Russia Revisited, by Joe Photo

Joe Photo wrote an article for Rangerfinder Magazine. Check it out.

I have decided that I am going back to Russia next summer. Since I have been back from Russia, these last six months have been the most interesting and life changing months that I can remember in my life. I have learned more about the attitude of human nature than I ever expected to learn. We are all fragile human beings, and all we need is love. It is easy to lose sight of how much our loved ones matter to us. And really, in the great journey to the middle, our family and friends are all we need in life. It is easy to focus on our pride and material things, and Russia allowed me to realize how much our worldly possessions do not matter in life. Seeing all those kids with just a drawer of everything they own under their bed, and with no individual parental figures to look up to deeply touched my soul. Looking back on my life, past and present, I have nothing to complain about. And although I have virtually no parenting experience, I have learned that children are the most precious human beings and should be constantly surrounded by love. I will do my best to treat and respect all children that I meet as I would treat my own.

I have thought of many excuses to not go back, but they are all too selfish to even write down. I remember last year when I signed up, I was so excited and I had no idea what to expect. I just wanted to contribute to one of the greatest humanitarian efforts that I could personally tag along. This year, I am even more excited because I know how humbling this trip will be. I am not thinking twice about not going back next summer anymore. I have thought about those kids every day since I have been home and on my other travels. I got the Russian bug, and I am going back. I will never forget the lessons I have learned in Russia.

Most of these images are Joe's, some are mine, and some were shot by some of the kids that stole our cameras (they gave the cameras back).

Me shooting the shot below.



The kids like to play soccer. It was always the Russians vs. Americans. Needless to say, they were difficult matches against these buff kids.



















Yes, I am taller than everybody else. And of course, I am the only one who blinked in the shot.