Mountain West Tweets!
Colin O'Shea is the man behind our Twitter account, which is one of many reasons why I love him...another being that he makes me laugh so hard that my stomach hurts.
Friday, February 19, 2010
From pre-road to starting on the road
It was a bit chaotic and stressful the week before we left because we were trying to get everthing solidified for the road-screenings booked, host homes set, team dynamics figured out, last trainings fulfilled-but, like it always seems to happen, things fell into place and we were so ready for the road on wednesday morning. I basically had to repack all my stuff, and that was a minor stress since I probably brought too much stuff. Luckily I was able to leave some stuff behind with one of my friends. Packing up all our merchandise was another task, but it was fairly quick and painless, considering that teams on tours past were at the office until 2 or 3 am the morning before launch. We were chowing down on pizza and watching the Ugandans arm wrestle at 7 pm because everyone was finished packing up the vans. Quite an accomplichment.
Launch day was perfection. It was a quintescencial San Diego morning at Mt. Soledad, where we all joined-staff, interns, local family and friends, and roadie teams-to say our goodbyes and launch this groundbreaking tour. I didn't think I was going to get emotional because I was so excited to start the journey that we've been preparing for. But, what I didn't prepare for was having to say goodbye to the friends who were embarking on the same journey in different regions across the US, or those who are staying in SD as office interns. It was strange because at some point all of the people who I have been living, working, and playing with have become great friends whom I care very much for.
We drove most of the day on Wednesday and got to Flagstaff that night. We ended up having a huge sleepover at a church facility with three other teams who were stopping in Flagstaff before continuing their trek across the states the next day. The funny thing was that our team took a differnent route than the others, so when we finally met back up in Flagstaff that night (11 hours later), it felt like a blissful reunion after weeks. Sounds silly, but because we've been spending 24-7 together for the past five weeks, it was so strange not to see them for a whole day. It was a great last night together...lots of laughing and teaching of traditional Ugandan dance.
Yesterday we went to the Grand Canyon. Amazing. Magnificent. Mind-blowing. Not much else to say but that. It was a great team bonding day, and I think I had another realization yesterday that we are so blessed to have our Ugandan friends along with us on this journey. So many things that we don't take the time to appreciate or enjoy-like a wagon wheel bench, or a statue of an indian-is a novelty to them. It has made me slow down and take more time to appreciate the little parts of the scenery and experience with them.
Ok, I know this is an uber long blog...so much to catch up on and I am still leaving heeps out. Here are a few pics....in order: launch dinner, crossing the Arizona state line (shout out to Janae:), and the Grand Canyon with my team. I'm working on putting together a little video to share with you guys as well. Hopefully soon.
Launch day was perfection. It was a quintescencial San Diego morning at Mt. Soledad, where we all joined-staff, interns, local family and friends, and roadie teams-to say our goodbyes and launch this groundbreaking tour. I didn't think I was going to get emotional because I was so excited to start the journey that we've been preparing for. But, what I didn't prepare for was having to say goodbye to the friends who were embarking on the same journey in different regions across the US, or those who are staying in SD as office interns. It was strange because at some point all of the people who I have been living, working, and playing with have become great friends whom I care very much for.
We drove most of the day on Wednesday and got to Flagstaff that night. We ended up having a huge sleepover at a church facility with three other teams who were stopping in Flagstaff before continuing their trek across the states the next day. The funny thing was that our team took a differnent route than the others, so when we finally met back up in Flagstaff that night (11 hours later), it felt like a blissful reunion after weeks. Sounds silly, but because we've been spending 24-7 together for the past five weeks, it was so strange not to see them for a whole day. It was a great last night together...lots of laughing and teaching of traditional Ugandan dance.
Yesterday we went to the Grand Canyon. Amazing. Magnificent. Mind-blowing. Not much else to say but that. It was a great team bonding day, and I think I had another realization yesterday that we are so blessed to have our Ugandan friends along with us on this journey. So many things that we don't take the time to appreciate or enjoy-like a wagon wheel bench, or a statue of an indian-is a novelty to them. It has made me slow down and take more time to appreciate the little parts of the scenery and experience with them.
Ok, I know this is an uber long blog...so much to catch up on and I am still leaving heeps out. Here are a few pics....in order: launch dinner, crossing the Arizona state line (shout out to Janae:), and the Grand Canyon with my team. I'm working on putting together a little video to share with you guys as well. Hopefully soon.
my love, Jess
Monday, February 8, 2010
Week 4
This weekend was amazing-friends on Friday, studying, movies and Ugandans arriving on Saturday, and family on Sunday. Having mom, dad, Matty and gramps here for the morning was exactly what I needed before we leave next week. I am continually reminded that there is no way that I would be able to be here and embracing this experience without their support. They keep me counting my blessings!!!
In case you wanted to check out a bit more about our Ugandan friends and their first days in the CA...Check out the IC blog:)
All is well in San Diego...
Hope things are just as well with each of you!
In case you wanted to check out a bit more about our Ugandan friends and their first days in the CA...Check out the IC blog:)
All is well in San Diego...
Hope things are just as well with each of you!
my love,
JD
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Our Ugandan friends are here!
They told us at the office yesterday that the Ugandans would be arriving tonight. Knowing that was enough to throw us into a fit of excitement, and then we found out that we were to meet them at the airport!!! Obviously, we have been consumed with anxious anticipation all day. We made signs for our arriving teammates and mobbed through the airport 60 people deep. We lined up by teams and waited. And waited. When we saw the 16 of them we were freaking out. Literally jumping, screaming, some crying, everyone hugging. Tony and Richard, our advocate and mentor, were equally excited, although they may have been a bit overwhelmed by our zeal. I cannot wait to fill you in on how next week unfolds. I am sure there will be many stories to be shared!
Our "Welcome Tony and Richard" poster. Made by our graphic artist genius, Colin.
Some favorites so far
(I started writing this on on Wednesday 2-3)
The older I've get, the faster time seems to go. It's quite scary actually. The past three weeks have flown by with record speed, and I wish that I could slow time down at this point. I am excited to hit the road and put into practice all that I've learned already, but on the other hand I truly love being in the office...and the roadie house has its comforts as well. If only I could only stretch the time out...
However, I do wish I could fast forward to our Ugandan Advocates being here! We found out yesterday (2-2) that they have all 16 visas and are good to fly out here on Friday! Here are the faces of team Mountain West. This is a page from our promotions packet, so it is a bit small. Tony (top picture) is our Ugandan advocate, and he was in IC's first movie, "Rough Cut". Richard is Tony's mentor and he will be traveling and advocating along side us. More pictures to come:)
Check out our Legacy Tour page
Besides working, training and booking our tour, we do try and find time for some fun. Here are some of my favorite times thus far...
The older I've get, the faster time seems to go. It's quite scary actually. The past three weeks have flown by with record speed, and I wish that I could slow time down at this point. I am excited to hit the road and put into practice all that I've learned already, but on the other hand I truly love being in the office...and the roadie house has its comforts as well. If only I could only stretch the time out...
However, I do wish I could fast forward to our Ugandan Advocates being here! We found out yesterday (2-2) that they have all 16 visas and are good to fly out here on Friday! Here are the faces of team Mountain West. This is a page from our promotions packet, so it is a bit small. Tony (top picture) is our Ugandan advocate, and he was in IC's first movie, "Rough Cut". Richard is Tony's mentor and he will be traveling and advocating along side us. More pictures to come:)
Besides working, training and booking our tour, we do try and find time for some fun. Here are some of my favorite times thus far...
An obvious favorite...dominating the Chase competition.
The night of the Monster Truck rally. Sporting flannel, trucker hats and any other repulsive accessories, we headed to the rally...just to turn around and come home because they were sold out of the cheap tickets. After the letdown, we returned to La Mesa and headed to the Roadie hangout Pete's.
...and this would be us at Pete's. I wish you could meet these people, they would blow your mind!
Karaoke anyone? We hit the diviest bar around for some classy karaoke to celebrate Nathan's birthday. One word: hilarious.
Meet half of my team: Colin, Megan and Nathan. Taking these photos was so much fun, and probably a fair indicator of how we will make our experience on the road. These people have quickly become my friends. I admire their selfless commitment to work and the people around them. Did I mention that they are hysterical? As Nathan puts it, "we all speak the language of sarcasm."
Thanks for checking in...
All my love,
Jess
Thursday, January 28, 2010
MIA blogger
So it has definitely been over a week since my last post. I apologize to my four followers, I'm sure its been devastating you. (chuckling to myself in the IC office) I have been super-de-duper busy though. Obviously last week and the CHASE competition for $1 million was not normal-working 12+ hour days the whole week, topped off with a 17 hour day in the office on friday-but, we sure do work hard and put in plenty of hours around here. I am NOT complaining though. Working the long hours is not bad at all considering that everyone here is working just as hard and with as much commitment....and have I mentioned that my team/coworkers/supervisors are amazing. I believe that anything is possible and nothing seems too hard when you're surrounded by people who ooze with optimism and drive.
Just to give you an idea of our training, we are being molded into traveling Invisible Children knowledge bases. We are learning everything from the history of the war to how to professionally interact with and relate to high school administrators. It is totally comprehensive and incredibly interesting. Even though we're in training sessions all day, I am never bored. Yesterday was a great day for us because there was a Chase bank congrats ceremony. The whole thing was fun for sure, but the best part was watching the "A Million Thanks" video. It totally encapsulates the madness and thrill of last Friday, which was the last day of the competition...the day we won the million:)
A Million Thanks from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.
Even though I am consumed by work, training, and getting to know my fellow roadies, I constantly think about my family and friends who have made it possible for me to be here!
Sending you my love,
Jess
Just to give you an idea of our training, we are being molded into traveling Invisible Children knowledge bases. We are learning everything from the history of the war to how to professionally interact with and relate to high school administrators. It is totally comprehensive and incredibly interesting. Even though we're in training sessions all day, I am never bored. Yesterday was a great day for us because there was a Chase bank congrats ceremony. The whole thing was fun for sure, but the best part was watching the "A Million Thanks" video. It totally encapsulates the madness and thrill of last Friday, which was the last day of the competition...the day we won the million:)
A Million Thanks from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.
Even though I am consumed by work, training, and getting to know my fellow roadies, I constantly think about my family and friends who have made it possible for me to be here!
Sending you my love,
Jess
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Its a CHASE....
Its a crazy energy in the office...we are pullin' out all the stops for the Chase Community giving competition this week. We've been on the phone and online pretty much all day long (in addition to all day on Saturday and half day yesterday!), but we are not ceasing until we topple TWLOHA (the organization that is in first place right now and SHOULD not be). If you guys have any brilliant ideas or tricks up your sleeves for , feel free to pass them on to me! Unfortunately, I don't have any high profile friends to hit up, but i do have awesome friends and family who are quite innovative:) Pass the ideas on!
