There were countless moments that have stayed with me for 3 years from AIDS Walk Africa in Swaziland. But for me what comes to mind first are the interactions with the children. The children especially loved to have their photograph taken with our digital cameras so then be able to look at their own sweet faces. I am quite sure there were many children that had never seen their very own smiling face before.
Before we went to AWA we were prepped for the journey. The foundation (EGPAF) shared that children would likely be very curious about our cameras and some may want to see their photo. It hit me quickly...why not bring a Polaroid camera! A Polaroid camera so that I could take their photo and gift it to the children and mothers I encountered. So I ordered the camera and tracked down Polaroid film. It seemed like such a simple thing to bring along, one that would bring so much pleasure!
Before we went to AWA we were prepped for the journey. The foundation (EGPAF) shared that children would likely be very curious about our cameras and some may want to see their photo. It hit me quickly...why not bring a Polaroid camera! A Polaroid camera so that I could take their photo and gift it to the children and mothers I encountered. So I ordered the camera and tracked down Polaroid film. It seemed like such a simple thing to bring along, one that would bring so much pleasure!
It may have been one of the single best ideas I ever had.....one that was incredible for the mothers and children, but filled my soul with such joy that I can still feel it today as I type these words!
I was able to witness the pure wonder of a child as they looked in total awe at this photo developing right before their eyes. They clung onto their special photo as if it was gold. I was able to bring 80 Polaroid photos for the polaroid camera. Each time I took a photo I felt such joy in being able to give them something meaningful that they will treaure. And for me that is one of my greatest treasures ever.
Can you imagine what it would feel like to live in a very remote area of Swaziland. Have this group of Westerners visiting your little village, walking....with air conditioned vans following them. They bring cameras, smiles, some supplies. I wonder how it felt for this little guy. If nothing else I do know he loved his photos!This mother was was excited to have a photo of herself with her baby girl...
Every mother wants to be able to capture these special moments.....
I am so happy she has at least a couple photos for them to share.
photography....a polaroid=joy
8 comments:
What a moving post...I am almost in tears, because lately I have been so greedy and complaining about the fact that I do not have a camera, but these precious souls have NEVER had one...they have no pictures to look back on, no photos to keep as memories of years gone past. They will definitely treasure those polaroids for years to come. What a blessing you were able to bring to their lives! God bless :)
what a fabulous idea! i guess we don't even understand what it means to not know what you look like. to not have tons of mirrors and pics so we can see ourselves.
I am so bummed that I didn't bring my polaroid to Ethiopia with me to give out pictures :( Oh, and if you go to Africa for a Walk or volunteer work of any kind....I want to come with you. I just have a feeling we are supposed to do something like that together :) And then we can create art about it together too....love this idea...let's do it ;)
Harmony
this is so special. It made me cry.
what a smart girl you were to think of that BEFORE going!
preciousness fulfilled.
Thanks for your comment on my blog. Looking forward to reading about your journey.
Sarah from 3+2=ONE
Somewhere on the EGPAF website is a photo Jon took of you handing one of the polaroid pictures to a little boy. What an amazing day that was! Thanks for writing this - I'm going to forward your posts to the comms staff at EGPAF.
Thanks for your comment on my blog. This post gave me chills. What an amazing gift to give. Look forward to following your blog.
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