To all my friends following my ramblings...

Many of you received an email from me or have read my past blog outlining a project which would teach photography to students during my short stay in Uganda. After talking with the local missionaries, they feel, and I agree, that the timing is not right for such a project as previously described.

My heart is broke only because of the foothold the enemy has on so many African lives. Pray for Light. Jesus will win.

So where from here?

Look at my thoughts spins from other active organizations such as Cameras for healing and Kids with cameras - Zambia. However, it's purpose, as stated, is not only about photos, social awareness or learning a trade... It's life in Christ.

In him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of men.

Giving children the chance to share where they see God working in the world and in the lives around them through the lens.

Right now I'm trying to re-work some "holes" in this project. Unrealistic ideas and tasks need to be visited. A sensitivity for culture needs to be in place and last but not least, financing.

Currently, I am working with a few other potential groups for 2008:
Portland, Central Washington and kids from the Navajo reservation in Arizona.

If you would like to volunteer your skill or if you know of a community that could be blessed by this project, please feel free to contact me.

peace.
johno~

I'm not sure about the rest of the world, but... This summer has flown by. Most of the summers past I've been able to spend some time taking the kids to the park, swimming in the back or just chasing them around taking their pictures. It's August and it's cold. Today might break 90... the day we schedule dentist appointment at 3 PM for all the kiddos. Bummer.

Anyhow, I pulled out my camera and chased them all down. CLICK-A-TY, CLICK, CLICK.


Adam before his haircut


and after his haircut


Caleb was the hardest to pin down... can you tell?


Miriam always loves to pose for me... my little model.


Hannah... well, she's twelve and just thinks I'm a nut. Funny, she's just like me in so many ways. Look out world.

I love being a Papa. These are my gems. They are my life. I love each of them very much.

peace.
johno~

Breaking free, ready to fly
Head down, on the ground tethered by my side
Don’t they know I want to be free
Look through my eyes, you might just see

I'm Chasing the field of hills turned green
Open to the things unseen
Redemption red, winter white
She Lights my darkness and helps me fly

“Ending poverty” they say, is just a lie
Dying in a dirt street, hear little children cry
One man opened up the door
Giving more than bread crumbs off the floor

To those chasing the field of hills turned green
Open to the things unseen
Redemption red, winter white
She Lights their darkness and helps them fly

One step doesn’t make you walk
One word doesn’t make you talk
It’s the child who gets up again
And the child who’s life is in your hands

Who am I to think I AM
I’m just a beggar with a secret plan
Crawling on a old wood floor
With a map to find an open door

To the fields of hill turned green
Seeing all the things unseen
Redemption red like winter white
No more darkness only Light

Ready to fly

peace.
johno~