I recently went through and culled a collection of images from the trip that I like plain and simple. There is no overarching reason for why I like them. Each has some specific feeling it evokes and often it moves beyond words. Each are important moments from the 2 weeks of travel and each view was compelling enough to capture and keep. Some are from safe homes, some from “at risk” communities, some from the redlight district, and some from the spaces in between. For now I will let the images speak for themselves, but if anyone desires further context for any image please let me know and I will do my best to oblige.
I also wanted to be sure to give everyone an update on iEmpathize and the progress that has been made since our trip. At the beginning of this year they were invited to participate in the national Campus Crusade conference which took place in Denver. In the short notice given they were able to put together an interactive exhibit of sorts which included artifacts, video footage, sound recordings and images from the trip. The response was incredible to say the least. They have received invites from groups at close to 20 colleges and univerities to do similar events. They made strong connections with representatives from the International Justice Mission (IJM). Most importantly the touched the hearts of many of the students and staff in attendance and inspired a new group of abolitionists. I can hardl weight until iEmpathize has its official launch in the Spring.
As for my relationship with iEmpathize and the issue of sexual slavery, the trip and my collaboration with Brad, Tim, and Jesse was so successful that we are already discussing plans for the next trip which we are hoping will include India. Brad has related many positive reactions people have had to the images which has been so encouraging. Still, I know I can do better and want to go further, dig deeper, and tell more stories of those living beneath the yoke of slavery on a daily basis. Thank you so much for your investment in me and this dream. This experience has truly opened me up to a part of myself that has been hidden for much too long.
One thing I feel I should say, there are some images (in my opinion some of the best images) that I cannot in good conscience post on the internet. In this situation it is important to protect the identities of at risk children and those trapped in the sex trade. These images can be displayed in controlled environments like the iEmpathize exhibits, but the internet is much too public a forum. I hope there will come a day when you will be able to see some of them. Until them I will continue to post those images suitable for online publication.
