Photo Essay: Tree , Woman, Prayer

Faith may vary from one part of the world to the next, but there are similarities of discipline, peace and joy also. I watched this Orthodox Christian young woman outside a church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after the noon time call to prayer when everything comes to a halt and there are streams of the white wrapped faithful walking to their local church for the daily call to prayer. It was so amazing to me their level of commitment as they honored their faith so visibly every day. The white gauze of the girl's shawl against the ancient bark of the huge tree was beautiful. I wish I had asked the name of the tree and asked for an estimate of its age. There are so many questions I wish I had asked once I return home and no one can answer me. The young woman did not mind that I had taken photographs; she was totally comfortable with who she is. I wish I had gotten to know her better before I came home and there was no one to get to know.