The Battered Suitcase

The Smelly Kelly Sits Resting His Belly

Today was our first day of shooting. We arrived at the school around 7:30 and after quickly scouting the location got busy setting up our equipment.

Now anyone who has seen me eat wings know that it doesn’t take much for me to break a sweat. I think too hard at times and perspire.  So the minute I stepped out of the cozy air conditioned 4runner I was dripping. And not like a 20 minute spring run, leaky faucet drip. Within 10 minutes of doing nothing more than setting up cameras I was a walking monsoon.  It could have been the Malarone but I thought I heard two pigs outside the class say, “Man I am sweating like a Kelly today”

Ok maybe that last statement is a bit much. Sometimes I get as Careyed away as my boy Nick Cannon. 

One down, one to go and its only Wed.

Once we did get the cameras setup, I got to experience the reading training for the first time.  I was amazing.  The lesson was fast paced, engaging, entertaining and from what I can tell effective. Unfortunately I had forgotten to drink enough water that morning and started to feel a bit sick and dehydrated. Leaving my camera on its tripod, I walked outside for a quick break and took at seat next to my water bottle.

Sitting there rehydrating myself, I took a moment to soak what was around me. The conditions were awful. 

The school looked ragged, tired, and worn. Just imagine Keith Richards if he lives for another 50 years and somehow turned into a school.  

While the building was ragged, the harmonious sound of little voices chanting “the fat cat sat on the mat” overpowered the environment transforming the school in my eyes. While the school was something of the past, the children, blind to their handicaps, were without a doubt something of the future. 

 At the risk of sounding corny, the children’s passion and desire, despite their surroundings, made me hate all the times I didn’t do my homework. Or the times I didn’t study for a test. Or the times I gave up on something when things got too hard. 

With those thoughts still swimming in my head, I wiped my brow, took a swig of water and walked towards a brighter future.

A Liberian Wedding in the Future?

Sorry Nick Cannon, love do cost a thing. At least when it comes to traditional Liberian weddings.  

Today Medina and I were invited to a wedding this Saturday. Whether or not we go will depend on how much footage gets reviewed this week.

I have a tendency to ask a thousand or so questions when I am somewhere new. But I was curious to hear any difference between a typical traditional American wedding and a typical traditional Liberian wedding. One of the main difference is the groom compensates the bride’s family in exchange for her hand in marriage.  I wonder if you can somehow get that money back if a marriage goes sour by signing a pre-pre-nuptial agreement. Something to ponder.

I spent most of the day inside planning and scheduling the next two and a half weeks.  I am tired for no good reason and have to get up at the crack of dawn tomorrow.  Until tomorrow.

ps. I promise at least two more great Nick Cannon references by Sunday.  

Travel Day

After about 27 hours of travel, I am exhausted and safely in my bed. I will write more in the morning.