Hola. Yes, it’s been a year since I’ve posted the pics from our World Vision Youth trip. I guess it took me longer than a minute to adjust back from part-time teaching to full-time! #teacherlife, lol. I’ve taken a step back from my family photography business and picking up ‘the big camera’ in general. iphoneography has been my jam lately. Simple snappy snaps;) This year I focused on self-growth, teaching the arts(music, dance and visual arts) and everyday family life. After running through the photos from Nicaragua, I feel a sense of doing more personal work…not sure what yet. Let me dust off that big boy and see what happens.

Oh, and I posted a bunch of photos on this blog cuz I’m afraid if I separate them…the next batch probably won’t be posted until another year later! So if you’ve got the time, sit back and enjoy…

I made it a point to show my daughters this photo for some house cleaning inspiration.
loved hearing the kids share their creative writing stories.
thats whats up.that face.as good as it gets.minus the axe, he’s a really nice guy.our super duper awesome host family!!!the front porch dancing lessons rocked…one of my fave memories:)bubbles breaking language barriers.awww…host momma packed him a snack.caption this:)big kids play time.hola! Me llamo…the boys trying to share thoughts on sensitive issues surrounding violence against youth.girls. they run the world.so much beauty.simplicity.lots of play.the very best…making new friends.

day 1: she’s touching the walls already.our young and fabulous change agentsMiriam, our fearless leader.

I’ve always wanted to tag along with Lon on one of the yearly World Vision Canada Youth team trips. He’d always come home going on and on about how the youth teams and the people of Central America were nothing short of amazing. Before every trip, we both weren’t totally sure what to do with the kids if we were to bring them along. Then it happened… the idea of leaving the kids at home with grandparents was born. Trip booked.

Okay, so I did have the usual ugly Mommy thoughts: “Am I being a bad mom by leaving my kids behind?” “Will they be okay without me?” “Will they forever resent me for leaving them behind?”

I’m glad to say, none of those thoughts were true to begin with. They never are.

The first leg of the trip was meeting Miriam and the World Vision Nicaragua team. Their overwhelming sense of gratitude, deep community values and care for us kinda rocked my boat. Meeting the entire Canadian Youth Team sent me over the edge. It was like someone hand picked the most courageous, caring, and ridiculously talented young warriors on the planet. So, how did I know all of this on the very first day?

Each and every one of them showed up.

To be continued…

Over 400 people came together in London, Ontario in support of Alex’s dream. One year ago, on August 7′th, 19 year old Alex Foto was killed in a tragic bicycle accident. She was a bright shining light to many who were graced by her presence. After a trip to Kenya, Alex thought of having a national water walk to raise funds and awareness for global water projects.

In partnership with World Vision Canada, teams formed together to walk 6km carrying a 45 lb jerry can of water. Her spirit was very much with us that day during the heat and exhaustion. Everyone walked with hope and celebration. Alex believed in living each day to the fullest…making each day count…for others.

To #livelikealex is living with hope and giving our best.