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I spent three days with the refugee children in Tak-Chongkaeb. What I took away were not just images, but an inspiration that gives me fresh insight into the joy that can only spring from simplicity.
The children in Tak-Chongkaeb are refugees, mostly from Myanmar. They have crossed the border into Thailand because of political or economic hardship in their own country. Most of their families do not have citizenship or are not recognized by any state, and it was only recently that this particular village was graciously granted Thai citizenship by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. When the King gave these children their Thai name, he gave them the same family name. And that is just one of the things that unite these children. They are a family in the full sense of the word. They work together, they learn together, they sing together. The older ones look out for the younger ones. The younger ones respect their elders. Just like a real family would.
If only lessons on how to love came in such easy, beautiful ways as a click of a shutter.

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