About the Project | Images

In 1997, I had the good fortune to travel to Comalapa, Guatemala, with a group from H.O.M.E., Inc. (Homeworkers Organized for More Employment) in Orland, Maine. For many years, H.O.M.E. was a sanctuary to many Guatemalan families who were escaping from their military-ruled gov-ernment. But due to the Peace Accord in '97 the families returned to their homeland and in order to help the impoverished Myan Indians and to educate others, H.O.M.E. established a cultural exchange program.

Through the program, it was a great privilege to be accepted immediately into a Mayan Indian home—to live there, and eat the indigenous food. In becoming part of the community, I experienced a closeness that is impossible to discover as a tourist. I was able to photograph freely without spending months and years establishing a relationship. I never was made to feel as an outsider, and therefore could explore beyond the obvious, telling the story of the everyday rhythm of Mayan family life.

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