Lesson Along the Way
I am safely in Malaysia airport again. I’ve spent the past few hours sleeping on the 
airport floor. (This is the World Race!) As I rolled over I saw some random travelers taking pictures of us. I’m sure it is not everyday that they see a group of Americans (and Kerry, my Canadian friend) sleeping on the airport floor. It still seemed funny to me that they would take our picture. My first instinct was to feel a little violated that they took my picture without asking at a time that I am vulnerable. Then it quickly dawned on me that there are often times when Americans take pictures of others without their consent and are in much more vulnerable states than sleeping on the airport floor. I’m sure even I have done this. I much prefer to build a relationship with people before taking out the camera. Over the past few months, I have avoided using my camera at all for the first week or so in a new place. I must admit to after building the relationships, feeling free to take pictures of those around my new friends without taking the time to ask their permission or consider their dignity. My fascination and appreciation of their beauty and uniqueness leads me to snap my shots feeling that I honor them by doing so. My experience today has made me stop to think a little bit more about photography. Now I will consider their perspective even more than I have in the past and think about how I can truly honor them.
airport floor. (This is the World Race!) As I rolled over I saw some random travelers taking pictures of us. I’m sure it is not everyday that they see a group of Americans (and Kerry, my Canadian friend) sleeping on the airport floor. It still seemed funny to me that they would take our picture. My first instinct was to feel a little violated that they took my picture without asking at a time that I am vulnerable. Then it quickly dawned on me that there are often times when Americans take pictures of others without their consent and are in much more vulnerable states than sleeping on the airport floor. I’m sure even I have done this. I much prefer to build a relationship with people before taking out the camera. Over the past few months, I have avoided using my camera at all for the first week or so in a new place. I must admit to after building the relationships, feeling free to take pictures of those around my new friends without taking the time to ask their permission or consider their dignity. My fascination and appreciation of their beauty and uniqueness leads me to snap my shots feeling that I honor them by doing so. My experience today has made me stop to think a little bit more about photography. Now I will consider their perspective even more than I have in the past and think about how I can truly honor them.
Halfway to Where?
I found out that my next
ministry will be in a village, which means we will not have internet. I
will still try to find a way to update my blog as much as possible, but
skype and ichat may not
happen. I will be flying out in about 6 hours. We leave
Cambodia on the 26th of April I think. My new team and I will be staying in
dorms at a Christian college, started by YWAM, called University of the Nations- Cambodia. We’ll be disciplining and teaching
students English, Computer and Music. There will also be opportunities for evangelism. I’m excited, but will really miss
being able to stay connected through internet. Please still leave comments and send emails, but be patient for my response. I have been so encouraged by every contact from home. Thank you!
ministry will be in a village, which means we will not have internet. I
will still try to find a way to update my blog as much as possible, but
skype and ichat may not
happen. I will be flying out in about 6 hours. We leave
Cambodia on the 26th of April I think. My new team and I will be staying in
dorms at a Christian college, started by YWAM, called University of the Nations- Cambodia. We’ll be disciplining and teaching
students English, Computer and Music. There will also be opportunities for evangelism. I’m excited, but will really miss
being able to stay connected through internet. Please still leave comments and send emails, but be patient for my response. I have been so encouraged by every contact from home. Thank you!
