set of people who would help Jay achieve his goal… and just like each of us, we need to help and support our friends. Jay, you have certainly made many changes in your life and regardless if you know it not, you have inspired others to change as well. When you came through Lugoff, I made a choice to search you out and be a part of the good that you found while going from town to town. Good luck in the future and keep my e-mail… let me know what’s going on.
March 1st, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Hey Jason. . .
Been trying to get in touch with you via email a couple of times — I’ve still got a few of your things here in my garage. . .were you still going to need to use the sleeping bag I lent you? If not, just let me know where I need to go to grab it and I’ll come get it. . .
I just skimmed through this as I’m on vacation this week. . .
Email me.
Dave
March 3rd, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Jason, I have been reading about your journey from the time you came through Tryon until now I only wish I could have had a chance to meet you. I would like to keep in touch. You are a living testiment that anything is possible. You hold your head high and walk proud. Please keep in touch.
March 4th, 2008 at 1:15 am
Jason,
I’ve been with you for awhile now as you know I have posted many comments, but what I really think is important for you to know is that whether you finish “walking” or not, you have already succeeded. What was your primary goal when you started? You wanted to change what you considered to be negative in your life and start something new and positive. Not only have you gained confidence and jump-started a healthy lifestyle (which were your first goals), but more importantly, you have made more new friends than you can count, you have inspired everyone who truly cares about you and your journey, and you have touched people deeply and allowed them to touch you with their friendships.
Unfortunately, some people’s true character came out and you had to deal with their insecurities, self-centered personalities and just plain meanness, but you rose to the occasion every time and displayed unwavering restraint and dignity through it all. So, in my opinion, you have far exceeded what I would consider your original expectations and you never even had to get to California to do that!
You are working at a job you love and if you decide to stay there and continue working there and going from that point on in your life, I for one think it’s great! Just think about where you were a year ago. You are not the same person. Your journey will continue whether it is on the road to California, working at this job, or venturing into a new job in firefighting, law enforcement or whatever you choose.
The whole point of the beginning of this trip was to find yourself. You are well on your way. Part of finding out who you were and what you wanted in life was in your relationships with others. Just look at the posts here and you will see how many people have been behind you. And your true friends, the ones you have met and some you have never met, will surely stand behind any decision you make. You yourself have risen above any negative posts here and find them irrelevant. I am pretty sure that a year ago, even 6 months ago, that might not have been true. You have begun to find yourself and what is meaningful in your life. GOOD FOR YOU!
So as you continue the journey that we have all followed through your eyes, I wish you luck and hope that you will continue to keep in touch. I would love to have your email so that I can keep up with your progress. You have mine and know that you can email me whenever you like. Please, please keep in touch. I will continue to support you, listen and pray for you as you work through whatever life brings your way. Remember, you have already succeeded in changing your life. The journey continues as you change the lives of others through your work and future relationships. Good luck, Jason!
Listen to Him… he’ll guide you,
Shannan
March 5th, 2008 at 1:25 am
I am glad you checked in and updated those of us who do care about you and your well-being. As others have said you began this journey a different person from who you are now and that alone is a huge accomplishment. From the sound of it, continuing your journey at this time would have been selfish, you are needed at home by your family so that is the choice you have made. The right choice in my opinion.
Having met you I know you know the exact spot you stopped your westward progress and when the time is right if you choose to continue the journey that is where it will begin again.
Keep me on your email list as I will be interested in reading whatever you have to say and where life takes you.
vicki
nashville
March 10th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Jason,
Have you lapsed into the condition that started your walk? If so you have my sympathy! You should let the people that have followed you so religiously know. There is no shame in not being able to complete a task when you are not well. Your readers should be made known that you are no longer able to complete your journey due to depression. This fact could help to relieve some stress so you will be able to heal.
I will be interested in knowing why the your hiatus in your journey. I wish you the best in whatever your decision.
I want you to know that it not my purpose to alienate you in any way. I am just a nosey old man who would like to know what you thoughts are about your journey!
March 10th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Jason,
Just remember why you started the journey–not for all of us out here, but for yourself. There’s nothing wrong with changing plans along the way. Walking across the country is a huge feat and would be incredibly difficult for anyone, and impossible without any money. I hope you don’t feel like you’ve failed, because you haven’t. You’ve learned a lot along the way and met some amazing people. I have greatly enjoyed living the adventure through your blog. What you decide to do is your own personal choice. Just know that you have tons of people out here that wish you the best and hope that wonderful things happen for you.
Best wishes,
Jennifer
March 21st, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Jason, it looks like you have finally hit bottom….so sad, but you brought this on yourself.
Pity the poor children and youth you met along the way who showed interest in you and how you “inspired” them…What can they say now? They too must soon realize that you are a failure.
Too bad your life is so screwed up…but you can’t blame your family and friends..only yourself for your selfish ideas of publicity.
The ones I really feel sorry for are those poor suckers who took you in and fed you, and bonded with you., because they felt that you were a genuine person.
The rest of the world who did not meet you and fall for your fake trip, are to be congratulated…they are not the suckers.
Too bad you are a true failure….get over it! I am sure you will think of some other way to take advantage of others…..you big phony!