India and IJM

A girl along the river in Kolkata, India

One of the highlights of 2010 for me was going to India with International Justice Mission (with Amy Roth and Amy Lucia—the Amys—so fun) to make a film about their work in Mumbai and Kolkata (the film is nearly done and will be posted here in the near future). I had been to India before and was not all that impressed (dirty, smoggy, hot, crowded, forced to eat sheep brain, etc.) but let me tell you this trip changed all that for me, especially being in Kolkata (I even managed to pray with the Sisters of Charity at Mother Teresa’s “Mother House”). I found Kolkata to be the keeper of all things cool and vintage India—Kolkata was, in a word, AWESOME.

At any rate, I put together a little slideshow of images and hope that you find it revealing, both in terms of IJM’s combating forced-sex-trade work and of India herself. Oh, and for a detailed trip report (probably the finest trip report of any trip I have ever been on) check out Amy Lucia’s blog on her experience. Very cool. And I think I would be remiss without thanking the IJM India staff—you were great. Thanks IJM. I love you guys (especially the driver in Kolkata). Stay classy!

Rock Chalk Testimony Africa!

The Winter 2011 University of Kansas Alumni Magazine Features Sean Sheridan and Testimony Africa

The most recent Kansas Alumni magazine has featured Testimony Africa! Check it out. The story has some nice background on why I wrote the book. Speaking of the book, we still have signed first edition copies available for purchase. Now is a great time to order!

We also will be having a series of book signing / gallery events in the coming months this year. The first will be at Yobel Market in Colorado Springs later this month (stay tuned for details!) with shows likely to follow in Denver, Seattle, and Portland.

Anyone interested in hitting the road with Testimony Africa? Anyone want to donate a big old bus to make that happen?!?

.

Haiti – One Year to the Day

As all of you know by know, it’s the one-year anniversary of the Haiti earthquake. I went there a few times in 2010 and had a lot to say, think, show and feel about it. Compassion asked me to blog about it, which I have done. I’d be happy for you to read First Glimpse, Yes, It Was As Bad As They All Said It Was, and Moving Again. Barely. So read, and please don’t forget what those folks are dealing with down there…

Malibu Never Looked So Good

Every year it seems like I get asked to shoot a wedding. And if it’s a friend or friend of a friend, and if it’s sure to be a good time, I usually oblige. And love it.

Jimmy and Nicole were my 2010 wedding, and it was AWESOME. Right on the beach in Malibu, CA. Check it out (and N and J, I hope you are having a heck of a first year!):

A Book, Bekele, and a Matching Gift

Bekele and Dumbelle at Project Mercy. Bekele had just graduated from Nursing School.

Testimony Africa is more than a book. 10 percent of all book proceeds go back into the three communities/projects where the stories were developed. One of those projects is Project Mercy, in Yetebon, Ethiopia, and I was privileged to be there a few weeks ago shooting a promo film. I got to visit for awhile with Bekele, one of the stories featured in the book. He is doing great, having just graduated from nursing school. He will begin work at the Project Mercy hospital soon.

I asked Bekele how we could help him and his answer was that he wanted his sister and his younger brother to be able to continue their schooling. The money from book sales that is going to Project Mercy will go to a fund to help young people like these to continue their schooling. And what’s more, a generous donor has agreed to match all funds that come from Testimony Africa sales!

With a matching grant on all book sale portions that will go for education to those in need at Project Mercy, today is the  perfect time to get Testimony Africa. Remember, we still have copies of signed, first edition books left, and they make GREAT gifts. So buy early, buy often, and rest easy knowing that this is one gift this Christmas season that will actually do some good! Make sure to watch the slideshow below from the recent shoot at Project Mercy…