I have been truly humbled.

            Sunday morning I arrived at Miami International Airport after a weeklong shooting assignment on a remote island with no Internet or phone connectivity.  I powered up my phone as I stepped off the plane, went straight to my email and there it was, “Congrats!  Your Kickstarter project has been successfully funded!”

            I stopped dead in my tracks as the line of travelers behind me kindly pushed me aside.  I could not believe what I was reading and just stood and stared blankly.  I went numb and the raucous world around me went quiet.  All of my focus was on the subject line of that email.  I just couldn’t believe it.

            I slowly came back to the world and realized that I had another flight to catch on a different reservation, which would necessitate a visit to baggage claim, the check-in counter and security all over again in about 25 minutes.

            I didn’t make it, but that is a different story.

            I can’t remember another time in my life when I have been so overwhelmed with a feeling that I could not explain.  We know when something feels good or when something feels bad, but what happens when you don’t actually have a way to categorize what you are feeling?

            I guess it means it is a brand new one that deserves a new category.

            I think my new category is “Overwhelmed.”

            In thinking more about it, I realize that what I was feeling was this incredible rush of support from everyone who has helped this project along.  I am a lone photographer.  I work alone, travel alone and depend on my instincts.  I don’t ask for much help, and when I do, it is because it is the very last option.

            My momentary “What is this?” was me feeling completely floored about the fact that I had asked for help and that you all showed up.  My family, my friends, industry professionals, colleagues, clients and complete strangers all showed up for me, for Jessie and for this project, and for that I cannot thank you enough.

            Your support will give this project as much potential as possible and hopefully help spread the word about the GOOD work being done by Jessie Stone and Soft Power Health in Uganda.  There is still plenty more work to be done, but this is an absolutely incredible milestone!

            I would like to once again thank every supporter of this project, and in keeping with the promises laid out in the Kickstarter rewards program, I would like to extend a Special Thanks to:

Sabrina Lau                                                   Charles Adams

Jean O’Keefe                                                 Cristin

Vince E. Camiolo                                           Smith Tallant

Jonathan Greenlee                                        Ryan Grimm

Lance Adair                                                     Parker Gates

Mike C.                                                              Morgan Petroski

Jeremy Reppy                                                 Monissa

Derek Bradley                                                  Isaiah Downing

Lauren Gaines                                                 Krista Abbaticchio

Amy Marquis                                                    Marc

Morgan Heim & Joanna Nasar                     Jimmy Graham

Andrew Kuhlberg                                            Cindy Ruppenicker

Peter Dennen                                                   Karen Kraus

Cherie Ve Ard                                                   Randy White

Logan MB                                                          Mat Rick

Folia Yu                                                              Steven Rushing

Anthony & Michelle Klotz                                Kathly Trabert

Cartson Ko                                                         Andrew Luter

Jessica Stuart                                                    Biff Ramsey

Rich Kidd                                                            Alisha

Erica Willis                                                          Howard Alter

Anna Ruppenicker                                            Jose M. Rivera

Ken Gagne                                                         Martin Burns

Jennifer Chong                                                  Christie C. Salomon

Peter Hill                                                             Amanda Abegg

Charles Adams       Rose Demoret

            A few generous backers chose not to select a reward and for those reasons are not named.  Some may have chosen for anonymity so I have to assume that reason for everyone in this category.  If you are in this category and have no problem being named, please let me know.
    I would also like to especially thank the good folks at Patagonia's Cleanest Line for doing their part in helping spread the word.
    Thanks again everyone!!!