Coming Home

It has been a while since I have updated. Oops! I swear, I have a legitimate excuse. You see, I have been enjoying life! Oh, that's not good enough? Well, anyway...

Since we last met, I returned to San Diego for a lovely week of debriefing, beaching, partying, and horrendous goodbyes. Seriously, the bond between roadies is the strangest, strongest, most wonderful bond ever. I also came home. I wasn't sure what it would feel like to be back. I knew I wanted to get in my big, comfy bed. And I knew I couldn't wait to see family and friends who I had not seen in months. But, to be honest, I was a bit nervous. I was nervous that life had taken place, people had changed, and things were different. And they were. Kind of.

In many ways, lots of things happened at home while I was away. Relationships began and ended. New life was created. Some people passed on into their next life. Life has a tendency to happen at all times. But in some ways, nothing had changed. My friends still loved me and wanted to hear about what I had just done. My family was happy for me to be home. My dog still recognized me. It was a strange place to find myself in. But, I didn't mind at all. I still don't.

I am luckier than many people because I fell like I am exactly where I am supposed to be and this is the first time I have been able to say that with full confidence. I'm pretty sure that I will eventually end up in Nashville. When I am ready to settle down, I want it to be here. But for now, I am free to wander. Free to explore. Free to live. This is a strange and beautiful freedom. It is given, not earned. So, I am going to take it and run until I am positive that it has ended. Then, I'll probably run just a little bit longer.

Scientifically, the main keys to happiness are feeling loved and feeling like your life has meaning and purpose. Others say happiness is a choice. I suppose in all regards, I am happy. Life is definitely not easy. It is far from perfect. But I am happy. And that feels like home.

How Did This Happen?

Soooo...the last time I updated was the night before The Rescue.  So much has happened in the past two weeks that I have no clue how to condense it all, but I will sure try.  Buckle up cause it will be a long and bumpy ride, but I will reward you with hugs if you make it all the way to the end, read the whole thing, and leave me a comment.  :)

It all started at the phenomenal St. Paul Rescue event.  Big ups to Lindsay, Jenny, Erica, and the rest of the fantastic street team for the event.  It would NOT have been as successful without you fine people.  We arrived to set up for the event of a lifetime only to find that there was already an event on the capitol lawn until 2:00 pm.  Our event began at 3:00.  However, impossible is not a word in the vocabulary of Invisible Children and our superhuman volunteers pulled it off flawlessly.  The march was awe-inspiring and we definitely caught the attention of the city and its media outlets.  We were rescued 7 times by the Governor of Minnesota and 6 state reps.  It was one of the coolest moments of my life.  

Upon being rescued, Tessa, myself, and a crew of unbelievable Rescue Riders headed out to Chicago to wait with them to be rescued.  But a funny thing happened while we were there.  Every city around the world was being rescued...except for Chicago.  The team there was so insanely amazing, there should be books written about them.  Nelly, Austin, Sabrina, Domonique, Johannes, Claire, Tessa, and myself held down the fort until reinforcements arrived.  We found new shelter every night for hundreds of technically homeless Rescue Riders, provided food for them, shuttled them around the city, and found new places to wait when asked to leave by the Police.

Once more IC staff and Rescue Riders began to arrive, the fun really began.  Spirits rose, dance parties ensued, nobody slept.  However, the glaring fact stared us in the face every few minutes that we were still not rescued and we were really not leaving until that happened.  Once the filmmakers arrived, we decided that we would not settle for anyone except the Big O's...Oprah and the Obamas.  It sounded cool.  How epic would it be for the situation in Africa if someone that powerful addressed the situation?  The logistics of getting that done, however, were a bit of a nightmare.  

On Day 6, discouragement began to creep into the ranks.  We were wet, cold, beyond exhausted, and still waiting with very few leads to getting rescued.  So, naturally, we decided we had to sing and dance.  We choreographed a song and dance routine asking Oprah to come rescue us and performed it outside of her studios many times in a row (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MC0hBf6wtI&feature=related).  It was amazing that growing up in church choirs could help prepare me for helping orchestrate this. 

We performed it and it was amazing, but nothing happened.  We went back to the church and tried to think of a plan.  On the way back, a few of us stopped to eat at a Mexican restaurant and there was a small television on.  A commercial came on talking about Oprah's live taping the next morning.  We went immediately to Laren and told him what we saw.  The filmmakers and some staff members immediately went to work devising a plan and they came up with a doozy.  At about midnight, they announced that we would leave in 2 hours to go surround Oprah's studio quietly and peacefully.  We would hold up peace signs and make signs, saying "Oprah, we've met before.  We're Invisible Children.  Can we have 5 minutes?"  To my surprise, every person in the building erupted with applause, even though they were told they would be getting less than 2 hours of sleep.  The attitude and humility exhibited by these people was truly awe-inspring...and a little creepy.

So, we gathered in vans and shuttled down to the studio.  We stood for a few hours, wondering if each passing limo was Oprah.  We saw lots of limos, by the way.  What's up Chicago?  Share the wealth!  Eventually, there was a stir on one side of the building because Oprah's bff Gayle, arrived, wondering what exactly we were doing.  We explained and she seemed extremely impressed.  She said she would make sure Oprah saw us (really, she couldn't miss us) and then promptly returned with cupcakes.  Thank you, Gayle.  You're a good one.

Then, a few minutes later, the one and only Oprah arrived.  She slowed a bit, saw the signs and entered the garage.  We didn't cause a scene because we wanted to respect her and her influence.  While all of this was happening, one of our board members was invited inside by a security guard he had befriended earlier.  Basically, he was told that Oprah and her producers were interested.  After a few more minutes, she came out herself in her bright orange jumpsuit (girl, work!) and invited the filmmakers in.  They were escorted to a board room and within moments, Oprah Winfrey had cut the first segment of her show and dedicated ten minutes to Invisible Children and the Rescue.

The rest was like a dream.  We stood there as Oprah said "Everyone within the sound of my voice, go to invisiblechildren.com."  Most of the roadies were weeping.  I still cannot believe that because of persistence, willingness to dream, creativity, and hard work, we got one of the most powerful people on earth to dedicate her time and resources to this amazing cause.  Here is the clip of our segment (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2jFISVUXxc&feature=related).

This is absolutely the most incredible thing I have ever been a part of in my short life.  Our website crashed 5 minutes after this segment because so many people visited the website.  This is only the beginning.  This organization is exploding right now and the exciting thing about that is that it means awareness is finally being raised to the atrocities being committed against innocent people.  This war WILL end and I will get to say that I was a part of it.  Lobby Days is next in June and I will be there, ready to keep fighting.

After we were rescued, we all drove back to San Diego.  I got to spend a couple of amazing days with my team as we drive back.  They are truly three of my favorite people on the planet and it is going to be so strange not living in a van with them anymore.  As all of the other teams arrived, we began a week of work and debriefing.  We went to a Padres game, had a day at the beach, a bonfire, two massive parties, and shared laughs, tears, stories, and life lessons.

I have never encountered people like this and I am so excited to continue to work for this organization this summer.  It will be more hard work, but it is so worth it.  I have learned so much from this experience.  I could never type it all out.  God has been so gracious to me in these unique circumstances and has taught me remarkable things about acting out the love that I profess, even when I don't feel like it.  He taught me how to extend grace to others and receive it as well.  I have made friends for life and I have lived fully.

As this chapter ends, I am so looking forward to a few weeks of rest with family and friends to recharge for the 2-month summer tour.  I hope this is not a peak in my life, but only the beginning of great things; not so I will be known as great, but so that I can continue to strive towards the ultimate purpose of loving every single person with whom I come in contact.  The mission to spread light to a darkening world is difficult and not glamorous, but it is the only thing I feel equipped for and the only thing I want to do.

A wise man named Dr. Seuss once said, "Don't cry because it's over.  Smile because it happened."  Another wise man named Henry David Thoreau said, "Nothing makes the earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes."

I think they are both right.  I will forever smile when I think about this experience and the friends I have spanning the globe, all trying their best to fight darkness with the light of decency, love, and justice.

With Hope,

Brandon

The End of a Chapter

I am sitting on a couch in Minnesota, eating dinner and finishing last minute preparations for what will inevitably be one of the biggest days of my life.  Tomorrow is The Rescue.  I will wake up in the morning and head to our site, set up a bunch of tables and tents and equipment and wait with thousands of others who have abducted themselves to be rescued.  Then, I will set out to be a Rescue Rider and wait with other cities to be rescued until every single city has been rescued.

The massive nature of this event is just now kind of hitting me...but not really.  I firmly believe with all of my heart that this event could be the catalyst to finally ending the longest-running war in Africa.  I believe that the impact of tens of thousands of people uniting all around the world for peace and justice will have a massive ripple effect on the world for generations to come.  And I get to be a part of this.  I am honored and humbled and overwhelmed.  

To think that this journey is drawing to a close is a strange sensation.  It is all I have known for the past four months.  I have completely devoted my entire life to this cause...and now it is nearing its end.  I have met so many incredible people that I could never do justice in trying to explain.  They have motivated, inspired, encouraged, refreshed, challenged, and most importantly, loved me, even though I was a stranger.  That kind of experience occurred over and over again in every new city.  And we went to a lot of cities!  What a beautiful chapter in the history of my life.

I have also become closer than I thought humanly possible to the three beautiful people I shared a van with.  Heather, Andre, and Tessa are and will forever be a part of my dysfunctional Middle America family.  I owe these three people more than I could ever give to them.  I cannot imagine how different life will be not spending 24 hours a day with them.  We'll see, I guess.

As this event is upon us, there are incredible hurdles being thrown our way.  Team Mexico is dealing with forces so much greater than us.  There is an epidemic of a form of flu that is killing people and all of Mexico City is being evacuated.  Needless to say, the Mexico City event has been cancelled.  Please keep them in your prayers.  Smaller things that still have major impact are also popping up, as they tend to do with events like these.  We all need your prayers and positive thoughts more than ever before.  This event is bigger than a nonprofit.  It is bigger than charity.  It is about the fact that if even one person is being enslaved, abducted, or massacred, then we all are.  This is about humanity.  

With Hope,

Brandon

It's Here!!!

I almost can't even believe I'm typing this, but The Rescue will happen in exactly one week! We have found out some new developments concerning The Rescue that are blowing my mind. We are doing our best to get people of cultural influence (moguls) and media to come out to every event. The deal is that we are abducting ourselves to stand in solidarity with these children who are abducted and forced to fight a bloody war. And we are not leaving until we are rescued by a mogul and the media. Bit seriously...we aren't leaving. Sooooo...what if a city does not get rescued? Well, then all of the cities that have been rescued will come and stay with them until they do get rescued. Sounds crazy, right? Well it is. But, these kids deserve it. Basically, as your city is rescued, you will head to the next nearest city and wait with them to be rescued. Everyone that cannot go on this cross-country adventure will stay behind and make phone calls until their ears hurt because we need this to happen.

I am so pumped! Also, some amazing things have happened in the past few days. In Minnesota, I got the van stuck in the mud. And I mean, really stuck. We tried over and over again to get it out but it just went in deeper. Eventually, the landlord of the property came outside. Upon seeing his mangled backyard, he laughed and said this was kinda funny when you thought about it. Then, he hooked a chain between his SUV and our van and pulled us out. He wasn't even mad. I was blown away. I do not deserve that kind of grace.

We also celebrated Easter as a family. I mean my team of course. We are a little dysfunctional family, but I love them all. The Easter Bunny came and left us baskets all the way in Minnesota. We are leaving Iowa right now and it was a short, but really effective trip. These people that we meet are so amazing and I am constantly shocked by how much they give towards this cause without receiving any glory or recognition.

I'm really experiencing so much right now. Emotionally and physically and mentally and spiritually. All that we have worked towards will be over in a little past a week. I guess it won't ever really be over, because hopefully, the impact will be long-lasting, but it is strange to think that life will go on after this. I know that it will though. For one of very few times in my life, I am confident that I am exactly where God wants me to be and that I am about to be a small part of something that will bring major change to the world. I definitely don't deserve that, but I am so grateful.

Please, if you haven't yet, check out the website and sign yourself up for The Rescue. We want to set these children free and let them know that help is coming. You can be part of that help. You can be a part of something bigger than yourself. You can change the world. Will you please join me? If I may quote the honorable Zac Efron, "We're all in this together."

With Hope,
Brandon

Where To Begin???

Okay, so I am about to attempt to briefly describe what have been the 4 most stressful, strange, adventurous days of my entire life, so try to keep up.

When we last left you, I was packing the van for our trip to Canada.  We had to remove a few items that we were unsure of making it across the border with.  We did this while it was snowing.  No big deal.  We are ballers.  Earlier that week, a small pebble had hit our windshield and made a tiny dent.  We thought nothing of it and Tessa even joked that it would be funny if it connected with the other dent on the other side of the windshield.  Tessa is no longer allowed to joke.  While trying desperately to find Tessa at a Greyhound station in downtown Minneapolis, the tiny dent began to grow.  And grow some more.  And then a bit more.  You see, due to the intense cold of Minnesota, the glass decided it had had enough and cracked from one side of the windshield all the way to the other side.  Needless to day, we had to go get a new windshield.  We got this done relatively fast while playing with a small dog and marveling at the variety of hunting magazines in St. Cloud.

Finally, we began our treacherous journey to the great country of Canada.  One small thing...we had to go through North Dakota to get there, which is a bit flooded at the moment.  After many detours and having to turn around and yell at Google Maps, we made it to the border.  We sailed through what we thought would be a more difficult process, but never fear, our difficulties were just ahead.  As soon as I hit the Canadian highway, the once clear roads became quite icy and our van decided 60 mph was just too fast and began to spin and twirl with very little grace all around the highway until we fishtailed and did a complete 180, now facing oncoming traffic.  I have never been more terrified in my entire life and that is a true statement.  I had to drive 25 mph for 2 and a half hours to get 70 miles.  It was miserable.

You would think that was all, right?  Not even close.  Our first night was pretty uneventful.  We had an awesome screening.  The next morning though, we woke up and I didn't see our van parked in front of the house we were staying at.  I asked my team, "Where's the van?"  They thought I was joking, but they soon saw I was not.  We called the only towing place in the area.  They do all the towing for the entire city and we assumed it had been parked on the wrong side of the street or something.  When we called though, they said they had no record of our van and that we should call the police and file a report for a stolen vehicle.  Now, we were freaked out.  You see, we had left many valuable things in the van: the girls' passports, my video camera, 2 laptops, all of our luggage, all of our merchandise, 2 cell phones, a GPS, all of our sound and video equipment, and our cash box.  I don't know if I have ever been more stressed than I was that whole day.

Andre, our contact Sarah, and I searched the streets of Winnipeg for our van, but to no avail.  We even went to the local news station and had them do a story for the 6:00 news.  I mean, who steals from a nonprofit organization?!?  After the news broadcast, the station called us and said a viewer saw our van being towed this morning.  With police cars.  Hold on!  Rewind!  The same towing company and police station that had no record of our van being towed?  Something was wrong.  We called and asked again, only to be told they still had no record of it.  Then, the girl at the towing place apparently had an epiphany and magically found the van.  I was so furious.  I went to the towing company and called the police station on the way.  Both places got a small taste of my stress/wrath/winning sarcasm.  Due to the kindness of the man at the towing company, we did not have to pay and victoriously got our van back.  About 4 times later that day, different people reported our van to the police as we were driving it around and we had to explain 4 different times that we were in fact the owners and explain the whole messy situation.  Whew!

Today, we crossed the border and got our van searched.  It's not exactly inconspicuous.  Nothing really compared to the previous 4 days though.  There were some really high points in Canada though.  We met absolutely incredible people.  I tried poutine (french fries with gravy and white cheddar cheese...I promise it tastes better than it sounds or looks).  I got a new stamp in my passport, which is always exciting.  And through it all, I got even closer to these wonderful people I share a van with.  I don't know that it's possible to get any closer to them, but I'll let you know if/when we do.

Through it all, I am constantly drained, exhausted, and missing home, but I am also reminded every time I watch this movie how huge this situation is and how much work is left to be done.  I am still relatively young (right?) and healthy, so I am committed to doing all I can, whatever that means.  There is so much darkness left and this organization is spreading light all around the globe.  Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?

Oh yeah, and by the way, today I accepted a position as a roadie on the summer tour!  Am I crazy?  A glutton for punishment?  Ready to keep changing the world?  The answer to all of the above is a resounding yes!  Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.  This does of course mean that I will have to raise a little more money.  Around $1,000 to be exact and I will have to raise it fast, but God provided last time and I have no reason to believe he won't do it again.  I will have 3 weeks to relax/work to raise money in Nashville and I will have to be back in San Diego on June 1st until July 31st.  If I can do 5 months, I can definitely do 2...right?  :)  For real though, I am so excited and honored to be asked back.  This organization is doing amazing things and it is humbling to be a part of those things.  

And keep an eye out for jobs for me in August when I get back to Nashville.  I love you all.  If I haven't heard from you in a while, it would mean so much to me if you would call me.  I may not be able to answer if I am in the middle of a screening, but we have lots of road time and I will eventually call you back.  

With Hope,

Brandon

Canada

Hello all,

Tomorrow, I am going to Canada until Monday so my phone will be off and I will likely not have internet connection.  You are of course still welcome to leave me facebook/phone/twitter messages and I will happily check them upon my return to the states.

There is so much going on in my life right now that I don't even know where to begin to share with you all.  First of all, I would love to know who left the comments on my last post but they posted as anonymous.  Reveal yourself!  But seriously, I would love to know who you are if you are reading/commenting.

I am beginning to see more and more the impact of what we are doing.  First of all, it is weird to stop and think that we are making a difference in the lives of thousands of children who have suffered atrocities that I could never personally imagine.  It is so humbling and it makes me want to work even harder every time I am feeling tired or grumpy.  

It is also so special to me personally to see the difference we are making in the lives of young people here in the states.  I am literally watching lives transform as they realize that there is a war going on and that they can be a part of ending it.  If only a handful of young people were touched enough by this to dedicate their lives to justice and love, then every second of this journey was worth it.

I am learning more and more that this organization has started a revolution of love.  There really is no greater force on earth.  By sacrificing and giving of ourselves and doing hard work for those we may not even know, we can change the course of this dark planet.  I was reminded today of a discussion I had with my good friend, Austin before I left for tour.  He said that this world is full of darkness, everywhere we look.  And when we step outside of ourselves long enough to let God work through us and do good, we repel that darkness, if only for a short time.  And for that short time, the darkness knows that there is a greater force that can and will stop it eventually.

I believe there are hundreds of ways to repel the darkness.  By showing love, creating something beautiful, extending kindness to someone, sacrificing of ourselves, or doing anything else that shows the true light of how we were meant to be, we bring hope.

I am also thinking a lot about my friend and mentor, Eric Falk.  If you didn't know him, I am sorry because he was truly the most wonderful person I have ever known.  I think he would be totally onboard with what we are doing right now and I wish so badly that he was here to listen to my stories and concerns and fears.  I am also so grateful for my amazing support system at home.  My friends and family are so outrageously good to me and I genuinely can't wait to see them all again.  

I apologize for the scattered nature of this post but my mind is racing in lots of directions right now.  I also need to go make sure our van is ready to get past the border of Canada.  :)

Keep Your Eyes Open,

Brandon

Abduct Yourself

You should all check out this website (http://therescue.invisiblechildren.com)

This is what I am doing and it is going to be massive. I hope you all support it. The Nashville event is going to be at Centennial Park and it should be amazing.

On another, less fun note, I am definitely still in need of donations. If any of you have anything at all to spare, I could definitely use it as we are on our own for food and other necessities (toiletries, and stuff) while on the road. I realize we are all struggling in our own ways right now, but every little bit helps. :)

It is currently snowing in Kansas. And, by snowing, I mean there is a blizzard advisory. The forecast calls for 15 inches and I just walked in about ten to get out to the van. Pretty intense. Also, we are supposed to go to Minnesota and North Dakota and both are pretty flooded right now. Oh, the road...

I am seeing so many interesting patterns in people on the road. It is amazing to see the light bulb go off in peoples' heads when they realize that this war is even going on...and then that they can do something about it...and then the commitment inside to do something about it. It is beautiful to see. I am also noticing how so many people have such different opinions about love. It is strange, really. I guess it is hard to know a thing if you can't even define it and I have been really contemplating what the definition of love is. The Bible obviously gives the perfect definition of it, so I guess what I am really trying to do is find a modern interpretation of what exactly it all means. Ideas? Thoughts?

I love you all.

Brandon

Things I Have Learned On The Road

When driving in a hurry, Heather has the supernatural ability to break the sound barrier (ok, so she was "only" going 95 mph in a 60 mph zone).

When Tessa burps, it is like her entire soul is speaking to us very loudly.

If Andre were a car, he would be a yellow VW bus.  You know, like the one on Little Miss Sunshine.

I have amazing family members and friends who somehow always seem to know exactly what I need from them and when.

Being on the road, away from them all, is harder than I imagined.  It is also, however, the most rewarding experience I have ever had.

Art, in all of its various forms, is extremely important to me and I am a better person when I am engaging with it.

Kings of Leon never get old.

Nothing can bring my team together quite like a disney movie (I'm looking at you, The Emperor's New Groove).

Most people have inherent good and evil inside of them and we have met so many who are trying ever day to embrace the good.

Perkin's restaurant and bakery sells 6 giant cookies for $3!

Sonic Happy Hour makes us all so happy that we literally ended a fight and started giggling with excitement when we passed Sonic and realized it was between 2:00 and 4:00.

The combination of Benadryl and Red Bull evens each other out and leaves me at a normal energy level, minus the allergy symptoms.

I miss the other roadies and IC staff more every day we are apart.

I am more selfish than I initially realized, but I can already see drastic improvement in myself.

Sometimes, the tornado sirens go off in Kansas and nobody even reacts.

All of us on the Middle America team have strange voices that we use when we get bored.  Tessa's scares me, Andre's is scarily on point, and Heathers' never, ever fail to make me laugh.

Oprah really is a frighteningly powerful person.  Everyone knows her and cares what she thinks.  And everyone has written her a letter at one point.

Harry Potter fans are everywhere and when you meet one, you can skip right past the small talk and onto important things, like what house they are in and what their patronus looks like.

Taco bell does, eventually, get old.

However, I could still eat cheese dip from a Mexican restaurant every single day.

Wearing the same clothes and not showering for three days in a row sucks, but it is not so offensive that people can't stand to be around you.

Sleep is underrated, no matter what anyone says.  I miss it.

All close friends should start a book club.  The Middle America Roadie book club is currently reading "Blue Like Jazz".  Next in line are "The Shack" and "Mere Christianity".

Every day, I am alive and, at least for that day, I am the best me that I can be.

I can ALWAYS use more financial support.  Send checks to my parents.  No, seriously.  :)

With Hope,

Brandon

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

I Wish I Could Save You

I don't even know where to begin. Forgive the stram-of-consciousness nature of this post, but that is the only way I will be able to get these random thoughts/highlights/ramblings all in one sitting.

Our screenings have been going incredibly well....at OU, Heather danced/chased people/swung in a Chewbacca costume...at Moore High School, all of the teachers thought Heather was a student...we got quoted/featured in a newspaper from our OSU screening...we thought we left our projector cord at Mustang High, so we spent 40 minutes and a year of our lives worth of stress trying to find it...we didn't find it but we bought one for $8 at Radio Shack...not only did UCO put on a killer screening, but they also had free root beer floats...we made some amazing new friends at Mid-America Christian University...one of the girls knew Kayla Garver...such a weird, small world...we went to a 24-hour Trucker restaurant...I punched Tessa's chicken sandwich...we blindfolded and surprised Heather by taking her to Taco Bell...it's her least favorite restaurant...we had to drive 3 hours round trip today, just to get to a bank...we got pulled over last night for going the speed limit...the officer recommended we go a bit slower than the actual speed limit because they have had 8 traffic accidents in the past three days involving cows...we saw the bloodstains of said accidents...at first we thought we were $500 over in our merchandise sales, but we were actually $80 under...they do not make people like Crystal Mayhue anymore...I was told that I was creepy enough that I should try to grow a mustache...we had a near-fatal experience in the van trying to pass a slow truck on a 2-lane highway...I stayed calm, cool, and collected...seriously.

On an important note, Kelly Clarkson's album leaked online and I cannot stop listening. She has really outdone herself. "Cry" slapped me in the face and made me do the laugh-cry.

On a serious note, please pray for my friend, Kaleb. I love him very much and want him to be safe.

I have started to really feel the weight of what I'm doing in the past few days and it is difficult to describe. I have also started to really miss my friends and family. I am having the time of my life and I don't wanna be anywhere else, so maybe you could all come visit me!

I love you all.

Keep Your Eyes Open,
Brandon

Our First Screening

We had our first official screening last night.  It was at the McCullock's church, Oklahoma City First Church of the Nazarene, and it was pretty amazing.  Everyone there seemed to respond to the film and, more importantly, they acted on what they saw.  I cannot thank everyone that was there enough.  Their hearts and actions were beyond inspiring.

Special shout out to the McCullock family!  They have been such gracious, giving, amazing hosts.  We would all like to be adopted any time we are in Oklahoma please.  Thank you.

My team was so amazing.  I am so excited and humbled to be sharing my life with them for the next three months.  They really are my family.

We are sitting at McAlister's Deli right now, stealing the free wireless and trying to work fast before our computers die because there is exactly one outlet in the entire store and it is located right beneath the fountain drinks.  Please believe that I thought about posting up right underneath it and working, but I restrained myself.

I have already met some incredible people on the road that I hope to be friends with for the rest of my life.  Kaleb McCullock and I have entered a bromance.  Be warned, Oklahoma!  Crystal Mayhue is my best friend.  We have met once.  I haven't even officially met Mark Nehrenz, Chris Loper, Michelle Richards, Ramsey Payne, Paige Wehunt, Kayla Davis, Rowdy Goodin, Alisha Bhaumik, Wade Watkins, Abigail Estes, Bryan Marlett, Angela Syverson, Erin Haworth, Taylor Spicer, Molly McGuire, or Amanda Pasierb yet, but I know I will love you all.  I am so ready for these screenings!  The movie is incredible and I can't wait for you all to see it.

With Hope,

Brandon

The Royal Motor Inn

So, yesterday, I did something I've been looking forward to for many weeks now. The Spring 2009 Middle America Roadies launched from San Diego on our journey to the amber waves of grain in the midwest. It was amazing how many tears were shed between people who have only known each other for a month, not wanting to leave each other. We took off by the side of the Deep South team, because we were all going to stay with Gabe's grandparents.

As we were driving through Yuma, Arizona, however, the toad had an idea of its own. The Deep South's van's oil gauge dropped to zero and they were stranded on the side of a desert road. We pulled over behind them to see if we could help. As we began to realize that it was a major problem and that it was nearing midnight and that we had slept about 8 hours in the past two nights, we decided we would have to have the van towed to a motel down the interstate a few exits.

We first went to the Quality Inn for some amount of quality that wouldn't break the bank. They were, however, filled up, so we found the Royal Motor Inn of Yuma, Arizona. I have honestly never experienced anything quite so shady in all of my life. I'm pretty sure Norman Bates himself was running the motel. He wasn't terribly happy to see us for some reason, but apparently every other patron of the Inn was, as they shamelessly stared out their respective windows at the sight of two large black vans reading "Invisible Children" on the sides and back.

We were also curiously surrounded by people just sitting in their turned-off cars. We were also told the next day that this motel is the place in Yuma where lots of shady business occurs, if you understand what I'm saying. As we entered the room, we were greeted by a pile of toenail clippings. They were kindly placed next to a lovely chair, accented by blood stains. We weren't given soap or shampoo either, which is very trivial when compared to the blood and clippings, but it's the principle of the matter.

As my teammates carefully placed their sleeping bags on top of the beds, I took the plunge and dove beneath the blankets. I know, I shouldn't have, but I was seriously exhausted. I also forgot to mention that this motel was connected to the "Burrito King", which hosts over 400 farmers every morning at about 5:00 AM. Directly behind the motel is a trailer park.

We are currently on the road and almost out of Arizona. Even between there and here, we have experienced a few missed exits on the highway, an Italian feast in the van, and a short but sweet reunion with the Mountain West team. We also named our van. His name is Dillenberg Fuentes. The Dillenberg is in honor of Margie, and the Fuentes is in honor or Heather's random request that his last name be Fuentes.

We are about to drive straight through the entire night to try and get to Oklahoma City by morning. We are currently outside of Flagstaff and it is 9:00. Prayers and caffeine are my friend. The gas light also just turned on. Gotta go.

Keep Your Eyes Open,
Brandon

Whew!

Sometimes, I just have to sit back and breathe. This place is many things: amazing, a time warp, tiring, difficult, rewarding, full of crazy people, transformative, infuriating, the only place I'm meant to be right now. Sometimes, I feel all of that at the same time! I just want to update everyone on what has been going on for the past few days...

We have celebrated a couple of roadies' birthdays this week. Those celebrations included a few different cakes and some spectacular karaoke. My selections varied from Carrie Underwood to N Sync, Lynyrd Skynyrd to Lil' Kim. It was enjoyable to say the least.

We got a new teammate named Tessa. She is a native Californian and she is amazing. She already fits in perfectly with Andre, Heather, and me. She is hard-working and extremely compassionate. She prefers N Sync to the Backstreet Boys. And when she concentrates, her face looks like she is very sad. But she's just concentrating.

I guess I should explain the other roadies on my team to you as well. Andre is amazing. He cares about everyone and everything, but always makes you feel like you matter uniquely to him. There are very few people like that in the world. He runs on very little sleep and he always wears a vest, a beanie, and pointy boots.

Heather is my homegirl. She is only five feet tall, but she has more personality and fire than most people twice her size. Ok, so I don't think anyone is actually ten feet tall, but you get the picture. Besides being the hardest working person I have ever met, she is also one of those people who commits completely to anything she takes on. She is also one of the most loving friends I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She makes me happy.

I have met some seriously mind-blowing people here. I have no doubt that I will be friends with many of them for the rest of my life. Also, I absolutely adore every single person I work for and with. Who can say that?!

Our house has become distinctly smellier, which I guess should be expected with 50 people. It has also become a second home in a matter of three and a half weeks. Weird, huh?

We finally got to see a pre-screening of a rough draft of the new media we will be showing on this tour and it was so good! I wanted to run out of the building and tell everyone I saw about this organization and how much they are really doing to help end the longest war in the history of Africa. The Mid-Atlantic roadies will be making a stop at Christ Church in April and I sincerely hope that all of you go to the screening, not only to see what I've been doing, but to experience life-change.

Speaking of...I am still experiencing that in different ways daily. I am learning to edit my thoughts and not say everything I think. It has become second nature for me to say "I'm tired" or "I'm hungry" when I am tired or hungry, but with this many people working so hard towards a unique goal, there is no reason to express it. We are all tired and hungry most of the time and there is no time for complaining. I am also experiencing 60-80 hour work weeks. We are never actually off the clock, but since we don't get paid, that doesn't matter. And, even though it is tiring, no one seems to be over it. We can all see our hard work turning into results and it is rewarding. Plus, when you are really doing things you love, it gets easier.

I do miss you all very much. If you think about it, please pray for my grandmother. She is really not doing well. Also, you should call or facebook my Mom and encourage her. This is super hard for her and for all of my family. I can't be there to love on them, so if you think about it, send al the love you can muster their way. Thank you in advance for that.

I'm going to leave you with some song lyrics that are helping me out immensely while I'm here. They are simple, but meaningful. I'm not even going to tell you who it is, because I don't enjoy being judged. :)

The struggles I’m facing,

The chances I’m taking

Sometimes they knock me down but

No I’m not breaking

The pain I’m knowing

But these are the moments

that I’m going to remember most

Just got to keep going

There’s always going to be another mountain

I’m always going to want to make it move

Always going to be an uphill battle,

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose,

Ain’t about how fast I get there,

Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side

It’s the climb

Making A Real Difference

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

Right On The Edge

I am right on the edge of something new. Something great. Something that will change everything. I don't quite know how to explain it to everyone I know and love, but beginning January 11th, everything I know and everything I am is going to change.

I have been accepted to be a roadie with Invisible Children for their Spring tour of 2009. For almost five months, I will be spreading awareness and raising support for a cause greater than anything I have previously devoted my life to. At the base of that cause is love. Because of love, IC exists to stop injustice.

I know, from talking to friends of mine who have done this, that it changes everything. I have been told that going back to what you know is virtually impossible. It seems that it is beyond difficult to assimilate back into a society that is either unaware or turns a blind eye to the injustices of the world. Not that I will be some kind of fanatic. Unless maybe I will be.

Whatever the case, I am many things. Exhilirated. Terrified. Refreshed. Eager. Worried. I know that I am where I am supposed to be, and really, who can say that? Not many people that I know. I am fully aware that this will change everything. I think that, for the most part, that will be the best, healthiest thing I can do for myself, but I am a tiny bit concerned about some things that are already good in my life. Will they become less important? I would like to think that they won't, but how will I know until May 26th rolls around and I am suddenly pushed back into my old life? Unless maybe I won't be.