Hey you guys!

In a few days we're coming up on the 5 month anniversary of departure. The world is a beautiful place, and I've been trying to do my part and show you everything I've been seeing. I had a few days in Mongolia to just sit around and I filled my website with some of my favorite photos so far. You should have a look!

sonyalouise.com

Thank you all for being a part of this. I'm sending out big love to you.

Sonya

I love you all!! Big time!! Thank you!!

It's the last day, and there's still a long way to go!!!! I have five 20x24 prints framed and matted (to about 22.5x26.5) from the show that I am offering as rewards for the next 5 people who pledge $150 (shipping only in the US).

Thank you friends and thank you new backers! Spreading the word is working, this little project just might meet its goal!

Please don't forget about the photo exhibition on March 5th. There will be framed 20 x 24 prints for sale. The proceeds will go towards the Kickstarter goal. I'm hoping that, coupled with everything you all have been doing to help, it will give the final push at the end. I would love to see every one of you make it so I can give you all a hug! For now it is a humble thank you, but when I am in a position to do so, I'm going to find a way to repay this debt of gratitude.

http://www.fifthfloorgallery.com/a-search-for-heartbreaking-beauty

11 days to go and then no more emails from me and Kickstarter clogging up your inbox :) They have a system set up where when the deadline has passed I can collect your address info and then I'll be able to send you all your postcards and presents once I've hit the road.

I hope to see everyone who will be in Los Angeles on March 5th at the show.

Lots of love and a million thank yous!

I received an email this morning inquiring about the validity of the project and its goals. I think the questions Katie asked are questions a lot of people have been silently asking as well. The scope of this project is so broad it has been difficult for me to define it. Katie's inquiry presented me with a wonderful opportunity to develop my thesis further, so I am sharing it here:

Dear Sonya,

I’m just wondering.

What exactly is the difference between me giving you some money to pay for your world tour with a camera, or me giving hundreds of my dear friends or family money to do the same thing? I would choose my family or friends over an unknown person in this case.

This whole project smacks of you trying to get money for doing nothing more than having a “personal” experience of a lifetime.

I’m really happy to fund projects which help communities or people/animals/environments in need, etc, but this request seems like a darn cheek.

Please help me understand what you are giving to the world, except pictures, which honestly I receive so many of, from so many places around the world, and I’m not paying for any of them.

Looking forward to your thoughts.

With love,

Katie

Hi Katie,

I think the difference is that your friends and family have not taken this on in their life. I could be wrong, because I don’t know them but, do you know anyone in your personal circle who has just quit their job, sold everything that they own, aside from socks, underwear, and a few pairs of jeans, and is getting ready to fly their cats to a foster home and say goodbye to every person they know and love because they believe living life unconventionally and sharing experience is something that we all should be doing more of? If you do, then of course you should be supporting them over me, it only makes sense.

Maybe it is hard for you to see it now, because the project has not truly started yet, it still requires a little imagination on your part, but it is in every way a project that helps communities or people/animals/environments in need. I am going to be walking into these communities, meeting these people, photographing the animals, the environments and telling the stories. I’ll be taking the time every day to show everyone who cares to come along with me. This contribution may seem humble when set next to large organizations raising money for causes, but I am only one person, and I think over time my humble contribution (the experience and perspective of a person going out into the world without a journalist’s agenda of seeking sensationalism, but merely searching for beauty and hoping to understand the different ways in which people live their lives without categorizing them as the “other”) can grow into something extremely noteworthy and important, not only to me, but to the communities or people/animals/environments that have been a part of this journey.

Take a look at the link I’ve attached. http://www.petapixel.com/2010/10/20/photographer-jr-wins-prestigious-ted-prize-for-giant-faces-in-slums/ This young man started out as a street artist from Paris. Slowly what he was doing and his message spread worldwide. The simple act of photographing members of communities, often in ghettos and disenfranchised areas that tourist would not think to visit, and pasting their portraits throughout their own neighborhoods, brought hope and inspiration to their lives on a personal level, and visibility to what is going on in their communities. I believe it is the responsibility of those of us who have the privilege of mobility to move throughout our spaces and take time to know and understand people and places that may be hidden away. We are undeniably interconnected through energy and our collective existence on this planet. I think a revolution of awareness around this energy connection is about to begin. This project is my participation in that.

The money that I am trying to raise is about one fifth of what this project will cost. No one one is paying me to do this. I am taking huge risks with my personal life, of my own volition, because I believe that this story and the stories that will inevitably come are important and need to be told. If you do not see value in that then of course there is no need for you to support it, and I wouldn’t ask it of you. You say that this whole project smacks of me trying to get money for doing nothing more than having a “personal” experience of a lifetime, and I suppose it’s true, but I believe revolution comes from within, we slowly spread our love, evolution, and compassion to the lives that we touch along the way, and they in turn do the same. It’s a slow and simple process, but it is worthy.

Thank you for your interest and inquiry in the project. I hope you are happy and healthy, and I encourage you to invest in those causes that you believe need your energy and attention.

Sincerely,

Sonya