https://annabarryjester.com/ 2026-09-07 weekly 1.0 https://annabarryjester.com/selected-writing 2026-09-07 monthly 0.8 https://annabarryjester.com/about 2026-09-07 monthly 0.8 https://annabarryjester.com/contact 2026-09-07 monthly 0.8 https://annabarryjester.com/the-island-of-widows 2026-09-07 monthly 0.8 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Island_of_Widows_01.jpg Island of Widows 01 Island of Widows 01 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Island_of_Widows_02.jpg Island of Widows 02 Island of Widows 02 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Island_of_Widows_03.jpg Island of Widows 03 Island of Widows 03 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Island_of_Widows_04.jpg Island of Widows 04 Island of Widows 04 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Island_of_Widows_05.jpg Island of Widows 05 Island of Widows 05 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Island_of_Widows_06.jpg Island of Widows 06 Island of Widows 06 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Island_of_Widows_07.jpg Island of Widows 07 Island of Widows 07 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Island_of_Widows_08.jpg Island of Widows 08 Island of Widows 08 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Island_of_Widows_09.jpg Island of Widows 09 Island of Widows 09 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Island_of_Widows_10.jpg Island of Widows 10 Island of Widows 10 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Island_of_Widows_11b.jpg Island of Widows 11b Island of Widows 11b https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Island_of_Widows_12.jpg Island of Widows 12 Island of Widows 12 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Island_of_Widows_13.jpg Island of Widows 13 Island of Widows 13 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Island_of_Widows_14.jpg Island of Widows 14 Island of Widows 14 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Island_of_Widows_15.jpg Island of Widows 15 Island of Widows 15 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Island_of_Widows_16.jpg Island of Widows 16 Island of Widows 16 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Island_of_Widows_17.jpg Island of Widows 17 Island of Widows 17 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Island_of_Widows_18.jpg Island of Widows 18 Island of Widows 18 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Island_of_Widows_19.jpg Island of Widows 19 Island of Widows 19 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Island_of_Widows_20.jpg Island of Widows 20 Island of Widows 20 https://annabarryjester.com/in-the-wake 2026-09-07 monthly 0.8 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120311_4979.jpg A boy runs between paper lanterns lit to commemorate the one year anniversary of an earthquake and subsequent tsunami that left more than 19,000 people dead or missing. March 12, 2011, Natori, Japan. A boy runs between paper lanterns lit to commemorate the one year anniversary of an earthquake and subsequent tsunami that left more than 19,000 people dead or missing. March 12, 2011, Natori, Japan. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120302_9886.jpg Akira Sugawara, 56, walks through a massive car pile where he works as a security guard. Vehicles destroyed or left behind in the chaos of last years tsunami are piled high, waiting for their owners to come and claim them in Ishinomaki, Japan. Akira Sugawara, 56, walks through a massive car pile where he works as a security guard. Vehicles destroyed or left behind in the chaos of last years tsunami are piled high, waiting for their owners to come and claim them in Ishinomaki, Japan. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120302_9902.jpg Iroha Kodama, age 8, plays a video game in the temporary housing where she lives with her family in Ishinomaki, Japan. Iroha Kodama, age 8, plays a video game in the temporary housing where she lives with her family in Ishinomaki, Japan. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120304_0457.jpg Yoshitake Abe, 60, an oyster farmer and local council member, drives his boat to visit newly repaired oyster beds in Ishinomaki, Japan. The area's oyster farms were destroyed by the 2011 tsunami, but the cove where seeds are cultivated remains intact, allowing for a quick recovery compared to other areas along the coast. Local oyster farmers were also helped by French colleagues who sent supplies to help the industry recover. Yoshitake Abe, 60, an oyster farmer and local council member, drives his boat to visit newly repaired oyster beds in Ishinomaki, Japan. The area's oyster farms were destroyed by the 2011 tsunami, but the cove where seeds are cultivated remains intact, allowing for a quick recovery compared to other areas along the coast. Local oyster farmers were also helped by French colleagues who sent supplies to help the industry recover. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120303_0285.jpg A woman visits a memorial at Okawa Elementary School, near Ishinomaki, Japan, where 77 of 108 students were killed when a tsunami struck the school on March 11, 2011. Japanese citizens traveled from all over the country to visit memorial sites in the tsunami affected region during the one year anniversary. A woman visits a memorial at Okawa Elementary School, near Ishinomaki, Japan, where 77 of 108 students were killed when a tsunami struck the school on March 11, 2011. Japanese citizens traveled from all over the country to visit memorial sites in the tsunami affected region during the one year anniversary. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120302_9564.jpg Film strips unearthed from the wreckage of the 2011 tsunami hang in a school gymnasium used as a collection site for lost possessions in Natori, Japan. A year after the tsunami hit, hundreds of thousands of posessions remain unclaimed in the gym, which recieves daily visitors looking for personal effects. Film strips unearthed from the wreckage of the 2011 tsunami hang in a school gymnasium used as a collection site for lost possessions in Natori, Japan. A year after the tsunami hit, hundreds of thousands of posessions remain unclaimed in the gym, which recieves daily visitors looking for personal effects. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120311_4793.jpg Eight year old Hikari Oyama blows bubbles with her Grandmother after visiting a memorial at Okawa Elementary School. Seventy seven children were killed when a tsunami struck the school on March 11, 2011 near Ishinomaki, Japan. "I thought bubble suits better for children rather than incense sticks [for a memorial]...and it always makes people laugh and relax," Oyama's grandmother said. Eight year old Hikari Oyama blows bubbles with her Grandmother after visiting a memorial at Okawa Elementary School. Seventy seven children were killed when a tsunami struck the school on March 11, 2011 near Ishinomaki, Japan. "I thought bubble suits better for children rather than incense sticks [for a memorial]...and it always makes people laugh and relax," Oyama's grandmother said. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120305_1456.jpg Elderly Japanese residents of a temporary housing complex gather at a community center to drink tea and socialize. Aid workers believe the community centers are vital for helping the elderly deal with loneliness and trauma after their homes were destroyed; most families in the area have lived in the same homes for generations and lost the social networks they relied on. Elderly Japanese residents of a temporary housing complex gather at a community center to drink tea and socialize. Aid workers believe the community centers are vital for helping the elderly deal with loneliness and trauma after their homes were destroyed; most families in the area have lived in the same homes for generations and lost the social networks they relied on. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120304_1071.jpg Brazilian massage school students give free treatments to residents of a temporary housing shelter in Ishinomaki, Japan. Brazilian massage school students give free treatments to residents of a temporary housing shelter in Ishinomaki, Japan. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120305_1185.jpg Residents walk in front of a temporary housing site near Minimisanriku, Japan. Hundreds of thousands of Japanese are still displaced one year after an earthquake and tsunami devastated the Tohoku coastline. Residents walk in front of a temporary housing site near Minimisanriku, Japan. Hundreds of thousands of Japanese are still displaced one year after an earthquake and tsunami devastated the Tohoku coastline. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120305_1544.jpg Two young boys finish their homework at a community center in a temporary housing complex near Minamisanrku, Japan. Two young boys finish their homework at a community center in a temporary housing complex near Minamisanrku, Japan. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120305_1654.jpg Mitsuhiro Abe's kindergarten teacher saved the boy and fellow students from the devasting tsunami that killed thousands in his community last year by leading the class from their elementary school to higher ground. He recieved counseling after the event for trauma symptoms, and is doing much better according to his grandmother. One year after the event, he lives in temporary housing with his grandmother and parents in Minamisanriku, Japan. Mitsuhiro Abe's kindergarten teacher saved the boy and fellow students from the devasting tsunami that killed thousands in his community last year by leading the class from their elementary school to higher ground. He recieved counseling after the event for trauma symptoms, and is doing much better according to his grandmother. One year after the event, he lives in temporary housing with his grandmother and parents in Minamisanriku, Japan. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120305_1372.jpg Japanese tourists photograph buildings in Minamisanriku destroyed by the 2011 tsunami during a bus tour of the decimated city. The city was almost completely leveled, killing many of its residents; only a few metal skeletons of buildings remain. Japanese tourists photograph buildings in Minamisanriku destroyed by the 2011 tsunami during a bus tour of the decimated city. The city was almost completely leveled, killing many of its residents; only a few metal skeletons of buildings remain. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120306_1862.jpg A wave crashes on a beach near Nakayama, Japan where several oyster and fish processing factories were located before the 2011 tsunami ravaged the area. A wave crashes on a beach near Nakayama, Japan where several oyster and fish processing factories were located before the 2011 tsunami ravaged the area. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120307_2548.jpg Workers sort debris in Kesennuma, Japan a year after a tsunami destroyed much of the city. The area's main industry, fishing, was gutted, so many local fishermen have taken jobs sorting through the mountains of rubble that remain. The garbage is sorted into seven kinds of material, and sent for recycling or burial. Workers sort debris in Kesennuma, Japan a year after a tsunami destroyed much of the city. The area's main industry, fishing, was gutted, so many local fishermen have taken jobs sorting through the mountains of rubble that remain. The garbage is sorted into seven kinds of material, and sent for recycling or burial. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120305_1140.jpg Tires lie beneath a blanket of freshly fallen snow in Minamisanriku, Japan. Tires lie beneath a blanket of freshly fallen snow in Minamisanriku, Japan. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120307_2978.jpg Pine trees lay strewn across the beach of Rikuzentakata, Japan nearly one year after a tsunami struck and destroyed the area. The 2 km stretch of coastline once held some 70,000 pine trees, but the beach and city were almost entirely destroyed when a wave more than 40 feet high struck the city. Pine trees lay strewn across the beach of Rikuzentakata, Japan nearly one year after a tsunami struck and destroyed the area. The 2 km stretch of coastline once held some 70,000 pine trees, but the beach and city were almost entirely destroyed when a wave more than 40 feet high struck the city. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120309_3433.jpg A policeman guards one entrances to a 20 km evacuation zone that surrounds the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant in Minamisoma, Japan. Radiation is still emitted from the plant, which was damaged during an earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Doctors at the nearby Minamisoma City General Hospital claim some 20,000 people, mostly children, are on a waiting list for a newly acquired whole-body counter that can measure their radition levels. A policeman guards one entrances to a 20 km evacuation zone that surrounds the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant in Minamisoma, Japan. Radiation is still emitted from the plant, which was damaged during an earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Doctors at the nearby Minamisoma City General Hospital claim some 20,000 people, mostly children, are on a waiting list for a newly acquired whole-body counter that can measure their radition levels. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120310_3774.jpg Students attend a graduation ceremony at Shizukawa Junior High School in Minimasanriku, Japan on March 10, 2012, one day before the anniversary of an earthquake and tsunami that almost completely wiped out the town. The school was a tsunami evacuation zone, and one of only a few buildings that remain intact in the city. Students attend a graduation ceremony at Shizukawa Junior High School in Minimasanriku, Japan on March 10, 2012, one day before the anniversary of an earthquake and tsunami that almost completely wiped out the town. The school was a tsunami evacuation zone, and one of only a few buildings that remain intact in the city. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120311_4936.jpg Flowers, candles and paper cranes memorialize local victims in Natori, Japan on the one year anniversary of an earthquake and tsunami that left more than 19,000 people dead or missing on March 11, 2011. Flowers, candles and paper cranes memorialize local victims in Natori, Japan on the one year anniversary of an earthquake and tsunami that left more than 19,000 people dead or missing on March 11, 2011. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120311_4956-2.jpg A father leads her daughter down the steps of a memorial site at Hiyoriyama in Natori, Japan, a small hill used by locals attempting to flee the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. A father leads her daughter down the steps of a memorial site at Hiyoriyama in Natori, Japan, a small hill used by locals attempting to flee the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/JapanTsunami_Dambj_20120311_4982.jpg Paper lanterns illuminate a boat carried far onto shore during an earthquake and tsunami that left more than 19,000 people dead or missing on March 11, 2011. Image taken on the one year anniversary in Natori, Japan. Paper lanterns illuminate a boat carried far onto shore during an earthquake and tsunami that left more than 19,000 people dead or missing on March 11, 2011. Image taken on the one year anniversary in Natori, Japan. https://annabarryjester.com/pakistan-floods 2026-09-07 monthly 0.8 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Pak_Dambj_20100912_2_3405.jpg A woman collects water from a pump at a makeshift IDP camp in Kalimuri, Sindh Province, Pakistan, on September 12th, 2010. A woman collects water from a pump at a makeshift IDP camp in Kalimuri, Sindh Province, Pakistan, on September 12th, 2010. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Pak_Dambj_20100911_2_3199.jpg A flood victim stands with his belongings, waiting to be evacuated from his flood destroyed village on September 11, 2010 near the village of Kalimuri, in Sindh province, Pakistan. A flood victim stands with his belongings, waiting to be evacuated from his flood destroyed village on September 11, 2010 near the village of Kalimuri, in Sindh province, Pakistan. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Pak_Dambj_A16C3525.jpg Villagers race through flood water towards food rations in the downwash of a Pakistan Army helicopter during relief operations on September 13, 2010 in the Dadu district of Sindh province. Villagers race through flood water towards food rations in the downwash of a Pakistan Army helicopter during relief operations on September 13, 2010 in the Dadu district of Sindh province. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Pak_Dambj_20100912_2_3288.jpg Villagers fight to get on a rescue helicopter in Faridibad, Sindh province. They had been trapped for days, surrounded by at least 20 kilometers of water, without access to food or clean water. Villagers fight to get on a rescue helicopter in Faridibad, Sindh province. They had been trapped for days, surrounded by at least 20 kilometers of water, without access to food or clean water. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Pak_Dambj_20100910_2882.jpg A woman begs a member of the Pakistan army for food on the eve of Eid ul Fitr, the most celebrated day of the year for Muslims. A woman begs a member of the Pakistan army for food on the eve of Eid ul Fitr, the most celebrated day of the year for Muslims. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Pak_Dambj_4920.jpg A young boy with an eye infection brought on my unsanitary conditions from the floods cries in his grandmother's lap on September 20th in Nowshera, Pakistan A young boy with an eye infection brought on my unsanitary conditions from the floods cries in his grandmother's lap on September 20th in Nowshera, Pakistan https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Pak_Dambj_A16C3350.jpg Flood victims line up to be evacuated by a Pakistani Navy helicopter in Faridabad, Sindh province on September 13, 2010. Flood victims line up to be evacuated by a Pakistani Navy helicopter in Faridabad, Sindh province on September 13, 2010. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Pak_Dambj_20100916_4778.jpg Sakina, 22, sits with her daughters Satara and Kahalda and their few belongings at a Pakistan Army run IDP camp in Sehwan Sharif, Sindh Province, Pakistan, waiting to be registered in order to receive a tent. Her husband is a labourer; on the day her village flooded, he went to work and the waters rose while he was gone. Sakina and her daughters were evacuated that day, and she has not seen her husband since. Sakina, 22, sits with her daughters Satara and Kahalda and their few belongings at a Pakistan Army run IDP camp in Sehwan Sharif, Sindh Province, Pakistan, waiting to be registered in order to receive a tent. Her husband is a labourer; on the day her village flooded, he went to work and the waters rose while he was gone. Sakina and her daughters were evacuated that day, and she has not seen her husband since. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Pak_Dambj_20100913_3606.jpg Villagers run from the down wash of a Pakistani Army helicopter during relief operations in Sindh province on September 13, 2010. Villagers run from the down wash of a Pakistani Army helicopter during relief operations in Sindh province on September 13, 2010. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Pak_Dambj_20100911_2_3178.jpg Male residents and IDPs from the floods pray in a field in Dadu for Eid al-Fitr, the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, on September 11th, 2010. Women are generally prohibited from entering prayer areas. Male residents and IDPs from the floods pray in a field in Dadu for Eid al-Fitr, the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, on September 11th, 2010. Women are generally prohibited from entering prayer areas. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Pak_Dambj_20100909_2623.jpg A woman cooks for her family in a necropolis where they have sought refuge from the floods. A nearby relief camp offered them a place, but they would have to leave their animals behind, the only wealth they had left. A woman cooks for her family in a necropolis where they have sought refuge from the floods. A nearby relief camp offered them a place, but they would have to leave their animals behind, the only wealth they had left. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Pak_Dambj_20100911_3233.jpg A young girl clings to her mother while being evacuated from her village in Sindh province. A young girl clings to her mother while being evacuated from her village in Sindh province. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Pak_Dambj_20100911_2_3243.jpg Women deboard a Pakistani Navy hover craft after being rescued from their village. They were then taken to an Army refugee camp, with no idea how long they would have to stay. Women deboard a Pakistani Navy hover craft after being rescued from their village. They were then taken to an Army refugee camp, with no idea how long they would have to stay. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Pak_Dambj_20100916_2_4596.jpg Sonia holds her 3 day old baby girl Sindhu inside her tent at a Pakistan Army run IDP camp in Sehwan Sharif, Sindh Province. She gave birth at a local hospital in Sehwan, where she was referred by medical staff at the camp. Sonia is twenty five years old, and this is her sixth child. September 16, 2010. Sonia holds her 3 day old baby girl Sindhu inside her tent at a Pakistan Army run IDP camp in Sehwan Sharif, Sindh Province. She gave birth at a local hospital in Sehwan, where she was referred by medical staff at the camp. Sonia is twenty five years old, and this is her sixth child. September 16, 2010. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Pak_Dambj_20100916_4701.jpg Kids play in a camp for people displaced by the floods in Sehwan Sharif, Sindh province. Kids play in a camp for people displaced by the floods in Sehwan Sharif, Sindh province. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Pak_Dambj_20100914_4354.jpg Two young girls play in a Pakistan Army run IDP camp near Sehwan Sharif, Sindh province. Two young girls play in a Pakistan Army run IDP camp near Sehwan Sharif, Sindh province. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Pak_Dambj_20100914_4427.jpg Twelve year old Kasbano takes care of her three year old brother Athar while cooking dinner for her brothers at a Pakistan Army run IDP camp in Sehwan Sharif, Sindh Province, Pakistan on September 15, 2010. Kasbano had not seen her parents since flood waters filled her home ten days before in the village of Goza. Twelve year old Kasbano takes care of her three year old brother Athar while cooking dinner for her brothers at a Pakistan Army run IDP camp in Sehwan Sharif, Sindh Province, Pakistan on September 15, 2010. Kasbano had not seen her parents since flood waters filled her home ten days before in the village of Goza. https://annabarryjester.com/health:-india 2026-09-07 monthly 0.8 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/assam_boat_20091105_8239.jpg Since 2005, travelling boat clinics have brought the first consistant health care to the river islands. Here, community health workers check in patients through the front window of one of the boats. A partnership between the Center for North Eastern Studies (a local research group), the Assamese government, and UNICEF has provided expanding care over the last four years. Since 2005, travelling boat clinics have brought the first consistant health care to the river islands. Here, community health workers check in patients through the front window of one of the boats. A partnership between the Center for North Eastern Studies (a local research group), the Assamese government, and UNICEF has provided expanding care over the last four years. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/boat_Dambj_20091102_7491.jpg Hindu pilgrims visit the brahmaputra to preform a ritual puja, or offering. The Brahmaputra has an average width of 6.5 miles, and is 1800 miles long, running through China, Tibet, India, and Bangladesh. Within the river, there are some 2500 small islands, which are home to 3 million people. Hindu pilgrims visit the brahmaputra to preform a ritual puja, or offering. The Brahmaputra has an average width of 6.5 miles, and is 1800 miles long, running through China, Tibet, India, and Bangladesh. Within the river, there are some 2500 small islands, which are home to 3 million people. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/assam_boat_20091103_0282.jpg Mysin villagers wait for the "boat clinic" to arrive. Living only 10 aerial km from the main land, it takes more than six hours in boat to navigate the river networks during the dry season. Approximately 3 million people live on 3000 islands in Assam. The population mostly consists of local indigenous groups such as the Bodo and Mysin, as well as Bangladeshi immigrants and Assamese. Mysin villagers wait for the "boat clinic" to arrive. Living only 10 aerial km from the main land, it takes more than six hours in boat to navigate the river networks during the dry season. Approximately 3 million people live on 3000 islands in Assam. The population mostly consists of local indigenous groups such as the Bodo and Mysin, as well as Bangladeshi immigrants and Assamese. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/amdd_Dambj_20091029_9655.jpg A government employed Asha meets with boat clinic doctors to update them on pregnant women in the community where she works. A government employed Asha meets with boat clinic doctors to update them on pregnant women in the community where she works. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/amdd_Dambj_20091103_7832.jpg A baby receives a polio vaccination in Upper Assam, on an island in the Brahmaputra River from Akha Boat Clinic staff. A baby receives a polio vaccination in Upper Assam, on an island in the Brahmaputra River from Akha Boat Clinic staff. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/amdd_Dambj_20091103_7894.jpg A pregnant woman is given a neonatal exam. Doctors have counselled her to deliver at a mainland hospital, where she can be cared for by trained birth attendants. However, from her particular island it is a 10 hour journey by canoe to the nearest hospital. A pregnant woman is given a neonatal exam. Doctors have counselled her to deliver at a mainland hospital, where she can be cared for by trained birth attendants. However, from her particular island it is a 10 hour journey by canoe to the nearest hospital. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/assam_boat_15_7422.jpg Ushara, 22, was given an expected date of arrival by boat clinic staff and decided to make the trip to Dibrugarh, the nearest district hospital, for the birth of her second child. Government incentives pay both the families and ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists, government sponsored local health educators and monitors) for each baby born in a hosptial. If the baby is a girl, a savings account is opened with 5000 Rps (approx 110 USD), available to the girl on her 18th birthday, a scheme started to curb female infanticide. Ushara, 22, was given an expected date of arrival by boat clinic staff and decided to make the trip to Dibrugarh, the nearest district hospital, for the birth of her second child. Government incentives pay both the families and ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists, government sponsored local health educators and monitors) for each baby born in a hosptial. If the baby is a girl, a savings account is opened with 5000 Rps (approx 110 USD), available to the girl on her 18th birthday, a scheme started to curb female infanticide. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/assam_boat_20091103_0181.jpg Posters hang around a temporary camp set up to house a medical clinic. They educate on safe water practices, as well as the importance of immunizations and breast feeding. Posters hang around a temporary camp set up to house a medical clinic. They educate on safe water practices, as well as the importance of immunizations and breast feeding. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/amdd_Dambj_20091105_0416.jpg A woman waits at the pharmacy on an Akha boat clinic that runs along the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India. The Akha are traveling boat clinics that run along the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India. The work of a private public partnership between a research institution, private business, NGOs and the Indian government, they bring primary medical care to over two hundred thousand of the three million people living on islands in the Brahmaputra. Previously, most of the islanders had no access to basic medical services. A woman waits at the pharmacy on an Akha boat clinic that runs along the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India. The Akha are traveling boat clinics that run along the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India. The work of a private public partnership between a research institution, private business, NGOs and the Indian government, they bring primary medical care to over two hundred thousand of the three million people living on islands in the Brahmaputra. Previously, most of the islanders had no access to basic medical services. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/rr_2_Dambj_20091119_8984.jpg Experts estimate there are approximately 2 million people living with autism in India. Currently, most children with developmental handicaps attend "special schools," institutions exclusively for special needs children. Experts estimate there are approximately 2 million people living with autism in India. Currently, most children with developmental handicaps attend "special schools," institutions exclusively for special needs children. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/RR_Dambj_20091118_8906.jpg In addition to autism, a myriad of other developmental handicaps means there are millions of children with special education needs in India. In addition to autism, a myriad of other developmental handicaps means there are millions of children with special education needs in India. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/RR_Dambj_20091124_9489.jpg A new movement in the southern state of Goa is promoting "resource rooms," special classrooms within the tradtional school setting that allow children to get individualized educations while interacting with other students. A new movement in the southern state of Goa is promoting "resource rooms," special classrooms within the tradtional school setting that allow children to get individualized educations while interacting with other students. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/RR_Dambj_20091123_4533.jpg Students from a resource room classroom walk to school in Pilerne Village, Goa. Students from a resource room classroom walk to school in Pilerne Village, Goa. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Kashmir_Dambj_20090930_9196.jpg Kashmir Dambj 20090930 9196 Kashmir Dambj 20090930 9196 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Kashmir_Dambj_20091004_9696.jpg Kashmir Dambj 20091004 9696 Kashmir Dambj 20091004 9696 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Kashmir_Dambj_20091004_9700.jpg Kashmir Dambj 20091004 9700 Kashmir Dambj 20091004 9700 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Kashmir_Dambj_20091004_9782.jpg Kashmir Dambj 20091004 9782 Kashmir Dambj 20091004 9782 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Kashmir_Dambj_20090930_9099.jpg Kashmir Dambj 20090930 9099 Kashmir Dambj 20090930 9099 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Kashmir_Dambj_20090930_9207.jpg Kashmir Dambj 20090930 9207 Kashmir Dambj 20090930 9207 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Kerala_IMG_0386.jpg A group of residents wait to participate in a free check up for glucose and blood pressure. A pilot study is testing whether chronic disease prevention can successfully be added to kerala's renowned primary health care system. A group of residents wait to participate in a free check up for glucose and blood pressure. A pilot study is testing whether chronic disease prevention can successfully be added to kerala's renowned primary health care system. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/Kerala_20091219-IMG_0316.jpg Children sit at a preschool in Kerala, India. Kerala has the lowest maternal and infant mortality in the country, comparable to many wealthy countries. In an effort to maintain their reputation as a place that outperforms in health, despite its poor economic state, the government is attempting to address chronic diseases, currently one of the most pressing concerns in the state. Children sit at a preschool in Kerala, India. Kerala has the lowest maternal and infant mortality in the country, comparable to many wealthy countries. In an effort to maintain their reputation as a place that outperforms in health, despite its poor economic state, the government is attempting to address chronic diseases, currently one of the most pressing concerns in the state. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/tbDelhi_Dambj_20091202_9972.jpg tbDelhi Dambj 20091202 9972 tbDelhi Dambj 20091202 9972 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/tbDelhi_Dambj_20091202_0040.jpg tbDelhi Dambj 20091202 0040 tbDelhi Dambj 20091202 0040 https://annabarryjester.com/evangelizing-nicaragua 2026-09-07 monthly 0.8 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/evangelicals_01.jpg hands in prayer managua, nicaragua https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/evangelicals_02.jpg patio church service managua, nicaragua https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/evangelicals_03.jpg waiting for medical treatment murra, nicaragua https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/evangelicals_04.jpg a missionary's prayer managua, nicaragua https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/evangelicals_05.jpg drunk on the holy spirit managua, nicaragua https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/evangelicals_06.jpg machetazo prayer for a gang member, managua https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/evangelicals_07.jpg prayers managua, nicaragua https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/evangelicals_08.jpg preparing for marriage managua, nicaragua https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/evangelicals_09.jpg wedding cake managua, nicaragua https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/evangelicals_10.jpg wedding ceremony managua, nicaragua https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/evangelicals_11.jpg women and children managua, nicaragua https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/evangelicals_12.jpg living room wall "don't tell god how big your problem is, tell your problem how big god is" managua, nicaragua https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/evangelicals_13.jpg check-in to church the site of an infamous murder during the sandinista/contra war, where several church members were murdered. murra, nicaragua https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/evangelicals_14.jpg murra nicaragua https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/evangelicals_15.jpg "we quit praying" prinzapolka, nicaragua https://annabarryjester.com/the-balloon-factory 2026-09-07 monthly 0.8 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/esperanza_01.jpg esperanza 01 esperanza 01 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/esperanza_02.jpg esperanza 02 esperanza 02 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/esperanza_03.jpg The air in La Nueva Esperanza is thick with talc powder. When inhaled, talc causes lung damage. Despite health risks, many workers do not comply with safety standards as they find the masks cumbersome to work with. According to workers, the previous owner did not require or supply all of the appropriate safety equipment The air in La Nueva Esperanza is thick with talc powder. When inhaled, talc causes lung damage. Despite health risks, many workers do not comply with safety standards as they find the masks cumbersome to work with. According to workers, the previous owner did not require or supply all of the appropriate safety equipment https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/esperanza_04.jpg With only 35 workers in a factory that once employed over 200, the cooperative has a difficult time completing orders. With only 35 workers in a factory that once employed over 200, the cooperative has a difficult time completing orders. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/esperanza_05.jpg Most everything at La Nueva Esperanza is done manually. The ability to produce specialty shaped balloons has allowed the company to compete with lower priced imports from China and Brazil. Most everything at La Nueva Esperanza is done manually. The ability to produce specialty shaped balloons has allowed the company to compete with lower priced imports from China and Brazil. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/esperanza_06.jpg After shutting the doors to the factory, the ex-ownder illegally removed equpment and tried to reopen the factory outside of Buenos Aires under a different name in order to claim bankruptcy on the old factory. Workers camped out in protest for nine months before a judge ordered the equpment returned and gave control of the factory to the workers. Under a special business recuperation law, the Argentinian government has allowed over 600 businesses to operate under cooperative status. After shutting the doors to the factory, the ex-ownder illegally removed equpment and tried to reopen the factory outside of Buenos Aires under a different name in order to claim bankruptcy on the old factory. Workers camped out in protest for nine months before a judge ordered the equpment returned and gave control of the factory to the workers. Under a special business recuperation law, the Argentinian government has allowed over 600 businesses to operate under cooperative status. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/esperanza_07.jpg Domingo works as Business Manager of La Nueva Esperanza. As many of the workers lack even a high school education, they had difficulty with pricing and distribution of goods after first earning cooperative status. La Nueva Esperanza is now also home to an education program several days a week helping local residents earn a high school diploma. Domingo works as Business Manager of La Nueva Esperanza. As many of the workers lack even a high school education, they had difficulty with pricing and distribution of goods after first earning cooperative status. La Nueva Esperanza is now also home to an education program several days a week helping local residents earn a high school diploma. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/esperanza_08.jpg Argentina's oldest balloon facoty has been under worker control since 2004. Originally opened in the 1940's, after years of tax evasion, the previous owner closed the factory over a weekend, owing the workers months of back pay. Since attaining cooperative status, workers/co-owners of the factory say it has been a struglle, but they have managed to maintain a profit. Argentina's oldest balloon facoty has been under worker control since 2004. Originally opened in the 1940's, after years of tax evasion, the previous owner closed the factory over a weekend, owing the workers months of back pay. Since attaining cooperative status, workers/co-owners of the factory say it has been a struglle, but they have managed to maintain a profit. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/esperanza_09.jpg Workers watch as a fire burns a building in downtown Buenos Aires next to their biggest client. While the factory used to sell balloons in Argentina, Uruguay, and the United States, since becoming a cooperative they have struggled to sell even outside of the Buenos Aires province in recent years. Previous clients have said they worry about the legitimacy of the factory since it became a cooperative. Workers watch as a fire burns a building in downtown Buenos Aires next to their biggest client. While the factory used to sell balloons in Argentina, Uruguay, and the United States, since becoming a cooperative they have struggled to sell even outside of the Buenos Aires province in recent years. Previous clients have said they worry about the legitimacy of the factory since it became a cooperative. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/esperanza_10.jpg Female workers clean up before eating lunch in their dressing room. The inherant problems of decision making in a cooperative have caused social rifts amongst workers. Where they once ate a group meal together in the lunch room, they now seperate to different parts of the factory. Female workers clean up before eating lunch in their dressing room. The inherant problems of decision making in a cooperative have caused social rifts amongst workers. Where they once ate a group meal together in the lunch room, they now seperate to different parts of the factory. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/esperanza_11.jpg Juan, who has worked at La Nueva Esperanza for over two decades, lives on the outskirts of Buenos Aires with his daughter and wife, who have a sewing business in their home. According to juan, the emotional and financial support of his family allowed him to spend nine months protesting and petitioning for the reopening of the factory. Juan, who has worked at La Nueva Esperanza for over two decades, lives on the outskirts of Buenos Aires with his daughter and wife, who have a sewing business in their home. According to juan, the emotional and financial support of his family allowed him to spend nine months protesting and petitioning for the reopening of the factory. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/esperanza_12.jpg esperanza 12 esperanza 12 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/esperanza_13.jpg Women celebrate a birthday inside the factory dressing room. Despite social rifts due to differences of opinion on how to spend factory money, workers sitll interact on a very personal level, celebrating birthdays and spending weekends together. Women celebrate a birthday inside the factory dressing room. Despite social rifts due to differences of opinion on how to spend factory money, workers sitll interact on a very personal level, celebrating birthdays and spending weekends together. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4bd5ec0dc344e/images/esperanza_14.jpg Workers at La Nueva Esperanza feel they are a microcosm of a larger issue in Argentina: they have all of the promise and potential necessary, but a legacy of poor management and corruption have left a long bumpy road to recovery. Workers at La Nueva Esperanza feel they are a microcosm of a larger issue in Argentina: they have all of the promise and potential necessary, but a legacy of poor management and corruption have left a long bumpy road to recovery.