The photos are hung. We’re expecting around 300 people. It could be less, it could be more. I’m really in aw. This started with a small intention… and now its a living program, first ever gallery exhibition of its kind, and know the world over.
The roller coaster ride is complete. The tears and heartbreak have been shed, but not over with just yet. I know as I begin to process over the next few weeks it will come in waves.
Things I want to remember.
- Sweet, shy, insecure, ADD Isha, who sleeps on the cement floor with just a blanket.
- Giggling Versha and her red twirling dress.
- Priyanshu’s strut.
- Compassionate Uzma.
- SK, 13 years old, father has passed. Sews buttons on a shirt for 8 hours everyday after school. He makes 8 rupees (11 cents ) per shirt.
- Reshma and Sryiansh, natural leaders, takes care of the younger kids.
- Riya, Priya, Sumatra – lost their mothers and are on the brink of finding a new path other than what they’ve always known.
the three week mark was the straining point for Chris and I. I could tell on our facetime that It dreaminess of it all was wearing off. He missed me and was ready for this all to be over with. He was less smiley then before and anxious about the coming days. I felt that at week two for myself, as the program was at it’s longest days, and routine and close quarters were taking its toll. As a team, the guys and I survived though and our sprits are once again positive and uplifted as we are set to fly home in less than 48 hours.
His letter arrived, 3 weeks later. A hug from home and a squeeze from that amazing man that I am so grateful for and lucky to have.
I struggle with the images or The Parveen family of 5 who’s father has passed and they are struggling to keep their home. Their home that is half the size of my room and all 5 share one bed. Two of those kids are our best photography students. Sweet Saba, and hardworking SK.
