Alexandra

This past weekend Alex and I headed over to this cool abandoned place by my house. She wanted a "city" look, and nothing embodies that better than lots of graffiti, right?

It was quite interesting and funny seeing her walk through broken glass and piles of trash to get some shots. She's a trooper. At one point, we were trying to get away from a couple of guys playing Paint Ball. We didn't do a good job at it because I got shot right in the heart by a yellow paint ball. Honestly, who shoots a short girl walking around with a camera and a white shirt yelling "Don't shoot!"? At least it wasn't my camera, but I'm still bitter about it, haha.

Well, it was all worth it because we were able to get some good shots before getting shot, Pun definitely intended. All for the art, right? ;-)

South Africa: Miscellaneous

I know I'm probably overdoing the whole "Africa" posting, but I just HAD to post these. I promise they're the last ones ;-)




I just love the way that little boy was looking up at the older one.




Any "Lost" fans out there? Tell me that's not where The Others live.








Penguins are my 2nd favorite animal and I got to see them really up close! I was happy.

Some people have asked if I plan on selling prints of any of my "Africa" posts. I never really thought about it, but if I see enough interest, I'll do it ;-)

if you are indeed interested in purchasing any of these prints, let me know!

South Africa: Nature's own.

Landscape photography is not really my forte, but seriously, with views like these, I couldn't take a bad picture even if I wanted to. I can't say it enough, South Africa is hands down the most gorgeous, breathtaking place I've ever seen. What do you think?

South Africa: Souls.

Kids are my favorite. All they require is a smile of recognition and you have a free pass to take their photo. In fact, in Africa, I was usually chased about by a mob of kids who wanted their picture taken. They're so open and vulnerable that its easy to see their soul through their eyes and smiles. It made my job that much easier.

In the few days I was there, I was able to connect with some of the kids from the FROG center in Cape Town. Talking with some of the local volunteers I was able to get some information about their backgrounds. The sad truth is that even though these children do not personify the stereotype we have concocted of what an African child should look like or live like, they come from abusive homes and drug-infested communities where teen pregnancy and drug-related violence runs rampant.

In all honesty, at times I questioned the purpose of my trip there. It did not seem like an important matter to do a Vacation Bible School for a week for some kids. After speaking to the local volunteers, they were able to clarify the ultimate purpose of the trip.

We were there for their "Spring Break". One week were these kids would have to fend for themselves. With barely any adult supervision and productive activities, any kid is bound to get into trouble. That vulnerability that makes them such great subjects for photography also makes them easy victims to drugs, teen pregnancy and violence.

We were able to offer these kids an alternative to getting into trouble. With a couple of hours of the day we provided a safe place for them to play, learn and eat. We were able to show them that despite their circumstances, there are people that love them and care about them and their well-being, both physical and spiritual.

I wish my time there would have been longer, but I am so thankful that God provided the opportunity for me to do this. My hope is that despite the short amount of time I shared with these kids, that a seed was planted. I don't know if I will see any of them again, or if they'll even remember "that short girl with the camera" but I pray that God used me for His glory. I pray that I was able to influence something worthwhile in the lives of the children I met.

That, I believe, is really the ultimate purpose.

Africa: day 2 and 3

I can't believe I've been here for three days already.


Yesterday was a very eventful day. Day two and three are "tourist-y" days. We woke up very early and headed out toward Boulkrans Bridge, South Africa. The biggest bungee jump in the world.

That's right. Bungee jump.

Now as most of you know already, I am not fond of heights, let alone jumping off the biggest bridge in the world. But I wasn't planning on jumping, so I went along for the ride.

We drove for about 5 hours north to get to the place, and it was monstrous. My stomach flipped a couple of times just by looking at it. All the sudden I decided to do it. Why not, right? How many times am I in South Africa in the biggest bungee jump in the world?



So I jumped. I can't believe it. It was the weirdest feeling in the world. Waiting around was the worst. They take you to the bridge and they have a DJ playing music (its great to keep people calm). They workers are extremely nice and give you all the details you need to know. Finally it was my turn.

They strapped me up and gave me a pep talk. Two workers walked me over to the edge and that's when it hit me. WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING HERE?

but it was too late to back down. They counted down... 3... 2... 1... and I jumped. And I fell. And I started screaming. And I felt the weirdest feeling I've ever felt in my life.

About two seconds after the drop, it finally hit me. "Oh my God.... I'm falling into an abiss!" My body started twirling around like those ballerinas in music boxes and I bounced up and down on the bungee strings for about 4 other times. The scariest seconds of my life.



Finally they started lifting me up and one of the workers came down to stap me to him and took me back to the surface of the brige. I was shaking. My hair was a mess. But i was so happy I did something I never in a million years thought I'd do.

4 others from the group jumped too. We bonded. There's also a pretty cool video of the experience that i'll post later.

Today the team went to a whale watching festival. I and a couple others decided to stay behind because of the hurricane-like winds and rain.

But for now, i'm still reliving the fact that I jumped off a bridge.

Africa, day 1

I'm here! and its awesome.

We arrived last night dead tired from two days of flying. As previously stated, I had the unfortunate luck of sitting to all of the people I did not want to sit with. Oh well. At least my luggage and I made it here safely.

Today we woke up, headed out to a grocery store about a quarter of a mile away from where we're staying to buy some food for the next couple of days. We've mostly spent the day recuperating from the trip and getting to know the members of our team. Right now, its 6:30pm, I'm sitting in an internet cafe, checking some emails, facebook, you know... the important stuff. So far, I'm having a blast.

I hope to be able to write again tomorrow. Stay tuned!