There are so many lessons offered, as gifts, to us every day.

Verbal Written Experienced Perceived

I've tried to learn about Love, Integrity, Respect, Joy; and by the end of MY lesson plans I'm left with only a frustrated self, that is trudging through the muck.

I have been given work boots though,
and tools I can use to pull myself along. Every
once in awhile He even gives me something
more than perseverance,
He gives me Hope.

Here I am, back at home. More will be shared about my trip but that will have to come after quite a bit of picture editing and a decent amount of personal debriefing. For now, I leave you with this... I play around on this Internet program called Stumble which allows me to randomly surf the web based on my interest profile I filled out when I registered. I've come across all kinds of really incredible information. For example, the Brick Testament which is a project aimed at recreating common Bible stories using Lego's. It's actually extremely impressive! Obviously, this is one frame from the story of Adam and Eve. Not only can you see these stories online but you can buy hardback books! There is even a Christmas story edition which I imagine would make a pretty awesome Christmas present. That's all really, I just thought I would share something that made me smile, with the hope of making you smile.

Please, leave a comment of something that makes you smile.

We should really all start sharing smiles more often, I think maybe it could change the world.

Hello again. Sorry it's been so long since my last post! Sometimes when I come to the internet cafe the BlogSpot page won't open.
Here I am though, alive and well!
First off, I'd just like to say, that this place has been extremely challenging for me spiritually but I'm starting to feel live I'm coming out on the other side. I was (and still am) wading through some pretty heavy muck but I'm beginning to sense that even though I feel like I'm not getting any clear answers, at least I'm not alone.
I've been reading The Shack (thanks Emily) and it's has been challenging and freeing all at the same time!
Apart from my spiritual journey, which I feel has finally, truly began..I have been doing great in all other areas. I haven't gotten sick which I'm so thankful for and I still have everything I need. (Thanks mom for helping me be so prepared!)
This morning we spent a couple hours learning and practicing traditional cloth stamping and this afternoon was spent drumming and singing. The rhythms here are completely different from those I've grown accustomed to hearing so sometimes its difficult. When I finally get into the groove though its fascinating!
I'm really looking forward to this upcoming weekend. We will be going on a hike through the jungle in Cape Coast! I'll be sure to let you know how that goes.
I'm running low on minutes on the computer so I better run. Again thank you for all your support!
Also, leave comments because I love hearing from home when I get a chance to come to the internet cafe.
I hope all your lives are going well!

- Listen. Love. -

Hey everyone! I'm in Africa! It truly is a dream come true. This whole trip is full of up's-and-down's. The experiences I'm having here will forever change my perspective on so many aspects of my life. My days are full of drumming, dancing, singing, and language lessons. We have been to multiple festivals and ceremonies full of new colors, movements and sounds. I can now say that I've seen a real life cow sacrifice! The people here have been extremely friendly and so willing to answer my millions of questions about their lives and their culture. We are sleeping in small thatch huts with no electricity and two small beds with mosquito nets. (The net is a life saver!) It has been cloudy and raining since we've been here but thats because the rainy season is just now ending. Hopefully it will brighten up before we leave. All in all this trip has been packed full of new experiences that I don't think I will fully process until I get back home, have had a refreshing shower, and can just sit and think. Until then I'm going to just keep going, trying to write everything down and take as many pictures as I can. I hope you are all doing well and I can't wait to see you when I get back. If anyone has any questions about what I'm doing just post them on this entry. Thanks again for all your encouragement to follow my dreams!

I've just been thinking recently how much I'm inspired by my mother. Not only has she spent 21 years of her life working to provide me not only with the basic necessities but also with all the opportunities I could have ever needed, she has also been such an emotional foundation.

I'm not going to lie; in so many ways we are two completely different people. Despite our differences and all the challenges life has thrown at us, we have only grown together. I now consider her one of my Best Friends.

Whether I was crying in my closet, sharing the biggest secret of my life, or sitting next to her on the beaches of Cozumel, she has listened to me, supported me, encouraged me, pushed me, and above all.. she has truly loved me.

Thank You Mom,

you mean the world to me.

I Love You.

This whole blog thing is such a double edged sword. I despise that it'll only further submerge me in the cyber world but the truth is, I love photographs and I love staying connected to all the beautiful people I know

Amanda, who have shown me the joy of modern technology. I absolutely love your video blogs, even though they only make me long to spend good 'ole fashion time in your presence. (Oh, and let us not forget NetFlix!)

(Also, a side note to Jeremy.. Even though you long for me to remove myself from the computer, you continue to support me in all my endeavours. This is the beauty of 'us' and only part of why I love you. Thank You, truly.)

Thus, the beginning of my 'internet diary'.

My main desire is to use this as an exhibit for photography, a forum for discussion, and just simply a place to release a little creative tension. The photograph you see here, sadly, was not taken by me although by the end of the summer I hope to have rolls of my own.

This is the Kroo Bay slum. It is located just outside Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. There will by many more posts on this particular subject due to the fact that this little corner of the world has grabbed on to my heart. In August of this year, Jeremy and I will be traveling there with our good friend Lindsey Bengfort in order to become more established with the people and shoot a documentary (that'll be Jeremy's job). Our desire is to start a non-profit organization, The Kroo Bay Initiative, in order to raise the funds to build and run a school there.

This is one of the biggest on-takings of my life and I'm just so excited. If anyone is interesting in becoming apart of this initiative, please, contact me. There is always a role for you. As I said before, there will be more posts to come as this journey unfolds.

Thanks to anyone who told me to never give up. It's true, dreams really can come true.

Listen. Love.