Projects This year

There were some interesting projects and events this past year that I didn't really talk about but wanted to document! After a couple years of not being able to do much with my non- profit, Your Light International, you know, due to a pandemic and all of that.... I tried to start things back up, revive it a bit. It didn't go as I planned but in my efforts to network I ended up still being able to volunteer and help out at a few different things. 

First up, I got to go take photos at a refugee goat farm event that was happening to raise awareness. It was really cool to see how these families are able to do a trade here in Utah that is so familiar to them from back in Africa. I enjoyed taking the photos and the goats were crazy. haha

 

Then I got to go take photos at the dining hall that feeds the homeless in Salt Lake City. It was actually really fun to talk with the people, they wanted to tell me their stories. It's been fun to see my photos being used on the website and newsletters for Catholic Community Services as well.

Then several months later, CCS asked if I could help again and take some photos at the food pantry so I did that as well. Again, it's been fun to see my photos on all their sites. And let me tell you, it's not easy to tell a story of a small food pantry.... there's only so much going on and only so much stalking you can do. 😅

 

And then through some more networking I was able to go and take portraits at an African Leadership Summit at the U of U campus in SLC. It's a non profit that works to help the African young adults in the state empower each other and see themselves and each other as leaders! It was fun and I took a lot of portraits!

And lastly, something a little different- I was asked if I would speak at Philippines Humanitarian fundraiser gala in October. They hadn't been able to have the gala for a few years because of covid so this was the first one since our trip with them back in November of 2019. So they wanted me to talk about that trip and show photos. Closer to the date of the gala I learned that I wasn't just speaking, but I was THE keynote speaker! I laughed! In the eyes of the world I'm a HUGE nobody and usually keynote speakers are someone impressive and well known. Also, it made me much more nervous! haha But finally the day came and I got up there and I think I did a good job. ;) It was also nice to share the photos I took during that trip, all the photo journalistic ones and some of the family ones. 

When I was preparing my presentation I also got quite emotional at times, going through those photos, thinking of the people, and also thinking about how kind and loving God is in how He leads and directs our lives. All we need to have is faith!

A couple of my photographers who also went on the trip were also invited to come for the night and we had our own table. Felt so official. ;)

 

We were on the top floor!

 

It's the Key Bank downtown and it was started by church leaders back when the pioneers settled here so that's why there is an old man painting behind me. ;)

 

They had a couple shirts for sale that kids from the school program in the Philippines made. And the boy we sponsor was one of the artist! This is his shirt.

 

They had some traditional dances.

 

So, yes, not the year I was expecting with my non profit, but then again, I'm not sure I had any clear vision anyway. 😆 I just knew I wanted to get back out there and meet others, help out using the skills I have, and I wanted to keep the name of Your Light International alive somehow. And I feel like those were all accomplished in some way. God is good. And we'll see where this new year takes us!