Children of Guayaquil
The whole purpose of the community center (here) was to provide a better future for the children of Pascuales. And I can see why you’d want to provide for them: their joy and enthusiasm is infectious. They are incredibly warm and very welcoming. It’s as if they have their own caste within the town, and wield their own political power - they stole the show.
Click on any image below to begin a slideshow.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
On the drive in, soccer was on display.
Waiting for work, a hammer and bamboo.
Our unofficial guide, as we arrived.
My first attempt to capture the children...
...coming out of the woodwork to see us.
Their joy was infectious for all of us...
...even when they hid under the table.
Clarita had a better eye than me.
He gave the whole proceeding a thumbs up.
The thumbs up was perpetual, it seems.
The soccer court was the center of town.
Despite his best effort, a goal was scored.
Games took place with no need for formal space.
Bicycles, like shoes, shared among the kids.
Holding court over the model display.
I was hoping they wouldn't notice me.
Ronaldo was wise to the photo here.
A hand-built dancing doll was amazing.
The packing was more fun than the model.
They held court as if they were running things...
...which very likely could have been the case.
The proceedings, from the site of their school.
Kevin wasn't concerned with the dancing.
Everyone took their turn for a photo.
Some of them had better luck than others.
Ronaldo and his mother: happy, proud.
Clarita was in charge and she knew it.
Sometimes it was a fight for the picture.
Fore, middle, and back ground: all bunny ears.
Chaos and enthusiasm: great fun.
