What happened to Jean since February 17th, 2001? Let's look at it through the emails from the people he met along the way.
From: John Wright
Subject: Miles of Smiles
Date: Sat, 17 Feb 2001
Dear Jean &/via Luce,
Jean it was so good to run into you again at Ridgeway's, I wanted to talk to you more about your travels....... so the Lord put you in my path again! You will be in my prayers for a safe journey and to bring peace to others. You asked me if I had a passion to do something like you are doing and I told you I was passionate about something in life but not as near as your passion. I feel blessed to have met you because it is your sense of commitment to a vision that brings me encouragement and a sense of peace.
John
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From: Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity -- SOLT
Subject: Colon Mexico
Date: Sun, 18 Feb 2001
Dear Jean:
Bon Voyage! Thank you for your stay with the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity here in Robstown, Texas. We were grateful for your company.
Here is the map for Colon, 2 hours north of Mexico City. The closest large city is Queretaro. Colon is one-half hour by car northeast of Queretaro. We have four houses there. Ask for the Asilo de Padre Norman. All the best, with my priestly blessing,
Fr. Richard Gant
Robstown, Texas
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From: Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity -- SOLT
Subject: Jean Beliveau
Date: Sun, 18 Feb 2001
Jean Beliveau spent the night with us here in Robstown, Texas, 18 miles west of Corpus Christi. We are the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT). Enclosed are the digital pictures I took. He attended my Mass before he departed Robstown at 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning, headed 25 miles south to Kingsville, Texas, home of the famous Kingsville Ranch. He will spend three days there at St. Gertrude Catholic Church.
We are praying for him to have a safe and grace-filled pilgrimage.
With my priestly blessing,
Father Richard Gant
SOLT Webmaster
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From: "Pisces65"
Subject: I SPOTTED JEAN...
Date: Sun, 18 Feb 2001
HI LUCE.
I just spoke with Jean in Kingsville, Texas. That is about 45 miles south of Corpus Christi, Texas.
I spotted him while driving home from a visit from a day in Corpus. I honked at him when I saw him with his Canadian Flag on his bike. I had remembered reading about him and seeing him on TV. He is in great spirits and very burnt from the sun but that doesn't bring his spirits down one bit. He showed me photos of the family he carries in his little black book. He also showed me a map of his journey. He was on his way to St.Gertude Church to see Fr.Paul. I wanted to help in someway with his journey and all I could come up with at the time was money I had which wasn't much but is all I had at the time ($15.00). But like they say every bit helps. I wish him the best of luck on his journey through this great world of ours and if anything he will touch at least one life at a time.
Best wishes
Gracie Cavazos
Kingsville, Texas
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Date: Mon, 19 Feb 2001
Just a few words to let you know that we talked to Jean just north of Sarita, Texas where he was planning to spend the night. He looked very good and was in good spirits. Many people were stopping to inquire as to his journey. We have offered him a place to stay when he arrives in Harlingen on Thursday the 22nd. We will be contacting the local media (TV and newspapers) to let them know of his arrival.
We will be keeping track of his progress after he leaves this area.
John and Blanca Aguirre
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Subject: Ref: Jean
Date: Wed, 21 Feb 2001
Hi,
My name is Moses Olivares and I am a U.S. Border Patrol Agent in Harlingen, Texas. While patrolling the highway today (February 20, 2001), I saw your husband walking south along highway 77 about thirty miles north of Raymondville, Texas. It was 5:30 PM (CST). He was about 60 miles north from the United States/Mexico International Border.
At first, I thought he was a stranded motorist when I saw him walking along the highway. I stopped to offer him help. He explained to me why he was walking, he was very upbeat and he appeared very happy with his mission. He stated that he would be sleeping in his tent on a ranch north of Raymondville, TX. The place was offered to him by an officer from the Sheriff's department. He mentioned that he might stay in Raymondville tomorrow night. Just for your information, the weather here at night is in the 60's and in the day it's in the 80's.
We talked a little, he showed me pictures of his family. I could tell he was proud of the support his family was giving to him on his Journey. He asked me to write to you and to let you know that he was doing okay.
If Jean needs anything while he's here, contact me via this e-mail.
Take Care, God Bless, and tell Jean I said HI and to "keep on trucking."
Moses
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From: "Pisces65"
Subject: hello jean
Date: Wed, 21 Feb 2001
HI THERE JEAN.
THIS IS GRACIE IN KINGSVILLE TEXAS WE MET ON THE HIGHWAY RIGHT WHEN YOU ENTERED KINGSVILLE.
I HOPE ALL IS GOING OK WITH YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY. I HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT YOU AND HOW ONE PERSON IS ABLE TO BRING SO MUCH AWARENESS TO PEOPLE THEY COME IN CONTACT WITH.
I HAVE HAD MANY THOUGHTS OF HOW I CAN HELP AND OFFER MY SERVICES TO HELP OUT IN MY COMMUNITY HOW EVER I NEVER FOLLOWING THROUGH WITH THEM AND SAY NEXT TIME. THIS IS SAD BEING I WILL BE HELPING OUT IN MY OWN COMMUNITY, HELPING PEOPLE I KNOW. YET HERE YOU ARE HELPING AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE AND TOUCHING MANY LIFES YOU WILL PROBABLY NEVER SEE AGAIN. FOR THAT I GIVE YOU ALL MY SUPPORT AND WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK
YOU HAVE MADE ME REALIZE THAT IT ONLY TAKES THE WILL TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS WORLD.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU SAFE.
GRACIE CAVAZOS
KINGSVILLE TEXAS
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From: "K. Loutzen"
Date: Wed, 21 Feb 2001
Dear Jean:
I am a friend of Rose and am checking upon your progress. I am still so amazed at your walk. It gives me inspiration as I go on my own day-to-day walk.
Best,
Kim Loutzenhiser
St. Louis
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Subject: Re: Ref: Jean
Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2001
HI Luce,
I saw your husband again today while I was on patrol. He is very close to Raymondville, Texas, he stated that he will be staying there for the night (2/21/01). He is doing good. He told me that last night he slept at a rest area along the highway. I gave him my cell phone number and I will probably see him tomorrow when he gets to Harlingen, Texas. I have a friend just across the border in Matamoros, Mexico and I have made arrangements for him to stay there if he chooses to.
If you have any messages for him, I can forward them to him when he calls me.
Take care,
Moses
PS. He has plenty of water and a lot of will power. I admire him.
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Subject: Re: Ref: Jean
Date: Fri, 23 Feb 2001
Hi Luce,
That would be great if Jean can stay in Matamoros. If he does then I can go over there and visit with him. He is in Harlingen will leave manana for Brownsville, Texas.
Moses
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Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001
Hi Luce,
I saw Jean walking out of town (Harlingen) this morning. A co-worker is going to host Jean tonight in Brownsville, Texas. He made contact with Jean a little while ago. It's Saturday 6:40 PM (CST) now.
My friend in Mexico said he can stay as long as he wants. This morning when I saw Jean, I suggested to him that maybe you can come down and visit him while he is in Matamoros, Mexico. You could take a flight to Harlingen, Texas. I could take you to where Jean will be staying, a thirty minute drive.
This morning Jean was in the paper (Valley Morning Star). I taped the news
the other night when Jean was interviewed, I'll make a copy and send that
along with the newspaper soon. I will be going out of town in the morning. I
return Wednesday. I will go to Mexico and meet up with Jean most likely next Sunday and Monday.
When Jean has his conference in Lafayette, Louisiana I want to be there.
Talk to you soon.
Moses
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From: "J.M. AGUIRRE"
Subject: Jean's Travels
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001
Just a few lines to let you know that Jean spent the last two nights with us here in Harlingen. He arrived in Harlingen Thursday night and spent the night with us that night after he spoke to some school children at the local Border Patrol Station. This had been arranged earlier when Jean met a Border Patrol Agent by the name of Moses Olivarez. Agent Olivarez kept an eye on Jean as he crossed the lonely part of Hiway 77 between Kingsville and Harlingen.
Thursday night he was also interviewed by a reporter from KGBT Channel 4. This Television station is the CBS affiliate for the area. The reporter was very nice and the story that was presented that night on the 10 o'clock news.
On Friday, I took Jean where he needed to go in order to make his trip into Mexico easier. We had some new tires put on his cart also. While we were at the bicycle shop getting his tires, a reporter from the local newspaper (Valley Morning Star) came by to interview Jean and later a photographer from the newspaper came by the house to take some pictures. A story on Jean ran in the newspaper on Saturday. I gave Jean the copy of the newspaper that we received for him to take with him. I will get a copy of newspaper and try to send it to you VIA the internet. I am not too familiar with how the scanner works, but I will do my best.
I was also able to get Jean a copy of Baby Laurie's picture. He was thrilled when he saw her picture on the computer screen. This was the first time he had seen her. She is a very beautiful baby and Jean is very proud.
Today (Saturday) Jean got up early and we all had breakfast here at home. After loading up his cart, he was on his way to Brownsville where he will stay with a Border Patrol Agent that he met in Harlingen. He will also assist Jean when he crosses into Mexico on Sunday.
Let me say that Jean is very interesting individual and it was a pleasure for both my wife and myself to have him as our guest the past two days. I wish him the best of luck on the rest of his journey and pray that the Angels will be with him throughout his journey.
My wife and I will be keeping track of his progress through the website.
Please let the rest of his family know that Jean is doing fine and is in good hands.
Regards,
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Re: Jean on the road
Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001
Hello:
I know this is late, but after returning home and to my computer I had to respond. While driving around sight seeing with our friends The Powells from Alabama we passed this gentleman pushing a little cart as we were going to and returning from Bay city, Texas. The next day we encountered Jean again on hwy 1862 out of Blessing, Texas this was on Saturday February 3, 2001. That's when we stopped and learned of his mission. We had a great visit. Jean showed us pictures of his wonderful family and that he has just become a grandpa. He also showed us maps of his route, local and abroad. We donated to Jean cause and bid him farewell and wished him good health and Gods protection while on his journey.
His encounter has touched our lives as well as that of many others.
Sincerely,
Raymond & Dorothy Richter
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Subject: heyy
Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2001
congratulations to jean and his family on the arrival of baby Laurie. she is one very special baby to be blessed with a family such as yours. please say hello to jean for us and tell him that we think of him often, almost everyday. I follow him in his journey and look forward to seeing him again when he returns. every time we eat chicken we think of jean. I would like to see a current picture of him if you have one. every time I see the mayor of our city he asks me about jean. I just have to say that I am not surprised to read the stories of how jean has touched or changed the lives of the people that are fortunate to meet him along the way. I know he has touched our lives in a very spiritual way. everytime I read of him or think of him I cry. not with sadness but an overwhelming feeling of some kind. it's very hard to explain.
I truly think jean will make a major impact on the world and by the end of his journey the world will have at least one thing to connect all nations, all people regardless of their lifestyles, religious beliefs or color of their skin...and that common connection we will all share is jean. he will unite the world like a chain and jean will be the connecting link. wish him well and I pray that he is safe. as to the question about chance or coincidence I think there is such a thing but not where jean is concerned. I think there is some higher power behind him meeting the people that he meets and I feel our family is very fortunate to have been "chosen".
please say hello to jean for us and congratulate him on being a grandpa.
all our love to you,
Karen and Michael McCrady & family Hudson, N.Y.
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Hello,
My name is also Moisses. Jean stayed with me a couple of days in Brownsville, Texas while he prepared to cross the border into Mexico. Jean does not cease to amaze me with how quickly he is picking up the Spanish language. We were able to contact several news media personal that we deal with on a daily basis through the Unites States Border Patrol. Several Mexican media were present when Jean crossed into Mexico. I was unable to attend due to work but my wife Franceli, was with Jean when he crossed the Border and she told me it was wonderful. The media received him with open arms. Jean did not waiver a moment and captivated the Mexican media with a wonderful speech in SPANISH!:)
It was GREAT!!! Miss Fredys welcomed jean into Mexico with a Mexican flag, which Jean took up and waved with great enthusiasm while the Media and people cheered!!!!
We wish Jean Gods speed on his journey and may the Lord bless and keep
Jean and your family.
Our lives will be forever touched for having met him......
Your Friends......Moisses and Franceli Gonzalez
Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2001
Hello Luce,
We met your husband in a small town in Mexico on Sunday March 18th, sorry that I cannot give you the name. He was writing in his tablet while sitting on a park bench in front of the police station. He said that he would be in that town about 4 days and then be going on. He showed us a picture of the grandbaby, you and others that had been taken along the way. He told us that he was sleeping at the police station and they were giving him meals. We took his picture several times with many different people as we were traveling on a bus going to Tampico, Mexico.
Good luck to you and Jean and I will be checking the website quite often to follow his progress.
Winter Texan from Lake Ozark, Missouri
Barb
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So, as you can see, Jean is doing great and for this we have to thank all the people who help him. I had a few emails from him since he is in Mexico and he is enjoying every second of his time. He is working hard to learn Spanish just as he was to learn English when he entered New York State, but he is getting there!
Till next time...
Luce