We failed but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing.

I have been blessed in many ways and one of those is to have been born in Africa for me a great treasure house of stories. I have been researching it since my infancy reading about it talking to men and women who have spent their lives in this land living it as I have and loving it as I do. I write almost entirely from my own experience.

Experience teaches us that we do not always receive the blessings we ask for in prayer.

I absolutely believe in the power of tithing and giving back. My own experience about all the blessings I've had in my life is that the more I give away the more that comes back. That is the way life works and that is the way energy works.

My life path has been a blessing and a great learning experience. Skateboarding is my passion and I don't see that changing. When I'm not skating I love to surf. I'm open to the new experiences and opportunities.

I want people to think of me as a nice person. I really am so blessed. All of this has been a great experience and I thank the American public so much for putting me in this position. I appreciate every second of it.

A few years' experience will convince us that those things which at the time they happened we regarded as our greatest misfortunes have proved our greatest blessings.

If money education and honesty will not bring to me as much privilege as much equality as they bring to any American citizen then they are to me a curse and not a blessing.

I see humanity now as one vast plant needing for its highest fulfillment only love the natural blessings of the great outdoors and intelligent crossing and selection.

I was blessed to have a mother and father that recognized the value of education.