a day to remember........

yesterday was one of the most memorable and life changing days i have experienced in a long time......our WithoutWalls Cohort went into Belfast City centre armed with a couple of cameras...bags of sweets.....wearing Hi Vis vests that made us shine as bright as the sun.....our aim ...to take portraits of those who normally couldn't ...either afford one or think they are not worthy of being in front of the lens.....we were a little nervous not knowing how we would be received or if we would even get to take anyones portrait at all........but we had the most amazing moments with people most would never see or notice.......as they are mostly down the side streets or crouched in doorways...while people bustled shoulder to shoulder pushing in and out of shops to buy their Christmas gifts...some of which they don't need or can afford...we had the privilege of sitting with those who only have the clothes on their back............my saddest moments were those who didn't want their picture taken.....not cause they were shy or like some of the ladies ..never like their picture taken....it was because they didn't want to see what they now looked like...a far cry from the days before alcohol and drugs became their addiction..............to the most moving moments ....watching those walk away and take out their portrait and stand staring at it for long time.........to keep the pictures flat for them we popped them into a christmas card which we wrote their names on it and a personal message.......and maybe for some that was the most special thing......its a privilege to begin to understand what mother Theressa meant when she said 'We can do no great things; only small things with great love'.......it makes me uncomfortable for people to say...'thats a great thing you are doing'......as really it is a blessing to be allowed into someones life and even for a moment stand where they stand............this day was not a one day wonder ...but the beginning of a new journey of doing many small things with great love.............we put together a little clip so you can share in our day.............