Children of Hope

I found this picture set on Flickr called "The Children of Hope" by photographer Parc Cruz. The photos in this set (116 photos) are absolutely amazing. Breathe taking. I was especially touched because the pictures are of children living in poverty in the Philippines, the country of my heritage. I was born here in the U.S. but I have been to the Philippines twice, once as a child and once as an adult, and I have seen both the wealth and hardship.

About the "Children of Hope" photos and the Hope Worldwide Foundation:

"The photos were taken last July 30, 2006 at Baseco Compound in Manila. This is a settlement near the pier (Manila Bay). The place covers around 300 hectares. Many families here make a living from their surroundings, by clearing the bay area of plastic and other waste.

HOPE worldwide Philippines, Inc. has established a model child welfare and protection system for Filipino Children in Especially Difficult Circumstances (CEDC) by providing essential medicines, supplies, professional services and most importantly caring full-time staff and volunteers who work directly with poor children."

What struck me about these photos was that despite the extreme level of poverty these children are living in you can still see joy and hope in their faces. Their smiles extend in their eyes.

These children serve as a reminder that no matter your circumstance you can have hope. You can dream for a better life. It also reminds us to be grateful for the life we have. Living in the U.S. we have access to an enormous amount of abundance. When you start seeing yourself complain about your life, remember there are many others who wish they could have what you have. These children also remind us to give back and share what we have been blessed with. Take a moment to feel gratitude and to help someone else.

Thank you to Parc Cruz for sharing these beautiful photos with the world.