Local kiddos

Remember the beautiful boat pictures? Well, I asked my driver to pull over so that I could get that perfect shot for over my couch. I was really excited because I was thinking I would have time to actually look at my settings, take several shots, recompose if I wanted, etc. I was excited to have cool subjects (boats) that would not move on me and I would have the time I wanted to really play and enjoy my little hobby.

I was definitely not prepared for how the ten minute detour played out. We pulled up to the part of the beach where I saw these fabulous boats from the main road and I realized that they were, in fact, not abandoned. My driver explained that we were entering a fishing "village" and that these were their boats. I had no problem with tipping the fishermen. What I didn't realize is that I would want to leave all of my money with them except that I don't think it would have helped. The "village" was four or five lean to buildings with open fires where women were making red beans and rice. A few men were passed out on some logs that were on the edge.

Where we stopped, the driver spoke with a very skinny man with an umbilical hernia that was the worst I have ever seen in my life. His intestines was literally about four inches out of his belly button. As soon as we stopped and he approached, these four little darlings raced up and started touching my arms, hair, and clothes. After visiting Mexico as a kid with almost white hair, I am used to such things. It didn't really phase me to see their curiosity in a white, light color haired woman.

They were adorable. They were completely fascinated with my camera. Admittedly, it is impressive and they probably thought I was much more skilled than I am. I don't think the camera itself was new to them. It was nearly impossible to get a good boat shot because they kept jumping in front of me and saying, "Cheese!" I showed them the view screen once and I had little buddies for my entire shoot. I didn't get as many boat images as I wanted. Nor did I have the leisurely time I desired to take photos of abandoned boats. However, these images pause my thinking.


These kids have NOTHING. No beds, no clothes (the little guy is wearing a sweater vest, .... it was 90 degrees). Yet, they are happy. Genuinely happy. And the love they have for each other just jumps out of these images. They were kids. Happy, sweet, smiling, optimistic kids. It's one of my fondest memories. Yet, it makes me so sad. I wish for so much more of life's smallest comforts for them. I just wish there were a way, some way, that I could get them copies of these photos, a little Fisher Price digital camera with lots of extra batteries, underwear, shoes, candy, tooth brushes, and little art supplies. That's my mission now that I am home. I am going to make that happen. If anyone has connections near Trelawny, it would be helpful. :) Let me know!

These children make me so very grateful for what I am able to provide for my children here in the states. Yet, God provides for them in ways my children will never know. If Suzy were in these conditions, she would be hysterical. These children are so grateful. That pauses my thinking...