This last Saturday on April 28th, 2007 I was involved in one of the most amazing events I have ever participated in, in my entire life. I went a participated in an event called Displace Me. About 5,000 people joined together in Seattle alone and nearly 70,000 across the US in the 15 cities participated and we were displaced for a night. We joined together with only our sleeping bag, some cardboard to make a hut, a bottle of water, saltines, and nothing but love and peace in our hearts. We were there to ask for peace and justice in Northern Uganda. In Northern Uganda there has been a war going on for 21 years. It is the longest and most gruesome war in history. With nearly 1.5 million people displaced from their homes. These people were given 48hours to leave their homes and move into displacement camps. We may have only stayed in a park one night but it was a little glimpse into their world. All of us united as one to promote peace and ask for justice. With our white shirts with large, red "X's"
on them we represent the displaced people of Northern Uganda. Through out the event we wrote letters to our senators and sent pictures of our self with them to connect a face to a problem. We as people need to look out side of our little bubble and see that there are far many more important things in this world then cell phones and iPods. The children of Northern Uganda are lucky enough to have food in their stomach let alone an iPod.

A man from Northern Uganda came and talked to us. This man talked such kind words and you could tell by the tone in his voice that he was truly thankful for what we were doing. When this man talked I felt as if he had reached out and touched my heart. In his native language he thanked us for all that we had done. He also told us that we were his friends and the friends of the people of Northern Uganda. This mans speech is something I will never forget.

This event was amazing and I am so glad I was apart of it. I hope that some of you will check out invisiblechildren.com for more information about the invisible children of Northern Uganda and find out the many ways you can help.

Here is also a video that you might like to check out. This is the specific event I was at:

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All I ask of you is to remember that there is a world outside of your little town, city, state, country. Most of us have it a lot better then others and we all need to remember that. I know sometimes I just want to throw in the towel and say "I give up" but one voice, one letter; one vote can change it all.

Peace and Love to All

-Crystal