The staff here at Invisible Children held a mock screening for us tonight to show us how it will be done when we go on the road and it got me so amped to get out there and start! On one hand, this training/booking/bonding with 50 other people experience is perfect in every way. On the other hand, however, I can't wait to get out there and get a high school/college/church/anywhere pumped and excited for a war going on in a country they have most likely never been to. We will be showing new media that we haven't even seen before, but I have total trust and faith in these filmmakers...which leads me to their media.
If you have ever seen any of Invisible Children's movies or video podcasts, you already know the insane standard of excellence they keep themselves to. And if you haven't...what are you waiting for?!? Go now to invisiblechildren.com. Go to the Media section and watch every video you can. If you have never seen The Rough Cut, GO, or any of the bracelet movies, you are seriously missing out. I would not hesitate to say that purchasing any of them is a completely worthy investment. Besides seeing an amazing, life-changing film, you will also be supporting a cause greater than any I have supported before. It is a cause rooted in love, humility, action, big ideas, creativity, and wise choices. And no, I have not been drinking any kool-aid. I came to these realizations all by myself.
I also want to take a moment and thank anyone who has supported me thus far in any way. I have already experienced major life change here and I know there is immeasurably more to come. If there are any of you who have never actually checked out Invisible Children, I encourage you to do so. It is truly an incredible organization that I am so proud to be a part of. I love and miss you all. I think of you every day when I am tired or need strength, because it is an EXHAUSTING process. Some of the things they ask seem impossible, but you would be surprised what you can accomplish with resolve, hard work, and a bit of favor.
Keep Your Eyes Open,
Brandon
1.27.2009
1.24.2009
The Rescue
Hello family and friends!
I apologize for the lack of updates this week. You have no idea how crazy this week has been. Still amazing and still exhausting. I had been getting discouraged this week because of some stuff at work that I'm not sure if I can share yet, but yesterday, all of my fears and worries were eradicated. Our national event is going to be called "The Rescue". It will happen on April 25th and even though I can't say much about the details yet, it is going to be an amazing, life-changing experience. The staff here at Invisible Children are some of the most incredible people I have ever had the honor of knowing. They are excellent at all they do and they are selfless, humble, hysterically funny, completely loving examples of who I want to be someday.
I have been learning a lot about myself in these past two weeks. And, my goodness, it seems so much longer than that. I have learned that I can do more than I initially think i can if I focus and give all that I have. I have begun to learn the art of being selfless. You don't really have a choice when living with 50 people and I don't always get it right but I'm learning. I have learned that I'm a fairly good judge of character. I can kind of "get" people within a few minutes of meeting them. I am also learning things that are not so fun. I can talk too much and sometimes, silence is better. I can be a lot for some people to handle and I have to read situations to know when to pull back. Also, when I am pushed to the edge of myself, I tend to want to vent to other people, when I should take inner inventory first.
All of this is part of the messy, beautiful process that I am going through. I am still terrified of certain aspects of this tour, but I know I am supposed to be here and I know that I am not one of those people who sits there and watches life go by. I am alive. I am invested in the greater good of humanity. I am not remotely close to perfect but I am doing my best with what I have been given.
With Hope,
Brandon
I apologize for the lack of updates this week. You have no idea how crazy this week has been. Still amazing and still exhausting. I had been getting discouraged this week because of some stuff at work that I'm not sure if I can share yet, but yesterday, all of my fears and worries were eradicated. Our national event is going to be called "The Rescue". It will happen on April 25th and even though I can't say much about the details yet, it is going to be an amazing, life-changing experience. The staff here at Invisible Children are some of the most incredible people I have ever had the honor of knowing. They are excellent at all they do and they are selfless, humble, hysterically funny, completely loving examples of who I want to be someday.
I have been learning a lot about myself in these past two weeks. And, my goodness, it seems so much longer than that. I have learned that I can do more than I initially think i can if I focus and give all that I have. I have begun to learn the art of being selfless. You don't really have a choice when living with 50 people and I don't always get it right but I'm learning. I have learned that I'm a fairly good judge of character. I can kind of "get" people within a few minutes of meeting them. I am also learning things that are not so fun. I can talk too much and sometimes, silence is better. I can be a lot for some people to handle and I have to read situations to know when to pull back. Also, when I am pushed to the edge of myself, I tend to want to vent to other people, when I should take inner inventory first.
All of this is part of the messy, beautiful process that I am going through. I am still terrified of certain aspects of this tour, but I know I am supposed to be here and I know that I am not one of those people who sits there and watches life go by. I am alive. I am invested in the greater good of humanity. I am not remotely close to perfect but I am doing my best with what I have been given.
With Hope,
Brandon
1.17.2009
Of Burritos and Beaches
Well, it finally happened. I guess it had to. After a week of non-stop, intense, soul-searching work, we were let out early yesterday and given the rest of our Friday and all day today (Saturday) to do whatever we want. They also gave us a fun option if we chose it...a photo scavenger hunt (pictures below). We chose it. So, me and fourteen of my new closest friends loaded up in an Invisible Children for the adventure of a lifetime...
First, we drove downtwon to Urban Outfitters to take some pics for the scavenger hunt. We were so hipster, it was disgusting. Then, we drove past the most beautiful stretch of beach I have ever seen. When we actually pulled over to the beach, it was ridiculous. The sun was setting. We took amazing pictures. It was flawless.
Next, we headed to a little burrito dive to try California Burritos. For those unaware, these carbacious delicacies consist of a tortilla filled with carne asada, cheese, either salsa or sour cream, and...french fries. Don't judge it. Don't wonder. Just taste it. It is amazing. I died. Twice. We ate them on a pier looking at the ocean...and Clara accosted a statue...and got stuck.
As we loaded up in the van, a homeless woman on her bicycle heard us being loud and silly and joined us in a rendition of "I Believe I Can Fly". She was straight worshipping. As silly as we were, she was actually touched by us somehow. Of course, we took care of her and wished her well. Then, the dancing began. I'm not sure what kind of audio crack Beyonce puts into her songs, but even the hippest hipsters simply cannot resist shaking everything they've got when "Single Ladies" comes blasting through the speakers. Our dance party lasted a good 30 minutes. Mostly Beyonce and Britney.
Then, about eight of us went to a little place called OldTown. It is very hard to describe. But, it's kind of like an old Western town in the middle of San Diego. We had tacos and margaritas and fun. I rode a trolley. John thinks I'm psychic.
In the middle of all of this, there was more music, unheard of amounts of laughter, an awkward port-a-potty incident, an almost-ticket, an almost-hole in the top of our van, and of course, more food.
I am learning how to live well. I have always known and I have practiced this many times before, but never so much in such a short span of time. It is beautiful and exhausting. These people are already so close to me and I to them and it has not even been a full week. I am so excited for what the future holds but ready to embrace another full day. We are planning to shop, go to the beach, cook, and watch movies. Who knows if all of that will actually happen? I don't actually care because I know we will be alive. Completely alive.
With Hope,
Brandon
Most Unsuspecting Stranger:
Most Active Participants in a Pic:
Most Margie-like (I can't wait to try to explain Margie to you all):
Most IC #2 (painfully hipster):
Most Epic #1:
Most Epic #2:
Most Awkward #1 (nobody at our screening):
Every War Has An End...sorry Underworld.
First, we drove downtwon to Urban Outfitters to take some pics for the scavenger hunt. We were so hipster, it was disgusting. Then, we drove past the most beautiful stretch of beach I have ever seen. When we actually pulled over to the beach, it was ridiculous. The sun was setting. We took amazing pictures. It was flawless.
Next, we headed to a little burrito dive to try California Burritos. For those unaware, these carbacious delicacies consist of a tortilla filled with carne asada, cheese, either salsa or sour cream, and...french fries. Don't judge it. Don't wonder. Just taste it. It is amazing. I died. Twice. We ate them on a pier looking at the ocean...and Clara accosted a statue...and got stuck.
As we loaded up in the van, a homeless woman on her bicycle heard us being loud and silly and joined us in a rendition of "I Believe I Can Fly". She was straight worshipping. As silly as we were, she was actually touched by us somehow. Of course, we took care of her and wished her well. Then, the dancing began. I'm not sure what kind of audio crack Beyonce puts into her songs, but even the hippest hipsters simply cannot resist shaking everything they've got when "Single Ladies" comes blasting through the speakers. Our dance party lasted a good 30 minutes. Mostly Beyonce and Britney.
Then, about eight of us went to a little place called OldTown. It is very hard to describe. But, it's kind of like an old Western town in the middle of San Diego. We had tacos and margaritas and fun. I rode a trolley. John thinks I'm psychic.
In the middle of all of this, there was more music, unheard of amounts of laughter, an awkward port-a-potty incident, an almost-ticket, an almost-hole in the top of our van, and of course, more food.
I am learning how to live well. I have always known and I have practiced this many times before, but never so much in such a short span of time. It is beautiful and exhausting. These people are already so close to me and I to them and it has not even been a full week. I am so excited for what the future holds but ready to embrace another full day. We are planning to shop, go to the beach, cook, and watch movies. Who knows if all of that will actually happen? I don't actually care because I know we will be alive. Completely alive.
With Hope,
Brandon
Most Unsuspecting Stranger:
Most San Diego #1:
Most San Diego #2:
Most Active Participants in a Pic:
Most Margie-like (I can't wait to try to explain Margie to you all):
Most IC #1:
Most IC #2 (painfully hipster):
Most Epic #1:
Most Epic #2:
Most Awkward #1 (nobody at our screening):
Most Awkward #2:
Every War Has An End...sorry Underworld.
1.14.2009
How Your Support Is Helping To Change The World
Hey friends and family,
Day 3 of my journey and I am even more tired, if that's possible. But, I have also never been so refreshed or felt so alive. It is amazing how powerfully God sustains you when you are exactly where He wants you...and I have no doubts I am there now.
I just wanted to take a moment to share with you some statistics and stories of how the support you are giving me through both money and prayers is going towards bringing about true life change all over this country and the world.
1. IC supports over 1,000 people regularly with finances, education, and job training/employment. Each of those 1,000 has an average family of 7 (!) so that makes over 7,000 people who are affected. In addition, our Schools for Schools program affects more than 8,000 students in Uganda, offering them quality education and more. That is over 15,000 people affected directly!!! That is not even counting the people we will never know about when these people become public officials, teachers, parents, and more.
2. The part that no one talks about though is actually my favorite part. This organization has screened the movie almost 5,400 times. The average attendance of one of those screenings is in the hundreds, so that is over 500,000 young people, here in America, who have experienced our life-changing media. They have been exposed to the truth that there is so much injustics going on in the world around us, but they can do something about it. Some of you who are older may or may not realize that this generation has become more and more politically, socially, and environmentally aware. I truly believe with all of my heart that IC has had a huge part. If each of those 500,000 has 10 friends that they share the message with, that is 5,000,000 young people who realize, through the power of media and storytelling, that they can utilize their passions, love, and creativity to become excited about sacrifice and giving to something bigger than themselves. That excites me beyond comprehension!
I just wanted to let you know briefly some of the ways you are affecting world change. I hope you are proud and I hope this inspires you in some small way to work a little harder today to choose to love and repel the darkness in the world.
Oh, and by the way, do yourself a huge favor and YouTube Kelly Clarkson's new single, "My Life Would Suck Without You". It is the bounciest, most energetic, perfect little pop song I have heard since, well, "Since U Been Gone".
I love and miss you all and if I don't answer a phone call or text, it is because I am in the middle of training and I can't answer during a session. They go all day and all night, but I am doing my best.
With Hope,
Brandon
Day 3 of my journey and I am even more tired, if that's possible. But, I have also never been so refreshed or felt so alive. It is amazing how powerfully God sustains you when you are exactly where He wants you...and I have no doubts I am there now.
I just wanted to take a moment to share with you some statistics and stories of how the support you are giving me through both money and prayers is going towards bringing about true life change all over this country and the world.
1. IC supports over 1,000 people regularly with finances, education, and job training/employment. Each of those 1,000 has an average family of 7 (!) so that makes over 7,000 people who are affected. In addition, our Schools for Schools program affects more than 8,000 students in Uganda, offering them quality education and more. That is over 15,000 people affected directly!!! That is not even counting the people we will never know about when these people become public officials, teachers, parents, and more.
2. The part that no one talks about though is actually my favorite part. This organization has screened the movie almost 5,400 times. The average attendance of one of those screenings is in the hundreds, so that is over 500,000 young people, here in America, who have experienced our life-changing media. They have been exposed to the truth that there is so much injustics going on in the world around us, but they can do something about it. Some of you who are older may or may not realize that this generation has become more and more politically, socially, and environmentally aware. I truly believe with all of my heart that IC has had a huge part. If each of those 500,000 has 10 friends that they share the message with, that is 5,000,000 young people who realize, through the power of media and storytelling, that they can utilize their passions, love, and creativity to become excited about sacrifice and giving to something bigger than themselves. That excites me beyond comprehension!
I just wanted to let you know briefly some of the ways you are affecting world change. I hope you are proud and I hope this inspires you in some small way to work a little harder today to choose to love and repel the darkness in the world.
Oh, and by the way, do yourself a huge favor and YouTube Kelly Clarkson's new single, "My Life Would Suck Without You". It is the bounciest, most energetic, perfect little pop song I have heard since, well, "Since U Been Gone".
I love and miss you all and if I don't answer a phone call or text, it is because I am in the middle of training and I can't answer during a session. They go all day and all night, but I am doing my best.
With Hope,
Brandon
1.12.2009
A Day Well-Lived
I am not quite sure how to compact this day into one blog post but I sure will try.
First of all, I cannot express enough gratitude to all of you who gave me financial support and are still giving me support through your prayers. I know after only one day that this is where I belong for this chapter in my life and that it is going to be a life-altering experience.
As soon as I got off of the plane, I was greeted by two IC staff members with posters and balloons. We waited for three more roadies and headed to the roadie house. I can't wait to post pictures of the house. It is so much fun! There are couches everywhere, a projection screen to watch movies on, bunkbeds galore, and three refrigerators. We went right into a staff metting before I even unloaded my luggage from the van.
As soon as the meeting ended, we headed to downtown La Jolla (La Hoya is how it is pronounced). :) We ate dinner at an amazing restaurant called Jose's. The view of the ocean from there was literally breathtaking as the sun set. Next, we were surprised and taken to the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. It was so amazing. They then escorted us into theater inside the museum where the filmmakers who made the original IC film spoke to us. They brought with them the first ever student who went through IC's entire scholarship program. She is now in her freshmen year at college in America. They then showed us an amazing documentary called "Man On Wire" about a man who walked a tightrope across the twin towers. Its connections to IC make sense when you watch it. They then told us that we were about to embark on a nearly impossible journey, as this is going to be the most intense, biggest tour ever. They are creating a new film now that we will see only a week before we tour it!
My return to the roadie house included two trips to the grocery store and back (long story, but I certainly got in my exercise for the day, as we live on a very high, winding hill).
I have, without doubt, never been so exhausted, but I don't think I have ever lived so much life in one day. In between all of these major events were lots more of the little things that make life fun for me. Paris & Nicole quotes, Fugees karaoke in a van with no air conditioning (have I mentioned it was 79 degrees today?), my reunion with John Shults and Jedidiah Jenkins, a "Single Ladies" dance-off, and a discussion of why Britney Spears is great. I will undoubtedly work harder and get less sleep in these next four and a half months than any other time in my life, but I will also live more than ever. I miss all of you terribly already, but I am doing well and making friends that I will have for life.
With Hope,
Brandon
First of all, I cannot express enough gratitude to all of you who gave me financial support and are still giving me support through your prayers. I know after only one day that this is where I belong for this chapter in my life and that it is going to be a life-altering experience.
As soon as I got off of the plane, I was greeted by two IC staff members with posters and balloons. We waited for three more roadies and headed to the roadie house. I can't wait to post pictures of the house. It is so much fun! There are couches everywhere, a projection screen to watch movies on, bunkbeds galore, and three refrigerators. We went right into a staff metting before I even unloaded my luggage from the van.
As soon as the meeting ended, we headed to downtown La Jolla (La Hoya is how it is pronounced). :) We ate dinner at an amazing restaurant called Jose's. The view of the ocean from there was literally breathtaking as the sun set. Next, we were surprised and taken to the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. It was so amazing. They then escorted us into theater inside the museum where the filmmakers who made the original IC film spoke to us. They brought with them the first ever student who went through IC's entire scholarship program. She is now in her freshmen year at college in America. They then showed us an amazing documentary called "Man On Wire" about a man who walked a tightrope across the twin towers. Its connections to IC make sense when you watch it. They then told us that we were about to embark on a nearly impossible journey, as this is going to be the most intense, biggest tour ever. They are creating a new film now that we will see only a week before we tour it!
My return to the roadie house included two trips to the grocery store and back (long story, but I certainly got in my exercise for the day, as we live on a very high, winding hill).
I have, without doubt, never been so exhausted, but I don't think I have ever lived so much life in one day. In between all of these major events were lots more of the little things that make life fun for me. Paris & Nicole quotes, Fugees karaoke in a van with no air conditioning (have I mentioned it was 79 degrees today?), my reunion with John Shults and Jedidiah Jenkins, a "Single Ladies" dance-off, and a discussion of why Britney Spears is great. I will undoubtedly work harder and get less sleep in these next four and a half months than any other time in my life, but I will also live more than ever. I miss all of you terribly already, but I am doing well and making friends that I will have for life.
With Hope,
Brandon
1.05.2009
One Week...
In exactly seven days, I will leave behind everything I have ever known to go live in a house with 50 people in San Diego. No, Anna, I did not make it past the initial audition round for The Real World. Instead, my journey with Invisible Children will begin with 49 other people who are equally nervous/terrified/excited to start changing the world. It doesn't seem real that it is almost here. I have been thinking about it and analyzing it for months now, and it's almost here.
A few days ago, the New Year began. 2009 will be fresh and new. A chance to start over. Some people love this idea. Some hate it. I am of the first camp. I don't want to erase the past year. It was a good one, after all. I graduated from college. I worked at a great organization for a few months. I ran a camp with Anna and Chelsea. I went on a random, spur-of-the-moment beach vacation with Ashleigh, Britni, and C Gallowa. I went to Disney World with my best friends. I experienced my closest friend get married on the beach. I got accepted by Invisible Children as a roadie. I turned 23. Yikes!
In 2009, I definitely have some goals and some ideas of how I would like things to go. I want this next five months with IC to be a time of change, openness, honesty with myself, and eye-opening clarity. I would love for this opportunity to make way for another opporunity of world-changing, but also bill-paying employment. I would love if nothing earth-shattering happened at home while I'm gone. You know, no deaths, engagements, or anything major.
But, I know that life, for whatever reason, never does exactly what you wish. Alanis was not kidding when she said it sneaks up on you. Some of the things that happened in 2008 truly came out of nowhere. I was blindsighted. They made me hurt. However, some of the sneakiness was amazing. I didn't expect some of the awesome things that happened. I guess that is what life boils down to. After all your plans and hopes, there are somethings you just can't control. There is death and life. Happiness and heartache. Random beach trips and random hospital trips. All I can really hope for 2009 is to be strong enough and present enough to handle or soak up the bad and the good.
Happy New Year.
With Hope,
Brandon
A few days ago, the New Year began. 2009 will be fresh and new. A chance to start over. Some people love this idea. Some hate it. I am of the first camp. I don't want to erase the past year. It was a good one, after all. I graduated from college. I worked at a great organization for a few months. I ran a camp with Anna and Chelsea. I went on a random, spur-of-the-moment beach vacation with Ashleigh, Britni, and C Gallowa. I went to Disney World with my best friends. I experienced my closest friend get married on the beach. I got accepted by Invisible Children as a roadie. I turned 23. Yikes!
In 2009, I definitely have some goals and some ideas of how I would like things to go. I want this next five months with IC to be a time of change, openness, honesty with myself, and eye-opening clarity. I would love for this opportunity to make way for another opporunity of world-changing, but also bill-paying employment. I would love if nothing earth-shattering happened at home while I'm gone. You know, no deaths, engagements, or anything major.
But, I know that life, for whatever reason, never does exactly what you wish. Alanis was not kidding when she said it sneaks up on you. Some of the things that happened in 2008 truly came out of nowhere. I was blindsighted. They made me hurt. However, some of the sneakiness was amazing. I didn't expect some of the awesome things that happened. I guess that is what life boils down to. After all your plans and hopes, there are somethings you just can't control. There is death and life. Happiness and heartache. Random beach trips and random hospital trips. All I can really hope for 2009 is to be strong enough and present enough to handle or soak up the bad and the good.
Happy New Year.
With Hope,
Brandon
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