The Home of Hope Orphanage’s Surfing Safari officially began on Monday along the Arabian Sea (part of the Indian Ocean) at the beautiful cliffside town of Varkala Beach. Today’s post will not be too wordy because the pictures speak for themselves.
The experience today has been one of the more emotionally draining assignments I’ve ever shot. It’s strange because normally when I would refer to an emotional assignment it would a sad or tragic story, whereas today was filled with only happiness. To see the absolute joy on the faces of the 27 orphans was something I’ll never forget. The unbelievably tragic backgrounds that they come from and the fact that they have no real childhood cannot be forgotten when looking at the pictures. The word “vacation” does not exist in their vocabulary.
Sister Deva plays in the water with the girls of Home of Hope Orphanage in the Arabian Sea at Varkala Beach, India Monday April 18, 2011.
The patience and love that instructor Jack Viorel demonstrates while working with the girls is wonderful to watch.
Jack Viorel, President of Indo Jax Surf Charities, hi-fives the girls of Home of Hope before surfing next to the Arabian Sea at Varkala Beach, India Monday April 18, 2011.
Shency catches a wave in the Arabian Sea at Varkala Beach, India Monday April 18, 2011.
I can honestly say I never thought I would photograph a surfing nun in full habit.
Sister Deva catches a wave in the Arabian Sea at Varkala Beach, India Monday April 18, 2011.
I just realized I was focusing so much on the girls and sisters that I didn’t shoot too many of the many wonderful volunteers from Wilmington including Jeff Murtha, Anthony Shimkonis and UNCW student Dan Williams. There are some in the gallery but I’ll be sure to shoot more of them tomorrow. For the entire 55 picture photo gallery click here.
Also, if you are inspired by these girls (how could you not be) here are ways that you can help.
For the Homes of Hope charity and for the Indo Jax Surf Charities.
I soooo love this Matt!
Thanks to those of you who are giving of yourselves to these beautiful girls.
Thank you Matt for sharing your photos and feelings! It gives me such hope when I learn about efforts that bring joy and empowerment to girls and women around the world.
Wonderful photos! I have enjoyed following this expedition and the smiles on the faces of the girls and the staff are priceless. Looking forward to seeing what tomorrow brings!
Thanks Matt for bringing this home to us! The photos are amazing!
WOW. amazing pics Matt. What an experience. the smiles in the first photo, no words can top that.