Making a difference.

I'm feeling so heavy after watching slum dog millionaire. I really don't know what to think. I couldn't sleep well last night just trying to process it all. The movie was well-made. There was a happy ending between the two main characters. Too bad the rest of the people were not as fortunate. That is just the reality of it.



I know that six months is not nearly long enough to see the world in all the beauty it contains, as well as all the poverty and suffering. It's not long enough to experience what others experience. But for me, it was long enough to realize that I can't go back and live the same way I did in this bubble of security while the rest of the world might be wasting away. There are bigger issues than the ones I carry in my day-to-day life.

I have big dreams. Dreams that go beyond a photography career. Who knows where God will carry me? Finally I am completely open for Him to move and direct my life wherever. I met some people throughout the past six months who have powerfully impacted my life. Being among them and seeing them give, not just money or material things, but give of themselves like none of it was their own. It really challenged me in the way I live and made me want to re-evaluate everything in my own life. I don't want to live for myself anymore. There has to be more to life than a nice house, a nice car... and, of course, nice shoes and bags! lol

I know that even in America we are facing an economic crisis. People are losing jobs. It's just not a pretty place to enter into. Still, I'm so grateful for the abundance we do have even through an economic crisis. Maybe this is just an opportunity for us to learn and relate and see the need that is outside of our own selves. And in our need, instead of drawing into ourselves, maybe we can begin to extend our hand out to others in need.

I know I can't be a part of everything because there is a need everywhere. I can't save everyone's life... I suppose. But I don't want to let that stop me from doing anything about it. It might all sound pretty crazy, but I want to live radically. I want to live counter-culturally. How God will use my photography to make a difference in the world? I don't know. Can one life like mine even make a difference? I sure hope so.

First things first! I started a house-cleaning project to sell, donate, or throw out all the things I don't need. This junk has got to go!! lol How ever did I accumulate so much of it? I am looking forward to a clean, non-cluttered room! Before and after pics to come. :)

Dina and Sameh Wedding - Cairo, Egypt

Thought it was about time for a wedding update! :) I got so carried away with my travels the past six months. I got to experience so much and got to capture a lot of my experiences. I just had so much I wanted to share. Still do.

But now that I'm back, a part of me knows I need to get back to business. hehe Weddings and engagement shoots will be back into the mix! :)

Here are some teasers from Dina and Sameh's wedding. I had the great pleasure of shooting their wedding when I was in Cairo. How I stumbled upon this opportunity, only God knows.

THE Village

This would be one of my most unforgettable experiences. lol I would say we all were very stretched. We were able to do a children's program with over a hundred kids. It was insane. As soon as we arrived, they saw my camera, and all the kids ran up to me and brought their babies and would start kissing them just to get their photo taken. hehe It was a great time.





Really afraid to use the bathroom. hahaha :)





This was one of the biggest donkeys I've seen.

Garbage City - Cairo, Egypt

There are slums of Cairo and then a notch lower is Garbage City. Staying in this area meant you were eating and breathing garbage. They say living a day in Cairo is the equivalent of smoking 20 cigarettes a day, but this area was definitely more than 20 when they were burning the garbage right next to you. :(









However, if you can see beyond the garbage and discomfort of being around it, there lies so many beautiful people and treasures. I thank God that He doesn't see people on the same level that we do. I thank God that we were able to experience His heart for the people there... something that might not have come right at the beginning. God sees treasures, and we are the treasure hunters. :)





This is me at the orphanage in the area where I met the most precious baby! I really wish I could have taken her with me. :( I miss her!

The Dead Sea, Israel

So chronologically, it's backwards, but I had to share it first because it was so much fun swimming in the Dead Sea! :) The part that we went to was Kalia Beach.



So much salt everywhere.



Obviously, we would not waste the trip by not doing mud masks.




The strangest feeling floating, because it was hard not to float. Not really sure why salt keeps people afloat. Maybe my Chemistry buddies can refresh my memory?



This is me when I hit jackpot with the mud. hahaha I was excited.



This is the number of bottles we took home. I was afraid it wouldn't go through customs, but they did. We've been doing mud masks ever since! lol

Back from Israel!

I have so many stories to tell from the past few months of being in five different countries: Israel, Egypt, Italy, Czech Republic, Germany. It was such a beautiful mix of people, language, cultures. Now that I have internet on a consistent basis, where do I even start? I'll be home in a couple weeks to start off wedding season! I can't believe I'll be back so soon. These six months really flew by. I may have to work my way backwards from my last day swimming in the Dead Sea, which will be my next post. :)

Top ten things I'm excited for back in Germany:

1) Taking a long, hot shower.
2) Updating my blog.
3) Catching up on emails for the past two months.
4) Doing my laundry.
5) Using clean, German toilets.
6) Eating German chocolate.
7) Editing pictures! So much backed up stuff! (slowly)
8) Learning a few more songs on guitar.
9) Reading my two books that came in too late to take with me.
10) Going to Doner for dinner!

Things I'm excited for back home in the ATL (Still can't believe I'll be back in a couple weeks!):
1) Hanging out with family.
2) Planning a weekend away with friends.
3) Inviting people for dinner. I learned a few things about cooking while traveling. :P
4) Sleeping in my own bed.
5) Catching up on the Office.
6) Eating at all my favorite places.
7) Having southern sweet tea.
8) Walking my dog.
9) Reorganizing my room and cleaning out my closet.
10) Going dancing!