I woke up this morning to a very familiar smell…the smell of Missouri. I’ve been to Missouri twice in my life; once for boot camp, and the other for training before heading to Iraq. I know it sounds crazy that I recognized the smell of Missouri, but I really did recognize the scent the second I was north of Kansas City.

Meeting with the kids in Cameron, MO

 I guess if you’ve been somewhere during a traumatic time in your life, you build an olfactory memory without really being aware of it until you are exposed to it again. I’m willing to bet I would know I was in Qatar, Kuwait, or Iraq if I were blindfolded as well. 

Last night, we stayed at Wallace State Park and I started walking from there directly to Cameron, MO. Dina met up with me there and we had a much needed breakfast at a local diner. Later on we met up with kids at a YMCA after school youth group. We had a great time with these kids, and you can tell by the pictures that these kids got really involved! They helped Dina pack up everything and marched out with all of our billboards, as I changed into my walking gear in the RV. The kids even chased me down to wave goodbye to me as I left to log some more miles before our next stop. 

Dina talking to the kids about being a Young Ambassador with their letters to the kids in Iraq.

Showing the kids some of the untranslated letters from kids in Iraq.

Showing where some things are on the map.

Holding their letters for the children in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The kids helped Dina carry our billboards out to the RV.

Waving goodbye to me as I walk to our next stop.

I loved this sign.

I've found that if I keep walking and not pay the dogs any mind at all, they just come and smell me...either that or they try to rip an arm off.

He barked and growled at me...then followed me with his tail waging the whole time.

If you take the time and effort to post a sign saying the bridge I'm about to cross is safe, you just made me nervous.

So is this snake poisonous?

BRING IT ON!

Bring on the whole crew!!! I'll stare you all down!!!

I'll take you on too! Cows, bulls, steers. You're all weak!