Break Down
It happened.
The inevitable.
One of our bikes broke down and it happened to be mine.
My lady Violet died two days ago and I had to turn back with Blake (Violet in a rented truck) to Kampala to try and fix her. The damage is beyond fixable at this point (it would take a month to fix her up), so I'm currently looking at another bike to rent/buy for the trip. It's looking promising, but in Uganda you never know how long things will take
The morning I left Gulu for the trip. All packed up and ready to go.
Really hoping to be on the road again within the next day or so. Check out some photos below of our trip so far.
Almost forgot. Our team of 4 split in 2. John and Eric moved onto Mombasa, Kenya. While Blake and I came back to Kampala to try and get me back up and running. Please pray for their safety as they travel dangerous roads to the coast of Kenya.
Nothing but love. Enjoy the photos.
All of us in Kampala the morning of our departure.
Violet broke down 2 hours outside of Kampala (Jinja). This is her stripped down, her heart gave up on me. Henry (right) helped Blake and I pull her apart.
The four of us just before we parted ways. John and Eric headed to Mombasa, while Blake and I turned back to Kampala to look for another bike (RIP Violet). From left to right - John Niemeyer, Eric Kreutter, Me and Blake Gaskill.
Bike
This is my beautiful lady Violet. She'll be taking me all across East/Central Africa on an unforgettable journey with my good buddies John, Blake and Eric (they have their own ladies to ride for the trip).
Gear
All my gear for the trip across East/Central Africa. Notice the amount of protective gear;) (that ones for you mom)
Glimpse
Hey friends and family!
Six months?
Is that even possible?
I’ve already been back in Uganda for just over half a year and contemplating on the events that have taken place since I arrived gives me a headache. I can’t remember everything, but…
Here is a glimpse.
3rd Annual Gulu Costume Party
For the past two years, the Invisible Children International Staff has hosted an annual "Costume Party" to celebrate Halloween in Gulu, Uganda and this year we decided to recognize the tradition by throwing the best - all inclusive - costume party Uganda has ever seen. This year was by far the best "Costume Party" any of us have seen, with over 100 attendees.
The night included a lot of dancing, drinks, sweat and crazy costumes. Best costume went to my friend Eric who dressed up as a Native American to be part of the iconic music group...The Village People. Enjoy.
Roadies in Uganda
Invisible Children Roadies loving their trip to Uganda before touring the US and advocating for the rebuilding of schools in northern Uganda. Visit here to learn more and help northern Uganda recover from 23 years of war.
From Seed to Sow
An Invisible Children Cotton Initiative staff member wearing an IC t-shirt that will eventually be made with the certified organic cotton surrounding him. In the background, 12 IC Roadies listen closely as the organic cotton "from seed to sow" process is explained by IC's Agronomist, John Tembo (my former housemate in Uganda who's originally from Zimbabwe).
IC's Agronomist, John Tembo, explaining the "from seed to sow" process of cotton to the IC roadies. Directly to the right of John is the General Manager of a t-shirt factory in Kampala called Fenix and to his left is a organic cotton t-shirt buyer from Japan.
Students
This photo is of the first 100 students that were awarded scholarships back in 2005. I just found it on my computer and can't believe how much has changed since then (I no longer rock the beard). We're currently supporting 590 students in high school and 180 in university. It's been exactly four years since this photo was taken.
Community Change
It’s often been said that the word “community” is over used and border line cliché. However, “community” in action is powerful and life changing for all who contribute.
“Jesus did not write a book but formed a community.” – Lesslie Newbigin
Community, it’s a word that encompasses a vast and vibrant array of cultures, languages, people groups and lifestyles, but unless the spirit of the word is lived out than it’s just that…a word. Some call the world a global community and Jesus called his disciples to gather a mixed multitude in His name for the sake of others.
Individualism counters what Christ came to declare. I’m not saying that having alone time or quiet time is anti-Christ or that having personal goals is wrong. What I am saying is that in order to be a part of Christ’s kingdom we can’t work tirelessly to provide and accumulate for ourselves, but instead for the good and wellbeing of others.
A community is a group of people in pursuit of a common purpose.
Our creator is a relational God that lives in community with himself (Father, Son & Holy Spirit). He’s a triune being that created us in the same image. We were created to be in relationship with one another and with our creator. In fact, the same relational God took on human flesh to have community with his creation (His children) and fulfill the truth…reconciled back into relationship with God and His people.
- "To whom much is given, much is to be expected."
- Keeping my friend @marcusprice company while he charges his phone in his car. No power in his apartment.
- Jeffrey Sach's Millennium Villages are doing something right, so it seems - http://nyti.ms/ccBX1Q
