We are walking on a thin muddy path that borders her rice patty. This is the land she works with her husband in order to feed her children. Before she obtained the loan from BEST, a locally founded NGO, she barely had enough to survive. Her house was nothing more than pieces of sheet metal rigged together with scrap wood and rope. Now she works this land and sleeps in a simple bed in a solid house with the profits of her own labor.
She is the tiniest slip of a woman, but her smile is wide and her steps are strong. She is proud to show us what she has wrought with her own hands. Her pleasure in this task radiates off her body, though she keeps her gaze to the ground and hardly says a word.
I try to wrap my mind around what it takes to keep this field, this family, alive and thriving. I know I should be watching her hopeful eyes and capable hands for a sign, but all I can see is her feet. How she carefully picks her way through the muddy field, how she knows where to step, how to walk, where to stand. How the immense strength of her spirit carries her, even as the frailty of her body dares her destiny and expands her hope.
leaca says
The harder you work for things the greater your glory. Great post.
kosenrufu mama says
wow, great spirit of hope in her life!!! and thank you for sharing words and images!
Marcie says
Such a wonderful…powerful image. Amazing how something so simple can tell such a story!
camerashymomma says
this is absolutely beautiful. the whole story.
Alyssa says
this is beautiful. It reminds me of a woman I knew in Nepal. Those feet. That field,
Puna says
Thank you for sharing.
mary says
oh, so very beautiful. thank you.
Tracy says
What a gorgeous image and such a lovely description. Hopeful indeed!
georgia says
this is such a wonderful photo. it makes me want to know where she is headed. what color and life in this shot!
thea says
this photo brings emotions rising up from my heart. Gorgeous
Gypsy Alex says
I love the title and the image of spirit carrying her/ us through life. Really beautiful thoughts, Jen.