We’re kicking off the Backpack Journalism 2011 with pizza and conversation at my house on Sunday, the night before we start our three intense days of getting academically and journalistically ready for the trip.

John, Tim and I are confident that the students will be ready to start telling the stories of people and the church in Uganda and how the people are working for peace. On Monday, we’ll start with blogs and theology and video. So it’s good to get ready with pizza and salad and conversation. 

The days of class will be interspersed with packing and getting ready for the trip. I’ve got nearly everything — I keep forgetting the electrical adapter, which I won’t forget. It’s list-making time. And I know I have a lot to do when I make a list of the lists I have to make.

Even more reason to gather to keep building our own community. Top of my list: Enjoy the people and the moment.