#titzer

El Hato | Guatemala

If there is one thing that I inherited from my father, it would have to be my unwillingness to commit. I don't recall many details of my childhood but one thing that has always remained ingrained in me was remembering all the times my father would make promises and then not keep them. Promising to take me kayaking, camping, or a road trip out west; it was always a promise to do something that never came to life. He was a huge dreamer that never followed his wants, left them for other desires - mainly women.

I am much the same.

I have been in this job for nearly two years that has no value to me other than the black ink on a weekly check. I have said that it was only to be temporary. 6 or more months ago I stopped saying that and just really settled in and allowed my mind to set itself that this is the course and something will just come my way. This past week changed all of that.

I have always enjoyed history and with photography, photojournalism has always been a strong love of mine. I've always wanted to be in the middle of a developing story. As a child when I would turn on the TV, I would always turn to the news. As I got older, I wanted to be there. As odd as it may sound, anytime I learned of a disaster or major event, I always wished I was there - being a witness to the human emotion, first hand. Another voice. When things were getting really bad in Syria last year around this time I recall heavily educating myself on how to get across the border, how would I photograph, what would I photograph, why? I ultimately did not go, putting my passion aside again for many reasons - fear was probably one.

Well. Last week I was sitting at home, my refund check recently had come and I started to research flights to Kiev.The airfare was the lowest anywhere in Europe, go figure, and there were comp nights at the hotel I work for. Basically, it was calling my name. I didn't hesitate.

If you're reading this moments, or a few hours, I have posted this - I am currently on my way to Kiev via Moscow in pursuit of a dream in which I have dreamed for so many years. I am beyond excited. I am also quite nervous as the days go on, tensions increase, and peace is uncertain in the region. I am going knowing that many loved ones are nervous until my return but..it's time to do me.

New York - Kiev