I went to Mexico twice with VIDA (Volunteers Involved in Development Abroad). We coordinated with a local groupcalled FAI (Save the Children, Mexico) making adobe,
building housing, and teaching sanitation skills. I loved working
with the locals, especially the children. The neighborhood women taught me to make tortillas, helped me wash my clothes, and fixed
the toilet for me - until I gave up on a toilet that always broke, and started using the hole in the ground that they did. I slept on the floor and woke to the sound of dogs, chickens, and the traveling van screaming out "tortillas! plantanos!" at the unholy hour of 4:30 am.
This is the window in a lone-standing wall near our working area for making adobe. I often reflect that this is what I'm doing with photography: framing something so that it will be examined with care.
The day I arrived in Mexico was Independence Day.
I awoke to the sound of drums and children marching with fake guns.
Morning wanderings at FAI headquarters before heading out to Guadelupe, Guaparin to begin the work.
Watering a genetic wonder plant that will help malnourished children.
Mexican architecture is a blend of Spanish and Indian design, vibrant color, and a lot of iron bars. In a strange way, it added to the appeal for me.
