Finding peace, connection, and purpose in every story, while trusting God's guidance along the way.
If you think sitting down with a stranger to ask about their life story is easy, let me tell you—it’s not. My heart races with nervousness every time I prepare to meet a participant. The weight of each story, the importance of capturing it authentically, and the anticipation of what’s to come all fill me with both excitement and nerves.
Before each session, I take a moment to pray. I ask for guidance, direction, and peace—not just for myself, but for the participant and their family, whether they’ve come along or are waiting at home. I pray that the space we share will be filled with comfort and openness. And would you believe it? That peace shows up, every time, and more than I could ever ask for. It’s as though the nervousness fades away, and what’s left is an incredible connection. In those moments, it becomes evident that the Holy Spirit is present in these conversations. I feel a sense of calm and connection that’s beyond me as if each session is divinely guided. Afterward, I take time to give God all the praise for the privilege of meeting these incredible individuals and hearing their stories. It’s as though the nervousness fades away, and what’s left is an incredible connection.
Meeting these first two participants has been an incredible journey. Hearing their stories of pride, rooted in our shared cultural heritage, has deepened my own understanding of our collective resilience. It’s a privilege to learn from them and capture their essence through both their words and my camera lens.
Every interview reinforces the significance of this project, and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the participants. There's so much more to learn, and I’m ready for what’s next!