steve stanton photography

I was extremely blessed to have been asked to join Sarah Bowling and her team in San Jose, Costa Rica.  Saving Moses has been developed to specifically provide help, resources and love to children who would be destined to die and give them every chance to survive and thrive.  Click on the above link for more info about the organization.

The true spirit of Costa Rica can be seen in the eyes of every child, no matter what their social status would dictate.  The spirit of “Pura Vida” (pure life).  From the slums of Miravalles, to the extreme poverty of the indigenous Talamanca, my eyes hold witness to the smiles and warming spirit of everyone there.  Despite their conditions kids ran laughing down the streets, sipped freeze-dried Leche through plastic baggies and sang song of praise on almost a continual basis.  I witnessed the raw glue of humanity that holds us all together, a need for communion and fellowship; bonding within situation and embracing the morning sun and it’s gift of another day.  I pointed my camera at whatever moved me, and I clicked the shutter to the rhythm of the people.  Emerged in love seemed juxtaposition to the environment but some how it all made sense and I didn’t want to leave.  I did not come to Costa Rica to create the perfect photo, I came to Costa Rica to have an experience.  As any missionary would most likely say, “these people profoundly changed my life, far far more than I would ever hope to have changed theirs.”  Maybe that’s the truth of it, they’re there to minister as I was there to be ministered unto.

Perhaps when you look through these images, try viewing them in context.. Each child, adult, setting, and scene is ministering to you, speaking love into your heart and awakening a trueness of spirit inside you.  It’s good to feel human, and Godly to feel love.

back breaking work digging through trash, salvaging what you can

the beautiful eyes of Costa Rica

I had my eye on her for some time before this moment came

the ground has shoes meant for the bare feet of children

welcome home

smiles infectious