Hi all, I've recently started to use VSCO film to edit my photos. I composed a brief journal entry about my visit with Chhaya Cafe last spring. You can see it HERE.
Sanju
One of my favorite photographs I've taken is of a sweet young girl named Sanju. Sanju and her older brother Vicky live at Asha Mission Children's Home in Delhi. They are an effervescent duo and thick as thieves. Often times you find them whispering in Hindi to each other in the corner or swapping food during meal times. Vicky is easily one of the smartest children in the home and Sanju's laugh can light up the darkest of corners. They are truly a special brother and sister pair. You can't help but think that they are set apart for something special.
their stories
"We're not like these people. We shouldn't pretend we are. The stories these people have to tell, we're not entitled to them. . ." "You say their stories, it is a gift they give you."
"A gift, yes."
-Khaled Hosseini, And the Mountains Echoed
These beautiful young girls have come from unbearably horrific pasts. Some were born into the brothels where their mothers worked, and others were given as sacrifices to the temples for men to use. They have been rescued from those hopeless situations and are being given a second chance at life.
As you can see, these girls are still very young. They are now living in an all girls home where they go to school, get medical care, and are shown the love and nurturing that they need to grow up feeling valued. They have joyful smiles and were so eager to love us when we went to visit them! They attacked us with hugs and a chorus of "Hello didi! how are you!?"
Each of them have a special story to tell, and it's our prayer that they grow up to become victors of their pasts. Getting to know these children has been such a gift, and I share their stories in hopes that they will touch the hearts of others in the way that they have touched ours at Ashraya Mission.
If you would like to learn more about these young ladies and how you can help them, read this blog post on Ashraya Mission's site. Their home is currently undergoing some final, but very important stages of construction and you have the opportunity to help their house become a home.