Yearning for "A Nossa Casa"

In a country in which 27% of the adult population has died of AIDs the results leaves more than a half a million children orphaned. This series of photos shows the matriarch of this family in Mozambique who, due to the loss of several of her children and other family members, has taken on the responsibility of caring for 13 orphans. The stress and concern of the children’s future and wellbeing is clearly shown on throughout her body and mannerisms. “A Nossa Casa” is the vision for two nonprofit organizations, Reencontroo in Mozambique and African Millennium Foundation (AMF), striving to secure the means to fulfill this vision. “A Nossa Casa” translates to “A Home for Us” and is a holistic approach to this issue, going well beyond providing housing for the children. It is designed to expand and enrich the children’s lives with education, health care, food and nutrition, and vocational training. Maputo Mozambique

I have always appreciated photography and began my own journey years ago exploring and refining my eye for seeing, respecting, and capturing the beauty around me. My journey with photography has exposed me to some amazing moments that are powerful memories that stay with me just the same. I have found myself drawn to photo essays since still photography is a powerful way to translate conditions and experiences between different cultures. I am motivated and dedicated to using my skills as a photographer to tell powerful and meaningful stories that evokes an understanding and/or action.