I'm still here...but somehow the last thing on my mind is to blog. It kind of kills me because I am now so much more happy with my images and I have really enjoyed sharing them with people but for some reason I am not finding words enough to share all my thoughts. So bare w/ me and keep checking back.
I hosted a "Sharing about S. Sudan" night on Wednesday and the turnout and interest in seeing my images and hearing some of the stories behind them really touched me. And receiving so much positive feedback following the night is motivating me to try and find more ways to do it again. It was really, really wonderful. Thank you to everyone for attending and for those who are interested in attending a future even just let send me an email.

Before I share more Sudan images I wanted to give an update on little Georgia if you haven't been following along on her mom's amazing blog that is documenting their journey. Wednesday was an even bigger day for her...she had her bone marrow transplant. She continues to be the strongest little one year old you will ever meet. Please think of her today and send positive thoughts their way! And give your little ones an extra big hug for Georgia today!

Now more from S. Sudan. All of these images were taken in the little town I stayed in, Torit. Somehow I was talked said yes to getting in the cattle corral & a local took my picture. Those cows have such big horns, it never got old watching them walk by.

The historic referendum in Southern Sudan is just 2 days away. I wish I could be there to document the incredible day and the aftermath that will hopefully result in a the building of a peaceful country. There is major concern that the north will not allow the succession to happen peacefully & genocide or a civil war may break out. Please follow what is happening in the news, even though we are on the other side of the world our support can make a difference. Follow this link to show your support.

If you have read my posts that I wrote while in Sudan you may remember that I wrote about running out to the road when I heard chanting/marching going by and could see the top of a flag leading the way. It was an amazing scene & I was over the moon w/ the one minute I got to film them as they marched by. Then I decided to follow them to see where they were marching and then the next 4 hours played out to an unforgettable setting. I found myself as the center of a rally that started building w/ traditional dancers and then the area became packed w/ locals as the Governor of the State of Equatoria drive up & a handful of rousing speeches commenced followed by more dancing until the sun went down. I still can't believe I stumbled upon such an amazing event. This country deserves their freedom!
Here are a few images from that day and hopefully I can get a few videos up later.

I have been asked repeatedly where I stayed (accommodation-wise) while in S. Sudan so I thought before I shared more images I would share a few less than exciting ones that at least can give a little insight(all taken w/ my point & shoot). The first 3 are of my room from afar, up close and inside. Then there is the view from my room, followed by the "facilities" (3 doors on left are the shower, 3 on right are the toilets) with the single spigot in front of the doors for brushing teeth & washing face/clothes. Next is the nicest of the toilets, the other two doors were just drop holes. Then the last 3 are of the local "restaurant" cooking area. They served roasted or deep fried chicken & meat (probably cow or goat), bread and a bean dish. The roasted chicken was pretty tasty.

I think I am finally starting to settle back in and actually get excited to share pictures. Yesterday I forced myself to plan an low-key event to share about my travels & images I took. The event is on January 19th, if you would like to join me please send me an email. Getting the event on the calendar and starting work to design a coffee table album for the Ujenzi Charitable Trust is forcing me to start looking back through my images this morning so it is time to start sharing more. After I left the market I walked through the alleyways and enjoyed so many beautiful children along the way. There is a part of me that is hesitant to share these images because I think they may come across as just another picture of kids from Africa, but I do love looking back at these ones and they make me smile so if nothing else hopefully they will make you smile and think a little.