March 31, 2013

MARCH 2013

March 31, 2013

#60 Another Weekend Dance Party

01 March 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

These girls are always singing, stomping, and dancing. And their song selection is pretty diverse- Rhianna, church hymns, and the South African national anthem.

#61 Saucy Steak

02 March 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Jay took me out for lunch to get a proper South African steak. This one came smothered in Madagascar green pepper sauce, and was fantastic. This + Thai food earlier = first food coma in a while.

#62 Sunday Playtime

03 March 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

There was a lot of hanging out going on in the courtyard after church. And on Sundays, they wear pink.

#63 Simangele

04 March 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Afternoons in the play room… there’s a lot going on.

#64 Neo

05 March 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

One of the oldest guys at the centre. I’ve been mentoring him since arriving. He’s hoping to go to join the Air Force to become a pilot when he’s done with school.

#65 The Little Ones

06 March 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

There’s nothing quite like the unbridled enthusiasm that the kids in the creche shower me with.

#66 The Smoke That Thunders

07 March 2013 // Livingstone, Zambia

Got an awesome view of the spray from the Victoria Falls rising up from my window seat on my flight to Livingstone. This was amazing.

#67 Quiet Livingstone

08 March 2013 // Livingstone, Zambia

Although it’s one of the larger and more known Zambian towns, Livingstone is still quite small and quiet. Definitely a contrast to my part two months in Johannesburg.

#68 Victoria Falls

09 March 2013 // Livingstone, Zambia

This was awesome. I cannot believe I actually got to see this in person.

#69 Behind the Mosquito Net

10 March 2013 // Livingstone, Zambia

After spending my Sunday morning visiting a Zambian church for the local experience, I spent the rest of the day chilling at the hostel. A contributing factor: my shoes, drying out in the window remained wet from the Victoria Falls’ spray.

#70 Fawlty Towers

11 March 2013 // Livingstone, Zambia

Although I had to do the Zambia trip alone, I managed to pick the perfect hostel for meeting cool people- namely some British NGO workers doing neat things.

#71 Mosi Oa Tunya

12 March 2013 // Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Went back to see the Falls- but this time from the Zimbabwean side. I hoped that it would be easy to cross into Zimbabwe, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was as easy as taking a walk.

#72 Chobe National Park

13 March 2013 // Chobe National Park, Botswana

Got to get up close and personal with some elephants, and other wonderful African beasts on a game drive and river cruise in Botswana.

#73 Joburg Return

14 March 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Back to the centre for one final week… ready to take in as much quality time with the kids as possible.

#74 A TOMS Delivery

15 March 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

First time seeing the other side of TOMS’ One for One program when boxes arrived at the centre. Simphiwe and the others are all looking trendy in their new TOMS shoes.

#75 Saturday at the Centre

16 March 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Collins looking on as everyone else kicks around soccer balls. Its some of these ordinary scenes that I’m really going to miss when I leave the centre.

#76 Arts On Main

17 March 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

I FINALLY got to check out Arts on Main’s Sunday Market. In the middle of Joburg’s gritty centre city is the gentrified artsy trendy precinct of Maboneng. A foodie’s dream!

#77 Supporter Supper

18 March 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Probably one of the most chaotic- although fun days at the centre… the supporter supper! Awesome food, great conversations, and some fun performances from the kiddos.

#78 The Guys of 5Cees

19 March 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Leaving the centre is not going to be easy. This is why.

#79 Pastor Mike

20 March 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Pastor Mike Sunker, founder and director of 5Cees, is definitely a hero of mine. Listening to him tell me about his visits to the townships and his plans to move to the centre to spend more time with the kids was super inspiring. Through action, he’s taught me a lot about having vision and being present.

#80 Departures & Arrivals

21 March 2013 // Amsterdam, Netherlands

My favorite part about airports are how the people there are from anywhere and everywhere.

#82 Homecoming Pho

22 March 2013 // San Diego, California

My first meal out upon returning to the US? No big surprise…

#82 Time to Run

23 March 2013 // San Diego, California

Training for the Color Run- first bit of real exercise after almost a year without! Since I can use whatever motivation I can get, I picked up some new running shoes. Appropriately neon enough for the Color Run.

#83 Coffee Shop Walls

24 March 2013 // San Diego, California

Not so fond of working inside the house, so I use that as my excuse to go coffee shop hunting.

#84 Coronado Dinner

25 March 2013 // Coronado, California

Went out for a pretty nice dinner at Coronado with Jeremy and family… great seeing him again!

#85 Morning Run Companion

26 March 2013 // San Diego, California

Ran into this guy while on my morning run at the lake. Not quite as good of a running partner as a dog.

#86 Reunited!

27 March 2013 // Goleta, California

It’s been far too long since I’ve seen either of these two! How to celebrate? Revisiting the site of a great evening hangout, one year before.

#87 The Wurst Double Date

28 March 2013 // Santa Barbara, California

Got to go on a double date with Derek and Holly while in Santa Barbara, and really enjoyed the new sausage restaurant we found on State.

#88 Sriracha Lays

29 March 2013 // Santa Barbara, California

Finally found ’em. I’ve been trying to hunt these down since returning to the USA. How am I suppose to vote for my favorite flavor if I can’t try ’em all? True democracy demands access… also, they were out of the chicken and waffles flavor.

#89 Lake Arrowhead

30 March 2013 // Lake Arrowhead, California

Had an awesome day exploring Lake Arrowhead with Deanna and family. Nature walks, wine tasting… pretty much a blast.

#90 Dorner Family Cabin

31 March 2013 // Santa Barbara, California

Deanna’s aunt and uncle totally spoiled us during our time at the lake. It was pretty wonderful.

Philippe Lazaro

February 28, 2013

FEBRUARY 2013

Philippe Lazaro

February 28, 2013

#32 Wits University

01 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

I got to walk around and explore Wits University, Joburg’s biggest university. Whether it be my own UCSB, or all the other schools I visited on tour, I’ve missed college campuses.

#33 Fine Town Outreach

02 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Got to participate in a community outreach event in Fine Town- a Johannesburg township where an estimated 500 orphan-headed households are located.

#34 Playtime

03 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Another day in the life of some of my favorite boys. The day’s adventure? It involves an empty garbage bin and an empty stroller.

#35 Pick N Pay

04 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

One of my favorite things to do while visiting another country is to go to the grocery store. Oddly simple, but that kind of gives you one of the better glimpses at everyday life!

On a less ordinary note, to get to the grocery store, I had to drive in opposite traffic for the first time!

#36 Dodgeball, Maybe

05 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Just before dinner, this sport erupted, which seemed to be a mix between cricket, dodgeball, and rugby. Whichever way, it was fun!

#37 New Soccer Table

06 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

The girls’ dorm just got a new foosball table donated!

#38 Urban Environment

07 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Spent most of a calmer, quieter day within the centre. Pretty relaxing.

#39 Solomon

08 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

If I’m allowed to admit to having favorites, Solly is one of them! It’s probably partly because he has an obvious best friend and partly because every time he sees me, he yells my name from across the center, smiles real big, and doesn’t really have much more to say after that.

#40 The 5Cees Dance Party

09 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

A random dance party erupted in the centre. I definitely approve.

#41 HTC Bramley

10 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Ajith took me to the church where he is a pastor, out in Bramley, a much quieter Joburg suburb.

#42 Elias

11 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Elias: Take a picture of me to put online for the American girls.

Alright, Elias.

#43 Wimpy

12 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Got my first taste of South African fast food… the Steak, Egg, & Chips combo at Wimpy, while waiting for my flight to Cape Town.

#44 Bo-Kaap

13 February 2013 // Cape Town, South Africa

Bo-Kaap is Cape Town’s Malay Quarters, basically a gentrified township. Its close-knit Muslim community and these awesomely colored houses give it a lot of personality.

#45 Castle of Good Hope

14 February 2013 // Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town’s oldest standing building. It’s quite large, and from the top, you get a really good view of the city. Spent a good amount of time exploring this yesterday.

#46 Penguin Watching

15 February 2013 // Simon’s Town, South Africa

I took the train south to Simon’s Town and spent my day hanging out with the penguins at Boulders Beach. Day well spent.

#47 St. James Beach

16 February 2013 // St. James, South Africa

I took the train and got a hop on/hop off pass which allowed me to visit every stop on the way to Simon’s Town. St. James had one of the better beaches, and fun looking booths.

#48 Table Mountain

17 February 2013 // Cape Town, South Africa

I got to take a cable car up to the top of Table Mountain. Some amazing views from up top.

#49 Cape Town

18 February 2013 // Cape Town, South Africa

‘Twas my last full day in Cape Town. One last chance to visit all my fave spots, and to eat at my favorite food places once more. I’m gonna miss it!!

#50 Greenmarket Square

19 February 2013 // Cape Town, South Africa

Glad I put off buying most of my souvenirs up until the very last minute… the open air market in Greenmarket Square gives you the proper haggling experience.

#51 Back at the Cente

20 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Getting back into the swing of things in Joburg. It’s good to be with the kids again.

#52 Jozi Boyz

21 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

I missed my Joburg crew, and my Joburg crew missed me. Back to hanging with these dudes.

#53 Back Alley Sports

22 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

I’ve learned about 40 variations of games you can play with a back alley and a soccer ball, thanks to spending time at 5Cees.

#54 Photobombing with the Kiddos

23 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

I’ve been teaching the kids about photobombing. And other valuable life lessons.

#55 BBC Church

24 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

I finally got to go to church at Bryanston, after hearing so much about it and meeting everybody each Wednesday. I felt quite at home. Having an IKEA-like living room helps, of course.

#56 Night Study

25 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

The new evening homework hour isn’t exactly the most popular with the kids at the centre, but we’re going for higher marks!

#57 5Cees

26 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

With less than a month left in South Africa, I’m aiming to make the most of my remaining days at the centre. It’ll nice to be back home, but these kids are gonna be tough to leave.

#58 Amahle

27 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

I’m on a quest to get portraits of all of the kids at the centre. Amahle is on a quest to do some painting.

#59 Margaret & Gugu

28 February 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

These two requested a portrait session while I was hanging out with Sifundo after study hour.

Philippe Lazaro

January 31, 2013

JANUARY 2013

Philippe Lazaro

January 31, 2013

#1 Matt Lowe

01 January 2013 // Fremont, California

Got to reunite with Daniel Santos for the first time in months, then got to reunite with Matt in Fremont en route to Sacramento.

#2 Jelly Belly Factory

02 January 2013 // Fairfield, California

Spent the morning taking a tour of the Jelly Belly factory and sampling the beans. Also, their fudge.

#3 Exploring Sacramento

03 January 2013 // Sacramento, California

Spent the evening exploring Old Town Sacramento with Chris and Deanna, then went into Downtown Sac for dinner with Caytlin, April, and Shannon.

#4 Downtown Sac

04 January 2013 // Sacramento, California

Before leaving on our drive back down to Santa Barbara, Deanna and I went into Downtown Sacramento for coffee at Broadstreet. Reminded me a lot of Portland.

#5 The Dargan's Text Messaging Festival

05 January 2013 // Santa Barbara, California

My first full day back in Santa Barbara was reunion filled. This is what going to a bar will be like in 2013.

#6 Rain on State Street

06 January 2013 // Santa Barbara, California

After going to church at Hope for the first time in months, Deanna and I got lunch at Mac's with Mandyand Arumi before I had to take her to the Amtrak station.

#7 Return to Isla Vista

07 January 2013 // Isla Vista, California

Spent the day catching up with a TON of people. Best way to visit. Also spent the morning out by these cliffs. Miss doing that every morning.

#8 It's Gabe!

08 January 2013 // Goleta, California

Spent the afternoon catching up with Gabe and loitering around KMart a couple times. 'Twas a good day loaded with catch up sessions.

#9 The Burger Bus

09 January 2013 // Goleta, California

Before leaving Santa Barbara for Bakersfield, I got to finally catch the Burger Bus and had lunch withDaniel.

#10 The Bakersfield Canals

10 January 2013 // Bakersfield, California

I got to wander through Bakersfield a bit whileDeanna was in class today. Discovered this little area.

#11 Cafe Crêpes

11 January 2013 // Bakersfield, California

Deanna showed me one of her favourite Bakersfield secrets, this tucked away crêpes restaurant. We got to have lunch with Meaghan Lingo!

#12 Sequoia Subaru Picnic

12 January 2013 // Sequoia National Forest, California

Dee and I spent part of our day together in Bakersfield by venturing far out into the Sequoia National Forest for a picnic. It was chilly out, so the picnic went down inside her Subaru.

#13 LiNK House Visit

13 January 2013 // Harbor City, California

On my drive from Bakersfield, I got to pay a visit to the LiNK house and see Menekşe, Christina, Chi,Jihyun, Susie, Sarah, and the new class of nomads/interns.

#14 South Africa Packed

14 January 2013 // San Diego, California

Spent the day running last minute errands and getting everything all packed up for South Africa. Rand, malaria pills, and a whole lotta reading.

#15 Pomegranate with Ivy

15 January 2013 // San Diego, California

On my last night in the U.S., I went with Ivy to a Russian-Georgian restaurant with a poetic menu, a spicy chocolate sauce, and flecks of pomegranate in everything.

#16 Boarding at JFK

16 January 2013 // Jamaica, New York

It's pretty dark and cold out in New York. Fortunately, I never had to leave the airport.

#17 Amsterdam Layover

17 January 2013 // Amsterdam, Netherlands

While I didn't have enough time on my layover to get out and actually see Amsterdam, the airport is odd and interesting enough to keep me occupied for a while.

#18 First Day at the Centre

18 January 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

My first full day at the centre was a slow and quiet one. Everybody expected me to be pretty much resting after two full days of traveling, so I took them up on the offer.

#19 Rainy at Rosebank

19 January 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

I went to the mall to get some groceries and other supplies. So far, it's been all rain while I've been in Joburg.

#20 HCC Beat

20 January 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

I went to church at Hillbrow Christian Church, which conveniently shares its initials with Hope Community-Church Santa Barbara. One slight difference, though, is that some of the worship is in Zulu.

#21 Football at 5Cees

21 January 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Some of the kids invited me to play football with them at the centre. I hope they thought I was letting them win. I wasn't.

#22 Mitchell Street

22 January 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Atop the teenage boys' dormitory at the centre, you can get a pretty good view of Mitchell St. One of my favourite perches for people watching.

#23 Pap for Dinner

23 January 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Although I've had pap a few times now and am pretty used to it, the kids can't resist asking me if I've ever had it before and if I eat it every time.

#24 Afrikaans Study

24 January 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Bonani asked me for help with his Afrikaans homework. While I'm not really qualified due to my not-speaking-Afrikaans-at-all, we figured out how to write out sentences, use the words you know, dictionary the rest, and rearrange for grammar.

#25 Kids in the Hall

25 January 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

These kids are absolutely fascinated with whatever it is I do. They're also constantly playing in the hallway outside my door, so every trip to and from my room consists of interacting with my Zulu fan club.

#26 The Great African Steps

26 January 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Elias and I went on a walk around Hillbrow, and went all the way to Constitution Hill. I got to look at the Great African Steps on the back.

#27 Johannesburg

27 January 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Neo and I went on a walk to Killarney Mall, and on the way stopped by The Views, a nature reserve named after this panoramic it provides.

#28 The Kresh

28 January 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

I swung by the Kresh (preschool) yesterday to help Teacher Magret move some books to the library. The kids were a mix of happy and confused to see me there.

#29 Olwethu

29 January 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

Olwethu is three-and-a-half. She's one of the newest girls at the centre. I got to take her portrait, and several of the other new kids' yesterday.

#30 Letters to South Africa

30 January 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

I got a lovely treat in the mail today... two letters! I didn't even know I could get mail here. Thanks Deanna and Elaine! EWu, I'll try to put that emergency Vietnamese money to good use. Vietnamese grape soda...

#31 Letters to South Africa 2.0

31 January 2013 // Johannesburg, South Africa

You guys! More letters keep coming in. I have the kindest friends. Thank you Sean Ferry and Carolina Maldonado, as well as Catherine Lieu, whose card I just received. These mean so much to me!