Have Camera, Will Travel
I have been a hobby photographer since I used my lunch money to buy a cheap camera on a school field trip in third grade. So in Spring 2025 when I went to the Dominican Republic with a group from church, I was sure to bring my camera along. After we returned, I shared some of the photos while describing the work of La Mesa Ministry and what we had done while we were there.
A few weeks later, someone from the congregation suggested it would be great if I could visit all of our missionaries and report back on what they do. As it turns out, Jeff and Lisa Boehm, who have spent the last 25 years in Thailand, were in church that week, so we asked them what they thought of the idea. Eighteen months later, I’m getting ready for a 4-week trip to visit Jeff and Lisa and also several other missionaries in Thailand and Cambodia.
Photos help tell stories
One of my favorite photos from the trip to the Dominican Republic came while we were attending a community meeting in Curcero. One of our team members was sitting on the steps outside the community center when it began to rain. A young girl from the community saw him there, fetched an umbrella, and sat next to him. What makes the photo interesting is that it helps tell a story about our time in Crucero.
I’ve invited those I’ll be visiting to think about what stories they would like photos to help tell, but I also expect there will be unplanned moments like these that also tell stories.
Here are a few other photos from my time in the Dominican Republic.
Plans for Thailand and Cambodia
The schedule is still coming together, but here are some of the people and places I expect to be visiting.
In and near Bangkok:
Rak Teh: A ministry near the Grand Palace that outreaches to the homeless and women working the streets community.
Abundant Life Center: an orphanage for kids impacted by HIV/AIDS and from the Social Welfare department. They also have a sports ministry and are currently running a DTS (Discipleship Training School).
A kids ministry
Ruth Center: ministry to the elderly
Child Sponsorship: educational support for low income kids
In Cambodia:
- Mustard Seed Elementarty School, hosted by Jennifer (Hwayeon) and Juhwan Yu.
- Flame, hosted by Navy Chann and Ly Chhay and their daughter.
I also have a few other things planned:
- Three nights on Ko Samet, an island in the Gulf of Thailand (with Jeff and Lisa). Have kayak, will travel.
- Angkor Wat International Half Marathon.
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