One Volunteer's Photos and Poetry

Pam Durkota's pictures tell a story. But reading her poetry gives the reader an insight into her passion for the little ones - especially those disadvantaged by disaster and poverty.

After returning from a visit to Pudupattinam, India her effervescent enthusiasm about the experience is contagious. Pam shared, "Seeing these programs in person overwhelms my heart with joy and gratitude."

Through the Lens of My Camera
by Pam Durkota

Through the lens of my camera
I see hope, I see laughter,
and the occasional “happily ever after.”
I see smiles and I see tears.
I see little children wise beyond their years.
I see resilience and human spirit, rising from despair.
I see people that refuse to live as victims of life's storm,
Instead of growing cold and bitter, their hearts are ever warm.
I see people who would walk a mile to quench a stranger’s thirst.
I see a child so kind and sweet, my heart will surely burst.
I see magic in a micro loan and all the HOPE it gives,
to change the way a person feels, and how his family lives.
I see people helping people with their children looking on.
A better world awaits them, a promising new dawn!
I see myself growing, and changing, into a better me. . .
because of the beautiful people
that I see.

...through the lens of my camera.

Here
By Pam Durkota

“Here” is where you, as a little boy, came face to face with loss, hunger and 
loneliness. . .
But it is also where you first learned about love and the possibility of it for you.

"Here” is where MY HEART came to wait and comfort you.
We had never seen you, touched you, or even heard your voice. . .
But we loved you just the same!

This is the place where the most beautiful things in the world are made. . .
and proudly even YOU can say, “Made In India!”

Here is the place that changed all our lives. . .
We THINK differently. We LIVE differently.
We LOVE differently. . . . all because of “Here.”

“Here” is where we came looking for you. . .
and ended up FINDING OURSELVES!!
This is India. . . Our India!

*All Photos Courtesy of Pam Durkota

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