there's more to living than being alive

I went to another Invisible Children screening the other night. Every time I watch one of those films or go to a rally, I come out the other side a little more changed. A little more aware of the horrors I can hardly fathom being apart of, a little more driven to change the world.

If there's one passion I have, it's changing the world; yes, I know it's cliche. Changing lives, showing EVERYONE they are loved, leaving the world a better place than when I arrived- I'm going to make it happen. I've had that mindset for as long as I can remember, but it really wasn't until I saw Invisible Children: Rough Cut, almost three years ago, did I actually believe I have that power and capability. The fact that three young men my age uncovered such a tragic story is inspiring. What makes it all the more incredible is the progress this movement has gone through.

Thoughts of Africa keep invading my heart and mind. I would love the chance to travel there and work with the hurting first hand, but could I handle it? IC has a six-week Teacher Exchange Program, but they look for teachers of older children, not younger. There's also a much longer four-month internship. Should I make the attempt to become apart of one of these privileged groups? I want to pack up and leave tomorrow, but I don't trust myself taking a semester break from school. Would I return back to my schooling? Could I return? I'll just have to wait it out, but that's okay. If I want this bad enough, it will happen.

"If I go to America, will they love me?"

Those words were spoken by Roseline, an invisible child. I need to show each and every single one of these children that they ARE loved. It all starts with love. It always starts with love.


You get one life, one chance, so why not make the most of it? Do what you love, pursue your passions by whatever means it takes.


"The more I live I see- this life's not about me."

Kind strangers

This morning, after glumly noticing that I was out of coffee, I decided to stop by Starbucks on my way home for Labor Day. At the last minute, I decided instead to go to Dunkin Donuts, because it's right next door and I wouldn't have to back track. Upon driving into the plaza, I was second guessing my last minute choice of Dunkin Donuts, but proceeded in anyway. As I approached the counter, I was greeted with "Hello! What would you like this morning?" and a humongous smile. "Um... a medium coffee" was my timid reply. We exhanged a few polite words while he was getting everything together. Upon taking my receipet, he gave me another face-eating smile and said, "Here you are and have a blessed day!" I was completely taken aback by the sincerity in his parting comment. I could truly tell that he wanted me to have a blessed day. As I was exiting the Dunkin Donuts, I, too, had a big smile across my face. His happiness and sincerity was contagious, and all day long I've been in a wonderful mood.

I want to be that kind of person. I make a feeble attempt to be that kind of person. I want to improve someone's day with just a smile and a few kind, meaningful words. You don't have to say a lot, but you have to truly mean what you say. This Dunkin Donuts boy inspired me. He inspired me to spread my happiness to others, to people who might be having a difficult day.


Thank you, kind stranger. You've made my day wonderful and full of smiles. I plan on meeting again.