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i’m journaling through my images & thoughts from my recent trip~ you may begin here if you’re joining in new today.
~unpacking rwanda, a short series of simple thoughts~
laughter overflows from a joyful heart
as i boarded my last leg of travel, i sat down beside a woman who i’m sure wanted to just be quiet. i did as well, but still wanted to acknowledge her & introduce myself. i was just so happy. (probably delirious actually). happy to be almost home and just i don’t know, happy. i realized a few minutes later that i was still smiling. to myself of course. as that would be so awkward to be still smiling at her. with only a couple hours left of travel on what began twenty eight hours prior, i began to replay over & over many of the joyful moments the days prior had been filled with. doubling over laughing with some hilarious women. late night laughter with my roomie emily. inside jokes with wynne. and the list goes on. but many of the images that came to me during those moments on the flight out of chicago were of the beautiful people i learned so much from….
joy despite circumstance
joy despite horrifying past experiences
joy regardless of the future
contagious laughter
joy that spilled out as thankful was spoken over & over
enjoy~
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may exult in you.
For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
you cover him with favor as with a shield.
psalm 5.11&12
giosmama2626 - First of all, these posts always make me cry. You’re doing something so wonderful for these people, Paige. Your heart is amazing. Your soul is truly wonderful. These tears are happy tears. The stories are beautiful. Can I just say that these beautiful faces… they tell a thousand stories, and they all seem SO HAPPY and content. Truthfully, they appear to be a whole lot happier than most people I see daily in the States. Do you get that feeling, too? I look at every picture and I see so much happiness and love in their faces. I totally amazes me. Their living conditions are nothing like ours, yet they beam with a certain sunshine that just touches my heart. If they can be thankful and grateful for what they have, why can’t we all, too? It’s an eye opener to say the least. I just adore your heart, Paige. It’s something quite unique and awesome.
XOXOXO
peach - just beautiful
xo
Jill - Do you still just find it unbelievable that you got to experience that! What a gift! Thanks for sharing friend.
xo~Jill
Jan Fusco - My heart is so full. Thank you.
Peggy - Paige,
I have no words.. (yes I know a miracle in and of itself) just know that this touches my heart on so many levels.. more than I can express.
Thank you!
Meredith T. - Love this so much sweet friend…beautiful words. Thanks for the reminder today of Rwanda and her people…of joy…of incredible new friendships. You have a beautiful heart. <3
Valerie - Pretty pictures.
Can you tell us something about their experiences, present circumstances and living conditions, and what the future holds for these ladies and children?
wynne - such joy. such joy it makes my heart so happy
Susan W - beautiful people you’ve captured-they appear to be so full of love and that flows through your photographs! understandably life changing to be in their presence/in their shoes!