School's Out!

This family of 7 Letohatchee children (6 in the photo) made my day this summer as they took time out from play for a photograph on their front porch. They were precious. School is back in now and winter is on the way, but hopefully I can find them playing outside again next spring!

Willie

He is the son of a Georgia Black Belt region sharecropper. His prized possession is his pickup truck painted like an American flag. If the truck isn't parked right in front, Willie is out for the day. This was my second visit to see him. He had bad news.....cancer and 21 days of chemotherapy.  There is no family nearby to help and he needs a new radiator for the truck. The plastic gloves he wore on my first visit still covered his hands. He has arthritis and needs these gloves for a better grip on anything he picks up. Someone had given him some scrap metal and he was able to make a little money, but it was barely enough. The needs of people in our community are overwhelming! I gave him my phone number if he needed me, but hopefully someone closer by will have a heart to help him. I promised to come back and take him to lunch. I'd love to hear more about his life.

Tent Revival Alabama

I have always wanted to go to a Southern Evangelical Tent Revival! I finally got my wish. I rounded the corner from our farm house and there sat the big yellow and white tent on what used to be family property. The sign read Gospel Tent Meeting and I would be in town! However, I wanted to slip into the tent right that moment to do a little photography. After an hour with 2 cameras plus a fish eye lens, I was content. I was back that evening to hear Evangelist Bruce Chriestenson proclaim the Word using I Peter 4. Several soloists sang old gospel hymns including Amazing Grace. (the tambourine added the perfect background as we all eventually sang along). The Reverend anointed one man with oil when the preaching was finished and after praying over this jobless man, sang a solo himself. This truly was a special time for me as I experienced the area where I live. Bruce and I spoke the next day about how we could help the homeless, battered women,  the hungry, and those who needed warm blankets as winter approaches.

Emma

Across the yard she came. In her hands she carried a pitch fork taller than she was. I don't know who was more frightened, the lady or me. "I just wanted to get to know you", I said, as I shook from head to toe and stared at the hatchet sticking up out of the ground just three feet away. I was also trying to disregard the yapping dogs who were tied with rope to the front porch. They were ready to have me served up for their dinner.

Needless to say, traveling the backroads can be risky business, but I have been amazed at the warmth of the rural folks I meet. Emma and I became friends that day. She told me a little about herself and I left, promising to come back soon. I have a great book I want to take to her.

same kind of different As me
authors Ron Hall and Denver Moore

The Promised Land

I call Alabama my own "promised" land. Having lived away from it the past 10 years, I,  as a passionate photographer, have pursued the back roads of the Black Belt region in order to document the lives and thoughts of the people there. By seeking home front encounters with the wonderful, warm people of this region, I have learned more about Alabama history than I did from text books. I hope to use my blog, as a reminder to all, that often we need each others help. My focus will be on blankets this winter, books for the shut ins, and diapers for the babies/toddlers. I welcome any advice and I hope to post photos as I follow my heart and dreams for my neighbors.