Turkey Trip 2017
Donation protected
Turkey Background
In 2016 I got to take a trip with a long layover through Istanbul, Turkey. Camera in hand, I went out to explore the city. My excitement and passion for street photography exploded in those few hours. Not knowing where to go beyond the Hagia Sophia, I walked along a main street called İstiklal. I was in sensory overload as Istanbul is a street photography wonderland. One of the places that stood out to me was a church that I came across. It's the Church of St. Anthony of Padua. In their courtyard they had a large photography display featuring Syrian refugee outreaches they participate with. This has been a controversial issue back home, but it's something dear to my heart after a trip through Jordan and Lebanon. I stored this in my heart and have been praying to somehow participate in helping refugees.
Going With My Church
An opportunity has come up with my local home church, to take a trip to Turkey in July of 2017. We will be spending a week in Ankara, working with a local outreach to serve refugees at a soup kitchen, along with other projects that may come up. I am both excited and nervous to go.
Partnering With Me
I am in need of support. First, prayer for our team, and for myself. Turkey has seen incidents of terrorist attacks in the past year, so naturally there is a sense of nervousness that comes with that. Prayer for protect and wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Also, prayer that our group may of help to the locals and a light of hope to people who have seen great darkness.
Second, I am in need of financial support. We are in the midst of booking flights and places to stay. I personally try to travel as cheap as possible but some prices are a bit fixed, with flights from the US and internal travel within Turkey. We will be staying with dorms that cost roughly $40 per night. I am also saving my pennies and praying for more work.
In Thanks
As a thanks for donations, those who give $50 or more will receive a personalized photo book from me, featuring photos and stories from the trip. All contributors will be invited to a Turkey night after the trip. We will be sharing stories, food, and photos.
Organizer
John Doukas
Organizer
Yorba Linda, CA
