Martina made the biggest impression on me, even before I spoke one word to her. She is traveling on the same bus as me through Naminia. And on the first day, she was sitting on the opposite seat in our bus and was showing her work as a photographer to her seating partner. I just got one glimpse and I thought: Wow, her photos are some of the most amazing ones I’ve ever seen.

I know nothing about photography. But somehow I believe, Martina is one of the most talented people I’ve ever met. She knows how to catch people in the right light. I think that is because she sees your character in the right light as well. We got so close, in only a few days. That kind of bond is only possible when you’re willing to open yourself completely, even to strangers. She does that with her work as well.

She has also been through more tragedies than a person her age should ever live through. She lost her first love, a great love, due to a car accident when she was only 18. And she had to go through so much more pain and fear since.

But she is a person that confronts her fears. That jumps out of a plane not only one, but two times. That falls into love not only once but a lot, and over and over again. She isn’t afraid of feelings. And I think that you can see that in her photographs as well.

She has a gift. But right now, she doesn’t really know what the best way to use it is yet. Martina is at a crossroads in her life right now. She doesn’t know if she wants to stay in Africa, if she should go and live with her sister in Madrid or if she wants to return to Ecuador.

I believe, than when you are gifted – like Martina is – your gift will show you a path. It will show you opportunities. And you have to follow them.

Ecuador doesn’t have a big art scene. Ecuador doesn’t have a lot of creative minds that can share the perspective of this unique and beautiful nation with the world. Not yet. Martina says, she feels like it has been evolving in the last few years. And I feel like, she is going to be a big part of it.

Martina, grow a little bit more, grow a little bit more as an artist and as a person. And then please go out into the world and show it, how Ecuador is growing and evolving.

I know we will meet each other again in life. I’m already exited for it.