Two is company, 16 Million is a Crowd

Once again I have to admit that although I thought I’d seen it all, I was wrong. In a lifetime of experiences we will never be able to make that claim.
Once you’ve seen one African city, you’ve seen them all right?? Wrong!! Not until you’ve seen and more importantly, been in Lagos have you even seen the half of it. Lagos is one of those places you either love or you hate!!
It embraces the essence of energy. I’m not sure if it’s the hundreds of generators billowing diesel fumes into the air or simply the buzz of 17
million people jostling for position in one city, but there is undeniably an electricity in the air. The infrastructure that exists suggests a New York of Africa in it’s “hey day”. A feat of engineering is evident in the bridge that crosses from the mainland to VI, which very much like Manhatten, is where the CBD resides.


Banks, Telecommunications and oil are clearly what sustains a large share of the countries wealth but you don’t have to go far at all to learn that business is in Nigerian blood even if it’s selling loaves of bread door to door or running through grid lock to make a deal for a pair of sunglasses. It is survival of the fittest in the concrete jungle and as I learnt from a Lagos resident, if you aren’t the strongest, you have to be the smartest and outwit your rival. If you aren’t the strongest, you have to give the impression to others that you are. Anyone who has seen the average Nigerian man who does just a little exercise will know, that is no simple achievement. It is this competitive edge that gives Nigerians across the continent the upper hand in many communities. It may be this competitive edge that gives them the reputation they unjustly hold in countries like our own where they are labelled the “Drug Lords” of any metropolis. I challenge that stereotypical thinking with a question… is it not just that those Nigerians who do deal in drugs (along with countless other foreign nationals), are the best at what they do… unjustly earning them the reputation they have gained?
I can safely say that my experience of Nigeria was not that it is the Columbia of Africa. To the contrary in fact, the people I met, although assertive, ambitious and some times just plain tactless, are extremely warm, welcoming proud Nigerians who only want us to leave their country having had a positive experience. I salute those who I met, who achieved no less than that. I’m not sure I’d like to live in the hustle and bustle of Lagos but I did leave with a very positive impression and altered impression.
Off to Abuja in late November and we’ll see if that is a little slower in pace.

A Piece of Humble Pie

Once again, it takes an experience outside of my own comfort zone to bring life into a clear perspective again! Once again, a contrast exists that is as great as and bigger than black and white. Wonderful to see how a picture full of contrast is a beautiful image that speaks louder than words.

The image is against the backdrop of a village in Limpopo province called Mmamethlake, a village that exists in a hostile environment, stark, dry red ground, and a dusty haze in the air defines this sun beaten place. Shade comes at a premium and every inch is taken up by a life trying to maintain some small amount of comfort.

It is an image of 18 teenagers and young adults residing in upper class suburbs of Pretoria East emersing themselves for four days in this harsh climate and foreign environment. The objective foremost in their minds is to share their firsthand experience, knowledge and expertise in running and participating in a Holiday Club with five local churches in the Mmamethlake region. My objective possibly a little broader, not only to benefit those to whom we are taking our experience but to enrich the lives of these 18 young people who are with me, through service for Jesus Christ to those less fortunate than themselves (in many respects but not all). Limited running water, camping in dusty tents and no flushing toilets hardly brings the word "enrich" to one's mind but these obstacles will become the images of "hardship" which will forge the understanding and gratitude of privilages not everyone gets to experience for a long time to come. The experience is an image that will allow them to see the value in relationships and community, slowing down and waiting, savoring every little gift God provides and not taking our material blessings for granted.

Living and working alongside each other is a contrast that I believe changes perceptions, and the hearts and minds of both sides and it is a beautiful image that can only exist in acceptance and love for one another. It is an image painted by the hand of Christ himself and it is an image that few will forget. To God be the Glory for these things He has done!

The Gospels in Today's World

Have you ever wondered what it must've been like for Jesus and His disciples to travel from town to town ministering as they went along? We all read accounts of Jesus' ministry in the four gospels and most who have an imagination have a mental picture in their mind of what it must have looked like and felt like.
I had the incredible opportunity of being there, in the flesh... well, as close to as I think one could ever come on this earth today. I found myself on dusty streets, in a small village on the Eastern Escarpment of the Great Rift Valley looking towards Lake Malawi in the distance, dotted with fishing boats. Wherever we walked, (because that's how one gets around), we were followed by inquisitive children, their faces animated with grins and sometimes fear as I pointed the camera in their direction. We sat on mud plastered "patios" of small thatch houses and read accounts of Jesus' life and His character. People literally appeared in the hundreds almost as if from nowhere to join us.
Ladies sat on their sarongs or simply in the dirt and listened to what the "Baba" (a distinguished man) with us had to say about this Son of God. Men chatted at the back amongst themselves inquiring as to these people's intentions, children forced their way to the front to prove to each other, they could get closer and mothers nursed content babies while they listened.


It wasn't as much what he spoke about, as much as it was the acts of service and love that had attracted these people's attention in the first place that captivated me in a different place, in a different era. It was the eagerness of people to hear what had to be said by Christ like characters who had earned respect over many years by providing practically for people's needs, just like Jesus himself did. It was the hospitality that people showed us, just as they must have shown to Jesus and His disciples. It was the smiles on people's faces despite their conditions because of the hope that was represented! It was the kids who didn't have a care in the world but to get closer to these strangers in their simple yet familiar world just to listen to stories.
As the sun set over the lake, I prayed and thanked Jesus for taking me back to a time where He walked and talked among people, where he sweated in the heat and became hungry after a long day and sought rest for his tired body and I thanked Him for the hope that he brought to so many in this small village, 2000 years later.

Contrasts!!

We live in a world of contrasts... Within one month, in one moment I found myself in the hustle and bustle of Bangkok with it's endless traffic jams and oppressive Carbon Footprint, multi story shopping malls and polluted river courses and in the next, I was experiencing the serenity and simple life of a small village at the edge of the Great Rift Valley overlooking the Eastern Shore of Lake Malawi.

If I ask myself where I'd prefer to be or more specifically, which lifestyle I would choose to adopt, I'd most definitely have to go with the simpler, more "chilled" of the two, Malawi. Why then, do I find myself in an environment resembling Bangkok more? Why do I allow complicated schedules and deadlines, bank accounts and house bonds to crowd out the simple things in life? I had to ask myself, is it purely economic or is it my "Western mentality", my human need to feel "productive"?

The reason for my visit to Malawi was to film some friends of mine who have committed 12 years of their lives to missions. He had an interesting point, "We can adapt to another culture to the point where we exist within it but we will never loose our own." He is an example in the flesh, a project driven individual who seeks to make life easier and more comfortable and more healthy for the people he works amongst. What he does among the people, piping water into villages, installing sanitary slabs for their toilet pits and building sturdier houses could be perceived as the first steps towards technology... does this make him wrong, introducing Western ideas into a community that has functioned adequately for several millennium? Contrary to that, when a local man turns down the offer for a potential income because his crops were good this year... despite the fact that two years ago he was pleading with the same "westerner" for famine relief because his crop failed, does this make him wrong?

There is a fine line between simplicity and productivity? God will most certainly not reward productivity one day when it was at the expense of sleep and healthy family relationships. By the same token, he will not reward the sluggard who does not work to feed his family and accept his lot in life.

I have to admit, I too would look for projects to inspire, motivate and create if I lived within simplicity and maybe that is why I have chosen the "city way". However, I respect and crave what the simple, less complicated, and lets face it, less materialistic side has to offer. It is this contrast that determines who we are, may we be lead by Christ in our determination to find rest in attaining our purpose.

Bubble Heads

Mauritius, another one of those iconic island destinations we hear of so often and only dream of getting to, definitely lives up to it's reputation. What struck me most about this beautiful island apart from the azure waters, palm trees and beaches, was the adventure that it breathes. I have not yet experienced an island with such a vast diversity of activities to indulge in. From water skiing, to sailing, pedalboats and scuba diving, and that was just at the resort where I was staying.

Having said all that, it's the unique experience that I am after and despite the fact that my most recent attempt at water skiing while I was in Mauritius was definitely a far more positive experience than the last time I tried... because I actually got up and achieved a straight run without bouncing multiple times on the water, the experience I'd like to share is one unlike most others I've ever had.

On first impression it reminded me of Jules Verne's classic novel "20000 Leagues under the sea" (or at least, the cover pictures of that novel). More like something from Star wars than an aquatic past time. I still have no clue as to what the official name is but I know first hand that it involves a plastic/ perspex bubble (bell) being placed over your head, (with a winch and pulley I may add), a heavy wait belt around your waist, a deafening, continuous blast of air into the same bell your head shares, a yawn or two and cud chewing action of the jaw to compensate for the pressure you feel around your head, (at this point I imagined my head being nuked in a microwave) and then a nudge from behind to encourage the walk of faith into a blue abyss (okay so maybe it was only four or five meters of water) but it felt like a major separation from the elements above water that I am so familiar with.



My mission was to film the Tropika Island of Treasure contestants participating in their underwater challenge. It took a few minutes to acclimatize to this noisy, awkward bubble on my head and to orientate myself in unfamiliar surroundings, but being comfortable underwater, within a short time I was recording this strange, almost historical event, fish swimming in the hundreds around me as I did so. I'm not sure it's the most practical method of underwater exploration, with pipes following you wherever you venture, it certainly is not the most eco-friendly means as it involves stomping around on the ocean floor but I will say that breathing normally in a bubble of air with an ability to literally talk to yourself underwater as you walk the ocean floor is an experience that I will not soon forget.

Keegan

What does the sudden death of a 14 year old boy do to those around him? It's unnatural, it's not supposed to happen, it's not what we expected, it's an unwelcome shock. But who are we mere mortals to question God's timing? It's easy (or easier) when we understand and believe in God's sovereignty, it's even easier when our friend, our brother, or our son is saved by his own confession of his dependence on Christ, by the blood of our saviour Jesus Christ. Is this grief for them, or is it simply our own? Why would we grieve for the death and rebirth of a saint, when we believe he is with our Father in his mansion with en-suite bedroom and a balcony over looking the biggest, most majestic mountain to be climbed and a new wilderness to be discovered? No, this is worthy of celebration, this is worthy of praise! The grief is ours, for our loss, for our emptiness and void and justified it is. The grief reminds us of the importance of that person in their own life time, the grief is proportionate to that individuals impact in other's lives.

The grief I see in those left behind reveals character.
When those who grieve shed a tear, I am aware of love, affection, compassion and an unselfish disposition.
When those who grieve laugh, I am aware of joy, a sense of humour and love for life.
When those who grieve tell stories, I am aware of a life lived with zest, full of experiences, adventure and a passion for living life to it's full potential. I am reminded to live each day to it's full and to enjoy every breath I breathe.
When those who grieve glow with pride, I am aware of accomplishments, perseverance and hard work.
When those who grieve embrace each other, I am aware of family, of support, of loyalty and unconditional love.
When those who grieve are strong, I am aware of "a peace that transcends all understanding", of trust and faith and gratitude.
When those who grieve carry on, I am aware of a life lived for Christ and a life shed with gain, to God's glory.
When those who grieve tremble, I am aware that life is fragile, life is brief and time with loved ones is valuable.
When those who grieve smile, I am aware of tenderness, sensitivity and discernment.
When those who grieve pause, I am aware of intimacy, personal attention, and kindness.

Keegan, I know you better now than ever before because of the mark you left behind in all those who grieve their certain untimely loss.

...The Real Island Life

And so... from Singapore it was off to Phuket. A destination that I have since realised leaves mixed responses and opinions in the minds and on the tongues of those who have set foot on its shores. Something owing I believe to the type of personality combined with the particular location the visitor has chosen as their holiday spot.

If a particular person is not akin to the hustle & bustle of 3rd world "chaos", ladies of the night propositioning from street corners, and neon lights inviting people in for some of the local brew & a ring side seat for a Thai Boxing match, Patong is not the place for them. If they do find themselves staying in Patong, they may be left with a bitter taste in their mouths and a negative impression of a place.

What they didn't know is had they bothered to venture only 10km's South on the island, they would have discovered a far tamer and more tranquil Phuket in the form of Karon Beach. Karon is a beautiful, white beach that stretches for miles. Karon Village is a shoppers paradise, from the market place, offering bargains an Indian would be proud of to little boutiques that the Queen of England would enjoy. It is gentle on the nerves but not without a great vibe at night and a bit of entertainment on offer.


If however, a quiet getaway with absolutely no interruptions, unspoilt beaches and moonlit swims in the ocean is what this travelers ideal holiday is (this sounds like an informercial), then they should have climbed in a tuktuk and headed even further South to Kata, Kata Noi (Litte Kata) or Nai Harn.


We stayed in Kata which really was ideally situated. Good cheap, t-shirts a few kilometers North in Karon and tranquil beaches and sunset views just South of us. The best thing about the island is that where we went and when we went there was our choice because we had our very own wheels... 125cc of pure two stroke grunt (except on the steep hills where Jenn decided this was a little too much for the poor scooter and vacated the back seat to walk instead). Down the winding mountain hills was a different story, where Jenn was convinced she maintained control of the scooter by twisting my hips in the direction she felt we should head. Parking didn't pose a problem either and even if it did, the locals relocate any scooter whenever the need arises, so take note of which scooter is yours because it may not be where you left it when you get back to it after your authentic, incredibly delicious Thai Green Curry. On your way home, it is a prerequisite to stop at a sidewalk vendor to buy the trademark of Phuket snacks... Banana Pancakes smothered in chocolate sauce.

Where Phuket is a far more family orientated destination with lovely beaches and well priced food, Phiphi Island is more for the backpacker, adventure seeker also looking for... well priced food. As we headed across the ocean sharing the front deck of a ferry with some interesting travellers,chunks of rock began jutting out of the horizon... what we didn't realise is that these chunks of rock were where we'd be spending the next two days. They're incredible spectacles, prehistoric in form and uninhabitable to the eye but offering the most spectacular photographic opportunities and an adrenaline junkies best dream... offering kayaking, climbing, snorkeling and diving and exotic beaches that you only find "in the movies". "The Beach" (where the movie was shot) is a good reason to visit Phiphi, a hidden bay called Maya Bay with turquoise waters and shadowed by towering buttresses really is a mystical place to be and when you're fortunate enough to be there when the crowds aren't, you truly can imagine being a Robinson Crusoe stranded on an inhospitable yet breathtaking island. I for one would not mind being "stranded" for a week or two on Phi phi Island.

City Island Life

As always, I'm writing a seriously back dated account and I'm sure if anyone was in fact following this blog, they gave up on me a long time ago. Nonetheless it's time I shared some experiences with the great 'cyber void" out there again so here goes...

December's are always bitter sweet times for me because although they're the best time to go away from an industry point of view, they're also the time where I'm least inclined to spend too much money. Fortunately I learnt a long time ago that life is too short to think that way and when we're blessed financially, so long as we feel we've given back sufficiently, we sometimes need to bite the bullet and experience life a little...

With that in mind, it was off to Singapore, Phuket and Perth for the December holidays. It is of course easier to justify such a trip when there is family in two of the three places to be visited. Singapore would never be an option if it weren't for a free bed and meals, not to mention a car and personal tour guide (in the person of my sister). It's a city that like many other cosmopolitans is difficult to define particularly with obvious influences from both the Western and Eastern Worlds.


What impressed me most, apart from the Singapore Slings at the famous Raffles Hotel Long Bar and the cityscapes at night from the river side,


were the vast green belts that surround and exist within Singapore.


As I photographed monkeys in the Mc Richies Reservoir Forest, and strolled along kilometers of paths through the Botanical Gardens, I was so completely enveloped by the natural surroundings that I forgot I was "within city limits". This island city is the epitome of organisation and without compromising the need that people have to escape into natural environments. Singapore Zoo embraces this ethos, particularly the nocturnal Zoo & is something not to miss even for those who have an aversion to Zoos. It was an education for me to catch but a glimpse of the diversity of wildlife in South East Asia. I was truly humbled by my lack of knowledge, in fact, complete ignorance of the animal kingdom within this part of the world... Africa is apparently NOT the only continent with wild and interesting creatures, although even they can be found on exhibit in the bird park offering me my first sightings of the elusive Shoebill which occurs in only two places on the African continent.
I'd like to say one day that my photographs of a Shoebill are taken in the birds natural environment, but for now, these will do. After exploring this "city island" it was time for real island life...