As I posted new pic's on 'the space' I had to pause yet again.
They were picture's that my oldest had taken with a disposable camera on her recent mission trip to Mexico. This was her fourth trip south of the border...
When she went the first year she was only 14. While I knew the experience would be life changing, I had no idea just how much so. This year, our 2nd born Lydia, made the trek as well. I have to admit that it didn't matter one iota that we had seen Hannah go, and we as parents lived to tell about it. Nope. I wanted to pack myself in the largest duffle and go along! You will all be happy to know that I refrained, much to the delight of BOTH girls!
In looking at the previously mentioned photo's there were several things that stood out. For one, when did she get such an eye? There was something different in the way she chose to photograph.
For you see, we are a bit behind the times and don't own a digital camera. (You may insert your *gasp* here.) We frequently purchase disposable ones for upcoming events, trips, festivities! There are mongo bunches of pic's snapped at the hands of my children. They gradually go from the 'oops, I didn't mean to push the button' ...on, to the famous... 'I didn't know my thumb was in the way!' Or, how about the ones with the subject of the photo only in a quarter of the shot? Yes, you are right in assuming that Hannah should be, and is, beyond those fun photography stages. (Really, you are, baby girl.) But that wasn't it. There was something different in these beauties....
As I looked them over for the next few moments, I saw it. I don't know why I hadn't recognized it to begin with. It was there, in plain sight. Written on the dusty, unpaved roads that both human beings and livestock traverse. I caught it again, where she captured the desperation of a people that must search for their next meal along side hogs at the local dump. It was present in the 'down time' and casual moments. It overflowed from her own face, as she embraced the village children.
It was her heart. The biggest extension of her core being. And it made me proud.
Ultimately, I do realize that they are here to be shared, to go out and change the world, make their mark...
And the fact that I have a small part to play in that...PRICELESS!