INDIA - Just Read

Last fall, Field Trip India brought together an unusual assemblage: children from an orphanage in rural Rajahmundry, and a small group of unassuming photographers from around the world. If we thought we were going to document culture or to make beautiful images, we were thinking too small, too self-contained. My time at the orphanage created an image in my mind that couldn't be contained in any photo: an opportunity to visualize my heart again - to see beyond myself. Sitting on a concrete floor with those kids, I was transported right back to my 12-year-old self, to my own experience as an orphan; yet here I was simultaneously present in a moment of indescribable kinship. We started our journey as observers and photojournalists, but ended our travels totally inspired and motivated to make a difference.

Those kids are the reason why I'm participating in this campaign to raise funds for the orphanage. If you have no interest in looking through the photos, you can skip them - they are just my attempt to capture a feeling that was much more than the sum of its parts. They are the personal piece that I could take with me. The important thing is that you know about this campaign, that you have the opportunity to offer a little bit of yourself to a community that needs it. Please click here: teamrajahmundry.

Although we spoke different languages, we were present with them in ways that language need not inhibit. As you sit there in the room, they touch you - but secretly, sneaking in the touch. If you open your arms to give a hug to one child, three more fall into the embrace. And beyond touch, there was music: dancing, singing, sharing a joy much deeper than words. In addition to basic needs, our hope with this campaign is to provide the kids with resources to explore these joys of music and creativity.

Field Trip is a community that gives back. The money for Field Trip India came from the first Photo Field Trip, and we hope to create a never-ending loop of opportunities like this. Thank you for sharing this with me, and thank you for supporting these children.

If you would like to see the rest of the images, you are more than welcome to look through them here. 

If you would like to see the rest of my personal images from the trip (and you have an ample amount of time on your hands), you are more than welcome to look through them here. 

But most of all, if you have the capability to donate to this wonderful orphanage, please do so here: www.gofundme.com/teamrajahmundry