A year ago I was invited by my friend, Marcos, to visit a special school for kids in the mountains high above Medellin, Colombia.  Not just any school, but a private school for kids that come from displaced families that have lost their homes due to violence throughout Colombia.  I selfishly thought to myself, "sounds like a good opportunity to take photographs."  When I arrived at the school,  Leon 13, I realized that I needed to utilize my skills as a photographer/videorapher to try and help these families/children.  Watch the video below to understand why I felt compelled to take action. 

I had a point and shoot camera that I use for video and began filming clips that I would later use to make a video for Marcos' program called Angeles de Medellin.  Angeles raises money for food, medicine, books, computers or anything that these kids need to make their lives easier.  I also helped Marcos create a website to bring a global awareness to his project. 

This thanksgiving as you are sitting at the table with everyone you love around - be thankful!

One thing living in a third world country taught me is to be thankful. It's amazing to me how ungrateful most of the American society has become.  I see a lot of Americans complain about the smallest and most insignificant things.  Especially us as photographers.  Our pixels, our noise, our sharpness...we know this doesn't relate to the video, but just know:  LIFE IS AWESOME!  Even when we think that everything is the worst it could possibly be, just know that there is someone out there who would love to be in your shoes at your worst moment.

Enjoy the video, enjoy your life but most of all if you can give a little back then use your skills (whatever they may be) to give a little back this holiday season.  Check out AngelesdeMedellin.com to learn more about the amazing project that Marcos has in the mountains above Medellin, Colombia.