Not missing, just missed.

It has been ages since I've seen or spoke to many of you, but as you know I've been in Kenya working with the Tumaini Children's Project.  It was a great time being back home briefly.  My friends and family really circled around and helped me make the most of the time between trips. For those who were following along on the Piga Picha blog - the World Youth Congress (Quebec) exhibit and lecture went well.  I felt so privileged to be a delegate, and I am extremely pleased with the response to the children's photographs.  The lecture went smoothly, and generated a lot of interest in the project.  I met tons of great youth leaders who I am excited to work with in the future.

Now I'm headed off to South Africa (currently I am in Washington) on assignment with World Vision. Since my trip to Ethiopia with them last year I have been itching to shoot for them again.  This time we are headed over to shoot photographs in Durban and Bloemfontein with a focus on food security in this area of Africa.  Many of you will remember from the news earlier this year that Durban was an area where attacks were carried out against foreign immigrants because of their effect on employment.  Cities are rarely the same after such events, and I wonder what Durban will be like.  In Kisumu (Kenya) where I was with TCP, many of the locals spoke of the post-election violence like they themselves could not believe it happened even though the legacy left by burnt buildings, tire-melted roads and hateful graffiti was every where.  

I am slowly beginning to learn some of the many complexities that affect Africa.  I love the continent even more now that I know some of these realities than when I was an idealistic child.  I hope this trip will not only yield photos that inspire change and action, but I hope that I will learn what change needs to be had in my own life. 

I am extremely grateful for all of your well wishes, and thoughts.  I'll be seeing you soon!

Bless,

Alyssa