On Saturday 5^th May Marlene and I was up at 4:30 a.m. getting ready to do our version of miles for millions Belizean style. This is the day we would walk 22 miles of hills and valleys. From Belmopan the capital of the country, to San Ignacio our town. Scotia Bank who agreed to take on this project; organized the walk to raise funds towards the building of the art centre in Cristo Rey Village. A woman from England told us when she did walks; she would soak her feet in water with a little vinegar, to toughen up her feet. We decided to try this and let time tell if it would work. The plan was for us to take a bus to Belmopan, and walk back to San Ignacio, hopefully finishing the walk before the heat of the day set in. The mood was jovial as we rode in the bus and for a time we were transformed in to happy school children embarking on a school trip. We arrived in Belmopan to be greeted by the counterparts at the Belmopan branch of Scotia bank. With high spirits we started our trek at 6:15 a.m. Marlene and I had packed a cooler with water and Gatorade to make sure we kept well hydrated. Well it’s amazing how much detail you miss when you are driving vs. walking and it was nice to see things and people up close and personal not to mention the warm hello’s and smiles of encouragement we got along the way. I had decided my personal goal would be to walk 5 miles and Marlene said she wanted to walk the whole 22 miles, so with these goals in mind we were determined. After what seemed like a long time I asked someone how far we had walked, as I was sure my goal was right within reach. “About 2 miles” was the response. What I thought I’ve only walked 2 miles and the hottest part of the day was yet to come? Was I crazy to undertake this? Maybe I should just get on the bus and ride it out. Hm? No!!! I told myself this is for the kids and I’m going to do it, so I trudged on. Marlene seemed to be in her own world as she walked toward her goal. Our walking companions seemed to be keeping up a good clip and we were holding our own. The next time I checked on how far we had walked, I found out I had passed my goal. We had done seven miles. Go girrrlll I thought and continued my steady pace. After a while a large gap had developed between those who were walking and those who chose to run or jog. The gap had gotten so wide, that it had become dangerous as vehicles had started to wind their way in and out. We decided for everyone’s safety we should close the gap, so everyone got on the bus and we drove until we caught up to the front group. I was not going to argue with a little helping hand in the form of a ride, so we all jumped on. Finally we could see the signs telling us we were just four miles out side of town, and the thought of resting and the lunch we had been promised started to swirl in my head. Home sweet home and the sweet smell of success. In all I walked 15 miles and Marlene walked 20 miles. Not bad I thought. I had really surprised myself. This is what life is all about. Going beyond where you thought you could, and planting your own little flag of excellence!! Go Gratitude. . Life is Beautiful Blessings from Ocean Spirit Fire Temple in Cristo Rey Village surrounded by many, many Pyramids of the Mayan Dynasty of Belize. Winsom

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