'Burberry Girl' HEAL Africa Hospital, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Hi Robert, thanks. And thanks for your comment on my journal entry the other day. I will respond properly soon. In some ways it’s weird to be back but not in others. I think the key thing is to commit some time and energy to the ‘cause.’ The real tragedy (for me) would be to come back and ‘just’ think it was sad. In fact, probably my biggest impression was one of hope. I guess like most westerners I expected to only see tragedy. And of course you do see a lot of that. But I was surprised how uplifting the experience was as well. When you have ‘nothing’ in terms of physical belongings, all you have left is yourself-your beliefs-your hope and your ‘authenticity”. When you see that close up it’s pretty powerful. I see as much tragedy back here as I saw there. Just a different kind.

Melinda, what a gorgeous shot of a gorgeous girl. It’s one of those photos that make you smile while you’re eyes are watering.

Hear hear. Totally agree with that. I am currently researching HIV/AIDS in Africa and although its a tough call the toughest is not what’s hapening in Africa – its the policies of the US and other donors that impact their lives and hopes. I remember walking through townships in Senegal – the vibracy of people’s lives and amazingly georgeous coloured fabrics was such a contradiction to what you’d somehow expect. Life will never be the same again.

Absolutely stunning! The subject and the photograph !

She is too cute!!! Fantastic shot ! Well done

what a cutie pie

awesome shot

What an amazing sight!

This is just beautiful! another very moving photo!!!

and why shouldn’t she have a lovely dress and handbag!! I think this is just amazing. She is more beautiful than a lot of so called “models” out there!!

ps you should publish a book about your experience in Africa Melinda, your photos are so emotive!

what an amazing photograph.

Wow, such a touching image. I can imagine the smallest thing like a pretty “new” dress would give a child in these circumstances just a little hope and joy. Something most of our western children take for granted.
Brilliant shot…thanks for sharing it!

Your photography is incredible, and this little girl is so beautiful.

what a babe! shes so adorable. aw:)

Your portraits are extremely powerful… Great work.

So Delicate!

she is adoreable. the description above was oddly amusing too. great image.

Really great picture! So ironic…................

fantastic shot. A wonderfull image.

she has so much character, great shot

incredible capture

that’s amazing :))) really pretty… haha… she look’s like a supermodel :D

gorgeous

What a beautiful capture!!