Today was a wonderful day! As I was walking the grounds of the orphanage taking photos, I noticed some older boys watching with immense curiosity. Their eyes lit up when I handed them some disposable cameras. The photography lesson that followed was one of the most beautiful times I have ever experienced. Nine boys, ages 14-17, all victims of the war, some of them ex-soldiers in the LRA. Yet I felt nothing but love, acceptance and gratitude from these boys. They really touched my heart at that moment as I became the student. I've come to document the tragedies that these children, these victims of war, have endured, yet I am in awe and inspired by the courage and the immense love they have. Throughout the lesson I show them samples on my digital display. Lessons in composition, light, and subject take place with the nine of them huddled around me, watching closely and politely asking questions. I love the way all of our heads smash together as we analyze what we see on the viewfinder. Like one big group hug after another. Soon I send them out on assignment but I give the oldest one, Opio Joseph, my 30D. I ask him to try and get something different. I found out later that he had a goat slaughtered so he could document it for me. I wasn't quite sure how to react to such a violent act of kindness! Later, when I leave, he writes me a letter referring to me as his mother.
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