One month down, eight more to go. The first four weeks in Austin have absolutely flown by. For two former roadies, the 20 hour drive from San Diego to ATX has been the only familiar territory thus far, the rest of our time here has been a learning experience of the best kind. Just as it has been for most of the Invisible Children family, the roller coaster ride of the past few weeks has been a beautiful mix of humbling, heart wrenching and inspiring. We believe it will prove to be one of those periods in life that is character defining in the moment and life defining 20 years later. The past month has given all of us the opportunity to learn first-hand that few people get to be a part of something that’s rocked them to the core, something infinitely greater than their being, something that they know to be true and worth fighting for with everything they have. Even fewer people get the opportunity to stand taller than the Sierras, firmer than the Redwoods and more immovable than the Pacific as they stare, unwaveringly, into the face of criticism about that one certain truth. That’s why we’re here. That’s why we continue.

 Austin has been too good to us and has absolutely lived up to the hype we heard incessantly prior to our move here. In between intense late night basketball games on our Kentucky mini court and exploring our new city, we’ve had a few highlights in our first month: some exciting meetings and postering events with the I.C. and Amnesty Int’l clubs at UT Austin, hanging out with the small but mighty IC club at Akins High School, a great meeting at the incredible Google office here in Austin, an adventure at Mount Bonnell and hearing no shortage of amazing music (and seeing some interesting people) at SXSW with the IC Music Department (although seeing Mumford & Sons was definitely the highlight for us). We knew SXSW was a huge deal in Austin, but no one told us the food would be so good! We’ve already hit up Torchys Tacos, Amy’s Ice Cream, Sno Beach, Freebirds and The Flying Saucer and enjoyed every last bite, lick and sip. We’re headed to meet up with the IC club at UT, but until next time, Stop At Nothing and always, always Keep Austin Weird.

Big Love,
Alex and Cassidy