By Stephanie Boyd

Last Christmas I had the opportunity to fly to the San Blas Islands to visit the Kuna Indians—one of the indigenous Indian groups of Panama. We took off from Panama City in a small chartered plane and headed north towards the islands. We landed across from the small island called Playon Chico, which literally means "small island". After a short dug-out canoe ride, we arrived to the crowded island.

As I walked down the narrow footpaths on the island I saw small huts on either side. They were made out of palm branches and other materials. I peeked into one of the houses… the floors were made of dirt, sheets hung to give some privacy, and hammocks hanging. Inside sat a mother with a small child. There was something very different about this child, unlike no other I saw. He had very blonde hair and very white skin. I realized then that he was an albino. I had never seen an albino before. It was a shock to see the color contrast in this little boy.

I continued down the path and one by one the children came. They came to see who this blonde-haired, blue-eyed stranger was. They were so curious! I suddenly felt two hands curl around mine. I looked down to see two little girls looking up at me with a sparkle in their eyes. I couldn’t help but get tears in my eyes as I looked at these girls… barefoot, practically naked. Yet they smiled the most brilliant smiles… they were so happy!