You hear me say all the time how blessed we are to have such amazing clients. I know I sound like a broken record, but facts are facts. We try to do different things to show our appreciation each year, so hear ya go. We have never offered a special like this before, but felt that now was the time. We hope you are able to take advantage of this for 2012.
Each year we have new clients that we have the honor of capturing. However, each year we get to document some of those families on a yearly or bi-yearly basis...wow! We love the loyalty that has developed in this little business of ours and we want to say a big thank you to everyone that has chosen us to capture their family for so many years!! So, here it is:
For all returning clients: 20% Lifestyle Session*
*Up to 5 people. Session can be upgraded to a multi-family session, newborn session, senior session, engagement session-additional fees do apply. Does not apply to mini sessions or portrait plans. $50 credit is included. All sessions must take place by August 2012. Limit one per household.
For new clients (we'd love to meet you!): 10% Lifestyle Session*
*Up to 5 people. Session can be upgraded to a multi-family session, newborn session, senior session, engagement session-additional fees do apply. Does not apply to mini sessions or portrait plans. $50 credit is included. All sessions must take place by August 2012. Limit one per household.
We also offer gift certificates for those of you who would like to give a gift this Christmas to a loved one. Click HERE to book your session today! The password is: Christmas2011 Gift certificates can also be found at this link as well.
This special ends NOV 30!!
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Giving Thanks Special
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Towards the end of our time in South Africa, our team visited several drop-in centers. These centers reminded me a lot of the boys & girls clubs we see here...a place where the orphans can go to for a few hours after school. They receive a meal (their dinner-most will not be fed another meal until the following day), a shower (they are set up on a weekly rotation), along with social times through singing, stories and games. In other words, it's a place of refuge for at least part of their day, sponsored through the funds and dedicated folks of Horizon International.
The first place we visited was the drop-in center at Mantipane. The team we partnered with from Michigan had been there for several days by this point doing a VBS with the orphans. Due to heavy rains earlier in the week washing out the road, we had to walk the last part of the drive to the center. While we were walking, we had 2 young boys join us. I think they were curious to see what we were up to, so Doug, our team leader, offered one of them a ride. :)
Soon after, I started to hear team members telling me to get ready because they were coming. Of course, I heard about the orphans running to you, but these orphans didn't even know that we were coming that day. They spotted us from a distance and took off running...it was such an incredible moment. My guess is that Jesus had this kind of welcome numerous times during his time on earth. We all took them in our arms, and they led us to the main area for some good 'ole African singing and dancing--besides being a hot mess...some of my favorite moments there.
Doug has been to South Africa numerous times, so these orphans know him and love him to pieces. It was amazing to watch him interact with them...God has definitely blessed him with the ability to work with the Africans.
From there, our teams led the orphans through an afternoon of VBS. There was a craft time, an activity time (they loved Red Rover!) and a Bible story time. I was fortunate enough to walk to all areas and see the impact that was being made.
While the orphans ate their meal, we had the opportunity to walk around the grounds of the drop-in center. Horizon is in the process of building out the property to make it more conducive for the children. Obviously, the kitchen you see below isn't exactly a kitchen. A gas stove is currently being used to warm the food for the orphans. Horizon is hopeful that the funds will come in due time to enable more opportunities for the children and staff. In addition to meeting their basic needs, they are also teaching them life skills such as farming, so that they can learn how to grow their own food.
As for this little guy, he was something else. I saw him walking towards me, so I squatted down to take his photo. Well, he wasn't quite sure of me at first, so I tried to pull out some of my 'tricks for kids' that always work in some form or fashion. Well, I wasn't winning him over...at all. Soon after, one of the Horizon ladies told him to say hi to us (or at least I'm guessing that was what she said :) and that he did. It brought the cutest of smiles and we were all getting a kick out of it. I decided to try to get a quick picture with him and the fear was back. Hopefully, I didn't traumatize the sweet boy long term...
I was rather intrigued by this older man. I'm not sure what it was, but had there been more time, I would've loved to have had tea with him while hearing about his journey in this life.
And, finally...this photo stole my heart. We saw so many moments just like this one. Children, full of life, embracing what they know...regardless of the obstacles they face they know how to find joy. Joy, in spite of it all. I understand so much more now and realize that they have the same needs as us...to be cared for and loved. Such a simple act...
If you are interested in sponsoring an orphan child, feel free to go to the site of Horizon International. It takes so very little to make such a big difference.
There is still much to be shared...enjoy your Tuesday!
The first place we visited was the drop-in center at Mantipane. The team we partnered with from Michigan had been there for several days by this point doing a VBS with the orphans. Due to heavy rains earlier in the week washing out the road, we had to walk the last part of the drive to the center. While we were walking, we had 2 young boys join us. I think they were curious to see what we were up to, so Doug, our team leader, offered one of them a ride. :)
Soon after, I started to hear team members telling me to get ready because they were coming. Of course, I heard about the orphans running to you, but these orphans didn't even know that we were coming that day. They spotted us from a distance and took off running...it was such an incredible moment. My guess is that Jesus had this kind of welcome numerous times during his time on earth. We all took them in our arms, and they led us to the main area for some good 'ole African singing and dancing--besides being a hot mess...some of my favorite moments there.
Doug has been to South Africa numerous times, so these orphans know him and love him to pieces. It was amazing to watch him interact with them...God has definitely blessed him with the ability to work with the Africans.
This sweet gem, Mercy, found me right away. She stayed by my side for quite some time...Claire would have loved her. :)
From there, our teams led the orphans through an afternoon of VBS. There was a craft time, an activity time (they loved Red Rover!) and a Bible story time. I was fortunate enough to walk to all areas and see the impact that was being made.
While the orphans ate their meal, we had the opportunity to walk around the grounds of the drop-in center. Horizon is in the process of building out the property to make it more conducive for the children. Obviously, the kitchen you see below isn't exactly a kitchen. A gas stove is currently being used to warm the food for the orphans. Horizon is hopeful that the funds will come in due time to enable more opportunities for the children and staff. In addition to meeting their basic needs, they are also teaching them life skills such as farming, so that they can learn how to grow their own food.
As for this little guy, he was something else. I saw him walking towards me, so I squatted down to take his photo. Well, he wasn't quite sure of me at first, so I tried to pull out some of my 'tricks for kids' that always work in some form or fashion. Well, I wasn't winning him over...at all. Soon after, one of the Horizon ladies told him to say hi to us (or at least I'm guessing that was what she said :) and that he did. It brought the cutest of smiles and we were all getting a kick out of it. I decided to try to get a quick picture with him and the fear was back. Hopefully, I didn't traumatize the sweet boy long term...
I was rather intrigued by this older man. I'm not sure what it was, but had there been more time, I would've loved to have had tea with him while hearing about his journey in this life.
And, finally...this photo stole my heart. We saw so many moments just like this one. Children, full of life, embracing what they know...regardless of the obstacles they face they know how to find joy. Joy, in spite of it all. I understand so much more now and realize that they have the same needs as us...to be cared for and loved. Such a simple act...
If you are interested in sponsoring an orphan child, feel free to go to the site of Horizon International. It takes so very little to make such a big difference.
There is still much to be shared...enjoy your Tuesday!
Vangie Lindner says:
Such wonderful pictures--loved them. mom
(04.26.11 @ 01:43 PM)
Jackie Stephens says:
This is awesome! Your pictures are amazing!
(04.26.11 @ 08:02 PM)
Shelly says:
Beautiful Mel...what a gift God has given you. Thank you for sharing your experience!
(04.27.11 @ 07:29 AM)
Danielle Clark-McDonald says:
These photos are stunning! What an amazing experience!
(04.28.11 @ 07:44 PM)
Gail says:
SO inspired by this trip of yours Melody! And so happy for you that you got to experience this opportunity. God's pretty awesome like that ;)
(05.16.11 @ 07:56 AM)
Tamara Ehrgott says:
can't believe i never saw these! i love my douge...he is the best pa in law!! awesome images!
(06.10.11 @ 11:32 AM)
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South Africa Journey-Part 2
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You may remember Molly's pretty face from her wedding last fall. Well, she was needing some photos for a project she is working on and I was honored to capture them for her. Molly...it was absolutely wonderful catching up with you! Hope to see you again soon! Hugs your way...
Jenni Hufford says:
gorgeous pics molly!!
(10.26.10 @ 10:01 AM)
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Molly
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