Guatemala: Is it enough?

Is it enough to go to a foreign country and take cool photos to bring back to our western culture, a kind of photojournalistic voyeurism? For me it isn't. I want Christians to see my photos and feel such Godly compassion and love for the people in them that they will be moved to action.

Alone, we may or may not change entire nations. But, we can each affect those we learn of or come in contact with. My photography is worthless unless it causes us to act.

©Copyright Gary S. Chapman 2007

Guatemalan children (85mm lens, 1/60 sec, f4, ISO400)

Home: Thinking

I've come to a "Y" in the road. Until now, the adrenaline of travel has kept me wanting to keep traveling. The intoxication of the exotic has urged me again and again to go overseas. I have relished in all things foreign. But now, my comfortable existence at home is becoming more appealing. I am tempted to find excuses not to go. Why bother any longer with malaria avoidance, shots, giardia (don't ask if you don't know), questionable food and water, thieves and downright discomfort? I think this is a good place at which I have arrived. Inward examinations are taking place. I have discovered it will take more than just a selfish desire to visit far-flung locales. I know in my heart that if/when I leave again, it will not be as a travel junky, an addict of the far and away. My prayer is that God will fill me with such a love for people that it will transcend my love of the foreign, overcome my affinity for comfort, conquer any fear of the unknown and crush any pride I may have harbored. Should God ask me to leave again, I know I will be different.

©Copyright Gary S. Chapman

Sudanese refugees: (135mm lens, 1/125 sec., f2, ISO320)