June 18, 2012

• [Adventures 2012]: Back to South America

  So it is high time for a “thankful list”:
  -The Gospels
  -Long bike rides
  -A place called Millbrook
  -Sunshine and sunsets
  -Answers to prayer
  -Photography jobs
  -Cell phones
  -Brothers
  -Old family videos
  -Lemons
  -The Macbook pro
  -Mentors who speak truth into my life
  -Summery skirts
  -Teva flipflops
  -Photography 
  -Summer breezes
  -Long walks
  -Getting mail
  -Hugs
  -Littlest brother jokes
  -Clean water

  Yes, it is so hard to believe summer is already here and well on it’s way. 

  It is truly amazing to me how Jesus works…
  His timing is perfect, always! Life continues to be filled with surprises. 

  “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.” - Jeremiah 17:7

  If someone would have told me in 2011, that in a year, I would have already been to Colombia, South America and back…. preparing to go to England for a whole week to shoot a wedding [yeah. I know.... that makes me an international wedding photographer, wait... what!??! Ahhhh! Totally a Jesus thing.] at the end of June… AND preparing to go back to South America ten days after I get back from England…. I wouldn’t have believed you, in my wildest dreams!!

  But its truth. Not a wildest dream. 
  Yes, I am returning to South America. 
  For THREE whole weeks. No, not Colombia, but to Ecuador!

  They say that the first country you visit on missions is often where you leave your heart… I can say that so far, it is completely true in my case. 

  I love South America. “It’s like America, but South”

  I love the warmth of the people. 
  I love the varying weather. 
  I love that they eat lots of rice. 

  I love how affectionate and loyal families are.

  I love their dark-chocolate-eyed kiddos. 

  Colombia was incredible. Jesus changed me so much on that trip and the change has continued after… 
  When I returned from Colombia, I was praying that Jesus would give me an opportunity to return someday.
  While there may be a time to return to Colombia in the future, God has made it really clear I am to go to Ecuador(close enough, right?) this summer for three weeks, with the same organization, Global Encounters.
  It completely blew me away how many people gave so generously for my trip to Colombia… I had leftover money that has covered almost about half the cost for my expenses to Ecuador. 
  There is $1010 needed to cover my flights and some other expenses. If you feel led to give you may do so go by going here. 

  
  These are dreams that have long been in my heart… missions and photography. This will be twice in less than six months I have the privilege of going to serve, teach and love on dark-chocolate-eyed-kiddos. While Ecuador isn’t teaching photography to kiddos like I was privileged to do in Colombia, I am still delighted to bring my camera and be the team photographer, capturing as much as I can of what we get to do, and the precious people and kiddos we will have the pleasure of meeting and serving. Another great thing about Ecuador, is that six of us on the team also went to Colombia, so it will be so amazing to get to know my dear friends even more over the three weeks together in Ecuador!

  Our Jesus is so amazing. What an incredible honor it is to love and serve Him… to be loved and chosen by Him. 
  

  
  

  “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.” Psalm 90:2,4 ESV

  In eight days, I will be leaving for England. Yeah.I.am.still.in.disbelief.
  In 25 days, I will be leaving for Ecuador. Yeah.I.feel.a.little.crazy.
  It’s going to be quite the adventure… already I have struggled with feeling overwhelmed, inadequate and just plain tired. But I know that my Redeemer, my King Jesus is the Author of details and that I have no need to worry or to fear. Each day, He will give the grace and joy and energy needed…. all that is required is a heart of faith, trust and willingness. 

  Isn’t that so true with everything in life?

  More to come soon!
  KM

  
  P.S. – In case you missed them, the stories and images (and look for links for video footage too) from Colombia::
  Colombia Part 1: [Adventures 2012]: Chia, Colombia
  Colombia Part 2: [Adventures 2012]: Bogota, Colombia   
  Colombia Part 3: [Adventures 2012]: La Mesa, Colombia

  Colombia Part 4: [Adventures 2012]: Colombia Road Side Adventures… and home!

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