On things that are good. As in, Ugandan friends.

It's been two weeks since I last had an entry. Not sure how time has slipped by like that, but I suppose that's not a bad thing. I definitely know it's not for lack of life to write about, but I suppose nothing is QUITE as exciting as winning one million dollars. :]

No, a lot has happened here. I've gotten to do some of my favorite things, in fact. Think:

Trader Joe's. Jamba Juice. Target. Trolley downtown. Urban Outfitters. Chick sweet tea. In-N-Out. Ocean Beach. Sunset. Worship on the back porch. Journey Church. Community. Forrest Gump. Target. Tattoo. Space Jam. Laughter. First screening. P.O.D. party. Spontaneous dancing. Hook. Hugs. Kickball. Thai food. Thrifting. Honest prayer. Birthday celebrations. House donations. Sleeping in. Jamming in the van. Being challenged. Being comforted. Coffee shops. New friendships. Long walks.

[I realize many of these items revolve around eating. They don't call it the Roadie 15 for nothing. BAH.]

But the best thing of all happened last night. All 50+ of us roadies and interns and some staff persons from Invisible Children went to the airport to greet our friends from Uganda. After more than 26 hours of travel time, they touched down in San Diego on Saturday evening. Our crew was there to welcome them with large signs and loud cheers. As soon as we spotted their group of 16, everything erupted.

There were shouts and waves and smiles, and even a few tears on my part. I couldn't help myself. I was so overwhelmed with joy, and with LOVE. For the majority of the Ugandans, this was their first time to America. They came all this way to share their story, to have their voices be heard, to advocate on their own behalf.

I watched the Rough Cut documentary more than four years ago, when I was a freshman in college. At that time I was struck by the atrocities saw, appalled at the injustice we were allowing to happen, and questioning what I was going to do about it. And now here I was, hugging Boni, the boy I had first seen on a screen in a chapel in Orange City, Iowa. I couldn't even believe what was happening. It was so surreal, and I was struck with how incredible our God is. Who knew my life would take this route? I am in complete awe.

Boni and Leo were so thrilled to see us. They spotted our welcome sign right away, and said that all of their traveling fatigue was forgotten when they saw they crowd of people waiting to greet them. It's going to be SUCH an incredible ten weeks on the road with them, I almost can't stand my excitement...! I am blessed beyond words for this opportunity, and I am definitely going to make the most of every moment.

But the best part of last night came when my teammate Cathleen asked Boni what he was excited about in coming to the United States. His response: "I was most excited to meet all of you. I have been looking at your pictures and dreaming about the day I would get to meet you." My heart melted. This is the who I get to spend the next three months of my life with. Thanks, Jesus.