Enjoying photographing the children of Nicaragua who are changing their family's lives

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 2200, ƒ/4.5, 1/100

Missionary Traci Warner reads to Dominga Psalms 23 who was in her last hours of living. Dominga would die later during the night.

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Dominga's story started not too long ago with her granddaughter age 14. She was seeking comfort and went to the local church of the missionaries.

In this culture of Nicaragua many people are hooked on alcohol and have major problems. Many of the young girls of age 13 and 14 are married off to middle aged men. They have no moral compass for their lives and so many of the adults are barely functioning due to the lifestyles that they are living.

It is the children who are often the most responsible and come to the churches.

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 18000, ƒ/14, 1/100

In this photo the family has gathered around Dominga to provide as much comfort as possible. In the last couple weeks Dominga asked all her seven children to come and let her talk to them. This is when she told them how horrible of a life she had lived and said to them don't be like me. Turn to God and live a better life.

She had discovered her savior Jesus in her last days here on earth and wanted them to have a better life than she had. She understood that having God was giving her a compass and ability to see her choices much clearer.

It was a privilege to be there and capture what the missionaries fulfilling their calling to leading people of Nicaragua to knowing Jesus Christ and then having some guidance for living their lives here on earth.

Due to not having a relationship with God many are choosing to leave their troubles through alcohol and a very promiscuous lifestyle.

Nikon D5, Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G, ISO 800, ƒ/1.8, 1/100

I would have never thought before this trip that it would be the children changing Nicaragua.

Matthew 18:2-4
Jesus called a little child to stand among them. “Truly I tell you, He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.…

Nikon D5, Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G, ISO 800, ƒ/1.8, 1/100