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.
The Defenders
Recently some of my friends in Uganda and I started a group called “The Defenders”. Our group exists to defend the way of Jesus and help carry each others burdens. We are seeking out like-minded friends with whom we can make this journey of life together. A band of friends that reinforce the work of God in each others lives and motivate each other to care for the other.
We commit to God, each other, and ourselves to be examples of Christ wherever we go.
We will strive to love Jesus with all we are, continually learning to love him more each day and allowing Him to transform our hearts, attitudes, spirits and minds.
We will defend our Lord, not with our words but with our actions towards ourselves, each other and those around us.
We will defend each other with grace and truth; loving each other and confronting our struggles with prayer and accountability.
We will defend our personal faith not with haste and idle talk but with humility, being slow to speak and quick to listen.
We are The Defenders and we love Jesus because He first loved us. We defend Him now because he defends us always.