Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Praise the Lord for Honduras!!!

I just got back from Honduras, where I went with a group of young people from my church. My heart feels so full thinking of the people we met there. God gave me perspective in large doses on this trip. Here are some of the photos I took while we were there.

A girl in the village of Cataluna. This is the photo that tells all.

A young mother at the hospital in Tegucigalpa.
This is her baby.One of my jobs on the trip was to shoot portraits of the women in the village. This experience hit me hard, and made me realize the reason why I am a photographer. To take a photo of someone is to say: "I care about you. You matter. You are worth something, and your life is valuable. You are beautiful because God made you. In His likeness." This is Maria. She asked me to remember her.
This is another woman of the village, Francisca. I loved her joyfulness and her entrepreneurial spirit. She owned the snack shop in the village.
Children sitting outside their home in the village.

The little boy who broke my heart. He was sitting in this little chair, crying. His sister told me that he was thirsty and wanted water.
The evening church service in the village.

This little girl played and played with her "tricycle" It had no seat and only two wheels, which did not match, one of which was broken.
On dental health day. This little girl obediently waited for us to brush her teeth and give her a fluoride treatment. The children had many holes in their teeth. When we brushed them, some of the teeth just crumbled away.
Homes in the village.


The women who came to know Jesus during our stay: Blanca, Keilin, Leslie, and Cilia.

At the hospital.

Pretty little shoes.


The moon over the village.

A loquacious little lady at the retirement home. And her little legs.

The ladies show off the bracelets they made during our time with them.

Keilin was a 13-year-old girl in the village. I have a 13-year-old niece here in the United States, and I thought of her when I saw Keilin. That could have been her. I brought a Spanish children's Bible with me on the trip and read it to the children when there was down-time. Keilin started reading along with me, and she read very well. I left the Bible with her so she can read it to the younger children in the village. She is a very smart girl, and she was happy to receive the Bible. I think that she has the potential to be a leader in the village. Prayers for her!!!
Jeilin in the sun. She is so beautiful.
Jeilin loves puppies too. My kind of girl.

This intense little girl was worried, but beautiful in the sun.
The hardworking hands of a man in the village.

A little girl at the hospital proudly showing off her sutures.
Flossing on his own on dental health day!
I love her little pursed smile. I cleaned her teeth.
Brushing!
Loved his honest little eyes.

Isolated little boy. We were not allowed to go in his room at the hospital.

Blue.
We brought little gifts to the children in the hospital. This little girl LOVED the stuffed cat toy in her bag. She just got the biggest kick out of it and my meow noises.
This was a difficult photo to take. When I left, the back of my camera was wet with tears. My heart broke for this mother.
Angels in the sun.

One of my favorite shots of the trip.

My experience in Honduras was amazing. I am irrevocably changed by it. I felt like I was shooting with more purpose on this trip than I have been shooting for years. Or ever. I can't wait to see what God has planned for me. I am officially releasing the reigns!

24 comments:

Cristina said...

Wow, just wow. Not only is the photography beautiful, but I love the soul that shines through every single shot. These are so special, Julie. I can't wait to hear about the trip and see where He leads you.

Anonymous said...

Jules, I knew this experience would be one that would forever change you. I was expecting amazing photos that would capture truth, but you out did yourself. It’s as if you let your heart take control of your shutter to reveal such amazing beauty and realness. I wish I could go and save them all. I will hold each person that you photographed in my thoughts and prayers.



I’m so glad that you let this experience change you and excited to see what your future holds. Much love and respect! -Jenna

Tracy Autem, President and Photographer said...

Ah-Mazing! I am so glad you were given this opportunity. The photos stopped my heart and brang me such joy. Really, I know you are an great photographer but God really stepped it up in these photos right along with you. How awesome! Can't wait to hear about it and I hope you continue to get these types of opportunities.

Anonymous said...

Julie, I have always been proud of you and known how very special you were, but as I look at your photography and read the story of these beautiful people I know God has a very special "assignment" for your life. I cannot wait to see where He leads you.Praise the Lord for people such as you!
I love you! Mom

Melanie Johnson said...

Wow, Julie. I am so proud of you for following your heart and doing something that means so much to you. Interestingly enough, I think that this trip turned out to mean a lot to the lives you touched as well. Thank you for sharing this with us!

Michelle Peyronet said...

Julie, these are absolutely amazing!! Your love for people and your kind heart really shines through in all your images. You really did a wonderful job capturing this village and all of these wonderful individuals. The world needs more people like YOU!!!

Anonymous said...

Well, I'm speechless! Julie, these are beautiful - FULL of beauty!!! Thank you for sharing of yourself with the Hondurans and with us! You are in my prayers! Love you! Ya-Ya Janet

Andrea said...

Julie these are such amazing images. Thank you for the reminder that the world is so much bigger than our little problems. My dad was involved in a ministry (Good News in Action) when I was a little girl and he traveled a few times to Honduras and El Salvador. These images remind me so much of the pictures he brought back with him. There's such a need for more pictures like these to bring back to the states. We're so sheltered from what is really going on in the world. God bless!

Anonymous said...

Wow! I went through so many emotions as I read through this and looked at all the pics here and on FaceBook. Tears of sorrow, tears of joy, a longing to make a difference, pride for what God is doing through His church...absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Jules, those are some amazing pictures. Way to go! :) I'm glad you somehow pared down the 900. Love and miss you,

Unknown said...

Julie,
You have such an amazing gift! One trip to Honduras will change one's heart forever!

Albie said...

I'm very proud of you, Julie. I'm grateful for you every day.

Anonymous said...

Jules, I'm in tears. Thank you for sharing your heart with us and for telling the story of so many beautiful people.

Love you like a sister, Amber R.

Stacey said...

So moving Jules. How awesome to be able to experience something life-changing through the lens of your camera. I'm so happy for you.

Amber said...

seriously. i am obsessed.
i just blogged about it...by it, i mean YOU because you are amazing! thanks for sharing life the way you see it! cant wait to chat!

Jake said...

Julie! These are amazing! I cried sitting at my work computer. I love Honduras SO much! And I was kinda having bad day...needless to say this made me feel better. Your pictures are raw and real, and really put things into perspective. Thank you for sharing!

Amanda said...

Wow. Julie, these are amazing. What a blessing that you were able to go and tell this story. I was so sad about the kids' teeth crumbling when y'all were brushing them. That just breaks my heart. I miss you, friend!

~Jodi~ said...

wow i just came across your blog today... your photography is just amazing... so beautiful.. The pictures you took are worth a 1000 words.. stunning.
You have a gift! I am looking forward to reading more of your blog but had to comment on this. Such simple things in life that I take forgranted-like a toothbrush. The joy and stories you told through this post changed my thoughts and outlook today ! Thanks for sharing!

MamaCass said...

Julie you have such a gift in photography. I am amazed at these pictures. They are so good and they really do tell a story. It sounds like it was very enlightening for you as a trip of this nature should be. I am excited to see what God has planned for you also!!!

Sunni at The Flying Mum said...

Just beautiful! I love them.

Janelle and Ella said...

Oh Julie! I have no words! I am in tears sitting at my desk reliving this trip through your BEAUTIFUL pictures! I am so thankful for your gift! It changes lives and it shares the gospel. I love you and hope to do missions with you many more times in the future Friend!

Murrell Family said...

Those pictures had me crying tonight for the sweet kids and families in that village. Your pictures shared a great story of the love God has for ALL the nations! Thanks for sharing these, Julie!

Jake said...

I wanted you to know that I come back and look at these pictures ALL the time.

Youre the best!

Chelsea Kimbrell said...

Julie these are amazing! I was crying more and more with each amazing photo. You do such beautiful work and I know God has wonderful plans for you. I'll keep you and your new Honduran friends in my prayers.
Much love to you and Berto!