In Context

I have a vision board back home in the states. Aside from “normal” goals like places I want to travel to in my lifetime or artistic endeavors I want to accomplish, I also wrote down things I want to change about myself. One such thing is for me to see myself in the larger context of the world. I have spent much of my energy just on me the past few years. And you know? Honestly? Being self-absorbed isn’t always as bad as you think. It allows you to reflect, to self-analyze, to heal whatever wounds you may have, or appreciate the battle scars you ha...Read more

Just Living…

Three weeks of Kenya already. This trip is everything I thought it would it would be: Amazing and difficult at once. I am getting into the groove of things. As of a few days ago, I finally know how to get to school on my own. Kibera is a maze. Been making new and awesome friends along the way. I’ve noticed that I don’t feel entirely happy or satisfied, unless I’ve spent a few hours there getting to know people. The regular house visits have been particularly gratifying. Been getting more attached to my little girl “Faith”, the HIV positive one y...Read more

The HIV Question

Though on the decline, HIV has been a rampant problem in many African countries, including Kenya. The government provides free testing kits, but there isn’t enough manpower to administer these tests, and not enough HIV/Aids education going around to lift the stigma attached to get tested in the first place.

A “muzungu” (a non-derogatory term for “foreigner”) will inevitably cause a stir when walking around at the market in the Kawangware district. It’s a congested area. Lots of vendors and stands. Garbage everywhere of course. The ot...Read more

Contrast

I have started my photography project. Trying to photograph each kid at school is definitely not an easy thing to do, but I think I managed. Around 300 rascals of all ages. Went to get some quotes from labs and printing places around here and will hopefully get this done by the time easter break is over. The pastor and headmaster of the school are very excited about this, so I’m happy to be able to contribute a little bit and put some smiles on people’s faces. I’ll be giving all children a photograph of themselves. It’s unlikely they’ll get a “luxur...Read more

Starting A New Routine

Orientation was held at Hekima College: Institute of Peace Studies & International Relations this last monday. It was fun to meet all the Kenya volunteers. Most of them are placed all across the country in different towns and villages. I am based out of Nairobi. Housing is nice. I have 5 housemates plus two Kenyan ladies who take care of the cooking and general wellbeing of us. It’s nice to have running water, although right now as I’m typing this, the electricity is out. Not sure when we’ll get it back.

It’s been raining l...Read more

First Night in Nairobi

I arrived at Nairobi’s airport, and after a long fight to get my big backpack off of one of the conveyor belts (the one it was supposed to come off of broke down), I was picked up by a nice Kenyan guy named Anton. I also had my first naive run in with a dude, who I thought worked with Anton, but turned out to just want money from me for pushing my luggage cart five feet to Anton’s car. Needless to say, I gave him none.

Anton is a quiet guy. I asked him a few questions, but he just seemed shy and not very talkative. Perhaps he h...Read more

Travel

Hello Everyone,

I guess now would be a good time to start blogging again!

I have this thing at home, called the vision board. Really, what it is are my window blinds, with scribbles made by black and red permanent markers. I have written or doodled some ugly looking goals I want to achieve in life. And now, as I am sitting here in Dubai, waiting for my connecting flight to Nairobi, I will soon be able to check off some of these goals:

1. Volunteer/work/live in Africa

2. Go on a Safari

Read,...Read more

Moving Within The Movie World

I’ve been so caught up in the film world and have done less photography projects in the past few months. My writing work has also been keeping me a bit more private these days. Time to share again!

“nightdreamblues” (yes, writer West Liang insists that it’s spelled lower case!) is the first feature film project that I recently directed and wrapped. What a fun time.

Visit our facebook page here

Name dropping time! The wonderful cast inc...Read more

Happy Pilgrims’ Harvest Memorial Day!

My little sister Sandra is quite the special lady. She is one of the most kindhearted, funniest, and smartest people I know. She’s just awesome!

She came to visit me a few weeks ago, and we decided to take some pictures together with the use of our remote controls. Double remote control action, baby! We had so much fun. And my favorite part is that both our shirts are hella wrinkled. That’s how we roll….!

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Selfies And A Bug Eye

Yesterday, I remembered that my sister got me a remote control to my camera as a birthday gift this year. We had experimented with long shutters and night shoots, and I thought it was so cool and helpful that she had one for her camera (we be nikon babies!). Sweet as she is, she actually got me my own little remote. Why did I forget about it???

Finally, after months of collecting dust, I finally found another use for it. Self-portraits! I kinda enjoy them. In fact, I might make that a regular thing. It’ll be nice to track my gro...Read more