Photo-Storytelling Mexico Mission
Whether you know, or don't know; photography has been an interest of mine from a young age. I took some photography classes in college, but it wasn't until this past year where I really committed myself to learning more about my camera and utilizing it as an expression of my creativity.
As many of you have seen on Facebook, I challenged myself to take a photo every day for an entire year. By the end of that year I decided to submit a photo essay of pictures I took of homeless people to the SD County fair. Getting recognized and awarded for my project made me realize how I can personally make an impact on this world by utilizing photography as a means of story-telling.
Not long after the homeless photo essay, I saw a link on Facebook to a Photo-Storytelling Discipleship Program in Mexico. The first sentence of the program states: "You will be equipped to use photography and storytelling to communicate, to advocate on behalf of others, and to use social media as a tool for His kingdom." My immediate reaction was that I had to do it. Not to mention that I randomly decided to take Spanish classes over the summer.
But life is complicated and I decided to push it to the side. Until only last week when my alternative plan to pursue further education was shut down right in my face. So this program came flooding back into my radar; I decided to apply, and I have been accepted.
The primary complication which originally turned me away from this program is the cost. I don't have the money to go. However, in discussing the matter with experienced friends in missions, they encouraged me to pursue it regardless. That God is not limited by money. So i'm testing it out. And putting myself out there.
If you're still here reading this I thank you for even simply hearing me out. Asking for help is not something that is easy for me to do, especially in such a public way. But I'm doing it, because I fully believe I need to do this program.
I’ve worked and saved up some money, but unfortunatly I don’t have enough funds to pay for it all myself. The first payment of $3200 is due by August 20. It’s a 5 month program from September 20- February 15. The first 3 months will be training and outreach within Baja California, Mexico, and then the second part is outreach utilizing our learned skills in another country, which is TBD. I will need another $2000-$3500 for the outreach portion depending on where the location is, and I have a few extra months to come up with the funds for that.
If you would like to financially support me in any way, on this mission to Mexico I would be eternally grateful to you! You can do it through this site or through Venmo (Carol-Eliya) if that's easier fo you (ps. Venmo doesn't take any of the $, GoFundME takes 3%). If you feel compelled to share this with others feel free! Of course if you have any further questions about it you can ask me anything. THANK YOU FRIEND!!
xoxox
Carol
