On Saturday, July 26th, my husband, Ryan and I will be traveling to Haiti with a few others from Remedy Church to train Haitian teachers in life-saving skills. We are a part of a beautiful partnership with Help One Now and the people of Haiti.

As I think about this pilgrimage, I am beyond excited, just slightly past scared, and smack dab in the middle of expectant. I know my heart and life will be transformed by the beautiful people of Haiti. I absolutely cannot escape the longing that has been placed in my heart to see for myself this people who have triumphed over much affliction. I am incapable of looking past the fact that the Haitian people I am about to meet, survived a tragic earthquake that took place on my 29th birthday (01/12/10). I am meant to enter this story. I have no doubt.

However, life and death are heavy on my mind as I prepare to leave my two adventurous and brave sons, Ryland (8) and Rance (5), behind. As my husband so poignantly stated recently “We are adults, baby! We’re 33. Realistically half of our lives are over.” He’s right. Life is but a flower that quickly fades. This fact must be embraced, but not feared. It should cause us to think and act as those who value each moment. Those who ensure we are living a great story. A story filled with redemption, hope, rest in the tension, and a love greater than all our sins.

We must tell our story well. In word, and in art. It is crucial that we exist in images for the people we love.  No matter what you look, act, or smell like… now is the time to extract an artful remembrance of your story.

As a storytelling portrait artist, I am blessed with the opportunity to capture intimate moments in the lives of my clients. In the past year six people that I have portrayed died. They are husbands, wives mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, and cherished friends. All of whom had brilliant stories to tell. All of whom exist in images that those who love them have cried over, embraced, and gazed at. These images become vibrant reminders that provoke memories and stories… the laughter frozen, the infectious smile illuminated, the eyes glimmering, the tears, the triumph, the joy, and the passion… moments passed. In seasons of grief… life captured is an heirloom treasure. I know… I too have lost.

Recently, I realized that I am pretty poor at practicing this in my own life. It is all too easy to hide behind the camera. So, I began doing two things… Teaching my sons, Ryland & Rance, to shoot using my pro-gear (I’ve got great insurance), and practicing the art of self-portraiture when I have a client who is running late to a session. The boys have been excelling at this for awhile. I now exist in several precious images with my boys… and now finally I have snagged a few self-portraits that I believe capture me… the mother of Ryland and Rance, the lover of Ryan Von, and  follower of Jesus the King. When I die, I hope that those whom I love desperately and deeply will be able to look at image such as these and remember it is so.

With all that I am… I love you Ryan Von, Ryland Von, And Rance D. I am humbled to be surrounded by such brave , adventurous, passionate men. I thank God every time I remember you!

Follow the {Story} of my trip to Haiti here on the blog…