I’ve never been to Africa, and its kind of hard to know what to expect. I’ve seen hundreds of pictures and videos, yet know it won’t compare with what its like to really be there. I’m trying to do as much research before we go, into the possible themes and ideas we want to address while we’re there. Aids, being the most obvious and probably the biggest issue at hand, but find myself more interested in the issues that surround this huge epidemic.

You hear about the problem of Aids in Africa in the media, and from celebrities, and hundreds of non-profits. I hope to dive deeper into this issue, more than just saying its a problem, but trying to understand the culture surrounding. What our group has observed is a silent culture, where people would rather not know whether they have aids and aren’t comfortable talking about it openly. I can imagine this being challenging to film, but we hope to stay long enough to build some trust with the people, I also think the fact that Megan has lived there will be a big help.

Keri was telling me about how most of the people in the area we are going are Catholic, and that they associate “having Aids with being a Sinner.” They also tend to be against Birth Control and other Progessive ideas that undermine their authority. I personally am very interested by this dynamic, and am curious to how it plays out in real life.

As I’ve been researching, I have been seeing alot of awareness being raised about all the Orphans in Africa, children whose parents have died from Aids. I seen some powerful images, as it painful to see some of these faces, so young and innocent, with very little guidance. They all seem to end up in Orphanages or dead. I’m sure we will look into this issue, and hope to find some powerful stories.

Usually when I travel I meet alot of kids, because they are the most open. They also seem to be the most important as they represent the future, and I find myself connstantly dreaming of a brighter future, that comes from the investment in the young people. This might sound weird as I’m still pretty young myself…but I think its important to try and be a good role model, as well as being part of the positive change I want to see.

I’m sure I will expand on these ideas as this is just the beginning….

and I’m sure no matter how I much I plan it will be totally different once I get there

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