Watching the colors change

Watching the colors change, originally uploaded by jtobiason08.

Last Fall, I had the opportunity to go to Whitworth to promote the YAV program. It was a great experience to be back on the campus for a few days, reconnect with professors and friends and hopefully begin the journey for a few people who really would be well fit for this program.

Luckily, being a Krista Foundation Colleague, I got to stay at The Hearth. This building is the home of our foundation and is one of the most peaceful places that I have ever had the opportunity to stay at. The leaves were falling and the beautiful landscape just called me to photography. It was an amazing night because I also was able to reconnect with friends in both Honduras and Peru and just left with a rejuvenated soul. Something that I really needed during my time of unemployment (Pre-Big Fish Games)

Too Dreary to be Enjoyed

Too Dreary to be Enjoyed, originally uploaded by jtobiason08.

My bike was on the fritz and I needed to get to the Krista Foundation's office. Along this walk I took lots of photographs, but this one really stood out as the point of the walk. It was pouring rain and was the middle of winter. It really stood out because it really signified the photo walk for me. It was a dreary winter day that really stood out as the my unemployed winter continued. The dreary corners of my life darkened but the light of my path went out into my future.

Since this photo walk, my life has continued, but I mostly just really love this photograph.

RYD Mornings

RYD Mornings, originally uploaded by jtobiason08.

This was the moment that started an epic day.

Selling sweets

Selling sweets, originally uploaded by jtobiason08.

I am coming to the end of my Peruvian photos. This is strange because this blog has only been centered around that part of my life for so long that I am not quite ready to let go of it and allow US photos to begin to fill its space, but I also have lots of new thoughts and experiences to begin to share through text and more photographs.

So first, I want to thank my readers. I have been so blessed to have people who were committed to reading my random thoughts and trying to live a little bit of my life. Thank you to those who made my experience a reality and a great season of my life. And thank you to those who continue to shape my life. You have helped this to happen and will continue into the future.

I do need to note that this will not be my final, last, never again Peruvian photograph, but I'm going to begin to try new things. I started a new job yesterday (customer service at Big Fish Games) and so it is time to really dive into this new season. So thanks to everyone and keep reading and viewing the photographs that are changing my life, no matter where I am.

La Oroya Somos Todos

La Oroya Somos Todos, originally uploaded by jtobiason08.

"We are all La Oroya." The slogan for those seeking a just end to the ecological issues plaguing this city. Every visit I made to this city where I was constantly presented with the difficulties and joys of those who live there made me more and more appreciative for the clean air that I am blessed to breathe. As I walk through the streets of Seattle and cough when a semi drives by spewing smoke all over me, I realize that this is not that bad. My lungs will recover in two breaths. But Esther (the woman holding the sign) has spent so many years living in la Oroya and her body is daily dealing with the extra weight of heavy metals. Her continued devotion to the women and kids of this city to guarantee that they grow up in a cleaner environment is remarkable. As 2 days ago was Universal Children's Day and tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I ask that you take the gravity in both of those holidays and seek ways to give them the necessary depth and understanding.

Stitching in the Streets

Stitching in the Streets, originally uploaded by jtobiason08.

Every Andean city that I visited always had women on every street corner knitting hats, socks, and other warm articles of clothing. I loved seeing their dedication to keeping warm and knowing that all the yarn came from local sheep and alpacas. It was a look into the how these hearty people survived the deathly cold nights in high altitudes.

La Comunidad

La Comunidad, originally uploaded by jtobiason08.

During my final tour through the Andes with the Red Uniendo Manos, we visited a fair put on by CEDEPAS Centro about organic farming. This photo was the community in their element waiting for lunch. I just love how normal everything feels in this photograph. It is really something that I am proud to have been allowed to be close enough to take.