Here in Nicaragua I’m serving as the photographer and I do a lot of the marketing for Light & Salt Ministries. To say that this role has made me think a lot about pictures and social media is an understatement. My whole day is spent trying to get the perfect shot, editing pictures to make them more beautiful, and creating content that contributes to a brand.
As I’m creating content for Light & Salt Ministries I’ve been reflecting on my own personal content and the brand I’ve inadvertently created. I kind of feel like I‘ve been lying to you all. Posting photographs from the World Race is deceiving. Naturally, I want to post pictures of these once in a lifetime moments because that’s just what you do on social media. However, that’s so misleading. My Facebook and Instagram feed suggests that I’m on an eleven month vacation— which is SUCH a lie. The reality is that I’m living in impoverished communities with the goal of spreading the Gospel through my actions. You wouldn’t guess this from my feed though… would you?
There’s nothing glamorous about ministry. Have I posted photos that would suggest otherwise? Of course. Do I post to exhausted selfies I take after a full day of work? Not normally. I tend to post photos in the first category because there is something exciting about being in a new place and seeing another piece of God’s Creation. When I only do this I’m showing you a fake experience. I’m lying to you about what’s actually going on. I need to do a better job at actively fighting this lie and showing you what life is REALLY like on the World Race.
Starting now I am going to make an effort to authentically show you my World Race experience. Here are 15 pictures that depict what life is like in Nicaragua. These are my favorite pictures I’ve taken so far because they depict raw, un-glamorous moments.
Views from the classroom.
Prepping for painting.
Fixing the grout in computer lab (left), painting a bedroom (middle), and sanding the bars on the windows (right).
Construction (upper left), weeding (bottom left), and watering a wall— I still don’t understand why my teammates had to do that (right).
Cheering on the students in a soccer tournament.
Sorting through the beans so they can be cooked (left) and praying over a family (right).
xoxo
claudzilla
Pictures are great! You captured the spirit of your time there perfectly! Continued prayers for you!
WE LOVE AUTHENTICITY!!! I am endlessly proud of you for stewarding your gifts and passions so well and can’t wait to see how you continue to do that as you seek His face above all else!!
Love the post. The reality of life on the mission field is a bit raw. Thanks for the blog.
Mike told me the watering of the wall helps the mortar to bond stronger with the blocks and aids in the curing process…so now you know why.
I love the more unglamorous shots that document the hard work you and your squad has been doing during MOST of the time you’ve been on the field (compared to the fun times that reflect the lesser amount of time). So often when you’re busy working, who has time to take photos? I’m so glad you take time to document the work you’re all doing!