If I Could...

Inspiration and beauty comes from many forms and places. Recently I was reminded of the power and amazement of music. One of my favorite bands, Angels & Airwaves (AVA) has tones, compositions, lyrics, and notes that reach deep. I often thought that if I were able to produce music… if I could… I would make this music. Like films, I imagine my life with constant music surrounding, lifting, initiating, inviting, defining, introducing, holding, and energizing the journey I am choosing for myself. In my kingdom music abounds. What a gift we have in this dimension of expression.
Anticipation of the Uganda trip approaching, I become even more aware of the epic ahead of me. Memories will swarm these songs as the music imprints a scene and smell in my spirit. To this day, whenever I hear the old Amy Grant songs I think of our summers at the cabin in Canada. When I hear Oasis I immediately travel back to Australia and the dunes we navigated or the beautiful cove we snorkeled. 80s music returns my life to the days in Minnesota where I was a boy. The music carries us… if you listen and let it in.

Looking For Rain

Visualize a strong whitewater river cascading through a vast mountain range that has been nourishing a devastated valley for almost a decade. The basin, amidst the turmoil and devastation of a ravaging affliction that has lasted for generations, is slowly regaining the beauty, laughter, praise, and strength it once had. Turning your eyes to the east you see a gorge that has been cradling a supply of critical sustenance, and if joined, could bring a whole new level of healing, strength, and insight. The gorge has been filling with snowmelt for over 15 years and is on the brink of overflowing. All that is needed is more rain and snowmelt.
Public education has been my passion for fifteen years. Providing education for all children no matter their culture, beliefs, race, or intelligence purposefully drives every decision and pursuit in my career. It is an honor to teach and guide the future of America. I have seen firsthand what amazing world citizens are coming through our public school systems. Education for all does not stop at our borders but has a need across our planet. My students not only need to witness me taking action locally towards their education but to see that action can take place globally for the benefit of all. No greater need can I see than in northern Uganda.
In northern Uganda, children have been abducted and turned into soldiers or sex slaves for more than twenty years. Invisible Children (www.invisiblechildren.com) is an organization determined to end this war and participate in the mending. Invisible Children’s Teacher Exchange – is an initiative under the Schools for Schools umbrella - allowing international educators to volunteer in northern Ugandan through a six-week summer program. Created to enhance present educational models, and to establish long-term learning opportunities for both western and Ugandan teachers, educators engage in team teaching, information sharing, and skill building conferences - all with the purpose of generating collaboration among teachers from around the world.
Rich collaboration will not only enhance the education of the children in Uganda but will bring a whole new wealth of insight and wisdom to the children of America as I absorb strategies and acumen from a global perspective. This experience will return wealth to education in America that could not be found anywhere else.
Do you want to be a part of this educational adventure…the snowmelt… the rain? I need your partnership in several areas: 1) passing the awareness of Invisible Children’s quest to end the longest war in Africa; 2) your encouraging words, thoughts, and prayers; 3) financial support-- as you can imagine a trip to Africa will need funding. Please visit me within Invisible Children’s website at http://invisiblechildren.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=341799&lis=1 for donations to see the financial goals met.