It began as what he called “just a walk” in protest of U.S. government policy regarding terrorism.

But in the 35- to 40-mile days Jon Meier, senior in religious studies from Spring Valley, Minn., has walked since Dec. 23, it has become a spiritual journey.

“The day before I started [walking] I didn’t think I’d make it,” Meier told the Daily during a phone call Friday night from West Virginia. Now he’s confident he will arrive in Washington, D.C., before a peace rally scheduled for Saturday.

“I actually don’t consider it a decision on my part,” Meier said. He was sitting in church, listening to a sermon on Dec. 22 when he “felt intuitively I needed to walk.” So he did. He said, even though it was just before Christmas, his family was supportive. His parents walked with him for two days.

His church, Collegiate United Methodist, has been helpful and supportive. Meier has been spending his nights in churches or with parishioners.

“I guess people understand why I’m walking,” Meier said about the support he’s gotten from the communities he’s passed through. He walks on state highways, carrying his father’s old U.S. Army backpack with his necessities.

As he walks, he thinks. “I’ve reflected on the violence and hatred in this world. I will be much more aware of my actions, I hope at least,” he said. “A mile is going to mean a lot more to me now.”

Now Meier is on his third pair of shoes. He’s gotten used to the pain of the blisters on his feet, and he is eager to meet up with the group of Ames area peace supporters who will be traveling to Washington by bus to the rally.

Marcia Brink, an Ames resident who has organized two buses that will travel to the rally in Washington, has been following Meier’s progress closely.

“I never dreamed he would get all the way to D.C.,” she said. “I thought we’d get him in Ohio.” But now, Brink is confident Meier will only need a ride back to Ames, and she’s saving a seat on the bus for him.