A Walk Across America - Chapters 13-14

Peter made it to Andrews but he was cautious because of his bad experience at the last town.  He approached some black boys playing basketball.  I'm kind of surprised that he did this because he was scared of them.  Sometimes you have to press on even when you are afraid.  They were a little rough but nice to him and asked him to camp with them.  He did even though he wasn't sure about it.  They had a good time and shared a bunch of laughs.  It was nice that they accepted him even though he was different.  One of the boys named Eric invited him home to eat.  Peter met Eric's mother, Mary, who was real quiet and made Peter nervous.  When she decided to speak she told Peter that she knew God had sent him to their house and he was supposed to live with them.  Peter declined and she told him not to question God.  Peter accepted the invitation and was glad to have a home so he could look for a job.  Peter is now living in a completely different culture than the one he grew up and completely different from how Homer lived.  I wonder how he will fit in.  Eric's mom told Peter that he would have to go to church with them on Sunday.  He loved their church and the energy he felt.  He loved that everyone was accepting of him.  Mary's father, Smokey, took him aside and told Peter that would be sitting beside him every Sunday.  Peter remembered church when he was young and thought it was boring.  There was nothing boring about this church.  It was exciting and alive.
Peter got a job at the saw mill and got up early to walk to work.  The work was very hard and by the end of the day he had never felt so tired.  Luckily the next day Preacher, who works with him, passed by and offered him a ride.  Preacher said Peter could ride with him every day.  Preacher told Peter about some bad accidents at the saw mill and Peter noticed missing fingers on many of the men.  Then he saw a bad accident almost happen.  Lemm, who had been drinking, forgot to sharpen the blade and it spit out a log and flew through the air.  It would have killed Lemm if it had hit him.  Peter knew he had to be very careful but he needed the money and had to keep working.  Peter made $85 and could by food for his new family and save some for the walk.  I think it is nice that Peter wants to give back to his new family.