July 19th, 2012 by Sherry

While I was walking in the Barrio, taking pictures of all the beautiful, young faces that longed to be paid attention to and photographed, it was impossible not to notice that the adults showed equally as much of that childlike enthusiasm.
I noticed one young woman, off to the side, intently watching the throngs of pictures being taken and the smiles that were so freely provided. I asked her, in Spanish, if I could take her photo.
She didn’t say anything to me, and simply nodded her head with a shy smile.
I took the photo, trying to push away old habits of clicking and dashing, and showed it to her. “Bonita”, I said.
She thanked me half giggling, shying behind an embarrassed flush and covered half her face with her hands.
I repeated myself, trying the best that I could to express to her just how sincere I was being. I thought she was beautiful. I can only hope that she felt that way, too.

For more information on the wonderful organizations that made my Nicaraguan experience possible, visit:
The Giving Lens and Empowerment International.