In an era where viral videos can spark movements overnight, a seemingly inspiring story about Chicago salt trucks “blocking ICE” spread rapidly across social media last week. The narrative was compelling: Mayor Brandon Johnson deploying municipal vehicles as shields against federal immigration enforcement. It had all the elements of modern resistance: bold action, local defiance, hope.
It was also completely false.
Continue reading “The Dangers of Misinformation in Modern Resistance”
Sometimes the universe surprises you in the most beautiful ways. This week, I opened my email to find news that still feels surreal – two of my photographs have been nominated for the People’s Vote Award in the reFocus Color Photography Contest.
Continue reading “Two Nominations: A Photographer’s Dream Realized”
Some places stay with you long after you leave. Uganda is one of those places for me.
As I write Fields of Resilience, I find myself struggling with something every traveler and storyteller faces—how do you capture the full depth of an experience? How do you share the weight of a moment that a photograph alone can’t hold?
I just finished writing Chapter 3, a section that tells the story of Agri Planet Africa, an organization using sustainable agriculture and education to empower communities. I’ve walked their farms, met the students they teach, and planted trees alongside volunteers working to build a more self-sufficient future. I have the photos to prove it.
But the photos don’t tell the full story.
Continue reading “Beyond the Frame: When Travel Stories Can’t Be Captured in a Photo”
There are certain places in life that feel sacred simply because of what they represent:
A home.
A classroom.
A playground.
Places where we are supposed to be safe. Places where life is meant to bloom, not break.
Last week, Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine — President Zelensky’s hometown — was the target of a missile strike. At least 18 lives were lost, including 9 children.
According to BBC News, some of the children were killed while playing near a playground. Others were at home with their families when the missile struck.
The youngest wounded survivor was only three months old.
An image of a quiet, empty swing hangs in my mind.
And I wonder — how do we hold so much grief in a world that seems to be moving faster and faster past it?
When I embarked on the journey to create Fields of Resilience, I never imagined how deeply it would challenge and transform me. This coffee table book, a blend of storytelling and photography, is my tribute to Uganda’s profound beauty and resilience. As I write this, the book is still a work in progress, yet the journey has already become one of the most enriching experiences of my life.
Last summer, as the Executive Director of Agri Planet Africa, I traveled to Uganda with my daughter, Lena, to visit the communities we work with. The trip, though meticulously planned, unfolded in the most unexpected ways, revealing life lessons I’ll carry forever.
Continue reading “Reflections on Fields of Resilience: The Journey Behind the Book”
Three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the world is still debating how it started, who is to blame, and what the endgame should be. Conversations about this war have become deeply polarized, shaped by media narratives, political agendas, and personal beliefs. Some claim Ukraine is a democracy fighting for survival; others insist it’s a corrupt, CIA-controlled state that provoked the war.
For many, it’s difficult to discern fact from fiction when mainstream news and alternative media tell conflicting stories. But for me, this war isn’t just something I read about—it’s something I hear about directly from friends who are living it. And their realities are very different from the sweeping political narratives we see online.
Continue reading “The War in Ukraine: Truth, Misinformation, and the Voices We Should Listen To”
Hello again, fellow globetrotters!
As we ventured further into our Ugandan journey, our hearts were brimming with anticipation for the awe-inspiring encounters and cultural revelations that lay ahead. The vibrant pulse of Uganda embraced us as we immersed ourselves in its stunning landscapes and soul-stirring traditions.
Continue reading “Expedition to Uganda: Unforgettable Encounters and Revelations”
Hello fellow adventurers,
Welcome to the enthralling tale of our Ugandan odyssey – a journey filled with excitement, cultural exploration, and unexpected detours. As the Executive Director of Agri Planet Africa, I was excited to visit our team in Uganda. This trip was not only an opportunity to connect with our project’s progress but also a chance to immerse myself in the rich tapestry of Ugandan life. Recommended by CIYOTA, I joined forces with the Love Africa Christian mission group, setting the stage for a remarkable adventure that transcended the boundaries of religion and embraced the spirit of unity. Despite my Buddhist beliefs, their warm welcome and invitation to lead Team 2 showcased the beauty of diversity and camaraderie during our international travels. Our journey began excitedly at Will Rogers Airport, but unforeseen flight cancellations and alternate routes added unexpected twists to our story. As we ventured through Washington D.C., Rwanda, and finally landed in Entebbe, Uganda, we discovered that life’s journey is as much about the detours as it is about the destinations. Embrace the vibrant culture, the camaraderie with missionaries and refugees, and the enchanting experiences that shaped our Ugandan odyssey. Join us as we share glimpses of this transformative expedition and uncover the invaluable lessons that only the road less traveled can reveal. Stay tuned for a captivating narrative of our unforgettable Ugandan adventure.
Continue reading “Expedition to Uganda: Embracing the Unexpected”
Hello, dear readers! This is Janelle Nightingale, and I am thrilled to share with you a new chapter of our journey. This week, my 16-year-old and I are packing our bags and embarking on an unforgettable adventure, an adventure with a purpose. We are heading to Uganda on behalf of Agri Planet Africa, a remarkable organization with a mission to empower communities through education and training in permaculture best practices, commodity production, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Continue reading “Journey to Uganda”