My date night with Carlos started with dueling games of City Jump on my phone on the ferry. We met up with my cousin, Nathan, and hopped on the bus to go to the Uptown. The highlight of the bus trip? Being able to stand up while the bus was moving – he thought that was super fun and I remember feeling the same way when I was a kid.
We got to the theater and saw the Living on One bus parked out in front. Thought it would be a good time, before the screening of the movie started, to give the guys the check. Carlos raised a total of $741 to put towards a child in Guatemala’s education. Chris and Sean were on the bus and were excited to see Carlos. They couldn’t believe he had raised that much in only 5 days (they also couldn’t wait to try the caramels Carlos brought for them that he had made). They told him that with all of the money he would be providing education for TWO kids! They posed for a couple pictures and we headed out to grab a bite to eat.
Of course, when you are in Seattle and you are standing across from Dick’s, you are required to go and eat a greasy burger and fries. So tasty! Nathan and I went Deluxe and Carlos opted for the fries and Coke dinner.
We had plenty of time to eat before the movie, but we knew the theater was sold out so we went and stood out in line in the cold for about 30 minutes. I ran into a woman I used to work with and her two boys. I always love seeing people after so many years, although there wasn’t time to catch up on life. That’s what Facebook is for, right?
Got seated in the movie up toward the front (per request of the guys) and enjoyed another showing of Living on One. It gets me every time, amazing movie and so inspiring. What these guys are doing to get awareness about extreme poverty and ways to make a difference is incredible.
After the movie was over, Chris, Zack and Sean were up in the front addressing the crowd and gave a great shout out to Carlos for his fundraising efforts. I think he was embarrassed, he’s a shy kid, but also so proud of the work he had done and being able to have a room full of adults recognize it as well.
We went over to the after screening party and Carlos was a little celebrity. Many people wanted to hear more about his story, why he wanted to raise money and how he was doing it.
He talked to so many people! We were close to leaving and Chris and Zack came up and asked me if Carlos would be willing to talk with the CBS This Morning crew about his fundraising. It was fun to see him getting ready, a mic in place and all. He seemed so little. I know he was nervous (he was swinging his feet a bit) but if you didn’t know him you couldn’t tell. Thank God he had changed out of his grungy clothes! After a little coaching from our friend, Kris, he was ready to go. He answered the questions very thoughtfully, he aced it! I couldn’t have been more proud, it was truly from the heart.
I’m not sure how he will react to the attention – hoping it will encourage him to keep going with his efforts!
As we were leaving Carlos said, “Man, I’m sure going to miss those guys.” I love that he idolizes these guys, I mean, could it get any better? These are good guys!
When we finally got home and he’d told Dee all about his day, he curled up next to me on the couch and said, “Mama K, that was the best day ever” and fell asleep on my shoulder. I agree, little man, I agree.
And on a side note…Carlos got a nice shout out on the Living on One blog today. I read it to him and he was grinning ear to ear. Click here to see it and read more about what they are up to.
Three Scurvy Dogs a Wee Lass (and their Mamas) 
