This post has been a long time coming. I suppose that it would be honest to say that even with all of the time that has passed, I find it impossible to articulate the depth and significance that this experience has had on me. When I volunteered to document the conditions at For His Children Orphanage in Latacunga, Ecuador, I figured that my objectives were clear: I was supposed to bring help. I was to exhibit certainty; show strength – shed light on darkness. I didn’t realize those were what I’d be getting from the experience in return.
Hogar Para sus Niños (For His Children Home) was founded in 1990 in Quito, Ecuador by Clark and Melinda Vaughn. Since then FHC has grown to include a second home in Latacunga, Ecuador. Many of the kids here have special needs and require specialized and sensitive care – which the Tias (spanish for aunt) are always on hand to provide. It is an intense environment that is somehow surprisingly calm. Along with two of my best friends – Kimberly and Andres Valenzuela, we spent 5 days at the Orphanage documenting the day to day life of these special little people and their caretakers. It was humbling and inspiring – and just about everything in between. Having the opportunity to share my gifts with these people and this organization was a privilege. I think back on these little ones fondly, and pray that their lives have been blessed. I am eternally grateful for the growth my journey to Ecuador brought to my life. I like to think that I carry that gratitude with me always, everywhere. These images are emblematic of that grace.
HOGAR PARA SUS NINOS (FOR HIS CHILDREN HOME) : LATACUNGA, ECUADOR : SOUTH AMERICAN MISSION PHOTOGRAPHY
