Breathe In, Breathe Out

“Sound character provides the power with which a person may ride the emergencies of life instead of being overwhelmed by them."

- Og Mandino

Well, I guess I am still working on building sound character, because this day/week/month/internship got to a really overwhelming point today. Let me rewind...

Last week, we got to go to a T.I. concert for free...it was amazing...I got down...a screening at Hendrix College in Arkansas was so powerful that I actually broke down and cried...I was on stage...that night, we stayed in the "Eco House"...ask me about the love temple there...we met new friends in Springfield, Missouri...Beebs, Tamra, Carrie, Sophia, JonkaTonks, Ali, and Pipkin...I miss you all dearly...seriously, I want to come back to you right now...after watching an episode of the Amazing Race, Heather wants to apply with Paige...we thought we were going to have to sleep in the van and instead, we ended up staying in a haunted mansion...I witnessed Heather chase her hot pink panties through a gas station parking lot in Wichita, Kansas, after a strong gust of wind carried them out of her suitcase.

In between all of this amazing-ness, we have dealt with a bipolar GPS system, had our hair cut at a Paul Mitchell school (I'm in love with my new euro-hawk), and learned that after every frustration passes, there is usually laughter and closeness.

Also my friends have been there for me right when I needed them. For whatever reason, today has been VERY rough for me. You know those days where you sleep ten minutes too late and it feels like it just makes everything a little harder? Today is one of those days. Then, we pulled into this Panera to steal free Wi-Fi and my good friend, Chelsea Smith (fireconversations.blogspot.com), posted a ridiculously generous blog about me. I am not even sure how to respond to something so kind and needed because my mind is very scattered right now, but it meant more to me than she likely realizes and I needed it RIGHT when I read it.

To my friends and family at home, I do miss you all so much and I am learning to appreciate every second that I have spent with you and every tick/habit/mannerism that may have ever bothered me previously. You're all amazing and I truly can't wait to spend time with you each upon my return in May.

Also, I am taken back by the kindness, grace, and patience shown to me by the three people I currently share a very messy van with. To think that two months ago, we were complete strangers is the strangest thought ever. The little things they do to take care of me and let me know they understand make all the difference. From Heather buying me coffee when I'm tired to Tessa laughing and telling me to take some Kelly Clarkson time for myself to Andre letting me sleep in a bed and taking the floor, these people are the definition of community and of servanthood and of greatness and I am humbled to know them.

I hope you all can take a bit of time to watch the movie we are touring. It is online for free and it has changed my life completely. Visit therescue.invisiblechildren.com and watch the movie. Sign up for the event. Find a screening near you and go to it. Nashville people, you all BETTER go to the screening at Christ Church in April. I will post more details about that later.

Love, coffee, and Kelly Clarkson to you all.

Brandon