By Kaysie Logan | Mending Faces Photographer, El Salvador 2021

Participating in the Mending Faces 2021 El Salvador mission has brought joy to the faces of everyone involved. It is a story of stories, transforming the lives of those with less, living a life that would otherwise be tainted by facial or other body deformities that ostracize them from their peers and make living a normal life difficult or impossible. The volunteers of Mending Faces dedicate their time to helping these individuals live a life they deserve. Although surgery brings pain, joy and liberation await at the end.

For me, working with the patients has allowed me to be apart of something great, and be a piece of the story that changes these lives forever. As the photographer, my goal is to tell the story of stories, to give perspective into the mission that transforms the lives of so many. Capturing love and heartache, pain and happiness, joy and satisfaction, through the lens of my camera - that is my mission. From the mother letting go of her child to wait in the unknown, to their reunion together and beginning of their new life, I am there to capture those moments. These moments have brought me to tears and will remain with me as I go through life, forever grateful for the opportunities and life that I am given.

The most touching part has been interacting with the patients post-operation, bringing smiles to new faces and sharing in their joy. Through the pain and hardship, these children and patients still smile and show their immense gratitude to all of us involved in the mission.

Personally, I am rewarded in returning to my love of photography, Spanish, and art, through purpose and service. Through this mission I can reconnect with these abilities and use my talents to help others less fortunate than I, making these pastimes all the more meaningful. Through photography, I tell the stories of the mission. Through translation, I bridge the gap between cultures. Through art, I bring color and joy.

I look forward to revisiting my passions through service in El Salvador in October 2022.