Hi, I'm Michael Mistretta, a teenager passionate about technology, photography, and God. Welcome to my online home where I write about technology, reviews, and my thoughts and opinions on technology-related matters. 
I’m laying on the floor, typing on the backlit keys of my MacBook Pro, waiting. In less than four hours, I will be on my way to Pearson International Airport—the beginning on my month-long journey to Africa.
I should be sleeping; but my eyes won’t shut. All I can see, all I can smell, all I can taste, is Africa. There is something that draws me to Africa. Am I nervous? Yes. But that nervousness is outweighed by a child-like excitement. A sense of wonder.
Yes, I will be missing what I believe to be one of the biggest WWDCs in the past five years. Yes, I won’t find about the 3G iPhone or the iPhone in Canada (pretty please) until July. But I don’t mind that at all. There is something inexplicably captivating about Africa; the people, the children, the faces, the smiles.
Music, typing, and waiting—completely enveloped by darkness. I feel like I see the world differently than before. Sure technology is exciting and captivating, but it can’t compare to a orphan’s smile or a AIDS victim’s laugh.
This may sound incredibly cliche, but there are things in life more important than technology. And that is why I am excited—not disappointed—to have the privilege of being completely disconnected for a month. No computer. No Internet. Sure I’ll have my camera(s), but only to capture the life-long memories that I hope to keep alive even after I return home.
The past five months have flown by for me. I started this website. I taught myself photography. And I’ve launched my own podcast—of which I still have lots to learn. I look at where I am today compared to 5 months ago, and see a totally different person with a totally different outlook on life. It may not be evident to my readers, or even my own parents, but I recognize it.
I see the change. I see the shift in focus. And I like where I’m headed. By no means am I perfect, but I feel that I am going in the right direction. And that path leads directly across the Atlantic.
I’m off to Africa; be back July 5th.
I haven’t been to Africa yet, but I’m a very big fan of all kinds of African music. Have you heard the song “Scatterlings of Africa” by Johnny Clegg? It always makes me choke up.
Comment by Mike Cohen — June 8, 2008 @ 11:39 pm
Even though I don’t really know you, I totally see amazing maturity and insight. Be safe over there and have a great time. I’ll be praying for your safety, but most importantly that they see God’s light shine through you.
Comment by Bryan Villarin — June 9, 2008 @ 12:36 am
Good luck in Africa I hope you have fun, we will miss your posts.
Comment by rmaspero — June 9, 2008 @ 1:58 am
You don’t know me, but I have been following your Twitter posts for many months now. So many times I’ve felt from your writings, from your posts that you seem to be much older than you really are. You are a smart person with so much maturity in your outlooks.
Best wishes to you and have a wonderful time in Africa!
Comment by Radmila — June 9, 2008 @ 3:38 am
All the best. Looking forward to a huge virtual group catch-up session when you get home! We’ll be praying for you and your team. Godspeed.
Comment by macpug — June 9, 2008 @ 4:17 am
God bless!
Comment by Dan McCullum — June 9, 2008 @ 4:51 am
Well you didn’t miss much Michael in terms of WWDC, 3G iPhone and that was basically it, and we all knew that was coming.
Comment by Steve Embleton — June 9, 2008 @ 4:23 pm
Wow, Africa! What a privilege! Enjoy your time.
Comment by Colin Devroe — June 9, 2008 @ 11:49 pm
Whoa! AFRICA?! I’ve been dreaming for the past 17 years of my life to go there. I hope it is as exhilarating as you have described it above.
I wish you the best of luck. Have a safe flight. And I hope you catch some amazing photos.
God bless.
Angel Elaine
ps Let me know how things go.
Comment by Angel Escobedo — June 12, 2008 @ 12:05 am
It’s not good for your eyes to be looking at a screen in the dark :P. You didn’t miss too much with the WWDC keynote. Hope you’re having a good time, and take some good shots over there.
Comment by Stephen Chinnadorai — June 12, 2008 @ 6:36 am
This is great opportunity, are you doing it though any particular organisation??
I’m doing something slightly similar next year where I will go on an expedition to Madagascar and do charity work there to benefit the local communities, I know its going to be a life-changing experience and i can’t wait to go there!!
Good luck with your trip!!
Comment by Amirah — June 21, 2008 @ 2:50 pm
Hey Michael,
Africa was so much fun…. I just checked out your page and it seems like people adore you! Im so excited to see what global expeditions does next year. God is using that organization and we are so blessed to go on these trips. Do you have any idea on where you are going next year??? Sorry about the typing
Zach
Comment by Zach — July 9, 2008 @ 5:59 pm
Michael,
You made the right choice to come to Zambia. Thanks for being part of the amazing impact that took place. Hopefully things aren’t too hecka busy in your life that Zambia is a distant memory. For the sake of the orphans, take a break from the computer and go for a nice walk in the park, remembering the faces of those you touched.
You are an incredible young person, and I think you’ve already figured out by now that you are destined for more than you know. Embrace that, knowing that He who is in you is greater than he that is in the world.
Cheers, bro.
V
Comment by Vivianne — August 6, 2008 @ 9:17 pm