Weekend Away {at Hume}

Weeks have been busy. Weekends have been busy. And it's good. However, sometimes you just need a break. A little get a way. Especially when you are surrounded by 100 degree temps and lets face it, you are just not cut out for that. At least, I'm not. Friday the staff at Eastside were blessed with a day off. When this appeared on the calendar along side the first open weekend in a while, a trip was a must. So why not Hume? Visit friends, enjoy the mountains, feel cool weather.. Yes, please. Here's a few photos from the phone. The skies were beautiful. The air had that great mountain smell as it turns to Fall. It is different than the local mountains and it's so good. Saturday was the FIRST day of Fall. A hike, pretty warm leaves, crisp air and a cool night with scarf wearing were a perfect way to ring it in. I am grateful for days with very little awareness of what time it was, time to hike/think/converse, friends, views and prayers about life. It just feels good to breathe in, process and give it all up to the one who already has it. Amen? Amen.

Debbie and her R.A.s at Biola.

Meet Debbie:  She's beautiful, has a great heart and has poured herself into her position as Resident Director at Biola. We've been friends for a few years now. It started the night I met her and politely accepted a really burnt cookie that I then threw away when I left. Sorry Debbie, I just hate burnt cookies (and bread). But I love Debbie. She is present, kind, hilarious and very fun.  The RAs under her are some lucky ladies. Speaking of, aren't they fun (and pretty)?:     

Rach & Nick - 08.04.12

I am really grateful to have a great friend like Rachel. Rachel and I met while working with xxxchurch and if it wasn't for sharing in life with her, that period of time would have been much, much harder. She brought friendship, support, adventure and partnership in ministry in so many ways. It's been an honor to share in different parts of life in the last 4 years, to see her passions grow and to meet the man that is now called husband! Nick has a great heart, is so fun and loves her a ton. I am so happy for both of them and grateful that I got to spend the better part of a week celebrating the beginning of their lives together. Until you come to Cali or I return to Minnesota. Either way, soon is a must.

Rachel & Nick - August 4th, 2012 - Minnesota

Nick & Rachel {Preview}

I met Rachel prior to moving to Las Vegas to work with XXXchurch. I will write more about Rachel, our friendship and journey in a future post. But for now.. Rachel and Nick are married! August 4th, 2012. I am grateful to have been able to share in their day.

Here's a sneak peak (more to come):













Congratulations Nick & Rachel!

New Life - Birth Choice

A few weeks ago I had the privileged of documenting a few moments of a great journey in a handful of lives. At Eastside we have partnered with some great local organizations. One of them is Birth Choice. Birth Choice Health Clinics are licensed community clinics offering abortion information, pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, std testing and treatment. From ultra sounds to counseling, free resources and community; Birth Choice is impacting the journey of so many.
A friend of mine, Jessi, asked if I would join one of the clinics and their weekly class to provide portraits. I was happy to document this stage of the pregnancy journey or a new little addition to a family. More than that I was encouraged to see a community of people at different stages providing encouragement to each other, volunteers offering time to resource and support, free supplies like diapers and outfits and more.
Here's a few from our evening: