through the eyes of Levona:

Every time I go out to the farm, it never fails that my camera is immediately confiscated by one of the kids. They never do any harm; they simply want a go at their own version of photography. One of the girls, Levona, always ask for my camera. Sometimes I leave it in the car, just so she can’t drag it around the farm, but she knows me better than that: she usually asks if I left it in the car… And I just can’t say no to my precious farm kiddos.

Something that I noticed about her photography is different though. She always wants to take pictures of the babies. She will spend about 10 minutes taking pictures, and like clockwork she will disappear for another 30 minutes. In that time, she will walk around to all the shacks and each specific mother of the child she’s photographed. It’s as simple as that: the pictures are to show the mothers. I have other girls and boys who take my camera and take pictures of themselves (Judy) or chickens (Enrico), and then there’s Levona.

How much joy does a picture bring to a mother? My mom always looks back at my baby pictures and immediately starts reminiscing. No you don’t need pictures to substitute memories, but the two go hand in hand. A beautiful picture of your baby at birth… a beautiful picture of your baby at age 5, 10, 15… a beautiful picture of your baby as they graduate from high school or college. One day, all a mother might have is a picture. Every mother takes joy in the simplicity of a picture. I take joy in the simplicity or Levona’s actions. What an unknowingly selfless act by a young girl who shouldn’t know better.

There’s just something that can’t be said in a picture. That’s why words are words and pictures are pictures. Sights can describe themselves apart from words. No words can express the true feelings a mother has for a child, no less what she sees in a picture of them. The closest we come is love.

God can move and teach in the youngest, most innocent of children. Thank you Levona for that lesson in humility.

-Kristen

A song for home...

sorry for the background noise... the best i can do is photobooth videos!

love you all,

kristen

bffl.

This past week we had a school holiday (so no projects for me again), and half of the volunteers went on a road trip up the Garden Route. Lucky for me, with the holidays and with fewer people to worry about transport, I had time to be with my best friend before she left for home. It’s a strange feeling to think of being here without her. This was a dream and a vision for our lives that we shared for so long. It became a reality for us together, and although I knew I would eventually have to say goodbye the moment we arrived in Africa, it was still difficult to let her go.

"Everyone hears what you say. Friends listen to what you say. Best friends listen to what you don't say." -Anonymous

"We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere." -Tim McGraw

Shawna is my joy and my inspiration in a lot of ways. She has changed my life with her sweet spirit and huge love. I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without her. And that’s the truth! I watched her bring Christ to Africa and to those who needed Him, and I watched her love without thought of condition. I saw her more frustrated than I’ve ever seen her, but still she strived forward and pushed her own desires aside.

My heart does ache for my dear friend, but someone had to go and share the good times we’ve had here with the world back home. This adventure was not what we expected, but it was still exactly what God intended.

Shawna, your journey isn’t over yet! It’s only just begun. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for you. I also cannot wait until the next time I can give you a BIG hug. We began and ended our journey out at the beautiful beach town of Yzerfontein… such a beautiful, peaceful place. The epitome of you my sweet friend: a beautiful and peaceful beach: powerful waves, gorgeous sunsets, and lovely breezes. You refresh and calm all those around you. Take care of home for me, and never be too sad for my absence. Although time will make us wait, it will only be for a little while. Miss you more than words can say. I love you.

PS – “The Power & the Glory” will be awaiting your return with delicious iced coffee and a semi-comfortable indie setting… “Rawu rawu, there’s a ram in the bush!”

-Kristen :)