Joe Cool

During our time at Wings of Hope, we had brought a number of items from our friends both inside and outside of the church. One of those causing us to scratch our heads was a bag of painter caps. We looked at them and decided, why not, who are we to judge if there was a need. The need ended up being something fun. During the food riots no one was coming or going. The children's daily routine at Wings was distrupted as there were no classes. On one of our last days, KC and Renee decided to give out a hat to one of the children. Then the flood gates opened, everyone had to have one. Children were pushing the wheel chair bound children up the ramp so each of them could recieve a hat. Pierre, shown here, is very autistic. When he recieved his hat, he looked at it, put it on and then pulled out the sunglasses you see him wearing. He was silently proud to sit and just enjoy being in style. This story has been one of our favorite stories as we talk to people about our time in Haiti and I am sure you can see why.

To learn more about Pierre

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Hatteras

On one of our trips to the outer banks, we did a whirl wind lighthouse tour. I enjoy light houses as much as everyone else and was busily taking shots of the iconic Hatteras light house. Peter suggested I try a shot different from anyone elses we had seen. So I laid down on the steps, much to the attendants surprise, and shot this up from the ground. I had to agree with Peter, it turned out pretty good.

http://www.heirloomcrafters.com/gallery/hatteras.html

American Living

I took this image in Key West before we embarked on our journey to Haiti. Key West was a blast, and I wish we had been able to stay longer. Our next trip I am sure we wil. We were walking around the Hemingway house and I saw this life preserver hanging over the front door. To me this image sums up everything America can be to people both inside and outside our borders. It is the change we can believe in and create ourselves. The timeless act of helping someone in need, whether it be as simple as a birthday card, or as involved as a mission trip. We are the the only ones who can bring about change, and it is amazing what can unfold around if we act. I don't pretend to be all that when it comes to helping others, but I try to look beyond myself and see what is out there. Sometimes I succeed and a lot of times I miss out, but that is how change happens. The little things, not the big things can bring about a ripple to cause the tides around us to change.

http://www.heirloomcrafters.com/gallery/americanliving.html

Yorktown

Inauguration Day 2009, what a day of hope and promise for not only the people of the United States, but for all people who pray for change. Pictured here is a shot of the USS Yorktown anchored in Charleston, SC. I thought it an appropriate image today as it shows both strength and delicacy. The full weight of the ship is supported on this thin line of metal. A powerful image as all of us have our hopes resting on the shoulders of one man. Let us all hope and pray for President Obama as he also tries to rise up above our troubles on the thin line of hope we all have.

"We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness." President Barack Obama January, 2oth 2009

http://www.heirloomcrafters.com/gallery/yorktown.html