Five days and counting until I board an Emirates airplane headed to Uganda.

Maine Photographic Workshops offers a program there focusing on working with NGOs (non-government aid organizations), specifically developing story ideas and capturing images that will help these groups share their missions with the world.

So, early on 18 October I will be on my way for the 2-3 week workshop. A layover in Dubai will follow with my friend and photographer, Paul Thuysbaert, where we may have a short photoshoot at the JW Marriott. (The Uganda trip has taken a financial commitment, so any additional projects I can do along the way will help!). I will be returning home on 13 Nov.

For me, this is an amazing opportunity to explore a challenging area of photography within an organized environment. It will be a stark contrast to the hotel work from which I make a living; an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people struggling each day to literally survive. And I will be snatched out of my comfort zone and dropped into completely unfamiliar customs, language, food, surroundings — how can I not but learn and grow as person from such an experience?

So, stay tuned. Check in from time to time to see how the plans are going. I look forward to reading your comments. Helpful things like the warning signs of crazed hippos, hand sanitizer brands that really do work, and optimistic survival stories of visits to Africa that did not require Immodium products... these thoughts are certainly welcome along with good wishes, assurances of prayer, and general travel tips.

Should anyone know of a particular NGO based in Kampala, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with them and include them in part of my work.

Once I’m there, I'll try very hard to be organized enough to post quick entries with photos to give an idea of what I’m working on in a vibrant and hopeful part of sub-Saharan Africa.

Cheers!