Back in the US of A - Never The Same

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

After 3 weeks, 39 hours of combined travel time, 5 weddings, 9,500 photos, countless hours of video, $20,500 Ghana Cedis, numerous taxi rides, constant negotiations, Christmas, a New Year, a heated political run-off (NDC and NPP), a festival for a tribal King, the Botanical Gardens, 4 Parties, 2 different hotels, a slave castle, visiting a talking bird named Apple, the University of Ghana, the Cape Coast fishermen, the Art Market, gifts for family, Shoprite/Game, Oxford St., the Rain Forest, Labadi Beach, Franky's Ice Cream and so much more...Brandi and I have finally returned home to the US of A.

Words cannot begin to express the life changing experiences I had in Ghana West Africa. I learned just as much about myself, my relationship with my wife, and trusting in God for direction and protection as I did about the history and great culture of Ghanaians. My one wish is that my father and grandfather could have traveled with me. I take solace in knowing that their sacrifices in my youth has played an all too important role in where I am today. I love you!

Almost two years ago I decided that I wanted to travel to the continent of Africa to photograph weddings. At first I kept the idea to myself and continually prayed about how I could achieve this dream. I contemplated for a few months then decided to publicly post my dream on the blog. This is my testimony:

Post 1

Post 2

I have so much information to share that I could spend all of 2009 posting stories about the trip. Instead, I have decided to start another website that will host images and stories from all of my travels, past and future, around the world. The site will be launched later this year.

I want to thank our host family in Ghana, the Abeasi family. Especially Nana Adwoa (we attended college together and she modeled for my July workshop) and her cousins who took time to get us acclimated to Accra, answer our questions, and feed us constantly. Also a special thanks to Rodney, a photographer in Ghana that drove Brandi and I around wherever we wanted to go.

I'm looking forward to a great year in 2009! We are shooting our 2nd wedding of the year this weekend in North Georgia. Its for the Wintter couple!!

Blog you later...

- KNIGHT




Ross Oscar Knight

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14 comments:

David N. Beasley Jr. said...

Glad you and Brandi had such a wonderful time with life changing experiences while in Ghana. Wow, 9,500 shots; reminds me of my shooting while in India where I shot 2,000 while there for a week. Very much looking forward to the new website Ross. Glad you guys are back home safely and very much appreciate this very inspiring post.

Anonymous said...

Welcome back! I have been following y'alls journeys.. Glad you all are safe and enjoyed yourselves.......I was reading your blog and this scripture came to mind...... Philippians 1:6
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus....Yours.. InfiniteWorth

Arlene Hope Photography said...

Hi Ross & Brandi,
Lovely Work you two!!!

Praising God for your trip!
Glad you are back safe and extremely fulfilled.
~Hope

Anonymous said...

welcome back ross and brandi!
so glad it was so good and can't wait to see and hear more!

what a welcome to 2009!
kp

brran1 said...

Glad you guys made it back to the States safe and sound. And as always, great shots!

Anonymous said...

First of all glad you guys are back in town safe. You tend to amaze me everytime Ross. The pictures are breath taking, the beach, the clothing, the castle, the culture you just tell such a beautiful story that it seems like you are living there. I really want to go to Africa (one day) I think there is so much beauty and history that some of these places have that we have no clue about. It is great that Brandi and you got to see and experience it together. Dude you are AWESOME!!!!

Saima

Anonymous said...

Welcome back Ross & Brandi. It is great that you two came back safe and sound. I can't wait to see the new pics. So far everything looks amazing.

Natasha from NY.

Saadia Me'Chel said...

I just recently started reading your blog and not only are your photgraphs amazing but you provide a lot of encouraging words for others. They have really helped me in my endeavors. Thank you

S. Carnes

clo said...

Hi Ross and Brandi,
I have followed this journey with you since you posted your dream to go to Africa. You are such an inspiration to me and a testament that faith in God and persistance will get you all that your heart desires. Welcome back friend!!!! I love the pictures and I cant wait for the website!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi there, if you loved Ghana and its culture and Diversity, you should definately have a look in CAPE VERDE islands, My country, where caribbean meets africa and Europe :)! AMAZING country, culture, food and PEOPLE.

Brandi Brandon Knight said...

Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes while we were in Africa. The trip was amazing and yes, we are truly changed from the experience. Both Ross and I wish you all a happy and prosperous 2009! Expect great things!!

~ Dr. Mrs. KNIGHT

barbiedoll said...

Awwww, Ross & Brandi, I'm all teary eyed....I'm more than ecstatic to know you had a wonderful time in my country GHANA and most importantly that my family and I could be a host to you and Brandi. I'm sure you know now that both of you are officially an "ABEASI". You didn't tell folks about Brandi's new Ghanaian adopted name - "YAA". Anywho, I love you both!
- Nana Adwoa
PS: Can't wait to see you book and website....let me know if you need any kind of help..

Naijadiva said...

Whew!! So glad both of you returned safely.I can't wait to see the pictures and blog.

Onada - Fashion and Photography said...

absolutely stunning imagery!