This evening (Friday), we headed out to the Superdome for the large group gathering/concert.  Spencer West spoke candidly about his work in the Me to We foundation. He utilized both humor and humility, his thought-provoking message inspires people to find opportunity in every challenge. With every speech, Spencer leaves an indelible mark on his audiences, instilling hope and strong

In 2008, Spencer travelled to Kenya on an international volunteer trip where he helped build a school in a rural community in the Maasai Mara. On this trip, he met young people who strive to overcome challenges every day. He credits this experience for helping him recognize his true calling—to motivate and inspire people around the world.

Oh, and Spencer also has no legs.

At the age of 2, his legs were amputated at the knees.  At age 5, they were amputated below his pelvis.  He was told he would never walk, that he was different, that there was no much hope that he could lead much of a life.  His was picked on and bullied for his genetic deformity.  But still, he and his family always thought he was meant to do something more. 

On the aforementioned Kenya trip with Free the Children, he was swarmed by the African children.  One little boy looked at him and said, “I didn’t know this could happen to white people, too.”

At that moment, Spencer knew that he was truly made different for a reason.

He now speaks to groups all around the world, inspiring youth and adults alike.  Spencer preaches a message of faith and hope and that nothing can stop you from overcoming your obstacles to reach your dreams.

At the age of five, Michel Chikwanine (The Republic of Congo) disobeyed his father and decided to stay with friends and play soccer instead of coming home.  He was abducted, along with those friends and forced to be a child soldier.  He was initiated by being cut on the arm, brown-brown (a mixture of cocaine and gun powder) rubbed into the wound, then blindfolded and handed an AK-47 and forced to pull the trigger.  When his blindfold was removed, he realized that he had shot and killed Kevin, his best friend who only hours before had played soccer with him.  A soldier then told him, “You are a killer now.  Your family will never take you back.  We’re your family now.”

Skillet, a major Christian recording act, wrapped up the show.  They were loud and they had a lot of smoke, fire, and guitar solos.  I wasn’t into them and felt like they were more style than substance. 

Kevin Rabuck, a true Skillet fan, may enter his own review of the concert in the coming day, and I am sure it will be drastically different than my viewpoint.  (These kids and their loud “rock” music.)

After the Skillet show, we began walking back to the Sheraton, to meet up with Eric and to see Rachel Kurtz, Celia Whitler, and Agape, as well as to visit the “Fun Club.”  The sun was setting as we left and I snapped the shot immediately above.  We also found some interesting “art” on the way, and I felt it was important enough to include here. 

       

                                                              

                                                                Girl powa!

Don’t do it, Lindsay!  You don’t need a “burgery” charge on your record!

                                                                   

                                                                    Rebels.

A couple shots from the Sheraton (my camera’s battery was dying, so I only got these 2, as well as some Agape video footage:

Pizza and then time for bed.  At 8 a.m. we are headed to breakfast and then the Interaction center at the Convention Center, where youth can do the Zip lines, ride bumper cars, play sports, and even make their own smoothies utilizing a bike peddle-powered blender. 

Talk to you soon!

Michael and the change makers in New Orleans

P.S.  Sorry we still have no videos.... the bandwidth issue, the sheer size of HD video, and the slow internet connection in the hotel are rendering the addition of such videos nearly impossible.