The Dushime Family
Meet Innocent and his wonderful family. Their’s is a story you have to hear.
I first met Innocent a couple years ago when a friend introduced us. At the time, he had just moved to the United States from a refugee camp in Africa, along with his parents and 7 brothers and sisters! He was just learning to speak English, but that didn’t stop him from exuding joy and love towards me. We became friends right away.
Later on, I found out that Innocent was actually married, and even had a son! However, he had been separated from them when they left Africa, and his wife and son moved to Australia – exactly on the opposite side of the globe. Innocent hadn’t seen his wife in 2 and half years, and had never met his son in person. I was so sad when I first heard this…but not Innocent. He was thankful to talk to them on Skype, and thankful that they were alive and well.
Well, something incredible happened last month – his wife surprised him and showed up in Nashville with their son! It was an amazing reunion. I had the privilege of photographing this family for the first time, all together…it was incredibly special. If you have family that lives nearby and you get to see them all the time, take a minute today to be thankful. Hopefully one day soon Innocent and his family will live together too!