Joy

To be some sort of travel photographer has always been on the top of my Dream Job list... something about my wanderlust, adventurous spirit and passion for capturing the beauty of this world makes that sort of "job" irresistible. I can't even begin to say how fortunate I feel to have gotten to experience through my lens just for myself as much as I have in my almost 27 years... in fact, this year pushed my total to the 27th tally on my "countries traveled to" list with my recent trip to Southeast Asia.

Earlier this year, I felt God was really leading me to participate in a trip with my church to work with kids supported by an organization we partner with. I have done other church trips before but this particular trip was causing me a great deal of anxiety as I prepared. I'm not good with kids, there was no medical focus (I'm a full time RN determined to use that in my travels), and I didn't know anyone going on the trip. "Really, God? You want me to go on THIS trip? Wouldn't my time and effort be so much more useful somewhere else where I can use my medical skills?" But the clear answer was "Yes... THIS is where you need to be." 

 

So I went, slightly confused but up for whatever adventure God had for me.  I had never brought along a "good" camera on one of these trips in the past in fear of it getting lost, broken, or just getting in the way. However, this time I felt a strong pull to bring my best camera- to let myself experience what God had for me there through one of the things I love doing most. I gave myself the job of capturing as I traveled what God has been teaching me in the last few years: Joy. Happiness in Him. The beauty of investing in relationships with others and with Him. 

Sure, I have loads of pictures of scenery and temples taken from every angle, I can't help myself, but my focus was so different that I don't even care to include them here. I may never have a single travel picture published (and if I am to be so lucky, these would not be what would be picked!) but the result of my self-imposed two week assignment is far more valuable to me than a picture appearing in a well known magazine- they are captured glimpses of precious kiddos and my treasured teammates living out how God wants me to live my life: Joyfully invested in Him and others!