Missions 2016: Euroventure

     Many of you who follow my blog know that my foreign ministry outreach began two years ago with a trip to Ecuador. Last year I returned to Ecuador and also went to Guatemala. And while I felt that I should continue to minister in South & Central American countries, this was not God's plan for me. I started praying about returning to South America last fall, but even though the team was filling up, I did not feel God leading in that direction. So, I waited.
     Fast forward several months into the opening weeks of 2016 and I found myself with an offer to serve in Romania teaching life lessons along with photography - two of my favorite things to do! Again, no clear guidance in that direction either, but I continued pursuing some aspects of that trip until my answer came. Not South America. Not Romania.

Switzerland!

I was reminded of this passage:
     "Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.  When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.  So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.  During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”  After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them."

Now, to be clear, I received no night vision. But I did receive an email. And when that email came asking me to lead/mentor an OBU team to Switzerland, I knew this was His will. That "knowing in your knower" kind of feeling that only comes from the Spirit. And I'm excited - I can't wait to watch Him work!

     While dates and details of the trip are still being finalized, I do have somewhat of an idea what I'll be doing while I'm there. Here's a short synopsis of my trip:

"Travel to Grindelwald, Switzerland to provide leadership, encouragement, and discipleship at a youth camp called Euroventure. The camp is designed for students in 6th-12th grade and serves expat families from all over Europe, as well as English speaking churches from Europe and the Middle East. This camp has over 18 countries and 14 nationalities represented. Team members will serve as small group leaders, spiritual mentors, recreation coordinators, and possibly worship leaders. This is a unique opportunity to see the nations come together to know Christ more fully."

     I deeply covet your prayers for myself and my team as we prepare for this amazing opportunity in Switzerland. When I accepted, I had no idea who was on my team. I have since learned that one girl who works in my office at OBU is on the team, as well as a long-time friend of my brothers. It's been a joy to begin the process of bonding as a team before we leave and I look forward to all He will accomplish through us on the Mission Field.

Inspiration: What drives good photography

“You don't make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.”



― Ansel Adams



Me at age 3

Inspiration fuels creativity. We gain inspiration in so many ways. From different places, people and things. I remember as a young girl this being my favorite portrait. My mom always had portraits made each year (sometimes more than once a year) so there were plenty to pick from, but something about this one grabbed my imagination. I don't remember the day it was taken, but I remember being quite young and looking at it in my mom's "Brag Book".  Now, I can tell you that I love the composition, the lighting, the placement, the expression, the use of the mirror (which I now often incorporate into my own images). Back then, I couldn't tell you why I liked it - I just knew that I did. Inspiration.

New Beginnings.....

Wow. January is gone and February is already on it's way out. Christmas seems like only yesterday. And honestly, we're already electing a President again?!  Life is busy and full to the brim. Which I'm sure many of you could've guessed, seeing that (until the past two weeks) my blog has been woefully neglected of late. Like, for the past 7 months.  Sooooooo, I thought I might take a few minutes to bring you up to date.

Last July I went to Ecuador:

Cheering on Equipo Morado (Team Purple) during the Camp Week Soccer Tournament

In August I went to Guatemala:

We all died in this skit. Well, sort of. (PC: Brittni Moten)

After arriving back in the States and a quick week-long visit home, I moved to Shawnee, Ok:

My new room - I'm almost finished with the remodel/decorating. Theme: Travel 

In September I landed a job nannying for two of the most adorable little girls:

A favorite pastime - playing under the barstools. (one of my first days on the job.)

from a Photo Shoot with "my girls". More coming soon.....

In October I spent a week (with 3 of my siblings) in Ohio and was Staff Photographer for the Passion4Christ Summit:

In November I started a second job - this time as Secretary to the Dean, College of Fine Arts at Oklahoma Baptist University. 

First Day!

My desk: complete with keys
to the building, ID and name plate

     In December we celebrated all things Christmas.

My favorite handle

In January I worked. And worked some more. Did I mention work? I painted the living room. Oh, and went to some swim meets.

My building - Raley Chapel - on the first day of classes for the Spring Semester. My job this day? Make sure every class has a room to meet in and every room has a class schedule. (does that even make sense?)

Watching Jon compete at OBU against St. Gregory's University

Watching Jon & the OBU Bison compete in Edmond - as well as my other brothers - in a USA Swim meet.



February has been crazy too - Valentine's Day flew by pretty much unnoticed and the work-load at OBU got crazier as the semester progressed. I was excited to photograph the Concerto-Aria for the College of Fine Arts which you can view here

 

In the next few weeks, I hope to be able to catch up a little by posting some shoots I've done over the past couple of months, so stop by again soon. And leave some comments.... I always enjoy hearing from you!

Event Photography: Concerto-Aria at Oklahoma Baptist University

On Sunday evening I captured images for the Fine Arts Department at the 42nd Annual Concerto-Aria Concert at Oklahoma Baptist University. It was an evening of excellent performances in both vocal and instrumental disciplines. Here are a few of my favorites from the evening.....

Evan K., Tenor

Audrey J. on the Vibraphone

Cassidy O., Soprano

Mason M., Tenor

Dakota U., Tenor

Dr. C played Rachmaninoff

Michael W.'s original composition was played by the Orchestra

Victoria T. on the violin

The Performers

After the concert, Dr. V demonstrates how to play the Theremin

The kids really enjoyed this instrument!

Beauty in so many places........

     Life has been so busy of late.... and my blog (not to mention my photography) have fallen somewhat silent as a result. This past weekend Laura and I were able to head to South Texas and enjoy the beauty of nature and fellowship with friends. We drove to Dallas, picked up 3 friends there and then headed South. Our first stop: Hamilton's Pool near Dripping Springs.


Hamilton's Pool: One of the Top 25 places foreigners like to visit in the USA 

It was pretty amazing  - you can even swim there when the weather's warm!

short hike to-and-from the pool

     Our house was amazing. We found time here for conversation, big breakfasts, bible study and fellowship.

We stayed in Seguin - in this awesome Tree House!

     On Friday we ventured over to San Antonio where we took in The Alamo (cross one off the bucket list), San Jose Mission and the Riverwalk.

And no, we weren't trying to match. :)

San Jose Mission - my favorite..... and that's saying something since I've ALWAYS wanted to go to the Alamo.

Fun to catch up with Meagan - she flew in from Minnesota to be with us!

Love this one of Haylee and Laura

Downtown San Antonio

 

The Riverwalk

We were busy snapping pictures, chatting - and bringing up the end of the line!

Ecuador Team Mini-Reunion #1 - Micah joined us for dinner.

On Saturday we packed up and went to Austin for a bit - Micah gave us a tour of the Capitol and we met up with Morgan and Emily for lunch before bidding farewell and heading back to the Dallas area for the night.


Ecuador Team Mini-Reunion #2 - Morgan!

 Sunday we went to church with friends and after lunch had to say our final goodbyes. It was a great weekend.

Ecuador Team Mini-Reunion #3 - Laura!

Final goodbyes and selfies



It was so nice to have a little time away. A time to reflect. A time to enjoy God's creation. A time to embrace history. A time to fellowship. A time to take pictures. Until next time.....