Tuesday, September 18, 2001
This is my first journal entry. Such an intense time it has been since arriving in DC on Sept. 3rd. The kickoff press conference at the Capital building began ten days of attachments and weaknesses being revealed. The walking, of course, has been the easiest. My thoughts go directly to "The Knowing Heart," "With attachments left behind, the lightened boats sail swiftly, With a preoccupied human heart, crossing the ocean proves arduous." Today, it is a support person and myself. Now we move swiftly, clearing a pathway across this country, going from capital to capital on this journey.
A precious moment: a grandma and grandson standing behind a screen door watching our group of yellow shirts pass by. I walked up their pathway, the grandmother opened the door and had the young boy meet me on the porch. With wide eyes he accepted a flyer as I told him, "I've walked a long way to give this to you." He held it as if it was pure gold. His eyes never looked away as I parted.
Jiang Zemin, if you are reading this, I personally ask you to end the suppression of Falun Gong. Americans, especially in the Heartland of the USA, see very clearly that what you are doing is wrong. It is truly only a matter of time before justice is served. What you are orchestrating are blatant crimes against humanity. For your sake, and your country's sake, allow Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance to be peacefully cultivated in China and abroad.
With time, those who do your bidding will more and more realize the evilness of your orders and wishes. With time, they will be less and less inclined to carry out these orders. You see, good is rewarded with good, and evil with evil, and we must each take full responsibility for our actions. Again I say, for your sake and your country's sake, stop the persecution of Falun Gong.
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Wednesday, September 19, 2001
Going through the initial physical adjustment time that all the walkers have experienced, varying degrees of pain, passing in phases, always correlated with the clarity and righteousness of the mind, 31 miles today from Covesville to Amhurst, VA. Talked to two women in a church (where we are sleeping), both were moved by the Falun Gong story, the response of practitioners in China, and the walk. Very kind-hearted people in small town, USA.
Our initial group was truly a sight. Yellow shirts parading down sidewalks, young and old, wonderful! Jiang Zemin, one from your ranks has admitted that the death toll at your hands is actually around 1,000. Do you believe justice will not be served?
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Thursday, September 20, 2001
Ughh. Feeling the strain of physical exertion tonight. The whole day was a test of will power. Started the day with a downpour. Wet, wet, wet. Stopped to send out righteous thoughts one time. Never before had to squeeze the water out of my socks before putting them on. After a conversation with a North Carolina practitioner, I realized it was one day later in the week than I had thought. Trucks howled by, throwing road wash upon me. Get quite used to walking just feet away from cars racing at me at 60+ mph.
Visited the mayor's office in Lynchburg, VA today. He wasn't in, but his secretary was. A kind-hearted friend. Tomorrow we will link up with North Carolina practitioners. They have detailed out a route, set up press conferences, and will have walkers accompanying me.
Speak with several police officers about Falun Gong each day. On the road they check on me to make sure everything is OK, even offer rides, sincere and upright. Why is it, JZM, that policemen who follow your orders are not THIS way? Here in America the phrase is used, "to protect and to serve." This is referring to the people. What creed do your officers follow? I understand that your officers are giving bonuses and promotions for beating and "breaking" Falun Gong practitioners. How evil. We just wish to practice Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance peacefully.
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Saturday, September 22, 2001, Danville, VA
Missed a night of writing.... Yesterday, a long day of walking was inspired in the late afternoon by being accompanied by a North Carolina practitioner; a welcome walking companion. My will was a bit weary at the time. Experience sharing made the miles flow by easily. Walking alone, each step was hot pain on the soles of the feet. Found myself gritting my teeth often. In China, practitioners safeguard the Fa with their lives. I think I can take my share of foot torture.
More policemen stopped by; usually two a day. Checking on us, seeing if we're OK. Great opportunity to share Dafa. They seem to be radioing around. Now all the policemen happily wave when they drive by.
Last night when entering Gretna, VA, a couple on their porch called to us. Asking whether we were walking across the country, half jokingly. They were, of course, a bit surprised to find out that in fact we are walking across the country. Little did we know the experiences that were to follow.
We ended up spending the whole night there, parked next to their house, and staying in a tent that was set-up in their front yard. They had seven kids, the oldest in fourth grade, the youngest 10-month. They were all waiting for the Fa. Xiao Jin had some of them writing the Zhen-Shan-Ren characters. "Tell us more," they asked.
Interesting interference today. Policemen tracked us down today wondering whether we knew anything about a van that was stolen from behind this family's house late last night. Hmmm. During the afternoon, while walking alone, I stopped at a gas station to take a break. A man pulled up and called me over. He said he had seen me walking the day before just past Lynchburg, and was wondering why I was walking. I shared the Falun Dafa story and told him my intention. Visibly stirred, he said, "I admire your determination! Best wishes to you." This hit a chord in me and as I continued walking tears welled in my eyes. (Not exact words) "A right true Buddha protects all righteous elements in the universe." It struck on another level, the historic role we must play. I began running... and ran for the next 10 minutes, with tears in my eyes.
Created a stir in the small town of Gretna, as six of us practiced in a small park next to the main street, then walking through with our yellow shirts, flags, and handing out brochures. More North Carolina practitioners joined us after a couple of miles and thus, a parade down highway 29 to Danville ensued.
Early evening, back down to three walkers, we stopped in to visit a roadside radio station. Had a wonderful time with the disk jockey with southern gospel preaching in the background. As we talked about Falun Gong and our experiences, he told us about being afflicted with gout for several years and proceeded to show us his swollen lower leg. Having had gout my self for several years before obtaining Dafa, we commiserated on the severity of the pain gout attacks. I told him my experience with my ailments going away and one could visibly see hope come over him. "I've been waiting for something." And, "This is a great blessing." He intended to gather a group of friends and host a seminar. He also said he would tell our story on-air so that Danville and Virginia could welcome us.