mlk

CTT friend Natalie sent a Martin Luther King book to Rachael, one of our sponsored students at SMK. Following is a letter written by Team 7 leader Jennifer Smith; she is the one who hand delivered the book to Rachael. It's a letter of appreciation to Natalie for giving her a profound opportunity while at SMK last month. If you've ever wondered why some people make the choice to go on a team trip to the orphanage, this will shed some light on at least one person's thoughts:

Natalie,

I wanted to send a quick email to thank you for the Martin Luther King book you sent young Rachael at St. Mary Kevin’s. She sought me out early during our trip to show me the present and ask if we could spend some time together reading the book. We eventually spent more than an hour together on New Year's Day reading Dr. King's words and explaining the history of the Civil Rights Movement. It was a BLESSED time. 

This portion of his “I Have a Dream” speech was especially moving for both of us:  

"...for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead."

I tried to explain to Rachael that many of us who travel to SMK, and especially those of us who return, truly believe that statement. That our destinies are tied together--that we cannot walk alone. As I reflect on the life and contributions of Dr. King today, I am flooded with memories of my time with Rachael pouring over Dr. King's words and vision...that we are all connected and we can make the choice to not walk alone.

Thank you for making that special time possible.

Jennifer

teacher

February 2014

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Photography Scholars Program: Robert Frank's The Americans Revisited

This semester, working in collaboration with guest photographer Gloria Baker Feinstein, students will take a critical look at Robert Frank's pivotal work The Americans. We will examine how Frank's view of the cultural landscape of the mid 1950s influenced American photography. Students are encouraged to share their reactions, formulate theories based on observations, and make connections between art and life.

Following gallery and classroom activities, students will create their own photographic portfolio, drawing on themes and ideas discussed in class. Through the hands-on production of their own images, and writing assignments that encourage students to articulate the thoughts behind their work, participants will explore their own individual interpretation of the American experience. Additionally, students will collaborate to create a book that explores contemporary notions of the collective American identity, as seen through the eyes of teenagers living in and around Kansas City.

Class sessions are led by museum curators, museum educators, and visiting photographer Gloria Baker Feinstein. Sessions meet for five consecutive Saturdays starting February 1, 2014.

All application materials are due by midnight, December 8, 2013. Students and teachers will be notified of acceptance in the program by email by December 20, 2013.

If you've never thought of me in a teaching role, you're not alone. Yeah, I've taught my own children and some of their friends about photography, and I've worked with kids at Operation Breakthrough here in Kansas City and at the orphanage in Uganda, but I've never been particularly comfortable assuming the official position of teacher. 

That's going to change very soon. I'm a jumble of nerves and excitement. 

thoughts of retirement and lillian

Running a non-profit is hard work. Most days I love it, but honestly, there are days when I just want to hang it up. You know, go to that warm beach that will magically be waiting for me just around the next bend. I can see it so clearly: a stack of all the books I've been wanting to read on a little table positioned ever so perfectly just to the right of my chaise lounge. There's a sweet, friendly towel boy ever at the ready to deliver sugar-on-the-rim margaritas to me whenever I raise my right pinky. There's an umbrella positioned just so, and it moves electronically during the course of the day to constantly protect me from the sun. My favorite playlist never ends and is set to just the right volume. My kids and grandkids are nearby, frolicking in the sand, laughing easily as the waves wash over them. Eddie is in the chaise next to me, looking relaxed and sporting some great looking swim trunks and a permanent smile. He begs me to play another game of Scrabble. I spend a couple hours wandering around making pictures. After a while, I work out in the perfectly appointed nearby gym, then cool off with a delicious and healthy fruit smoothie. After my full body massage, I meet up with Eddie and we stroll to a reasonably priced organic, veggie, gluten-free, dairy-free restaurant with our kids, my sister and my best girlfriends, all of whom live just down the beach. Later Eddie and I may watch a little Breaking Bad (does it ever end?), and then we'll sink down into our heart shaped Tempurpedic bed and sleep solidly for nine or ten hours before we start the routine all over again the next day.

Oh, wait, for a minute I thought this was really happening. Must be the coconut scented lotion I was just slathering on my arms and shoulders.

No, I'm here in the CTT/GBF Photo office, hammering away at my computer. All is good. No, really, it is!

I am happy and proud to announce that CTT is granting sponsorships to four new students! The 2014 school year will begin in February; soon we will be getting pictures of Oscar, Tina, Beatrice and Lillian wearing their brand spanking new school uniforms complete with new shiny shoes. Over the course of the next few weeks, I'll introduce you to these children, all of whom have been good friends to our CTT volunteers throughout the years.

Each of the four is being sponsored by individual CTT supporters - people who have been generous all along, but who now want to focus their financial commitment on one child in particular. I can't thank these donors enough. I know it will feel as good for them as it does for their new Ugandan friends.

Lillian, 2011

Meet Lillian:

She is 12 years old, the third and youngest daughter of Evalyn, who happens to be the matron of the young boy's dormitory at SMK. Evalyn is a tall, handsome woman with a smile that'll knock you out and a voice that'll make you stand up and pay attention. She came to SMK after her husband was killed in the war in northern Uganda. She had nothing. Rosemary gave her a matron job, which provided Evalyn a place to eat and sleep and a place for her children to attend primary school. It's that simple. Evalyn works in exchange for a safe place for her family. Lillian participates in choir and traditional dancing at SMK. She is a good student and wants to work hard to become a doctor when she grows up. Lillian's sponsors are from Wisconsin (thanks to Suzanne, we are developing quite a contingency in the Dairy State!) and can't wait to start corresponding with her.

This is the kind of day that, while the beach does sound nice, I so appreciate the work I'm able to do and the people I get to do it with!

Maybe a sugar-on-the-rim margarita tonight with dinner?

save the date!

Annual Change the Truth Friendraiser/Fundraiser

Friday, March 14th

Boulevard Brewing Company, Kansas City

7 - 10 PM

We're mixing it up a bit this year: 

different venue

food by Spin! Pizza/ beer and wine by Boulevard

tickets are $50

party favors!!

Many things will stay the same:

art auction (paintings, drawings and photographs by the kids at the orphanage)

silent auction of cool items from KC area restaurants, spas, sporting events, etc.

CTT film by Lynne Melcher 

If you've been following/collecting the work of our core group of young artists, you will be amazed to see the maturity and sophistication evident in their most recent work. Just to whet your appetite, please take a few moments to appreciate this incredible pastel drawing by 15-year-old Issy. Her work just keeps getting stronger and stronger. This piece will surely be a highlight of the SMK Gallery on March 14th. 

If you're on our mailing list, you'll receive an invitation in the next couple weeks. You'll then be able to purchase tickets online. (If you are not on our snail mail list and wish to be, please contact me at gbfeinstein[at]gmail[dot]com. Hope to see you at Boulevard on March 14th!

last one?

Ever find yourself minding your own business, then noticing something eerie or lovely or unusual or jarring across the room? I had to have surgery yesterday (no big deal… I'm fine). While in the waiting room at the surgi-center, listening for my name to be called, this scene presented itself to me.

So, of course, I photographed it.

When the nurse came to fetch me, I suddenly remembered why I was supposed to be nervous: what if I wake up during the procedure? What if I don't wake up at all? As the drugs kicked in, and I started floating away, I thought back to the photo I had made in the waiting area just 1/2 hour before. And then I started thinking… at my funeral Eddie would say my wife photographed right up until the very end, and then he would unveil the last photo I ever made. Everyone would break into applause, fighting back tears.

Funny where your thoughts go with a little Valium running through your veins.

Thankfully, I get to unveil the image myself. And I'm happy to report that there will be many more pictures to come.

photos lie

This series of photos that Japanese London-based photographer Chino Otsuka created is pretty cool and proves flat out that photos can and do lie (especially in the age of Photo-Shop). In “Imagine Finding Me,” Chino digitally inserts herself into old photos, so that she is standing next to her younger self. The concept is simple, and her digital manipulation of the photos is done so well it makes it seems as if she's a time traveler of sorts. They are - if you let yourself go there - filled with a sense of longing for simpler times.

portraits: mothers

The burn-victim project I'm working on includes portraits of parents whose children did not survive the fire. These are two of the moms I photographed earlier in the week.

depression

Because we have a social worker living and working on the grounds of the orphanage, and because we often have psychologists on our teams, the director of St. Mary Kevin has asked us to help deal with the problem of depression. During Team 7's visit, there were some helpful individual and group sessions that took place with some of the kids who have been struggling. We've actually been helping with some of these issues since our very first team trip in 2007.

I thought it was interesting to see it from SMK's point of view as to why depression could be problem for these young people. This is the list I received:

• For Orphans/Children [18 & below] typical personal crises include –

1. Loss of a close and useful relative, like a grandmother
2. Extensive academic demands following poor performance
3. Pressure to engage in sex by peers or predator adults
4. Infection with HIV or STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections like Gonorrhea)
5. Unplanned pregnancies leading to School Dropout
6. Failure to realise personal dreams [Academic Route versus Vocational Skills]
7. Anticipation of Life after P7 without CTT sponsorship, with a likely return to poverty and misery with no friends to help
   
   
   

new year resolutions

What's at the top of your list? Go to the gym more often? Eat less chocolate? Use those vacation days?

Here's the list issued by Rosemary, director of St. Mary Kevin Orphanage: just a few suggestions for the children and staff to keep on their radar screen as they make their way into the new year.

"This is 2014 - a New Year 

That we cherish and hold dear
We hereby declare our resolutions for the New Year
That we swear to keep and follow with full dedication:

We shall, with the help of God, our Directors, and People of Goodwill -- 

1. Work harder to get better grades at School to make our Sponsors happy
2. Share & Engage with our Friends, Peers, Mentors & Counsellors and Sponsors
3. Hope positively for the future and face Challenges with Determination & a Smile
4. Embrace, Respect, Practice and Protect our Culture & the Environment
5. Be Disciplined & Respect Authority, and love your Neighbour
6. Avoid HIV infection, Say NO to sex abuse, under-age pregnancies & forced Child Labour, assist the disadvantaged, the elderly & those infected or affected by AIDS, TB, Malaria, and Diarrhoea
7. Focus on the achievement of the Millennium Goals by 2015 – Universal Primary Education, Promote gender equality & empowerment of women, Reduce child mortality, and Improve access to Health services & safe water, etc." 

Team 7 had a heck of a time getting home from Uganda. Most everyone was at least two days late because of the winter weather we've been having. I am on my way to the airport now to pick up the last of the group: Dawn and Emily. I'm sure they're exhausted and have had it with the airlines and with snow. I'm posting this beautiful photo of Emily and two young friends in their honor. The warm east African sun and the sweet touch of these precious children are but distant memories today, but they are memories I hope all of Team 7 will hold dear for many, many years.

mike

Team 7 is making its way back to the US, dodging the various snowstorms that have been wreaking havoc in the skies and on the ground, thus drawing to a conclusion another successful Change the Truth adventure in Uganda.

The Kansas Chief Chiefs lost a heartbreaking wild card playoff game to the Colts yesterday, putting an end to my football-watching season.

And Eddie and I are making our way toward the fourth season of Breaking Bad. Only one more to go after that.

So on this wintry morning, while considering things that are coming to a close, I am also looking forward to what lies ahead.

In the short term, it is a photography project. I have been asked by an attorney representing burn victims to make pictures of several clients: straightforward shots documenting their burn scars and a couple of nice portraits.

My first session was this past Friday. I had no idea what to expect, having never done anything quite like this before. What I got was a super sweet, easy going, confident, funny, handsome young man named Mike. He had been badly burned in an accident when he was nine years old. Eight-five percent of his body was affected.

Going into this, I had convinced myself the portrait should go beyond the scars, that someone like Mike shouldn’t be described by the tragedy that befell him.  The more we talked, and the more I got to know him, though, the more I began to understand that the accident and everything that’s happened to him since, have, of course, played a huge role in shaping who he is today. Maybe I was naïve to think that his scars would not define him.

Mike spent six months in the hospital immediately following the accident. He has had over thirty surgeries since then. He was a growing boy, after all, and the painful skin grafts have had to accommodate stretching and expanding. He had to be tutored, because he missed a lot of school. He’s had to make peace with a body that looks different from the others he sees in the locker room at the gym.

But Mike is totally cool with it. He’s comfortable in that skin of his – a patchwork of varying patterns and textures. He finished school with the rest of his class and is now in college. He said he and his girlfriend had just broken up, but no biggie. He and I talked about our favorite characters on Breaking Bad. Oh my God, could you believe what Mike got away with when Tucco’s weird cousin was in the hospital after Hank shot him? He loves to work out, chill with friends and work with computers. He’s pretty much a regular 21-year old kid.

But, of course, he’s anything but that. A guy like this has had to reach down deep - over and over again - to find a certain set of strengths he probably didn’t know were there. Surely that has transformed him.

Of all the things I thought might happen during the session, the one I least expected was this: I was truly inspired.

The thing that really moved me was how trusting Mike was. And how confident he was. And how un-bitter and un-cynical he was.

I kept thinking about something Diane Arbus had once said about photographing “freaks.” When I got home, I looked it up. Remove the word “freak” please because it does not apply. The rest of the quote absolutely does:

“Most people go through life dreading they’ll have a traumatic experience. Freaks were born with their trauma. They’ve already passed their test in life. They’re aristocrats.”

team 7: dawn

It Takes A Village

Today, amidst playing cards, and watching football, and pumping water, I was reflecting on two simple words that carry deep meaning: “thanks” and “village.”

We asked one of SMK’s expert lettering artists, Petra, to create some thank you cards for the gifts and supplies that friends in the US generously donated and that Team 7 volunteers delivered on this trip. The kiddos were eager to add their names to the cards and take pictures to show their appreciation for gifts of colored pencils, games, soccer uniforms, soaps, cough drops, shoes, toothbrushes, cameras, and many other much-needed items. I could learn some techniques for writing my own thank you notes from the SMK kids.

Emily and I helped Douglas Tony Blair, SMK’s clinic nurse (who grew up at SMK and was sponsored by Change the Truth), unload all of the donated supplies that he will use to treat children for minor illnesses and injuries. Douglas was deeply grateful for the Costco-sized bottles of ibuprofen, ointments, and other clinic medications. He knows that he can relieve the discomfort of sick or injured children for months to come. Think of the last time you opened your medicine cabinet to give your child a Motrin to lower her fever or a dose of cough medicine to help him sleep, and how grateful you were that you had supplies on hand. Now, multiply that by hundreds of times and dozens of sick children. That’s how thankful Douglas is.

When I first visited St. Mary Kevin two years ago, it took me a few days to grasp why the daily scene at the orphanage seemed unusual. Then it hit me: I was an adult walking through a village of children.

During our stay each December, the kids are on holiday from school, which means there are no classes, no teachers, no cooks, and only a very small staff of dormitory matrons and Change the Truth’s amazing coordinator, Melissa Mosher. Can you imagine your neighborhood elementary school being occupied almost exclusively by 180 children, ages 4 to 18, for three months? Sounds chaotic (at best) and terrifying (at worst), right?

But at SMK, neither description is true. The teenagers look out for the older children, who in turn look after the youngest kiddos. The teens referee arguments, set boundaries, and explain projects. The older children do their daily chores and take care of themselves just fine. The youngest ones are accompanied to meals and brought along for games and songs.

It all works because in the richest definition of “village,” everyone is cared for and no one takes more than he or she needs. In the SMK village, Emily and I watched an older child Macgyver a brilliant repair for a 4-year-old boy’s broken sandal. Without that assistance, the little boy would have gone without one shoe until it was his turn to receive a new pair.

I am thankful for each day I get to be here to witness the joy and tenderness of these young friends. When I leave, I remain grateful throughout the year for the eye-opening and heart-opening experience of being a Change the Truth Team member.

- Dawn

photo from dawn

I'm loving the photos members of Team 7 are posting up on their Facebook pages. This one is especially wonderful.

flashback

Here are some pictures I took at SMK in 2006. For those of you who have met the children, can you guess who these kiddos are?

team 7: hope

Team leader and teacher extraordinaire Jennifer conducted a project while she was at SMK. It was all about hope. It is obvious that her thoughtful preparation, her easy way with children, her infectious love of life, her belief in all things good and her sense of hope brought about results that will take these children many miles down the road. Thank you, Jenn, for instilling hope in the kids at SMK and, ultimately, in all of us. What better way to usher in a new year? Here is Jenn's blog post about the project.

Dr. Shane Lopez, a Gallup Senior Scientist and professor at the University of Kansas, has published a new book on the power of Hope. A hopeful person has four core beliefs: the future will be better than the present, I have the power to make it so, there are many paths to my goals, and none of them are free of obstacles. The middle school where I teach is implementing some of Dr. Lopez's strategies with students in an effort to build students' Hope. The research supports Hope is independent of wealth, intelligence, and nationality. 

Would the kids at Saint Mary Kevin support Dr. Lopez's research? 

To find out, the children and I worked on the Hope Camera Project at SMK.  I spent two lessons teaching the basic concepts of Hope and then turned the children loose with digital cameras asking them to take photos of where they find hope in their lives. To be honest, I had no idea what would happen. Would the word translate? Do the concepts apply to the lives of orphans and children who have had obstacles far steeper than that of most American children? And more importantly, can we work to build Hope in the children at Saint Mary Kevin?

Here's what the children taught me about Hope:

I have hope in my friends, and they have hope in me. - Okecha Brian

Computer study gives me hope because my future will be better. - Brian

Saint Mary Kevin gives me Hope because it is one of the best schools that gives the chance to an orphan in order to work hard so they can have a better future. - Kaifa

I took a photo of myself because I have Hope in myself that when I grow up I will be someone important and I will fight for freedom. - Leo

Melissa being here gives me hope in all that I am doing and always makes me to set my goals and encourages me to continue with my hardworking. - Rosette

This drawing by my older brother, Nicky, gives me Hope because it shows how I am loved and cared for by my family at SMK and other people around me. - Issy

Dr. Lopez includes the following quote at the end of his book, Making Hope Happen: Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he send forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance. - Robert F. Kennedy, June 6, 1966

The ripples of Hope from Change The Truth to Saint Mary Kevin and back are too numerous to count. Hope is definitely contagious. CTT is an agent of Hope. It provides many pathways for the children to reach their goals. And whatever the obstacles encountered, the children are learning that they can be overcome. 

Hope is alive and well...and growing at Saint Mary Kevin.