I spent my time in Rwanda at markets, with artists and with farmers, and in the Heaven kitchen, side by side with people as they worked. I've always loved photos of hands doing (holding, caring, working, playing), and my project with Heaven gave me a great reason to focus on this strong, active part of the body.

Below, market merchants, a painter, a community organizer, a soap-making wife of a genocide perpetrator, weavers, a wood-worker, Heaven's wide-smiled security guard and auditor, and a handful of children gathering water for their families.

“If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people.”

— Thich Nhat Hanh

I was invited by Azizi Life to tag along on an Experience. These women are strong and so damn beautiful. It was an honor to spend time in their community, learning about their daily responsibilities and discussing our many cultural differences. And of course the many similarities.

Watching the co-op's eldest member lovingly quarrel with one of the men about the pros and cons of divorce (which simply does not exist in this rural community) was hilarious. Absolutely no translation needed.

The women specialize in weaving sisal to make beautiful earrings and bracelets. Their pieces are available through Azizi Life, a non-profit organization that connects many artisans and co-ops to the global market.