Walking man gets warm local sendoff

By LISA CHAPMAN / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

BARBER

After spending a week in McMinnville updating his Web site and meeting some of our local residents, Warren County residents gave Charles Ryan Barber a warm sendoff on his way out of town.

As Barber left McMinnville, several people gave him packages to take with him, and many motorists gave him thumbs up or honked their horns at him.

“People sure do read their newspapers here,” said Barber. “I felt like a celebrity which was fun but really weird at the same time.”

Barber, 22, has been walking across the United States since June. The journey started in Georgia when he received a calling from God who promised to take care of him.

Citizens seemed to find inspiration in Barber’s journey. One woman actually tracked Barber down to give him money and encouragement for his journey. Several others gave him food to take with him.

“At one point I had to eat or give away much of the food I had gotten in McMinnville,” said Barber. “Sorry guys, but it’s the thought that counts.”

Barber’s most recent update to the Web site www.flippingblind.com put him close to Murfreesboro last Friday.

“My legs are hurting pretty bad tonight,” said Barber. “Oh well, we’ll see what happens. Despite the pain, today has been awesome. With all the people waving and smiling and stopping, I have been overwhelmed with happiness for most of the day. I spent a good part of the day just laughing uncontrollably at the awesome way that God has chosen for this all to turn out. I never ever could have foreseen or planned something like this. I love it.”