Nepal: Puma

Once (and then twice) I visited a little village in Nepal called Pumagon, Puma for short. 

I brought only a film camera (Canon AE-1) with me. I love these memories so much. 

Our team of thirteen people, mostly from southern California, bussed and hiked our way up to this little village. It was like stepping back in time. 100 year-old stone houses without electricity made us feel like we were in a different century, until one of the girls pulled out their cell phone for a dance party. We travelled to share some love to the villagers. We helped a blind man rebuild his house that had collapsed earlier that year and to chop wood for a widow before the winter. 

Our bodies and emotions were exhausted by unfamiliar food, climate, sleeping quarters, language barriers, and manual labor. Most of us were grumpy from the culture shock and couldn't wait to get back to the city. Once we were back in our Kathmandu home, we missed them. We missed their sweet laughter, playing games with the kids, sharing treats, and despite all of our complaints, it was the satisfaction that came from being truly selfless that we missed most of all. 

We eagerly went back for another, longer, stay in the village. This time it was much sweeter and we never wanted to leave. During this colder season, I'm reminded of our time in Nepal, bundled up with these kind people. I miss them dearly and can't wait to get back to our friends someday. 

I am so thankful this season for friends all over the world. Every continent holds a piece of my heart. 

Hawaii

My husband and I moved to California in April. Before that was Hawaii. It was a very difficult year in my memory, but in photos a beautiful and happy one. Looking through them, I remembered another reason why I love photography. It's the reality of good things, even when they are really hard to see. 

Beloved Simone, we miss you. We had no idea what we had in you.

We travelled with our sweet staff to lots of coffee farms. This one was Heavenly Hawaiian. Our tour was rained out,
but the Bateman's kindness brought us warm coffee and conversation and opportunity. We love them instantly. 

We played in the "Kona Snow" up at the Mountain Thunder farm. These little coffee blossoms smelled amazing.

Matt bought me a ukulele for an anniversary present. I love that lil guy. 

We spent our first married year there. Our marriage grew strong through some difficult times, and it continues to
 through God's sweet love. These photos help me to remember the good times and our friends we have there.


This week I was reminded of Job 1:21. God's faithfulness precedes me.

Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.