Upon sight of a map, Africa is such a large continent. It is impossible to think there is a resemblance from coast to coast, town to town, economical level to economical level, country to country...it is too large, too many variables, too many climates, too many people, too many types of agriculture. Yet as my travels allow, I go from town to town, coast to coast, econmical level to economical level and one thing remains the same...the children.

For me it has been inconcievable to categorize the age, the size, the health, the clothing, the poverty, the social class of the young for they are all the same. In Africa they are all gentle, kind, niave, playful and curious. Many are healthy with round faces and some are aids stricken with sadness. Their weakness evident in their face, energy and the way they are shunded away from the healthy society.

From a distance I hear the giggles and joys of children playing in a field of corn, in the crystal waters of the ocean, behind a jungle tree...the sound is the same regardless of the location. I hear the shrilling sound of "Mzugu" and I smile as they race towards me and the other "white people".

I see fear in many visitors faces but I do not understand. I see the question in their frown as I kneel down, hug a sick child, hold a hand, brush my hand over the hair that has lice... I see them turn their back and my frown is in question for I do not fear these innocent creatures regardless of the illness and poverty. They are all beautiful!

In our modern culture, the innocence of children is shrouded by the noise of computer games, bright lights of electricity, organized sports, fancy stores filled with unneccessary toys, television, obedience and sterile cleanliness.

Here in Africa where there are no lights but candle, no stores but those filled with necesities, no toys except for the wilderness, no clothes too tattered, no sign of cleanliness and only the obedience of nature, the children are joyful and free.

Whether the children approach in a cloud of school uniforms or in the tattered clothes..they come with big smiles, overflowing giggles, an instinct to repeat your actions and a curiosity in touching your skin and holding your hand.

I will be the first to say that the cry of an infant has never beckoned my instincts, the cuddling of overprotectiveness has never been in my nature but here with the overwhelming naiveness and poverty I have found innocent joy and a fleeting protectiveness for these children for they are all beautiful!

At first all children shy away from the camera but as they view themselves on the digital screen their courage overflows, their sillness is in full account and they laugh as they position themselves for the next shot!

Ghana...

As the children wait for the fisherman to bring in the catch of they day, I am honored to be presented with an action play!

Kenya-Masaii Mara

There were so many children in this picture but no Massai Mara warrior that knew how to use a digital camera. Regardless as the masses of little people pushed me against the cow manure covered home, I was helpless and laughing!

Uganda:
I rented a motorcyle and driver to take me through the bumpy hills of Uganda. We stopped, I hugged, I shook hands, I smiled, I gave water and I left. I could see that they were shocked and I hope they know, this Mzugu was blessed to be with them.

Song I listened to that day... "We are the World"

Uganda:

Tanzania:
I shared my IPOD with these kids and all they could do was Dance, Dance, Dance!

Song: "Deeper Love" Aretha Franklin

Tanzania:
While the other tourist that were with me on a spice tour ignored these three boys..they became my boyfriends. Eany, Meany, Miny, Mo......

Each gave me a bouquet of fresh flowers, one gave me a ring and bracklet made out of straw with flowers, one put a flower in my ear and the other gave me a necklace with a toad charm made out of hay! I was special...and so were they!