CD: What about people who aren’t able to do what you’re doing? How can they promote Christian unity?

CLEAR: Inviting people to pray for unity in truth and love, on the truth side of things, is basically getting involved in reading, actually listening during the homily, taking it upon ourselves to learn. As we draw closer to Christ we draw closer to one another. And as we draw closer to one another we draw closer to Christ. It’s important for us to be united with those who are less fortunate, who are struggling, and to go outside of our comfort zone.

CD: What’s been your favorite spot to visit so far on your journey?

CLEAR: There’s no one place. Montana was my favorite place as far as people. Walking through those states really reversed my own personal image of the U.S.

	Day 1, December 15, 2006. Clear starting his journey in Cape Branco the eastern most point of Brazil. (Photos courtesy Samuel Clear/Walk4One)

CD: What were you expecting?

CLEAR: I think I was expecting the rapper lifestyle, the mega-dollars. We see that really affluent lifestyle, the socialites, the sort of Paris Hilton lifestyle.

CD: It’s not our best side.

CLEAR: No it’s not. The thing is, we don’t see the other side. So we think that that is America. And so to walk through Texas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, and Montana — the people I met day after day, regardless of what church they were from, were just incredible. They were so friendly, so caring. In Montana I had people invite me into their home 15 days in a row.



CD: How are you financing the travels?


CLEAR: I sold everything. I was really stingy for one year. I had a little money saved anyway so I just put my life’s savings in, sold what I had, and started walking. It looks like I might be able to make it till the end.

CD: It’s sounds you’re like one of the Apostles being sent out with just your sandals.

CLEAR: I have a little bit more than they did — I’ve actually got a backpack with gear in it.

CD: Do you find yourself just translating every distance into how long it will take you to walk?

CLEAR: Yup. Today I actually went and visited the basilica where Saint Faustina Kozlowski was. As we were driving along, I actually looked at the side of the road to see where I would walk, what are the conditions like. So I think it’s going to take a while to get out of that mentality and to stop dreaming about it. I keep having dreams about the walk in different countries. I’m looking forward to that first time I wake up and say, “Where am I? I’m at home.” That will be great. CD

Kerry Weber is associate editor of Catholic Digest.