a turn for the best

things have been going really well with tour, I have learned so much about myself in such a short period of time and am constantly amazed by the different people I meet on the road. We are currently in Topkea, Kansas (home of Wade vs Board of Education) and are getting ready to speak to a group of college students tonight for Washburn's annual slavery awareness week.

Yesterday we spoke at Fairfax Alternative school, where I discovered a part of myself that I did not know existed, or if I did I was unaware of the extent of its existence. This particular school was full of students who have been expelled or removed from their high school for one reason or another and have life stories that I could not even begin to comprehend. Walking into the school I wasn't sure how the screening would go, or what the student's reactions would be, or if our message would even be heard...I was blown away by all of them. I felt that I was watching Sunday (the media that we usually show) for the first time through their eyes. Several students were moved to tears, one even had to look away for several minutes to contain his emotions. After our presentation several students came up to us and immediately started asking what they could do...they wanted to do everything! One particular girl, who was 8 months pregnant, started asking questions and discussing different ideas that I had never even thought about. It was evident that a part of them could relate to some aspects of Sunday's and Daniel's life and the sense of empowerment and excitement that filled their eyes made me want to cry with joy. I didn't want to leave...I fell in love with those students and all of their potential, and to think that this was a group of unbelievable kids that society would have otherwise rejected. Being in that enviornment lit something inside of me that I do not think I would have otherwised paid attention to...I want to teach. I want to work day in and day out with students and help them realize their potential. Despite years of telling myself that I would never be a teacher, yesterday I felt something in my heart shift and I know this is something that I have to do, whether it is for a few years or a few decades.

I have already started looking into certification programs and am very interested in the Teach for America program but am keeping my options open. I'm not sure when I'll puruse it, but I know that when the time is right I will pursue it...if you have any tips or suggestions please let me know!

Things on the ground in Uganda are going SO well! The peace talks have really taken a turn for the best, including a permanent cease fire between the LRA and Ugandan government..a huge step to actual peace in Uganda. There is talk of the peace deal being signed within days. Peace is literally at our fingertips, it is such an surreal realization. While the peace talks are looking more than hopeful, Joseph Kony's whereabouts are still unknown and his approval of the peace process will finalize or delay peace for Uganda. Either way peace will come to the people of Uganda because in the words of a former roadie..."LOVE WINS". To think that history is changing in front of our very eyes and millions of lives are being saved because of the efforts of the youth of America. I could not be prouder to be a part of this organization at this very moment. Of course once peace comes to Uganda there is still so much that must be done, and we will continue to work hard to ensure justice and safety to the people of northern Uganda.

.....to those that smirk at the thought of world peace or idealisism amongst the youth....LOVE WINS.

To read up more on the current situation with the peace talks in Juba go to http://www.resolveuganda.org/

one month later...

we are two weeks into being on the road and I have failed at keeping up with this blog. Things are going really well so far, we have been through several cities in Oklahoma, St. Louis and are now in Warrensburg Missouri. We are currently snowed/iced in at our friends apartment and are trying to think of creative ways to get people to come out to our screening tonight. Our screenings have ranged in size from 12 people to 450 people and always contain really incredible people.

Everyone on the team is doing well, David is finally getting over his nagging cold, Sean is consistent with his ridiculousness and Andi is amazing as always. Just wanted to post something quick letting everyone know that I'm alive and well, I promise to write something meaningful soon.

...BUT until then here are some pictures to entertain you. The first few are our team photos which we decided to pose in full costume, and yes the family roles are representative of our roles on the team and I apologize if anyone is offended by Sean's white legs.