Recap: Photos for Kenya

It's been a little over a week now since our Photos for Kenya Fundraiser... We had a great time!

We parked ourselves at a local park, set up some refreshments & snacks (huge thanks to those who baked delicious treats!), and waited. I think the gloom deterred people but it was a lovely day. While we waited we had some great conversations with people in the park who wondered what we were doing. January (yup, that's her name - seen below) was one of those people. She said she didn't have much to give but wanted to donate to what we were doing. She mentioned struggling with ongoing pain and Charles got to pray with her. I love that you never know how God is going to work but if you are available, there are great opportunities to show His love.

I am so thankful for Taylor. I got to mentor her in photography for her High School Senior Project and I loved getting to know her. I am stoked to go back to Kenya with her for year two and see what God has in store. Her positive energy is contagious and I love seeing her thrive as she grows her photography business. Love you Taylor!

We cannot say thanks enough to everyone for your support on this trip and this event. Even if you couldn't make it, thanks for cheering us on. Thanks to our friends and supporters who came by to have their pictures taken and help us make this possible in Kenya for thousands of families. Oh, and thanks to the beautiful woman who just finished working out but jumped out of her car to take 1 picture and support us! We had a great time and are stoked to share a little of what were doing in Kenya, here.

Alright, so here's a little recap of the day.

We've been asked if we'll be doing this again.. We definitely plan to host another event and would love for you to join us! Let us know if you have any questions and keep your ears peeled for June!

... and THANKS again.

Phylicia's fundraiser page | Taylor's fundraiser page. 

Welcome to the Process

Many of you know I am in a season of transition. I've worked full time since I was 19 so this middle phase is a little challenging for me (or a lot challenging). I've got time to explore creativity I've pushed aside, connect with people I've longed to engage with, room to say yes where desired, take naps and more. Since I've kinda just kept going with what's been given to me most of my adult life, figuring out what to say yes to and when is tough.

So, all that to say I have been doing a lot of processing and I have a lot of thoughts swirling around in my mind.
Some days are awesome and some are just weird and hard.

But yesterday, after a great cup of coffee at the most lovely shop in Long Beach (Rose Park Roasters), Charles and I had some great conversation. He's so patient and gentle with me while I am a hot mess (not in a good way) and I am so grateful for him. This while all while sitting against this lovely wall that stated, "Welcome to the process". And it kept tugging at me. Welcome. Am I welcoming this process? Am I allowing this funky transition to be funky? Or am I fighting it and forcing something else? I am in process. This is a season of transition with room for exploring and I want to embrace it.

So, maybe you are like, "Hmm, what are you talking about?". Feel free to ignore this process/crazy. If you are in process or are intrigued because you will be at some point.. read on.

Ok, what am I doing to embrace the process?

1. I am still figuring that out.
2. I am having conversation about this. I could keep it all in my head and go crazy but instead I am inviting others in who I trust to hear me, give feedback and be support.
3. I am exploring. What have I ignored in the last few years because of the road I was on? What have I lost sight of that I enjoy? What have I wanted to explore that I haven't? (examples: my desire to be creative, deep connection with people, rest, updating my boring style, blogging)
4. Reading/Learning. I enjoy learning from others, paying attention to my journey, reading books and knowing that I have stuff to work on and that's ok.

I enjoy sharing my journey and while I feel a little but like, "Why am I sharing this random stuff?" I also know that no one likes to struggle alone so if my journey helps, great. 

If you have any thoughts on this topic / being in process / figuring out the middle, please share!

If you have any thoughts on something you'd like to read about life transition or want to chat more, please send me an email.

Photos For Kenya - A Portrait Fundraiser

Hi Friends! Thanks for taking a minute to read about what we're doing.

Taylor and I (and about 95 others) are headed to Kenya this July. Taylor and I will be returning to lead the 2nd annual portrait project in the Slums of the Mathare Valley in Nairobi, Kenya. Here is a little look at the project last year (and you can read more here). We're still stoked on the portraits we were able to provide for 1,500 families - not only portraits but a chance to feel valued and hear about how loved they are by God, too. People walked from long distances and waited in long lines for this opportunity. It was amazing to see how something we so take for granted was such a rich blessing to so many.

So, what is happening on April 25th? For those of you interested, here's the details of how you can support us in this AND get beautiful profesional portraits...

• When: April 25th, 2015 | 9a-2p (first come, first serve)
• Where: Hillcrest Park | 1155 N. Lemon St. Fullerton (parking lot off of Lemon and Valley View)
• Why: All proceeds go to help send Phylicia & Taylor to Kenya (travel, photo supplies, etc) to lead a project to provide portraits throughout the Mathare Valley Slums. And you get affordable/quality/inexpensive portraits.
• Who: Anyone who wants a handful of professional images.
• What you get: For a minimum donation of $25 you get a 5 minute photo session (approx. 10 images). You will be able to download full resolution images for printing, social media, gifts, etc.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us via the contact form.

If you'd like to donate anything (coffee, donuts, etc.) to make the day more fun, please let us know!

We're not only excited to (hopefully) raise a good portion of our trip expenses but to meet fun new friends and share our love for photography with you!

Please share this with anyone you link might be interested.. It's a great time for: seniors, families, couples, babies, best friends, business professionals.. anyone who wants a great photo!

Facebook Event | Instagram | Taylor's fundraising | Phylicia's fundraising |

To see our photography work: phylicianicole | Tayjoyphoto

Do vs. Who: Part 2

There are a lot of communities forming for women to be encouraged, challenged and equipped.

These make me so excited. Women being encouraged to pursue their dreams, take charge of what they want, make things happen, be a part of something significant.. all great things! And I do love all of this. However, I do think there is a downside..

Please don't read that as me thinking any of these are bad.. But I do think that despite all of those great things, there can be discouragement too. I see a push for women to do something big, create something new/successful and maximize themselves to do good. Again, all good things.
But here are some potential downsides I see:

• Women feeling that they need to desire launching something new to be valuable
• Women feeling that unless they launch something new and successful, they don't have anything special to offer or be known for
• Women feeling that the role they find joy and satisfaction in isn't enough if it doesn't fit the above
• Women feeling that being a part of something they are passionate about isn't as significant as being the creator of something.

I had a few conversations along those lines with friends this week.. One dear friend was speaking into some of the above and had to remind herself that her role helping homeless transition well is indeed so significant. Another friend is moving into foster care after both her and her husband felt called to serve as a loving and safe place for a child for whatever period of time. She was feeling unsure about quitting her job to fully invest in her new role as mom. Sometimes people don't communicate the value in the choices we make. I've attended some events with a great community of women and have been so encouraged but there are moments when I explain that I am currently a barista and investing in ministry with my husband that the margin I have created to be present in my life doesn't seem good.

So, here are a few pieces of encouragement I've been leaning into:

• Whether you are in a season of rest or pursuing your dreams big time, if you are where you want to be, that is great
• There is value in being present in your current role, relationships and daily opportunities
• Being a part of an existing organization and furthering the success is much needed and a great way to use your gifting
• Being committed to your workplace and allowing God to use you is significant
• Being a wife or mom and investing in your family is extremely significant. We all know more healthy families would be a great thing
• You don't have to start something, have your own non-profit or business cards to state your value 

So, pursue your dreams, even if they don't involve having an instagram account for your new organization with a ton of followers. Pursue being a healthy, content, joy filled you. Pursue joy that comes from being you, not competing with what looks most valuable. Invest in those around you, care for a hurting friend, notice where you can invest (little or big).

Do vs. Who: Part 1

I've been trying to do a lot of resting, reflecting and processing in this season of my life. I think some of that involves writing stuff down. One avenue for that is blogging. So while you are reading this, it's mostly just my processing. But I figure if I am processing _________, I am sure someone else is as well. Or has. Or will. So do with it what you will.

These almost empty cups are from a coffee date with a new friend. I know it's not pretty, but sometimes you gotta post the real sides, not just the prettiest sides. Anyway, much of our conversation brought moments of relating on this topic.. 

I don't know about you but I've spent a lot of time and energy bettering who I am through what I do. Am I moving up? Am I accomplishing things? What title do I get to tell new people I meet? "Hi, I'm Phylicia, I'm a ___________" (best way to say whatever I am to sound impressive). Because, ya know, what you do is who you are. OR so I have believed. Not that I would say I believe that but I feel it and that thought has fueled much effort.

I am not saying there is anything wrong with success, importance, moving up in a career or pouring yourself into a field. However, it does not define WHO you are. It does define a lot of what you do and probably what you pour your heart into. But it does not define you. It does not define me. I am learning that as I've entered a new (well, old) field. I was a barista 10 years ago as my first real job, and here I am again. Part Time Barista. Don't get me wrong, I chose this and I am grateful for it. And there is nothing wrong with it. But do you know what happens when you quit your full time salary job of 5+ years? People ask, "Oh, what are you moving on to?" or "What are you doing now?". And then when you tell them, "Part Time Barista" you have to quickly explain why that makes sense. Some people get it. Some people don't. Either way, I am where I need to be and very grateful for this season. Of course, there's challenges and discouragement... But I am trying to not let other people's questions, responses or opinions define how I feel about where I am.

I was stressed from a stressful job that was outside of my desire/gifting.
I was burnt out by the schedule our family kept.
I was longing for less office/more people.
I was longing for a time of rest.

I have all of that. All of that is so valuable to me. All of that is a much needed blessing.

I don't know what happens next. Or when. And sometimes I feel like I better get on it. But then I ask myself why? Yea, things tug at me and I get excited about potential opportunities. But I've also longed for a time where regardless of money, I could invest my time as I desire. And I have that! And my husband is so supportive. And we're finding such rich connection and foundation of "us" in this time.

So some days I am going to do nothing (and try to be ok with it).
Some days I am going to clean the whole house, grocery shop, make a yummy dinner and cross things off my to do list.
Some days I am going to do yoga, do something creative and binge watch netflix.
Some days I am going to have coffee/lunch/quality time with a friend or two and plan a date night.
Some days I am going to invest my time in a new opportunity and serve in ministry with my husband.
Or any mix of those things.

Maybe what I "do" in this time isn't much. But maybe what I "do" is say yes to great opportunity and people, explore my passions, use my time for what matters to me. And maybe what I get paid to do isn't the only thing I "do". I think I will let what I "do" become living out who I am/want to "be". And in that process trust what God has for me. I want to explore big things I can do with the gifts and passions He has given me. But I also want to be present in who He has created me to be and allow the little or big things in each day to serve a big purpose.

Family Mini Sessions - November 2014

It's holiday card family photo time. I always say I will be ahead of the game for my own Christmas card, but maybe next year..

I've photographed most of these families for a few years and I've loved seeing them change and grow! Plus, so many cute faces and personalities to capture. For these sessions we roamed all around the Orange Circle.

Thanks for taking a look at these lovely families!