[ child photography ] Telema

In Sam's birth country there is the word "telema," meaning "stand up" in Lingala. It is an everyday term for simple conversation, especially dealing with children. We used (and still use) it often when we needed Sam to stand for getting dressed, or to get washed up.

The term also holds a much deeper, more profound significance. It is used as a catalyst, a rallying cry of sorts, for the oppressed and marginalized. In a country haunted by years og colonization and tyranny, you would often see sign's proclaiming the six-letter word during times of rally or demonstration.

If you know anything about Sam's story, you will be quick to link the gravity of that word in our fight to bring him home. There were many times I thought we wouldn't see him playing in the Tennessee grass, or starting kindergarten.. much less playing his first season of soccer. Instead of the typical "stand and grin" sports image, I knew I had to create something deeper, more powerful, with much meaning.

Of course we all know he lights up a room with his smile, but also buried deep inside his eyes is a fire and tenacity to affect change. We see it often. I think we got it with this image.