The World Through My Eyes: Juan David

Juan David is 8-years-old and has had a difficult life. His father abandoned him and his mother, so they live with his grandparents.

His mother, grandmother and younger aunt work making tlacoyos (a diamond shape thick corn tortilla, stuffed with beans or cheese) to sell on the streets of Mexico City. His grandfather works in the field to grow the corn they use to sell their products.

Juan David likes to play soccer and helps his mom at home by carrying wood or taking care of their sheep. When he was asked what he would like to become as an adult, he said he would like to become a car mechanic.

We gave Juan David a camera and asked him to take pictures of everything that caught his attention.

This is what life in Mexico looks like to Juan David.

Here is a view of my town. I like to play soccer on the fields.

My mother is all my life because she helps me with everything and she takes care of me. I love her very much. She never gets tired, even when she works hard.

We have several pear trees and animals at our home. This is where we make tortillas.

This is where my mother and I sleep. I keep my toys in a cardboard box. And hanging in the corner is the back pack that I use for school.

I took this picture of where we place all the cups and clay mugs we use to drink a hot rice drink or coffee.

My cousins and I like to play with my favorite car. Inside the car is a green ball. The ball was a gift from a cousin.

This is my grandmother smiling. I call her mama Juana. She does not know how to read. Mama Juana is part of my family and when we are not together we feel separated. I like it when my family is together.

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