Out of Africa

I know it's been a while since I updated - my apologies. Life has been busy (when have I said that before?!!) Anyways, in God's timing, and through the generosity of an anonymous donor I have finally touched down in Africa for the first time in my life. Last week I flew to Dakar, Senegal for 4 intense days of photography - a trip that I had a whole of one week to prepare for - CRAZINESS!!! From orphanages, to markets, to medical clinics I came face to face with so many needy people. Words cannot express what is going thru my heart at the moment...as it sorts its way out, perhaps I will come to a point where I can share it. For now, here's some of the pictures captured in our whirlwind tour...hopefully they will give you some breath of an idea of what is happening in our world today, and inspire you to be a difference in the lives of those who have no voice...

My hero...

I'd like to introduce you to my mom...For those of you who know her...this is probably a shocking photo. No...I did not pin her down and shear her myself. She's reached that point in her life where she no longer desires to maintain her youthful appearance by using various trade tricks, but embracing her aging for what it is. Not only did she go grey (which looks rather distinguishing on her), but she went all the way and cut off her massive head o' hair our family (minus my dad!) have inherited. I guess this is middle age "living on the edge"...not to be confused with going over the edge! While I still get confused for students at the highschool I volunteer at, at least I won't have to explain to hopefuls at the gym that my "sister" is really my mom! And although I told her this will be a dead giveaway for any wedding pictures that may be in my distant future that I got married later in life, I am proud of her. Proud of her bravery - both inside and out - even tho at times she may doubt her choices and the hard road she has chosen to walk down. Life doesn't always throw us beds of ease...and I am grateful for the example she has been to me!
The temptation lies to grab hold of the scissors myself...dun dun dun!