Huge hit, are two words which describe the popularity of The Kindness Bus in South Beach. This stretch of land along the Atlantic Ocean is an incredibly popular spot from people from across the globe, primarily, Europe, South America and Central America.
I met and talked with people from a dozen different nations today while out on The Kindness Bicycle and at The Kindness Bus. The two issues I am riding to raise awareness about are affecting kids across the world. The number of those is going in the wrong direction.
Augusto from Nicaragua took pictures of all the panels on The Kindness Bus. He is sharing them with everyone he knows.
Sharon from Costa Rica said she had recently read an article in a newspaper in her country saying that the suicide rate has been on a dramatic increase.
James, from London, is a teacher of students in middle school. He said that when parents or the school is involved in the kids interacting with each other, there is far less bullying in his country.
Clearly, being kind, all the time can have a huge impact in the lives of others.

On Sunday of this upcoming weekend, the 3 month countdown to the 4th annual One Million Acts Of Kindness Week begins. This week-long event will take place February 11th-17th 2013. During this time period you are asked as an individual or as a group, to volunteer your time and or your resources to support a community charity in your hometown.
Please take the time to click on the box at the top of this page and sign up for this all important week. Get your school, church, place of business or organization involved.
The most recent group to sign up was a  school in Georgia who is getting involved with a local retirement home. What a great way to teach children to respect and care for seniors.

One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice, for all. As we all go forward with our lives after the 2012 election, look for ways to be an inspiration to as many people as possible. Help make this country the safest place possible, for all children.

Riding earlier this year to honor Wounded Warriors and Police & Firefighters killed in the line of duty, I heard a statistic that astounded me, every 80 minutes of every day, a Veteran commits suicide. These Heroes, coming home from the stresses of active duty, are finding it impossible to cope in day to day life. They are falling through the safety net. Most returning Veterans don’t feel they are part of society and they struggle to exist. Each and every one of us need to do a better job helping Veteran organizations by volunteering or donating what we can. Thank Veterans every chance you get. Make them feel welcome.
Gaye King, a Vero Beach resident is doing everything she can to help those who need a helping hand. She started a Veterans Homeless Shelter in Vero and is home to 7 Veterans. I stopped by this shelter and talked with Bruce, a Navy E5 Veteran. He said this temporary home fills a very big void in his life. It kept him from living on the streets and possibly a downward spiral to who-knows-where.

In 1965, the TV series “I Dream of Jeannie” became an instant hit. It took place in Cocoa Beach, Florida, near the Kennedy Space Center.
I was 10 years old in 1965. Life was care free and it seemed there wasn’t a worry for my friends and classmates other than an occasional schoolyard skirmish, then all seemed to go away.
I recently met a mom whose 10 year old son was bullied at school and on the Internet. He couldn’t seem to get away from it and the bullying soon turned to threats, so his mom enrolled him in another school. After an investigation of the 10 year old bully, it turns out that the boy had a “hit list” of several others he wanted to kill. The boy was expelled but still remains in the neighborhood. The boys home life has been pretty much a disaster as both parents are nowhere to be found and he is being raised by relatives. I wonder if this young man’s life would have been different had he lived in a nurturing home with parents who showed him love and support and helped to guide him every step of the way. I’m thinking we could sure use a return to those “I Dream of Jeannie” days.
Cocoa Beach was my stop today as I made my way in The Kindness Bus to the east coast of central Florida. Alexandra, who took today’s photo is a new mom of 4 days. She was thrilled to see The Kindness Bus and Bicycle come to her town.
Just for fun, here is the link to the 1st episode of season 1 of “I Dream of Jeannie.”

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd3cTaIpfJw

I met Jacqueline in Wright Square in the Historic District of Savannah. She was sitting quietly, crocheting on a bench, slowly creating perfect articles of clothing. This wise woman sits on the same bench, in the same square every day, paying compliments, every so often, to people walking by her. I decided to spend some time talking with this beautiful being today.
Jacqueline saw the signage on The Kindness Bicycle and my shirt and told me she had seen plenty of bullying in her life. She was a counselor at a teen camp for quite a few years in Hot Springs, Georgia. She said one of the things which helped the most to deter bullying was to keep kids busy with doing activities. “Kids have too much time on their hands,” she said. The kids in her charge used to have to clear their own paths in the woods and build their own structures to camp in. She said there isn’t much of that sort of stuff for kids anymore. “Everything is done for them nowadays,” she added. Wise woman.

There were over 16,000 visitors in Savannah today, many of whom took part in the race in the perfect “Savannah Visitors Bureau” weather.
I must have talked to 300 people today, leaving me well short of the miles I hoped to ride on The Kindness Bicycle, but I probably had 16,000 views.
Two of the kindest couples one could meet, talked with me this morning before venturing out.
Brian and Heather from Charlotte, NC were taking photos of The Kindness Bus from inside a local restaurant. I went in and gave them an information sheet and a great conversation ensued. Heather works with very young children, helping them get a good start to their lives. I gave her a copy of “Bogart Begins His Kindness Adventure.”
Rich and Dolly from Florida had two daughters in the race today. Dolly is a retired teacher. The two of them were so complimentary about the mission of One Million Acts Of Kindness. Our conversation was very inspiring.
Kate a beautiful woman from London was bullied by the boys for having red hair, freckles and a space between her teeth, she said that look wasn’t a popular look in England and she was made to feel the lesser for it. She credits her parents love and involvement in her life. She was deeply moved by the signs on The Kindness Bicycle and Bus.
Heather has had 36 foster children in her care over the years near Savannah. From an 3 day old infant, to a teen just out of jail, her compassion for children has given kids in need in this area a new lease on life. She is filling in the big gaps that parents often times create for kids.
Lisa, a Counselor from EDS, a K-8 school in Chatham County, loved the idea of a goal of kindness for her school. She is going to promote The Kindness Certificates to all of her students.
Chris who is 18 and originally from South Africa was bullied for weight and other issues. He said he got by, by sorting through all the stuff people were saying about him, and because his parents taught him to believe in himself, he realized how little of what was said was true.