Grateful for the 'talents' God gave her, a young woman helps others (PHOTO)
Ayona Chamini discovered that she was good at photography. With her earnings, she helps the poor. “Thanks to the first wave of COVID-19, taking advantage of the free time I had, I was able to understand what talents God gave me.” Now “I have a great drive to enjoy the gift that God has given me and help those in need.”
Colombo (Asia News) – Ayona Chamini, a 32-year-old Catholic mother with a seven-year-old son, lives in Kegalle, Diocese of Rathnapura, but her birthplace is Maravilla, Wennappuwa (North Western Province). She studied arts at an advanced level at Newstead Girls' College in Negombo.
“I have a great drive to enjoy the gift that God has given me and help those in need, using my talents. I recognised this gift during the first wave of COVID-19 last year,” Ayona said, sharing her feelings with AsiaNews.
She is optimistic about the life she received from God. “Absolutely I am blessed by our good God to have all these gifts, which I am enjoying now, like my parents, my brother, then my married life, my husband and my son, my relatives, my friends “.
Right after school, she got a diploma in English and became a primary teacher at JMC College International in Negombo. She taught dance and history along with other subjects.
Ayona’s son, Divone Dulsen, is a third-grade student at Kegalle Viddayalaya. She received a great opportunity to discover her God-given talents during the school lockdown caused by the pandemic.
“Last year, when we had to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to stay home all day because my son was not in school. I had more time to think for myself, to do a lot of housework, pray. So I took some time to think about my talents. [Asking] what are my abilities? What has been given to me by our Lord.”
“Since my school days I have loved the environment very much. I love trees and flowers. But that interest was within me and it didn't come out in any way or I didn't want to practise it either.”
“Finally, after several years, it came out only in the last year. He made me switch to photography. Thanks to the first wave of COVID-19, taking advantage of the free time I had, I was able to understand what talents God had given me”.
“While I was speaking to Jesus, I heard a voice within me telling me to show the world the beautiful environment, the lives and talents of the other people that God the Father has given to the world. With that thought, I determined how I wanted to forward the message or the idea that Jesus had given me.”
“At that moment, I thanked Jesus and when I took my cell phone and looked down from the floor above, I saw a beautiful hibiscus tree (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) with red flowers. It was my first picture.”
“Since then, I have taken pictures of the environment, such as trees, flowers and small animals and put them on my Facebook page and on that of a group called Still life photography.
“I get a lot of feedback. I am very happy when others appreciate my skills. And I say thank you to Jesus for awakening my abilities.
“I learnt to take pictures with mobile phones, to edit them, etc. On the Internet, I also joined some groups that talk about pictures and I learnt from them too.”
When it comes to photography, most people think about big cameras, big pictures, but when you think about Ayona's story, it goes to show that big cameras are not alone in producing good photos; even a small camera can give good pictures.
“Yes, for that we need to have a good eye and patience to take beautiful and meaningful photos. With big cameras, you can do very deep and heavy work,” she explained.
“I'm happy to say that I keep taking pictures with my phone. It's a Samsung A 10 with a 13 mega pixel. And I've already sold some photos to foreigners too.
“My first photo was bought by a German doctor and he paid me US$ 50. I recently sold two photos for US$ 65. I am really happy with this blessing.”
“I was amazed that the doctor appreciated my photo so much and paid me so much. Because I am neither a photographer nor a media person. I just follow my thoughts. I only listen to the voice of Jesus. I receive incredible answers and a great reward for my talent. I thank Jesus a thousand times for this.”
Ayona has also started taking pictures of food products and she hopes to take more pictures about food and compose a recipe book. “It is a dream; however, you have to think and plan it correctly.”
“My biggest dream is to develop my skills, click on more meaningful and beautiful things and lives and sell them and help the poor, those who need financial help to study and live, especially those who have no food.”
“I started when I got my first proceeds from selling my first photo for US$ 50. I helped a very old man in my town, I also helped another elderly couple who live with a lot of problems. That way, I can help many, thanks to my earnings.”
Finally, speaking about the joy that God’s gifts brought her, she said: “I consider this as a calling I received from the Lord. So I look for many more possibilities (selling photos and helping others) to fulfil God’s call.”
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