On my way to Etosha National Park, I crossed Damaraland in the north-west of Namibia. The country is sparsely populated, barren, parched and wild.
I met these children. And I saw the "houses" where people live. There are actually no houses, but heaps, made of garbage. What I just had with me, I gave to these children - a few apples, a bit of chocolate and milk. How these children were happy... And I was deeply ashamed that I could not give them anymore. I thought of the many superfluous things that are around my home. I thought of the daily clean water from the pipe, good food anytime and anywhere, the medical care we take for granted,... things that are unimaginable for these people...
With so little money could be made so much here. However, corruption is a serious problem in this country - it prevents many projects. In addition, some good-aid projects are questionable in my opinion.
Stunning photo and I love the coloring. They don't know what they live without, so they are content. Life would be better with a few basics...food, shelter and fresh water. And to think how spoiled much of the world is and they are still not happy...You showed their spirit and gratitude and your compassion for others. Fav.
They look so happy. Amazing how the happiest with the simple things of life are often the poorest and the westerners with so much are often the most stressed and discontent.
Excellent photo. Some years ago we travelled to Zimbabwe and Botswana with friends. Our American friends on the last day gave away just about everything they had with them ..shoes, clothes, bags, hats etc. I've always wished we had too. Your writing as always provokes much thought.
Sweet capture and an interesting story to go with it. I guess seeing things like this really puts perspective on our lives. It was so nice of you to give them some food.
I think this world is rich enough that all people can live with dignity. I think it is about fairness - in several ways.
In the hinterland I had to stop at a gas station, because I had no more gasoline. A man came up to me and asked me for old shoes or a shirt. I could not give him my shoes because I had only those at my feet. But I could give him a shirt. But I had a lot of mistrust: If I go back to the trunk, where my suitcase is - what could happen? There were more people hanging around the gas station, not very trustworthy... And I was alone... After some hesitation I decided to go back and I gave him a t-shirt. What was this man happy about this dirty t-shirt... And I felt very ashamed that I had imputed him bad - robbery, theft...
There is still much to say - to the people in this area, to the political conditions...
And in general... how the riches of this world are distributed... how much we actually need... what actual wealth is and gives meaning in our lives...
What an important shot, an important story... It is difficult to think many are not so lucky. Your good heart was so welcomed by them, it is wonderful. I always think I need to strip my house to bare minimum - sometimes too many unnecessary things. Others need them...
What a beautiful portrait of this family. One thing that poverty rarely seems to take away is the ability to find joy and pleasure. Those with the least, it seems, are the most grateful for what they have. How lovely that you gave them all you had - for that, they would have been immensely grateful. We have so much to learn about how to look after each other in this world. This is a truly beautiful photograph.
@helenhall The faces of the children, especially of the girl - they haunt me to this day. I think there is very, very much to do in this world... Should not be more deeds? - For justice, a life in dignity for all people...
April 19th, 2017
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Thank you all for your nice comments!
I think this world is rich enough that all people can live with dignity. I think it is about fairness - in several ways.
In the hinterland I had to stop at a gas station, because I had no more gasoline. A man came up to me and asked me for old shoes or a shirt. I could not give him my shoes because I had only those at my feet. But I could give him a shirt. But I had a lot of mistrust: If I go back to the trunk, where my suitcase is - what could happen? There were more people hanging around the gas station, not very trustworthy... And I was alone... After some hesitation I decided to go back and I gave him a t-shirt. What was this man happy about this dirty t-shirt... And I felt very ashamed that I had imputed him bad - robbery, theft...
Thank you very much for your nice comment!
There is still much to say - to the people in this area, to the political conditions...
And in general... how the riches of this world are distributed... how much we actually need... what actual wealth is and gives meaning in our lives...