... And then they stole my heart

Being in PNG, we met hundreds and hundreds of people of all ages and for all different reasons. But every once in awhile, you just come across a few in the crowd, that despite any cultural difference, language barrier or age, encounter special moments with them where you know that a difference was made in both of your lives... Here's a few people that have changed mine.

His name is Junior and he is the most brilliant 4 year that i've ever met! ... no joke. The day we arrived to Baimaru, he unexpectedly became my little special sidekick buddy and made my days in the village more exciting. He surprisingly discovered a natural gift in photography as he took my camera in his tiny little hands and composed better shots than i've seen most people do for the first time... and not to mention his cheeky responses and genuine innocence stole my heart.

Meet Karara. He was a chef in WWII, serving the Aussie soldiers. We found him in Baimaru Village where he was legally blind in both his eyes. After a cataract surgery onboard, he was able to see again! He was a definite cheeky showman! this picture says it all... I told him to smile for the camera and we went off making all these faces... Karara and his family surely made an impression on most of the crew and his story came full circle of joy being restored.

This is Delma. She had just received a pair of glasses and by the looks of her massive smile, she was quite happy about it. Shortly after this picture was taken, my friend Jennifer and I couldn't resist giving her a hug. Next thing you know, she broke out in tears of happiness. Receiving a pair of free prescription glasses may seem so simple, but i sure believe it touched this woman and spoke to her about God's love and hope and that she hasn't been forget.

This is Juniors mother, Wendy and his littler brother Kingston (who i wanted to eat! he was soo darn cute)... with all the time i spent with Junior, I was also able to build a friendship with his mom and really get to know this kind sweet woman. Wendy waited in the clinic all week to eventually find out that she had a thyroid in her neck and not only that- but she found out too that she had a bun in the oven on the way- and she didn't even know it.

I can't forget to mention Shelly. She was part of our 'posse' in the one of the villages and pretty much laughed at anything we would do... Just having her sweet spirit around us was a breath of fresh air from the long days in the village. A special girl for sure who I look forward to seeing where her vibrant personality takes her....