Haiti - March 20, 2009

Went from Bloomington to Chicago to Miami today, 34 suitcases (at 50 lbs. each) and three guitars in tow.  Made it safely and God was faithful all the way.  Airline agents let us re-shuffle suitcase contents so that we stayed within the 50 lb. limit.  And, the hotel tonight let us leave all the luggage packed on the shuttles so that they're ready for the morning trip back to the airport--instead of having to unload and reload. Nice.

During devotions tonight, we talked about letting go of our worries.  God is in control of everything, so we really shouldn't worry. So, I'm laying down my worries about my family while I'm gone, financial problems, and everything else.  I'll let Him take care of it.

63 Mosquito Bites

Hello, everyone!

I'm home from Haiti safe and sound.  No joke, I counted them last night after a shower... 63 mosquito bites.  And, they itch terribly!  

I am still absorbing and processing all that I saw and did on my trip.  I can't wait to tell you all about it.  I have some fantastic photos to share, too.  

First, I have to get it all onto my computer from my cameras.  I'm working on that today, so stay tuned!

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.  I definitely felt protected and lifted up.

Love, Sarah

Get Packin'

Tonight, we packed 34 suitcases full of gear to take with us to Haiti.  Soccer cleats, shin guards, soccer balls, basketballs, nails, tools, clothes, shoes, food, and much more.  It was a pretty busy hour or two, with about 15 people working together to get each suitcase at exactly 50 pounds.  But, we got 'er done.  One week from today, the 12 people on my team and I will be in Miami, ready to fly out to Port-au-Prince the next morning.  Here are some photos from tonight...

We prayed tonight that all of the suitcases would make it to Haiti ok--that they would sail smoothly through customs and that we wouldn't have to pay extra for them being over the weight limit.  The Haitian people we meet will put all of these things to good use!

The Pizza's Here!

My sister-in-law once shared a story (forgive me if I don't retell it exactly the same, DMA) about how she once called an ordered a pizza for her family.  The pizza place said it would be delivered in about 30 minutes.  She and her kids waited, expectantly, and hungrily.  They waited 30 minutes and no pizza.  They knew the pizza was coming.  40 minutes...They knew they had put in their order accurately.  They watched out of the window... they waited.  Almost an hour...It was agonizing.  Been there?  This wise mama pointed out the similarity between their situation and times that we have to wait on God to deliver.  Trust that the pizza is coming--hold fast. For the family I photographed last weekend, the pizza is finally here.  This is the soon-to-be big brother...  

"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.  Before you were born I set you apart." Jeremiah 1:5 

Every baby is a miracle.  Every baby has a story.  This baby's story is amazing.  Sometimes, when we're waiting on God to answer our prayers, it's hard to understand why He keeps us waiting.  Then, in time He reveals His plan.  He's often executing His plan on a different schedule than ours.  

I was so honored to photograph this expectant family.  Soon, they'll welcome this little person into their lives...  What a blessed little baby, to be received with so much love.

Christmas is About SO Much More than Santa

"Do not be afraid, for I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.  For this day, in the City of David, a Savior has been born to you.  He is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11.

I did a wonderful Christmas session with a family that was working hard to keep Jesus the reason for the season (which can be hard with two little ones who are really excited about presents!).  The photos turned out beautiful, but there was so much that the camera couldn't capture: the warmth of the fire in the fireplace, the twinkle of the lights on the Christmas tree, the giggles from the kids, the sweetness of the frosting in the cookies, and the love and closeness in this family.  

I did a very brief session with this family back in November, too.  We ran out of light too quickly, but got this photo.  I love it.

Wrapping up from 2008

Back in November 2008, I had a session with this young family.  We caught the very last bit of color in the trees on a very gray day!  Aren't they adorable all bundled up?  

We were able to get some snuggly photos inside, too. 

Yes, I know.  I've got a thing about feet.  Look at this family of feet in their striped socks!  So fun.  Big feet, tiny feet, feet, feet, feet! (Quoting Dr. Seuss' Foot Book)

Oh, Boy!

Wow. It's been a while since my last post! I have been busy taking pictures, but I guess with Thanksgiving, I got so busy that I haven't gotten around to a new post. So, at long last, here it is.

This little guy is growing faster than I can snap the pictures. I think he's determined to catch up with his older sibs. Just look at those blue eyes...and he only has eyes for one lady--mommy. Yep, those smiles are all for her...