The Adventure Starts Here...

Some background on my blog:
I have a sidesack. It has gone with me everywhere. New Orleans to clean up after Katrina. Homeless communities in Tampa. Delivering sandwiches downtown. With that, my good friend Aaron labeled that bag my "justice bag." Will it go with me to Africa? You betcha.


So here's the plan. I am going to Uganda, Africa with "Invisible Children." I am participating in the "Teacher Exchange Program." I planned on setting up this blog right before my trip so that family, friends, and sponsors could follow me on my adventures.

Well, I decided to start posting a little early. You see, I was showing an appreciation video in my classroom. This video follows Sunday in a displacement camp. The idea is that my students have so much more...so they should appreciate life and education. After all, Sunday and Daniel would so love what they have. Anyways, one part of the video follows Bobby (an American who lives in a displacement camp for a while to feel the experience). The conditions were harsh...and he had to eat a rat. Um. I was hoping to be re-inspired for my journey by watching this...now I'm more nervous than ever!

And that's when it dawned on me. The adventure, for me, starts here. You see, I have never been outside of the country: Where's the nearest Chic Fil A?! Other problems that I am starting to think about: vaccinations. I don't do needles thanks. Most importantly, money. The trip is $4000. I don't have it. I have to raise this money. Which means I have to ask for it. I don't even like to ask a waiter/ess for refill. Uhhhhh....

But. Here's what I do know. I am going to go. I have to. So, this is where my adventure begins. In America, preparing for the summer of a lifetime. It will be a lot of firsts...probably a lot of frustration and rejections...but from that a lot of good. I look forward to the journey.