Photo of the Week

This magical moment is of my two friends Adam and Julia who were expecting their first child, baby Rowan.  They moved away before I could get to meet Rowan, but I check out all of the facebook pics of this cute as a button little boy.  The kids lucky he has great parents!  

Happy Monday!

Wishing

My birthday is coming up soon and it's making me think about what I'm going to spend my birthday money on.... assuming I get some ; )

          The chotto tote / messenger in sahara brown

  

            Photo Album

 FIG and VANILLA

Lotus and Lacework---Handmade Apron

Large Format Lost Poster

Since this month is missions month at Hopwood they asked me to design an insert for the missionary and ministries we currently support. Here it is.

We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.


Mother Teresa

Local Ministries

I heard a sermon by Tim Ross on Sunday that really made me think.  I actually got to hear it twice, so it made me think twice as much.  The sermon was titled "Give...Do Not Refuse."

This month is missions month at Hopwood and I am excited to be a part of an extraordinary group of people that don't just talk about the gospel, but live it.

When I first talk to Tim about my desire to work in long term missions his first question was, "what are you doing now?"

Interesting. What was I doing then?  Well I was a college student, newlywed, worked a part time job, and tried to stay just above the water to keep from drowning in the gazillon different things on my plate.

All of those are excuses.  The truth is working in missions in the town I grew up in seemed so boring.  I wanted something exotic, something not everyone could do.  I wanted bragging rights for the one that went the furthest and dealt with the most difficult tasks.

But thats not what missions is about, as I have learned after helping out in my own area.  It's more difficult to realize the injustices in your own area then abroad.  It's also more difficult to help people that are just like you.  The ones you think should have worked harder, made better choices, that should have known better.

It has taken many years and lots of service to see past my own judgements.  This realization didn't come by deep thought and pondering God's word, but by living it out.  There are so many ways to get involved in your area.  If you can't find a ministry, then make one.  The needs are great and we can't depend on other people to fill it.

God put you here for a purpose, start using it.

Here are some amazing ministries in my area

Habitat for Humanity

Interfaith Hospitality Network

Coalition for Kids

Friends of John Sevier


It all starts here, where we are now.

Photo of the Week

This photo of the week is actually a preview of some simple design work I've done.

Daydreaming: Costa Rica

Where I want to be today:

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February Newsletter

March I will send out a printed newsletter.  For now here is a February update!

Click to enlarge

5 Reasons You Should Go On A CrossRoads Trip

1. You are truly helping people.

2. Experience a new place: Mexico, New Orleans, Inner City, Rural Appalachian

3. You meet new and interesting people and create friendships that last a lifetime

4. Learn a new skill: building, photography, program development like VBS, cooking, journalism,    
    leadership, worship practices, there are too many to list

5. Because it's life changing.

You don't have to go with CrossRoads to do all these things. But I highly recommend them (and not because I work with them, they don't pay me ;) This ministry changed my life and I've seen it put a spark in others.  Give it a try and see what happens to you.

www.crossroadsmissions.com

All picture from CrossRoads Missions

Short-Term Missions and Dependency

I found a really interesting article by Robert Reese with World Mission Associates.  The topic is short term missions and the dependency it can place on the people and communities that short term ministries target.  Please read:

Short-Term Missions and Dependency 

By Robert Reese 

World Mission Associates 

I appreciate the raw and blunt points this article makes.  There isn't really a right way to do missions, but there is a wrong way.

To make short term missions a success you really have to be aware of the people and culture that you are trying to serve.  The point is not to make them like you, but show them who Jesus Christ is.  You are sent to be a light in the world, not the universe that the trip revolves around.

WARNING: Short term mission trips are not a vacation and should not be treated like one.

 Although having fun, making friends and doing silly stuff can make a trip way more enjoyable, missions was not created to entertain or amuse your spring break week or summer adventure.

We can see our mission as meeting the needs of other people or as an invitation to join with God to fulfill his purpose in the world.

People all over the world do need help, but we do not want to make things worse that we are trying to make better.

Another great resource

Photo(s) of the week!

What is love? 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Inspiring People

Occasionally I want to showcase people who are really inspiring.  Average people who are doing amazing things because they choose to, not because they have to.  What better way to get spiritually set on fire then by everyday people who use their talents to do great things.

First on my list of amazing people is a friend of mine from college. She has skills that pay the bills, or in this case she has supporters who believe in her.  I sent her some questions, these are her answers.

Describe what you do:

-I am a photographer and graphic designer at Pioneer Bible Translators (PBT).  I take photos for missionaries' professional development needs and also for PBT's needs for print materials and web needs.  This can be through documentation of PBT publicity events or even trips to fields overseas.  Graphic designing is also part of my role at PBT.  I help design print materials for our different departments, whether that is recruitment, church mobilization, or training.  

Why did you decide to do this particular position?

-I decided to work with Pioneer Bible Translators, because it was such a great fit with my experience and passions.  I have an bachelors from Milligan College in Fine Arts Photography and a minor in Christian Missions.  I have always loved to travel and God provided this opportunity after I graduated from Milligan.  I am also pursuing a Masters of Divinity from Emmanuel School of Religion, so that I can gain more ministry training for future involvement in missions.   

What do you enjoy most about your job?

-I enjoy traveling to our overseas fields the most, because I greatly enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories.  When this is done in a different culture I have found that the diversity of God's creative hand can be experienced even more.  I also enjoy getting to help tell the story of those I meet through photography.   

What are some struggles of doing what you do?

-Office work is not completely suitable to my personality, so I sometimes struggle with working inside.  

 

What are your future plans?

-My future plans are still in the working stage.  I do know that I will be going back to Emmanuel in the fall of 2011 and then graduate in May of 2012.  However after I graduate I am not sure.  I have been praying about potential overseas opportunities within Pioneer Bible Translators and am excited to see how God directs me through prayer.  However if I do not end up working with PBT in the future I would still like to work overseas for a season.

check out Pioneer Bible Translators to find out more about the mission that Emily spends her time and skills with. 

A big thanks to Emily for taking the time to share and for being an inspiration!

 

The Best Things in Life are Free...

I, like most of the world, live under a budget.  In my budget there is $5 a week (appox. $20 month) for entertainment.  That may seem like a lot to some and a ridiculously tiny amount for others.  We have splurged and signed up for netflix, decreasing my budget to $10 a month for entertainment.  With that we have to find really cheap things to do, and the best ones are free.

1. Hiking- I love to hike. I love being out in nature, no cell phones and computers, no traffic and trains, just peace and quite (except for nature sounds of course).  East Tennessee is a great place to go hiking and if you can't think of a new place to go check out this blog.

The best part; it's free.  Sure you can make an argument that you need proper clothing, water bottles and hiking boots.  Bologna, put on whatever you have, find a container that can hold water and start walking.

source here

2. Water- Currently I'm dreaming of summer.  A time when things are warmer, when I don't have to wear five layers of clothes to still feel my toes.  Water is one of those resources that you just can't live without, even if you don't "like the taste." (It doesn't taste like anything, whats not to like?)

I'm clearly talking about a lake or river, not the stuff that flows out of your faucet, that costs money.  Swimming is free (and good for you) so is splashing, jumping and cannon balls.

source here

3. Board Games- Something my family never did and always wanted to do was have family game night.  Mostly because the Milton-Bradley commercials always showed really happy families laughing and hugging while they played Monopoly and Connect Four.  We tried it once, which ended in a big FAIL.  It was a nice thought though that I suggest for everyone else!

What's that you say?
Board games cost money?

Well not if you play this one.   I love mancala and it teaches kids (and adults) how to count and strategize.

Inspiring Travel Blogs

I love to read other blogs, especially travel blogs.  There are so many places to go and people to meet and food to eat ; )  I love reading stories about where someone has been and their pictures.

1.  Mr and Mrs Globe Trot  This blog is awesome. It chronicles the travels of a newlywed couple for six months. They're also photographers, so their images are amazing. 


2. The Travel Photographer I really enjoy what Tewfic El-Sawy writes in his blog. I can tell he puts a lot of thought into what he writes and it's entertaining and informative.  


3. Johnny Vagabond This guy is traveling on a budget. Great tips and photography.


4. Runaway Jane A glimpse into the travels of this girl named Jane who began traveling on a  whim.  A great read.


5. Glimpse So it's not a blog, but a website for emerging travel writers and photographers.  The stories are great, the pictures amazing and the purpose... wonderful.  Check it out!  


This story cracks me up.  It's called "The Machete-Toting Man Who Sings Outside My Window" click on the picture to read it.

Valentine's Day

Oh Valentine's Day, this day (like most holidays) is an excuse to spend lots of money on needless junk in the name of love.  I do think that a special day to let someone know how much you love them and care for them is important, like more than once a year.  I just don't think that should require expected gifts and lavish spending sprees.

Love is a feeling that can't be bought or refined with jewelry and chocolates (although I do love chocolate).   I love my husband, more than the amount of money I can spend on him in clothes, tools or apple products. And I love gifts, a little something to be doted upon, a reminder that I am special.

Looking towards this Valentine's Day I'm not excited or expecting, I almost forgot about it if it weren't for the red and pink plastic heart stick ons placed on the windows and mirrors of work.  It is kind of a sense of dread.

Like, do I really have to exchange little cards with cheesy characters that say 'be mine' or start with 'Roses are red...'  I'm 24 now, aren't we past that.  Or, the little bags of nasty sugar hearts that confess undying love or how 'sweet' you are.  Give me a break...  

I apologize in advance for anyone that is sending out cards and sweet hearts.

But, Valentine's Day is a tradition and for some people it wouldn't be right if not celebrated.  So, if you're going to buy gifts at least make a purchase that can make a difference.

All of these and more can be found at Ten Thousand Villages
A Fair Trade Retailer. 
To create opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products and stories to our markets through long-term fair trading relationships.

Photo of the Week

I took this photograph during a shoot for Flourish Floral Design Studio, owned by a very good friend of mine Leah Teague.  She's based in Knoxville and travels for weddings.

Ladies, if you want someone who has amazing style and who is going to bend over backwards to make sure your day is exactly how you dreamed it would be, you just found her.
Check out her awesome work here.

Wedding Info

Lately I've been asked if I shoot weddings, well, I do.  I'm also selective when it comes to the weddings I shoot.  It really depends on the people involved, the creativity and the location.  If you're interested in my wedding photography, first see if you like my style located here.

Here are some printed materials for you to look over:

Inspiring Travel Books

Tales of a Female Nomad

A memoir of a women that lost her marriage and found herself traveling the world.

Very inspiring.

A Walk in the Woods

Bryson is really funny.  He has several books about his adventures traveling the world.  This one makes me laugh every time with his personality depiction's and the silly messes he gets into as an old out of shape man hiking the Appalachian Trail.

A Year in the World

Frances Mayes also wrote Under the Tuscan Sun.  This is about Mayes and her husband traveling around the world for a year, lodging in flats and cooking with Italian chefs.  A good beach (or lake) read.

Oh the Places You'll Go

The original travel book in my mind. It was the first book read to me about all of the place I can go. 

I Married Adventure

This book is visually interesting.  There are lots of pictures and graphics that are really fun.  It's kind of like looking at her personal journal with notes scratched in here and there.  It's worth checking out.

Happy Wednesday!