I've said it over and over: the World Race was simply the beginning. It was the beginning of my new life, the end of my past.
I often think of my life in phases. The beginning and end of phases are determined by events in my life. Whether positive or negative, something is always beginning or ending. Upon being accepted to go on the World Race, a new phase began; a new life was birthed.
Three months after the World Race, I'm still processing.
I'm remembering the shacks we saw in the mountains of the Dominican Republic
The field of tents and pieced-together shelters in Haiti
The tears of the pastor's wife who's land had been stolen by the government
I remember the marijuana fields in Swaziland, just below an orphanage with 38 boys and girls
How can I forget flying over Mumbai and seeing thousands of blue-clad rooves-the largest slums in the world?
I cannot escape these memories.
Over and over again, I see the children with survival skills they never should have learned; bodies filthy from lack of clean water to wash them with. Over and over again, I ask myself how I can make this stop. Covering my eyes won't work-nor will covering my ears. Those actions no longer block out the images and sounds. Distractions have failed.
So what can I do to actually do???
The world may be blind; it may be deaf-but I cannot be. Maybe I wouldn't hurt so much if the world saw or heard more. Some people learn by hearing, while others learn by seeing. I think it's time to show them. I think it's time the world sees the prayer of the children, the trafficked, the families living in poverty while their governments ruthlessly steal their land-their source of survival-from before them. It's time to roll up my sleeves and begin my ministry.
What better way to put a stop to these things happening than through photojournalism? Imagine if, by documenting these stories and putting a spotlight on them, they didn't happen anymore?
G42 is a discipleship and leadership program in Mijas, Spain where I will begin my ministry; learning how to tell these stories through media. Living with a group of people who have the same goals; the same passion and drive to change things for good. Not only do they have the passion and drive, but they're going to do it! They're going to take the steps to pursue these goals of getting the kids off the street; of offering these women selling themselves a better life. It's not just one person trying to make a difference. It's not just one person speaking up. It's a whole group. It's a movement of people that want to end this today.
I've asked for your help before-when I went on the World Race. You answered and it amazed me to see the blessings come in. I've never even met most of you and yet you believe that what I'm doing can have results. You believe that God is on my side and with Him, I have nothing to fear. That means that I can move mountains. I intend to move another mountain. Please partner with me, believe in me, and pray for me. I need all three, not just one or two.
I have about $4000 left to raise for G42. If you, a family member, or a friend would like to make a tax-deductible donation, you can go the link below and do so. Please select "Intern Support" when you reach the page and make sure you add my name to the donation instead of just a general donation.
www.g42leadershipacademy.org/donate
My prayers go out to you and your families. Thank you.
