Voice of an African Nation

BY ROBBY BROWN, TEMPE, USA - I never used to write a blog because I never really had anything to say. But now, I actually have A LOT to say. I'm a generally a happy person. But for the past while, I have been incredibly happy. Excited about life, about anything. And I'm sure some of my friends find it irritating and think I'm a jerk.

But it's ok. The thought of what's going on with the films and Zambia gives me goosebumps. I really cannot describe how I'm feeling exactly. I can dance for ya, I can smile, but my verbal motor's broken. We aren't just making a movie. We might be helping to change peoples' lives. And a country. This is crazy.

I was with my friend earlier in the week, and I was telling her about getting my shots, which ones I need, how much it will cost (a lot) and what they are for. When I listed off a very long list of what all could happen to me she said, "Robby Brown, You're crazy." And I am! Maybe we all have to be a little bit crazy to be doing what we're going to be doing. I'm nervous. But it's a nervous excitement. Like when my friends and I used to strap firecrackers to G.I. Joes. The excitement and hint of danger.

We have to sign Assumption of Risk forms that tell us there is a chance we could get sick and/or hurt. It even says there is a chance we might not make it back at all. Call me crazy but THAT'S PART OF WHAT MAKES IT SO EXCITING. To know that we're making the choice to risk it all to do something, learn something and make a difference.

I am so very grateful for this opportunity. It is no doubt going to change my life. And the whole idea of how freakin' big this is, is crazy. There's those goosebumps.