On Being Grateful

During November, I always try to sit down and take stock of my life. We live in a world that moves quickly, and there is always a list of things to accomplish. It’s easy to get lost in the depths of your business and forget to acknowledge the work you did and how grateful you are to be able to create for a living.

I arrived in Rwanda in July 2013. I had it on good authority that I could set up a business. I started the process right away, but my business wasn’t official until November. In the mean time, I started learning video online. I put together my first video on Nasson, a psychotherapist who has done amazing work post-genocide. My second video was for Creative Mornings and allowed me to broaden my community by meeting local artists and entrepreneurs. It was a win-win situation, but I didn't know that at the time.

My first Rwanda-based worked started rolling in January 2014. It was the beginning of an incredible journey in the land of a thousand hills. What a glorious ride!

As of November 2014 I've hit some pretty amazing goals that include:

Working for 20+ organizations and nonprofits

New Squarespace website with the help of my amazing friend Ryan Boden

Photography Workshop for Rwandan Photographers: How To Create Better Business Practices with Laura Pohl

Taught Photography Workshop: Digital SLR 101

Creative Collaboration Project: Pholaborate with Hannelle Lahti & Magda Rakita

Community Creative Event: Slideluck Kigali

Expat Community Group: Artist Abroad with Kevin McCarthy

Pro bono Projects for nonprofits Nyamirambo Women’s Project & WAG

Personal Project on Rwandan Entrepreneurs with Laura Pohl

Personal Project on Maternal Health

This year has taught me two valuable lessons. You can always do more than you think you can, and it’s important to collaborate with people who live their life with passion. As you can see, most of my creative endeavors were done in collaboration with other people. I am grateful for the friendship, adventure, and creative journey.