A beautiful start to the morning…
afaAlthough I have done a couple safari’s in the past… I was continually amazed by the sights of our safari this week.
Below are a couple of my favourite shots!
Our first glimpse of the wild was surprisingly these beautiful animals.
You are a 12 year old girl, born and raised in a remote rural community 30 minutes by car outside the nearest city. Your community has no cars, just cows, water buffalo, goats and dogs.
You are the youngest, the only girl amongst 2 older brothers. both are married and live in the family home with their wives and children. Your family owns 4 cows, 2 goats and 5 chickens. Your father is a driver and is known to consume too much alcohol, he is away a lot. The daily chores are left up to your mother, your sister in laws and you.
Every morning you wake up at sunrise, help complete the daily chores and start the 45 minute walk through the foothills to school. You have never shopped in a mall, the simple food you eat on a daily basis is purchased in a local rural market. You likely will not complete high school, you may be married by the time you reach 18, destined to be a mother, housekeeper and daughter in law.
But this week is a week like no other, you are meeting a group of white people who are coming with cameras. To capture a snapshoot of YOUR daily life to share with kids your age across the oceans in North America.
Imagine it….
Can you?
This is the story of a 12 year old girl who was featured in Disney’s filming this week. There were many times throughout the week that I forced myself to empathize, to put myself in her shoes and try to understand how surreal this week must have been.
On Tuesday the crew- 10 strong – was welcomed into the community with the cameras off. They took the next two days to interact with the community, get a grasp on Free the Children’s projects, the unique challenges of rural Rajasthan and see development first hand. They were such a humble group, coming from LA they were experiencing everything for the first time- the cows in the road, the simple, slow lifestyle, the heat, the poverty. And as I always do with new guests- I was seeing it all again for the first time through their eyes.
When the camera’s rolled, that is when things got interesting. It was a production, 2 directors, 1 producer, 2 camera men, 1 sound guy, 2 Disney representatives, 1 talent/star, 1 manager and a number of production hands. PLUS our Free the Children and Me to We team who were in full swing- hosting, organizing, mobilizing and handling logistics.
They spent 3 days shooting, gaining hours of content that will be cut down to two- 2 minute “commercials” to air on the Disney Channel/ Family Channel highlighting the partnership between Disney’s Friends for Change and Free the Children, telling the story through a 12 year old girl named Amba who lives in the community of Lai.
I learnt a lot this week, serving as an ambassador for the community I was forced to balance the privacy of the community members and the needs of the production. It was not easy, but it was overall a huge success.
And I may or may not make a special appearance- speaking to the development structure in our communities. (Stay Tuned- it will air around the end of June)
But the week was so much more than the shooting, the crew was a blast- they wanted to soak up as much of an authentic experience as possible- we shopped, we shared drinks and many laughs and I was super bummed that I had to see them off today.
Just another unique experience to add to the list, a lot of incredible photos were taken this week but I was without my camera so I am at the mercy of my fellow post-ers. As soon as I get my hands on some I will be sure to share.
Now Nairobi for two weeks of crash course preparation for the summer of trips ahead of us!
Stay Tuned!
A couple people got an earful of my weepiness as I said my goodbyes in Toronto.
In airports I always look on at those smoochy couples who don't want to say goodbye or weepy young teenagers leaving home for the first time… and consider myself such a savvy traveller. Strong, independent… you know the deal.
But this time around was a different story. I was “that” girl. Tears started with the goodbye at the doors with the good friends who dropped me off.… they sprung again once through security as I read a lovely note of love and encouragement that had been slipped into my hand… and once again as I called my parents and Gramma to say goodbye. I was a straight up MESS.
5 months is a LONG time. But eventually I pulled it together and was back to being the strong, independent person I remembered being.
After 2 days, 3 flights, countless sketchy airplane meals… I landed in Udaipur and hit the ground running…
4 hours after I landing I was at the office and I haven't stopped since.
We have been busy prepping for the arrival of a crew from Disney’s ‘Friends for Change’ – who partner with Free the Children supporting our development projects. We will be hosting them for one week, showcasing the progress within our communities as they film a commercial with one of Disney Channels big stars. This is my first big gig- in preparation I have learnt a TON- mainly what goes into hosting large donors and public figures along with the need to become well versed on our projects and their history. I will be the one speaking to it all on and off camera… YKES! Wish me luck.
In preparation I got a crash course in “Indian wear” … to truly represent our projects and to be more authentic I will be sporting a couple outfits this week. Photos to follow as I am sure you are all interested to see this white blonde decked out!
During the time with Disney I will be staying at a fancy shamcy hotel, but since landing I have started to settle back into my apartment. I still need to pretty it up and do something about the rock hard bed but otherwise no complaints. The view is just breath taking! Honestly when the sun sets over the mountains and the palaces and old Havelli’s light up I have the best view in the city. Ill have to capture it soon and showcase it for you all!
Well I just wanted to drop a quick line before I am tied up for the next week. Wish me luck and I will be sure to write about all the craziness before heading off to Kenya!
Stay tuned, much love!
I needed to read stumble across this tonight as I am prepare to board my flight out of Toronto.
Bring on the storm… I got it…
I think!
