Pictures, pictures, and more pictures

Yesterday I did 81 portraits in 40 minutes. 81 names. 81 pairs of beautiful black eyes. 81 unique personalities and poses. 81 shoulders that tense up and relax as they laugh. 81 smiles and expressions that relaxed as they learned to trust the camera. 81 portraits in 40 minutes.

I realized that I'm doing something similar to what I did in Thailand, as far as shooting goes. It's not quite as extensive or in-depth, but regardless, it's a huge undertaking. In Thailand Hannah & I spent three full weeks to capture 100 girls. Here in Kenya, I am doing portraits for 364 kids, and gathering details on 150 of them... in just about 8 days.

It's kind of overwhelming when I stop to think about this undertaking, and I'm not sure how I will actually accomplish it all. I suppose that if I keep up a rate of two children per minute I should do just fine. I stood in line at Nakumart (their version of Wal-Mart) the other night and seriously considered stocking up on energy drinks. Maybe next time...

I cannot begin to express how much I am blessed to be here. The teaches are so full of love and commitment to the students— sometimes starting classes at 4am and teaching until 8pm, just to make sure the students know everything inside and out. I feel that I am dwelling among saints.