About nine months ago I returned home from a trip to Mexico that confirmed my desire to get cameras into the hands of orphans. Some of the girls at the Door of Faith Orphanage in La Mision had borrowed my SLR and I could not get over the images they captured.
So not long after, I started brainstorming an idea I believe the Lord planted in my heart – The Invision Project.
What happens if I collect digital cameras and get them in the hands of orphans in China? What if I teach them the basics of photography and see what they capture? What if they are challenged to see the world outside of what they know?
Ideas for the project hit me as I was ran, read, or talked with the Lord. And many of you donated cameras or cards. I had lots of support and felt really encouraged.
Then I came to China and discouragement set in. I was being tested in all things photography. My camera broke, all of the Invision Project cameras did not make it to China, the Vidler's lens cap went missing when I had their camera in my possession, a friend's camera was stolen under my care, and one of my "replacement" cameras for the kids didn't work.
So that was my starting point! You probably wouldn’t have wanted to be in my shoes, am I right?
BUT the story isn’t over!
As soon as we kicked the project off...Orphans were approved to spend the week with us, the cameras arrived in the mail one day before The Invision Project started, friends (one American and several Chinese) volunteered to help, and a Chinese professional photographer even wanted to lend a hand! Talk about a turn around!
Our week together was flawless, and that’s kind of incredible seeing that I’ve never done anything like this before! It was all the Lord's favor on us, really.
The six girls I spent the week with soaked in the opportunity to learn photography beyond what I could imagine. And their photos were INCREDIBLE! Seriously. I would be glad to call some of their pictures of my own.
Jade, Cherry, Sarah, Claire, Kate, and Shelly – I’m so proud of you!
We spent the week talking about technique and what to think about when taking pictures. I also had daily questions for them to be thinking about, with the goal being to encourage them to think beyond what they know and how they see things.
By the end of the week we were talking about God (after a conversation about boys, of course.) I asked the girls if they believed in God and why or why not. They had interesting answers and one even told me, “maybe I’ll believe in God when I’m grown up.” I encouraged them to keep asking questions and seeking truth, along with sharing my own story of coming to believe in God.
The girls wrote us meaningful notes and one of them in particular told me how much this week impacted her life. “Every time I pick up the camera and take a picture, I’m so proud of myself!” she told me on the last day.
What the Lord did during and through this week continues to blow me away. I experienced God’s faithfulness and blessing in such a deep and individual way – it was such a beautiful time.
And this is just the beginning. I anticipate more wonderful things to come!! Stay tuned! :)
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