Image courtesy of Gustavus College. Link here.
Monday 2/9/09 Buenos Aires, Argentina
“Excuse me. Hi.”
I looked up from my veggie soup. A woman was standing at the edge of my table.
“Did you have your bike in the main plaza earlier today?”
“Yeah, I did. I just arrived in Cusco this afternoon,” I said, months ago, back in September.
We started talking. I told her about the trip. I found out that she, too, liked cycling. She wanted to go on a bike trip someday. After a few minutes, she invited me over to the table she was sharing with her friends. I carried my food over to the table and introduced myself to the three other women seated at the table. For the next hour we talked about a bunch of different things, but we spent a chunk of time talking about the organization that two of the women worked for back in California: Invisible Children.
Invisible Children is a non-profit organization that is working to improve the education system in Uganda. Through a bunch of different programs running on the ground in both Uganda and the U.S., the organization is trying to raise the level of education in Uganda (especially in northern Uganda) to the state it was in before the war started.
Let me back up a bit. Uganda is home to a militia group called the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). For over 20 years, the Ugandan government has been battling the LRA, a group notorious for abducting children to use as soldiers, displacing millions of people, and enflicting shocking acts of violence on civilians. Much of the conflict has been centered around northern Uganda. Because of this, the education system in this area of the country, in particular, has suffered. Some schools were physically damaged by the fighting; others lost students when they moved with their families to displacement camps. War throws a myriad of barriers in the way of students trying to learn. Invisible Children hopes to break down some of those barriers. (To read more about exactly what programs the organization is using to bring about a positive change in Uganda, go to the Invisible Children website linked above and snoop around.)
*****
The morning after meeting the two Invisible Children staffers, I received an email that read something like this:
“Andrew, I know you’re in the middle of a big trip, and I know you have lots of other places you’re planning on visiting by bike, but I feel like you would be a perfect fit for a job with Invisible Children. Between your personality and what you’re doing with the bike trip, I just think you’d fit right in with I.C. I know this is coming out of left field, but you should consider sending your resume to our offices in California. See what happens.”
She was right–I was in the middle of a big trip. I did have lots of other places left to visit on the bike. I had so much left to do with the bike trip that sending my resume off somewhere seemed pointless. But something about the conversation the night before left me curious. The organization sounded like one brimming with positivity, one fully committed to the idea that education can empower students. And there was something strangely random about meeting the I.C. staffers. I don’t believe in fate, but something about the circumstances surrounding the meal the night before begged me to take the girl’s suggestion seriously, to think about contacting Invisible Children.
I mulled the idea over and over. Then I went for a walk and mulled some more.
*****
After two video Skype interviews and lots of emails back and forth over the span of five months, I now find myself with a new job and and an exciting turn of events that has altered the route of the trip.
I’ve been hired to fill the role of Communications Officer for Invisible Children. My work responsibilities will mainly revolve around writing for the organization–developing marketing material, press releases, blog posts, and information packets to educate the public about I.C.’s programs, as well as more anecdotal, story-centered writing for newsletters and I.C.’s website. In addition to this, in the summer I’ll spend two months traveling around Uganda with groups of visitors–foreign students and teachers, mainly. The aims of these trips is to humanize Uganda, to show visitors that the country is home to more than just violence and tragic news headlines. I’ve already inquired about spending a certain amount of time each week in the classroom, and it looks like there will be an opportunity to either teach or start some sort of after school club during my down time.
The position is non-paying (it provides a small monthly living stipend). My contract is for one year. I’ll have my own room in a staff house in Gulu, Uganda’s second largest town with a population of 120,000 people.
*****
So, why am I taking this job? What comes next after my time in Uganda draws to a close? When do I start?
I’m taking this job because there are too many reasons to take it and not enough to turn it down. The organization is one I believe in (and this is the most appealing reason for me–I feel lucky to have gotten a position in an organization I truly, whole-heartedly support and want to help). The job, by combining writing, traveling, and helping students, seems like it was custom-tailored for me. Living in a country for an extended period of time is the best way to get to know it.
When my time in Uganda ends, whether it’s after a year or two, I’m going to continue cycling. For me, this move to Uganda is not an end to the cycling trip but merely a change in route. As of now, I’m planning on heading up to Cairo, Egypt, just as I had originally planned. I will, however, maintain the mindset I’ve had since the start of the trip, one that keeps me both determined to push on but also receptive to spontaneity. My route has never been set in stone and I don’t plan on making it more rigid in the future–I’ll continue to embrace the unexpected.
I start working on February 28th. I have a flight to South Africa on February 18th. I’ll stay for a week in South Africa before flying up to Uganda.
Yay! I’m so excited about this opportunity. I have a big smile on my face right now just writing about it! Of course, I’m going to continue posting content to this website to document my experiences in Uganda and beyond.
More to come as life unfolds,
A
Congratulations, Andrew!
What a fantastic opportunity! And, yes, you are a perfect fit for the job you describe. You continue to be an inspiration to risk-takers Your words at the end of your announcement should be an inspiration to high-schoolers and college students looking for adventure with a purpose: “I will, however, maintain the mindset I’ve had since the start of the trip, one that keeps me both determined to push on but also receptive to spontaneity. My route has never been set in stone and I don’t plan on making it more rigid in the future–I’ll continue to embrace the unexpected.” Andrewisms to inspire: “Be receptive to spontaneity” and “Embrace the unexpected!” — Good luck in your continuing great adventure.
Joe Laufer
P.S. Can’t wait to interview you on LDTV from Unganda via SKYPE video!
By: Joe Laufer on February 9, 2009
at 6:29 pm
Wow! How very cool! What an awesome opportunity! It’s amazing what spontaneity can offer to us! I look forward to hearing more about it as your story unfolds….
By: Heather on February 9, 2009
at 6:48 pm
Wow. Congrats!
By: Anonymous on February 9, 2009
at 7:03 pm
Andrew: I just can say you ..go ahead, you are the right man to do it, god bless you and recived from the distance our support.
By: Elizabeth on February 9, 2009
at 7:37 pm
Congratulations, Andrew! A bold decision!
By: Billy Gray on February 9, 2009
at 11:08 pm
Hi Andrew,
First, I’d like to congratulate you on this amazing opportunity! I really admire how you took advantage of the situation and went for it when a lot of other people would be scared away. It goes well with the spirit of your trip!
I first heard of Invisible Children through a friend who told me to watch this video by Wong Fu Productions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZ0N0E9rZuI&fmt=18 (I’m really proud that they shot this on my beautiful UCLA campus.)
It’s a great cause and they’re lucky to have someone as well-spoken as you to be their Communications Officer! You’ve got a great presence and a knack for telling stories that hit the heart. (I don’t think that’s a real term, but you get the idea.)
I really admire not only your trip, but your writing and I aspire to express myself as well as you do.
Best of luck and keep on writing!
~Mary
By: laelene on February 10, 2009
at 10:50 am
P.S. – I found this site through the guys boarding through South America (http://www.longtreksonskatedecks.moonfruit.com/#/blog/4532581035), in case you were wondering.
By: laelene on February 10, 2009
at 10:55 am
I met Andrew in Buenos Aires, after stumbling upon his website a few months back … he was so stoked, so enthusiastic about this cause and new opportunity … and yes, from what I know after reading of his adventures, he will be a great fit with the organization.
go to the website http://www.invisiblechildren.com and watch some the videos, they are inspiring and moving.
best of luck mate, look forward to more african adventures!!
– Cheers
By: Chet Ridenour on February 10, 2009
at 12:18 pm
Crazy move man. I met some climbers that I chatted with and told me about volunteering for that organization. It was a while back, but I think the two of them met volunteering there and then got married. They were very much in to everything that the organization is doing, so good luck.
Is this going to impact your grant?
Is this going to impact Tim going sandboarding with you? He got his promotion finally. Well deserved.
I think its a good move for preparing you more for your trip as well. It will be good to live in that atmosphere and see what you are up against.
Lots of the areas you go to have lots of climbing, how come you haven’t done any climbing yet?
Stay safe.
Joe
By: Joe Rand on February 10, 2009
at 9:04 pm
Hey man,
Thanks for the note. I think everything will be fine with the grant—I sent a very delicate email to the folks at Delaying the Real World and explained that the move to Uganda is simply a continuation of Teacherontwowheels, not a diversion from it. So far things seem OK with them. I think it’s alright.
Yeah, I spoke to your brother and he told me about the promotion!!! It sounds amazing. He said he was busting his butt to make a good impression from the start, so it’s awesome that the company recognized his hard work and rewarded him for it.
I haven’t done any climbing yet. Yeah, I don’t know why? I’m lazy on my off days?! I’m a scrawny guy with weak arms and hands?!
I don’t have too much motivation to do physically-tiring stuff on my days off. Usually reading and lounging around seems most appealing.
hope all is well,
A
By: andrewedwardmorgan on February 11, 2009
at 2:19 pm
Andrew,
I’ve been following you from your start. I had a feeling all along something like this was going to keep you from getting back into our school systems here in N.J. They are going to be some lucky kids who get you as a teacher.The journey you’ve already had is already book worthy.Let us know if you do that interview on ldtv for Joe my family will be watching.
good luck
mike
By: MIKE T on February 10, 2009
at 9:20 pm
Sounds like the perfect opportunity Drew! Wow!
By: Ol' Benito on February 10, 2009
at 11:11 pm
Congratulations, Andrew! I will look forward to stories & photography of Uganda.
By: Barb Goldman on February 12, 2009
at 1:35 am
Congratulations! I’m looking forward to reading about Africa as well… Enjoy the rest of your time in Argentina and have a safe flight!
By: Brian on February 12, 2009
at 3:54 am
Andrew,
Congratulations on your new job! It will be quite an education for you, for those who read your blog and for those in Uganda who are impacted by your efforts.
I continue to be captivated by your stories, your adventures and the people you meet!
Be safe!
Love,
Aunt Alice
By: Aunt Alice on February 13, 2009
at 12:35 am
Andrew,
I am infinitely impressed. You are a credit to your family, self, and the United States. In the scope of your expected long life, this IS the time for the Uganda project. I can’t wait for the movie of your adventures which will be in theaters in five years, I’ll bet. Thanks for the superlative updates of every aspect of your unique exploits.
…Ted Steinmetz
By: ted steinmetz on February 13, 2009
at 6:31 am
Hey Andrew!
Just wanted to finally leave you a little comment saying I’ve been following your trip since the beginning. Ever since I randomly stopped on the LDTV channel to watch you speak to a classroom of students about the trip you were planning. It was so interesting I looked you up right away and have been keeping track since!
Anyways, I just wanted to say congratulations on the new job. I’ve been a huge supporter of Invisible Children for a few years now and love everything they stand for. I’ve participated in a few of their events and the schools for schools program seems like something you’d be interested in as well! Have you had a chance to see the initial video that started Invisible Children? If not, I’m sure you will once in Uganda, but I highly recommend it.
Good luck with everything! I’ll definitely continue to watch for updates. It’s so exciting!
- Emily
By: Emily on February 14, 2009
at 3:21 pm
Can I be your official biographer? When the time comes, of course.
Huge Smile and even an Abrazo Grande,
Hannah
By: scholarsforschools on March 3, 2009
at 8:47 pm