I met Regina this afternoon, and began to hear her story. Her beautiful smile and easy manner did not prepare me for what i heard. Regina walked from the South Sudan to Uganda to escape violence  and genocide, it took her three months and her son died along the way.

She was in a refugee camp for some years, and managed to get to America legally, her four surviving children are here, and she is taking classes so she can work to support her family. I am undertaking a portrait series on the refugees of RISSE, the refugee and immigrant support center in Albany.

She is grateful to be in America, where she is free and can live free of fear for herself and the lives of her children.She is working seven days a week to put her shattered life together, with grace and kindness and without complaint. She is as gentle as she seems, she has not come here to harm us, take our jobs, or kill us.

She has the most radiant smile. I could not smile while I heard it.

I feel a powerful connection with the refugees at RISSE, because I come from a refugee family, and there but for the grace of God, go I, and so many others. I will never forget the refugees, as my family was not forgotten.

The staff at RISSE has  met with me a number of times and given me permission to meet the refugees from Africa, Asia and the Middle East and photograph them and talk to them as well as visit their homes. I look forward to this in the coming months, this is important work and I am privileged to share it with you.

Regina is not seeking any money or other financial support, she is self-sufficient and independent and is just happy to be alive and in America, she risked her life and sacrificed a child to get here. Her husband was left behind. Donations to RISSE, which provides classes, day care and counseling would be welcome.

I hope there are ways that I can help her. She wants to visit the farm and see animals again.