I just got back from PPA which stands for Professional Photographers of America. They hosted a photo conference in New Orleans. Classes start at 7am and go all day into the evening. I get to be a student again taking notes like crazy hoping to remember and execute even a fraction of what I learn. Having the conference in New Orleans was a bonus so I stayed an extra couple days to explore. I loved walking around the French Quarters and stumbled upon a gem of a photo gallery; Agallery.com The owner, Josua Pailet bought images directly from photographers like Henri Cartier-bresson, Ansel Adams and Sebastiao Salgado. He spent a while answering my questions and educating me on how the world of art dealing works. I am grateful for his impromptu education. Other highlights were the Piano Bar at Pat Obrien’s, grilled drum fish at the French Market, a ride on the Trolley (Street Car they call it) and a visit to the Insectarium (yes..a museum about insects) It was a great trip.
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This is baby #2 on the way and Brittany is looking as beautiful at ever! Felix has been standing for a while now. It was hard to keep him for running. My pink squeeky piggie did the trick a couple times. I am going to miss them all when they move to LA.
no comments I am back in Ecuador trying to help the kids in the many orphanages that we have formed relationships with. If you have seen past blogs you have a sense of what these kids are facing. Dental issues are a huge problem. This one boy is one of many who needs so much help. We brought toothbrushes for each kid but that can only go so far.
One orphanage was only for children of parents in jail. These kids have had it rough…really rough. It shows on their face, in their walk. We played with them and bought them rice, eggs, pajamas and grains. This hardly makes a dent but it is something.
We are seeing leaking roofs, broken chairs, not enough cribs for new babies that come in, new bathrooms built but without doors. I had a discussion with the director at one of the places. How much to pay for a teacher I wondered. They handed me the spreadsheet of the teachers payroll..It is about 350.00 per month. A new minivan to take the kids to school. 25K. Oh by the way…it is a 15 passenger van that would take about 30 kids.. Today we went shopping for paint, cribs, mattresses, lice shampoo, face cream.
Do you feel better sponcering a child? Do you feel better buying them a mattress? Do you feel better knowing the roof is fixed or a vehicle is going to get them to school? Do you focus on education and want to pay for the salary of one teacher which is about 350 per month. Are you a foodie and want kids to eat well. Whatever feels the most satisfying…I and they would be so grateful if you donate to the right of this post in the “chip in” link. Thank you so much…in advance.. Go to Facebook for more http://www.facebook.com/rachelelkindphoto show 1 comment I was in Ecuador earlier this year with the Dando Amor group and was blown away by the generosity of my fellow volunteers and the needs of the kids that are there. I wrote about it on the blog here: past blog post. I am going back because there is more need. Through the money that was initially raised so much was done; beds and food and utensils bought, roofs repaired, walls and sewage systems built, toys given, portraits taken and laminated and given to each kid. There was also time to play with the kids and time to hold the babies. Every step of the way we were met with gratitude as well as the need for more then we could give then. More money has been raised in the past months and I am going back to check on projects, photograph the progress, figure out the best way to spend current funds, find other orphanages that have not been given help and visit with the staff and volunteers that do so much every day to care for the kids. Can you donate here on the link to the right of this blog “Chip In”
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