I heard that some of you students in Mrs Guarino's class are praying for my safety while I ride across America.  Thank you..I.appreciate all of the positive energy you are sending my way. I start my ride in 24 days and I am both excited and nervous. Any adventure is full of unexpected surprises, both good and bad...that's what makes it an adventure.

Do you guys know why I am riding? I want to raise people's awareness about arthritis.  I have arthritis and my mother suffered many years from arthritis. But here is something you may not know...300,000 kids in America have arthritis.  Most people think of arthritis as an "old people's disease" but it isn't.  Do you know any friends with arthritis?  I am also raising money for the Arthritis Foundation so scientific research can someday find a cure.

A few days ago a friend gave me a donation and I said, "Thank you."  He said, "No, thank you...thank you for making the world a better place. "  I was surprised by his answer because I never thought that what I was doing was so great that it would make the world a better place. I thought about all of the problems in the world and sometimes they seem overwhelming.  How can one person change the world.  The world is big and complicated and I realized that it is impossible...but what is possible is to do what you can in your own small way.  What are you going to do to make the world a better place?

Mrs. Guarino is the best and you guys are lucky to have her as your teacher.  Have a good summer and visit my blog starting June 6th if you want to see how I'm doing.