I sat next to Justin on the plane from Dar TZ to Dubai UAE. As we discussed our individual reasons for being in Dar the contrast of the Kingdoms became very evident. I was there to drill for (and filter) clean water, he was there for oil. I cared about the kids, he said let them "f-ing" die (his words not mine) both of us were married, had kids and are 34 years old. In the end I said "I live as though God is real, you do not." I sought understanding. In the end the suffering and pain of the world led him to believe there is no God! Awe, a sense of justice is in every man. Thus the need for the cross, justice that is. Anyway, I illustrated with 4 people, Justin, Me and two others. I share what I have, he lets them die. If we all live like Justin it appears there is no God, if we all love and care, God's is revealed!

Just imagine carrying a bucket this size on your head with water in it. Fill up a bucket and try to lift it. Kids carry water from dirty shallow hand dug wells all the time, like this. But just imagine it making you sick after you drink it. For 1.1 billion in the world, this is life. But a Bio-Sand Filter changes everything for kids like this. Instead of the water they've worked so hard to get making them sick it actually hydrates and refreshes them! $5 makes a world of difference!
This bad boy got really close to our jeep and he was kinda angry, it was fun! So beautiful!

These are the working hands of a Bio-Sand Filter Technician! We are providing clean water and income to people that are in desperate need.
I never dreamed I'd be this close to a lion, without a cage in between us. I only had my 70-200 with me, as the converter didn't work. This gives you an idea of how close I was!

I miss everyone on the trip so much. We had such an amazing time!
When I opened it up for sharing at the end of the trip, there was barely a dry eye. You just don't realize what a difference $5 can make for someone until you see how people live in such poverty and then you see the filter in their homes and you hear their story of how it's transformed their lives, health and restored hope, productivity, joy and more!

Thank you to everyone who helps to make it possible!

I'll continue to post images from the trip, I just can't publish the gown images until Grace Ormonde Wedding Style features them. Also, we are gonna have a big shin ding at WPPI this year!

I am back from Tanzania! What a trip. Unbelievable group of photographers! We had such unity and joy on the team it was unbelievable. Such a privilege to participate in and lead such a great group of people! We can't publish images from the fashion shoot until Grace Ormonde does the feature in Wedding Style magazine, but I'll be posting other images from the trip until then!

Here is just one of my favorites! This is a little orphan girl in a village where we implemented a filter!

You can see other images and read more about the trip HERE too!

If you want to make a donation to take clean water to little one's like this one go to www.thirstrelief.org and become a recurring donor, it's crazy easy and every $5 donated provides a long term clean water solution to someone in need!

For those who would like to follow the trip to Tanzania where I'll be shooting designer gowns to benefit Thirst Relief you can go to HERE and see what posts we make as internet is available!

This trip has finally become a reality! It's amazing how much effort goes into coordinating 15 photographers, 2 videographers, 2 South African models from BOSS Capetown and turning it into a raffle and auction fundraiser all in one! And getting fair trade jewelry from Africa for the shoot from LEAKEY!

Keep us in your prayers for safety, depth and joy in the midst of some crazy days!


Blessings!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE! You are loved!