The initial plan before Nick missed his flight yesterday was for me to hang out for 3 hours in the airport. So after grabbing my bags, I made a temporary home in the airport restaurant. After ordering a cold Coke, I noticed the daily specials that were being advertised on the table. What caught me by surprise was what was written on the opposite side. It said, “Everything we use and consume in our daily lives is a simple gift from God. Let us be big enough and grateful enough to acknowledge this fact today and each following day. Before partaking this food, let each bow his/her head and give thanks for the blessings we have.”

Sometimes I don’t notice, or even thank God enough for, the many simple gifts God has given me. So throughout my journey across the country of Belize by bike, I’m going to be on the lookout for God’s simple gifts. Each day I will share with you what I’ve found along the way.

So my first simple gift is a boy named Ricky who I met today. He was riding his bike, too. I rode on up next to him. He seemed to be excited that I took the time to ask who he was and where he was going. I asked him why he was carrying rope across his handlebars. To my surprise, Ricky was on his way to a house to catch a pig and then to kill it. He then was going to cut up the meat and sell it. So here’s this 11 year old kid going to whack a pig and I wouldn’t be caught dead doing this! I thank God for meeting such a person like Ricky that had such a huge smile on his face…even though it was a BAZZZILION degrees outside!

FYI - my Across Belize email isn’t working right now, so be patient. Better yet, just comment to our blog postings. Let me know what simple gift God offered you today that will make you a better person. And if you have any questions, please ask!

Peace be with you! ~ Scott “My butt hurts” Neely