What A Trip! In Ethiopia: Bill Purcell

What a trip!  So much to take in, so much to process!

While I knew the Prints for Prints project would touch me, I must admit that I was not truly prepared for how deeply I would be affected.  It was amazing to have the opportunity to give something back to a culture that is by nature so giving and generous.

Steve Bloch and I took advantage of an opportunity to visit a tiny village outside of Bahir Dar.  While there were only a few homes in the vicinity, word quickly spread and we were soon surrounded by people eager to have their picture taken.  With the help of our guides, Zerihun and Ermiy, we were able to take pictures, set up our laptops and printers on the ground and give prints to the village.  Seeing the looks on the faces, from young to old, is something that I will never forget.  It reminded me just how lucky I am to have the opportunities that I have in my life and that small things, like a simple 4×6 print should not/cannot be taken for granted.

 

Steve and Zerihun working on prints for the eager crowd:

Hard working hands and shiny new print:

Beautiful emotion….

 

Bill Purcell, Portland, Oregon, USA