Barak Bruerd

Tikka

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Barak in North America | No Comments

Meet our new puppy – Tikka

Dusty Airstrip

Posted on January 01, 2011 by Barak in Africa | No Comments

You might want to watch out for donkey’s at the end of the airstrip.

1st Award Photo

Posted on September 11, 2009 by Barak in Africa, Asia | No Comments

Community Training

Posted on September 09, 2009 by Barak in Africa | No Comments

There are simple things we take for granted, and things we are taught from a young age that we never even think about. Here, community members have been taught basic things about hygiene and how diseases are transmitted – ideas we consider common sense, but in terms of the global majority, actually aren’t all that common. In a place where families expect to lose at least one or two children to sickness, these people for the first time understand how to keep themselves healthy. This elderly gentleman is repeating back a portion of the lesson on disease transmission. When he finished, there was applause.

Like Obama

Posted on February 28, 2009 by Barak in Africa | No Comments

I’m famous now. I don’t even bother to avoid the inevitable. I just introduce myself as “Barak… like Obama” and make cheesy jokes about being his white brother. Doesn’t matter – people love it and I make instant friends. These women were absolutely priceless – from Obama’s nearby village and all three living out incredible stories as they battle AIDS in their community and in themselves. Stepping into their homes (behind me in the photo) I could only sit in awe of what they struggle with daily, and yet their hope is self-evident. If only I could bottle it and bring it home with me. We need it here desperately.

Rwanda

Posted on October 11, 2008 by Barak in Africa | No Comments

A Rwandese girl at a newly installed water point.

Bond, James Bond.

Posted on September 04, 2008 by Barak in Africa | No Comments

I love this shot of Paul Wagner. He’ll probably kill me when he finds it on this website. But in spite of his rather unpresuming personality, I think this perfectly captures the nonchalant adventurer that smolders just beneath the surface. Priceless.