Adam's Proposal to Maggie

This was my very first proposal shoot, and I couldn't have chosen a sweeter couple! When Adam called and asked me to photograph one of the most important moments of his and Maggie's relationship, I was absolutely flattered. The proposal took place at the Graylyn House in Winston-Salem. Such a beautiful location and an absolutely gorgeous day. Both Adam and Maggie's families were watching from inside of the house as Adam popped the question. Please enjoy these images from this sweet sweet moment on Sunday. 

The Boys

When I told people I was moving to Nicaragua for a month many of them asked me "Why?". Well I addressed the "Why?" in the post before I came here. The next question I got the most was, "What will you be doing there?" This was always something I just had a vague answer to. "Teaching english, taking pictures, mentoring, helping the ministry in any way I can." The truth was, I didn't know what I would be doing here. The only thing I knew was that I needed to be here. That Jesus wanted me here. This was scary, with this question being asked so often. In my mind it morphed from, "What will you be doing there?" into "What can YOU do there?" This has been one of Satan's main tools of discouragement as I've been here. I have done all of the things I mentioned above. But sometime last week it finally dawned on me. I'm here to love them. That's why I came. If I make no more impact other than to show these 5 boys how much they've touched my heart and how much I loved and needed them in my life, then I've done what Jesus sent me to do. He promised me many brothers after Noah died. And I've just gained five. Five brothers who have laughed with me, pulled my shoulder back as I was about to walk into oncoming traffic, Picked and opened fresh coconuts for me to eat, swam in the pool with me, just plain sat with me, walked with me, gotten me candy, prayed over me, but most of all, loved me.

This past week was the first week that all five of the boys were out for their "School Break". It's in the winter time down here. I've started to do devotions with them every afternoon. I wasn't sure how much of what I was saying was being absorbed. They are teenage boys after all with a short attention span. Especially if the subject doesn't cover music, soccer, or girls. I've taught them everything from, declaring good things over their lives, to prophesying over one another, to laying hands on people when they pray. And I have to say, they have absolutely floored me in learning these things. I told them to declare things as simple as: "I'm going to have a good day today." Noel's declaration was: "I will have correct thinking in my life." Now if that isn't maturity, I don't know what is. They absolutely have an understanding of what I taught them and I hope they are able to use these tools in their lives. 

So I'm leaving here with much more than just an understanding of what it's like to live in a third world country for a month. I'm leaving here having formed 5 new relationships. With boys that I truly love like they are my brothers. 

Life in Nica

Life in Nica has been mostly good. The only not good part has been that I've been a little under the weather since Sandra and I got back from Costa Rica last week. But I'm taking some antibiotics so I'm on the mend and looking forward to spending Christmas in another country. Following their traditions and just experiencing something different. The Lord has shown me so much while I've been here. It's been a very different experience than living in America. Not everything is at your fingertips and some things you just have to do without. Period. 

I was feeling a bit discouraged the other day. Believing the things that Satan was whispering in my ear. Like my trip here has been pointless, I've made no difference at all, etc. So we took a walk to a local park. They had a small "zoo" there, complete with raccoons, deer, a warthog, sheep, something that looked like a giant hamster, and monkeys! The animals were so docile, you could hold their hands/paws and pet them. I gave one monkey a good rub down on his neck and back. He was loving it. Anyway, it may sound weird, but this totally lifted my spirits. The Lord knows how much I love animals. It touched my heart to get to see them so up close and personal and even pet and hold them. "I could never do this in the US." Is what I kept thinking. 

So even though I'm a bit homesick and missing the people I love, and the cooler weather, I'm excited for Christmas Eve here. We have a plan, another family is coming to spend the day with us. We're going to swim, barbecue, sing Christmas Carols to an acoustic guitar, and set off fireworks. Then on Thursday I'm headed home. Not sure what to expect with the "culture shock" of coming back into the US. I've heard it can be jarring.

I already know it's going to break my heart to leave the boys. I love them all so much. They are each different, but all so sweet, loving, and accepting. It just shows what an impact Sandra and Preston and The Lord have already made, because before them these boys were never loved, accepted, or treated with kindness. What I'll miss the most about them is the solidarity I feel towards them. Most people in the US have not experienced the loss of a young immediate family member (like myself). These boys have lost family members young and old. Their family was never truly put together. It makes me so thankful for what I do have. So it will be hard to leave, but I know I'll be back. I know I'll see them again.

A Short Walk in my Nicaraguan Neighborhood

Just some more images I wanted to share. They were all taken on a walk a couple weeks ago in my neighborhood here. Except the first one of Noel just lounging a bit in the morning. :)

La Purisima

So, a couple of nights ago was La Purisima. A catholic holiday celebrated here in Leon, and all throughout Nicaragua. The people of Nicaragua pretty much celebrate the entire month of December. Now, I think the United States should take this idea into consideration. They set off fireworks every night here this time of year. Anyways, back to La Purisima. What an experience, let me tell you! It was crazy and I was not prepared for all the excitement. We had a blast. The people decorated altars to honor Mary. They were beautiful. Sandra explained to me that people also make dummies to fill with all the sins of their past. Then at midnight they set them on fire. Of course, I believe that Mary was a great woman of God, and nothing more. Jesus is the reason we should be celebrating this time of year, or everyday for that matter. We decided to go and enjoy the festivities anyway. The whole night reminded me a bit of the version of Romeo and Juliet with Leonardo Dicaprio and Claire Danes. Probably because of the fireworks and the fact that it's set in Brazil. There is also a very Catholic theme to that movie. Anyway, It was a fun night that I will never forget. 

The boys trying to capture the fireworks on their cellphones.

I think the pictures above and below need a little bit of explanation. This display of dangerousness was called: "The Bull". Two men paraded around pretending to be bulls while fireworks shot off of the boxes they had on their heads and bottle rockets went flying into the crowd. I'll say one thing about Nicaraguans, they aren't worried about lawsuits. It was shocking and one of the coolest ways to shoot fireworks off that I've ever seen.

I had to hand it to this photographer, he wasn't worried about getting hit. He was gonna 'Get that shot!' Anyway, another fun night in Nicaragua. :)

Pieces of Nicaragua

Yesterday was an awesome day. Preston allowed me to tag along with him, Noel, and Israel to go check out a friend's house building project, and possibly offer a hand. We had to take the bus into town to get to his neighborhood. I really enjoy it when we get to go into the city of Leon. 

I wasn't going to include this picture, but after seeing the lady in the back I totally had to. I think she likes me.

Once you leave the main streets of the city we had to walk a bit to get to where he was building. 

The neighborhood they are building in.

Peeped in on their neighbors yard and found a little friend. :)

Noel standing in what will be their house.

Israel picking a flower. He's so so sweet.

Beautiful little girls that live in their neighborhood.

This house is in our neighborhood. Coolest fence and tree ever!!

This horse also lives in our neighborhood. No fence. He just hang outs.

Okay well just wanted to share some of the shots I took yesterday. Hope you enjoy these little pieces of my trip here in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua Week One

My first week in Nicaragua has been wonderful. I thought the adjustment would be difficult. But it's been like a beautiful vacation where I get to hang out with people I love and talk about God with them. I cannot complain at all. Sandra and Preston have taken such wonderful care of me. Below is some of the fruit I've been talking about. Those are mangos.

This is Douglas. He hates having his picture taken, so I had to be sneaky to catch this shot of him!! Yesterday I sat with him on the bus coming home from church and he told me about how he hopes to go to college where his adopted mother lives in West Virginia in the United States.

Engel and Noel. Two of the original boys who stole my heart in March. :)

Freddy loves being in front of the camera, even though he would never admit that. He's always posing for me!

Noel and I comparing skin colors. The boys call me Chela. Apparently this is an affectionate way to say 'white girl'. Noel and I have gotten the closest of all the boys. We have a special connection. We just seem to understand each other. As I told a friend recently, he is the most precious thing that lives on this earth. He truly is my brother.

Sandra and Preston grabbed some shots of us before we headed to church yesterday morning. Church was wonderful and we got to walk through the market a bit afterwards and even though it was hot it was fun.