Heirloom Photography ... Art With a Mission

Chris Matthews - One Life Photos

2010-09-12T12:22:00.000-04:00

Our Blog Has Moved

2010-05-31T09:49:00.001-04:00

Our blog has moved! Please visit us at http://www.heirloomcrafters.com/wordpress

More News from Michael at St. Joseph's Family

2010-02-06T18:51:00.000-05:00

Dear family,

We have a team of structural engineers who have already visited the earthquake damaged Wings of Hope building to offer their assessment. They will be meeting with our architect and I this Tuesday.

At St. Joseph's we have been able to purchase a two story house that was undamaged by the earthquake and that has a huge yard. The added bonus is that it is connected to St. Joseph's and our art center. The combination of these sites will enable our reconstruction of St. Joseph's to go wider rather than higher.

Next week we hope to begin the task of demolishing the former St. Joseph building so the architect can have a better idea of what we have left to work with. We know that the resurrection of St. Joseph's is going to be a long and arduous task, but we are remaining positive and taking it one cement block at a time so it does not overwhelm us.

We have a one month Lenten tour scheduled for March that will focus on resurrecting our St. Joseph Family. We have many people praying for us and doing fund raisers for us. All of this boosts our spirits and strengthens our determination to rise up from the rubble of destruction and become our best ever for the good of the children we work with.

To this end we have divided the resurrection fund raising among two organizations. HWH will channel all of their earthquake donations to Wings of Hope reconstruction and relief.

Haitian Dreams will channel all the St. Joseph Resurrection Funds to us specifically for reconstruction of St. Joseph's. Having a separate organization for Wings reconstruction and for St. Joseph's makes our accounting easier and our accountability clearer and more accurate.

If you want your donations to go toward the rebuilding of Wings of Hope send your donations to:

Hearts With Haiti
11503 Springfield Pike
Cincinnati, OH 45246

www.heartswithhaiti.com

If you want your donations to assist with the rebuilding of St. Joseph's make your check payable to Haitian Dreams. On the memo line of your check put SJRF ( St. Joseph Resurrection Fund)

Send that check to:

Haitian Dreams
3358 Mermoor Dr. #101
Palm Harbor, FL 34685

www.haitiandreams.org

Both of these organizations are 501(c)3 non-profit and 100% of your donation will come to us for earthquake rebuilding and relief

Thank you for all the ways you have reached out to us through your prayers, emails, letters, visits and fund raising. Together we will once again prove to the world that with God all things are possible.

Keeping the thoughts positive -----Michael and "family"

News from Michael at St. Joseph's 2

2010-01-29T14:17:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010

Dear family,

Those of us who traveled to Trinity House at Jacmel today were up at 5:00 AM, flashlights in hand, to bring light to the darkness of that early morning hour. By 6:00 AM the van was loaded with supplies and people and we headed up Delmas road to the tire man. Rony had two flat tires to fix, bought a spare tire for the trip and had extra air put in all the tires.

The trip to Jacmel was the slowest I have ever seen Rony, our driver, navigate. There were areas of the road that had buckled and had huge crevice like cracks in the asphalt. On the mountain road there were areas of landslides that came onto the road along with gigantic boulders. This caused sections of the mountain road to become very narrow passages. We did see the Canadian military working to remove the rubble from the roads to widen them where the landslides were.

Upon arrival at Trinity House we were greeted with the combined youth of Trinity House and St. Joseph's singing us an uplifting welcome song and then heartily passing along hugs. All the youth were busy doing laundry or cooking. The younger children were playing games. I was given a tour of the house and rejoiced to see that absolutely no damage had been done to the living quarters, nor the bakery or chapel. There was some damaged sustained at the second floor school area, but again it was minor. One side wall of a small storage area fell in and there were a few cracks in the walls. The contractor and his crew were present and said the damage was minimal and could easily be repaired.

The Trinity House soccer field has become a tent city for many of the families of the area that lost their homes in the earthquake. At night all of the children and youth at Trinity House are sleeping out in the field as a precaution due to reoccurring aftershocks.

Melchi and all the youth were upbeat and busy. It was energizing to see them doing so well. I sent up a prayer of thanksgiving once again that all of the children at all three of our homes had not only survived the earthquake but were doing their best in a tough situation. The resilience and laughter of the children of all three of our homes has been an encouraging and hope-filled sign of God being with us.

Thank you for your continued interest in us and the blessing of your prayers and financial assistance.

Keeping the thoughts positive!
Michael and family

A Note from Michael at St. Joseph's Home

2010-01-28T15:16:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010

Dear family,

My apologies for taking so long to personally get word to you. I know Renee has been getting word and photos to you. That has freed me to get some necessary tasks done here with a vision for resurrecting our beloved family. All of the children that had been living at St. Joseph's are now living at Trinity House in Jacmel. I will be going there later today to see how things are going for them and will send an update soon after I return. I was at Wings of Hope on Sunday and was encouraged by the joy of the children and the staff. They are temporarily renting a new living space due to structural damage done to Wings of Hope as a result of the earthquake. Many of the children at Wings took me to see the views they have found from their balconies. It was a day of great joy and hope for me.

Most of my post earthquake days have been spent helping take down beds, putting our furniture in storage, salvaging windows, doors, ceiling fans, light fixtures, paintings, etc. It is just Walnes and I who are standing guard over the home place. Due to the extreme damage done to the original St. Joseph's building, Walnes and I have taken up residence at the art center. A structural engineer from California came by to see us and assured us the art center is solid. We do feel safe here, even with the occasional aftershocks that visit us from time to time. Eventually Bill will be coming back to Haiti to join Walnes and I at the art center. For now Bill is in the US, recuperating from his earthquake injuries.

Our hope is to be able to have a resurrection experience and allow God to lift us up from this rubble to be stronger and better than before. Those of you who have been with us for many years know this is not our first resurrection challenge. We continue to live our lives joyfully trusting that with God all things are possible. Our dream is to be able to purchase the property that borders the St. Joseph's and Art Center property. If we are able to do this it will more than double our reconstruction space and enable us to go wider rather than higher. If any of you are interested in helping us raise the funds for this land purchase and our reconstruction of St. Joseph's, please contact me and I'll let you know how to properly direct those specially designated "resurrection funds".

Today as we were in the rubble of what was our former chapel we found two items that gave us messages of great hope. One was a framed print of Daniel in the lion's den. The glass was very dusty, but unbroken. This print reminded us that God is with us, we will not come to harm. Like Daniel we will survive this and be stronger in our faith because of it.

The second item that was raised from the rubble was a framed poem call RESURRECTION that was written by Renee Dietrich and used to hang in our chapel. Part of the poem reads: "The triumphs of life could not be possible without the tragedies. The joy means nothing without the pain. The scars are no longer hidden, but worn as badges of honor. For everything that brings us to this place was necessary. Struggle makes us strong. Faith makes us enduring. Perseverance makes the world a better place."

Thank you for all the ways you lift us up. Your prayerful presence in our lives gives us great hope. We are a resurrection people determined to do our part to make this world a better place.

Peace and all that is good!
Michael

News from Renee at St. Joseph's

2010-01-21T10:14:00.001-05:00

MAJOR aftershock about 6 AM. Created further damage at Wings, especially to classroom area, which is the base for the building. Maya returned last night and is going to talk to the guy with the building next door this morning. The building we are in seems okay, but we need to get someplace else.

Great News from Renee in Haiti

2010-01-21T10:12:00.000-05:00

PRAISE GOD FROM WHO ALL BLESSINGS FLOW! We have a new house for Wings! Not the building next door, but an almost new home up the road about 5-10 minutes. Got a great deal for a year's rent. We will move in enough to sleep tonight and then start making it a home tomorrow.

More News from Renee at St. Joseph's... The View Outside

2010-01-19T16:04:00.002-05:00

Michael, Alec, Rony and I drove all around town yesterday — around Petionville, down Delmas, through downtown, by the palace and back up the mountain on the other side. I know most of you have been seeing these images for days on the news, but it was the first we had seen the damage out of our own neighborhoods. It was... incredible. I don't even have words to describe it. Beyond the images themselves is the heat, dust and smell of death. I don't even know where Haiti will begin to recover, but I'm sure we will...with help from our friends!

These are all places you might recognize from your travels around PAP, or are places we spent time or shopped for the SJF.

It is raining in Fermathe and Wings is in the clouds. This is not good. But, on a positive note and a prayer request, the leaders are going to try and contact the guy who owns the building next door to Wings to see if we can rent that building. That would be such a blessing. Pray that he is open to that and will not take advantage of our need and situation.

News from Renee at St. Joseph's

2010-01-19T15:52:00.004-05:00

If you ever get to the point if you wonder whether or not there is more to this life than the time we spend together on earth, this will change your mind. Here is a story and pictures from Renee at Wings of Hope.

The most amazing worship service ever took place at Wings of Hope on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010. Gathered in the guest dining room, no bigger than a one-stall garage, about 80 people gathered to praise God for the blessings bestowed on us and to ask for continued protection for our family and our country. It was humbling to be a part of...from the joyous singing, to the saltines and coffee cup full of wine for communion, to the hugs of friends and family.

Good News From St. Joseph's

2010-01-18T13:41:00.001-05:00

GREAT NEWS!!! A structural engineer from CA showed up at SJ today. The art center where they are now living is perfectly fine and totally solid! The three floors of SJ we are going in and out of are structurally sound enough for us to do that safely. PRAISE GOD!!! Now, if we could just talk him into coming to Wings. He...'s here with another organization and sneaked away to see SJ.

RESURRECTION!!!
Despite the collapsed roof, crumbling concrete and twisted metal all around, the cross on the top of St. Joseph's Home for Boys remains standing. A shining example of the Resurrection Lives of the SJF members!

A Loss at St. Joseph's

2010-01-17T16:08:00.000-05:00

We would like to lift up the family of Ben Larson. Ben was a senior at Warburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque and was a guest at St. Joseph’s at the time of the earthquake. His wife, Renee, made it out of the home but Ben did not. He died in the disaster and his family was notified yesterday. Please take a moment and pray for Ben and his family.

Bill is Doing Well.

2010-01-17T16:06:00.000-05:00

The attempt to bring Bill to the U.S. for medical care is underway. Miles reached Port au Prince and a physician has evaluated Bill. He has severe abdominal pain, broken ribs, etc. as he fell 7 stories. They will bring him back tomorrow and more than likely take him to a hospital in Fort Lauderdale. Prayers are in order.

Photo of the Front of St. Joseph's from Renee

2010-01-16T19:46:00.003-05:00

The Entrance to St. Joseph's after the earthquake. Please donate at www.heartswithhaiti.org

News from Renee at St. Joseph's

2010-01-14T18:51:00.000-05:00

Major earthquake in Haiti. Limited email and electricity. None of either at Wings. I am borrowing a computer at the Baptist Mission, blessings to them. I will post updates on Facebook as I can and hopefully those will also be posted on the Hearts With Haiti, Broken Wings and Haitian Timoun websites. St. Joseph's is destroyed. Wings has major structural damage. All the Wings and SJ kids are now in the front building at Wings. Bill and TiPatrick were both seriously injured. We're trying to get them into a hospital but all are full. No status on them yet. Limited word from Jacmel is that Trinity House and the TH kids are okay. But the road between PAP and Jacmel is not passible. Please keep the SJF and all of Haiti in your prayers. This is a major disaster. The Caribbean market is totally destroyed, as is the Palace and the National Cathedral. The images are UNBELIEVABLE! Lots of death and destruction.

Peace and Love, Renee

Day 2 from Renee with the St. Joseph's Family

2010-01-14T18:50:00.000-05:00

Day 2...is it really only Day 2. In 20 minutes will it really be that only 48 hours have passed since all our lives were turned (literally) upside-down. It seems like a lifetime ago.

Yesterday was shock and confusion. Today is mobilization. I went down to SJ for a few hours this morning and helped move stuff out of the main house and into the art center. The art center is damaged, but not anywhere near what St. Joseph's is like. There was a break-in there last night with people looking for food, so stripping the house was a priority. Michael and Walnes are still spending the night sleeping on the ground at a neighbors, like most of the neighborhood, but they are well.

Bill and TiPatrick are both out of the hospital and seem to be well, considering. They will return tomorrow for a check by some US doctors who were supposed to arrive today. No need now for evacuation for the states, for all those ready to try and arrange that.

Wings is crowded with all the Wings kids and now the SJ boys. Not a lot of space in the visitors dining room and the front of the house for 65+ people, but we are coping. Everyone is pitching in. KC and I moved things from our rooms that are the necessities for both our work and the kids today. The rest will be left. We are also starting to get the guys to move as many supplies from the storage rooms in the new part of the house as possible. Limited time is spent in the new part of the house, as we believe it is unstable and don't know if it will remain standing. There's a lot we don't know right now.

We were able to get a few toys out for the kids today and are trying to give them a sense of the "new" normal as we decide what to do next. There is a lot of organizing and planning to do.

PAP is a mess. There was a real difference in the feeling on the streets today too. People are more desperate for help, food, medical attention, a way out of the suffering and fear, etc.

The aftershocks continue. It is unnerving. I grew up in tornado-land and have been through several hurricanes in Haiti, but nothing is like an earthquake. At least with a tornado and hurricanes you can see them coming and know when they are gone, but with the earthquake there is a continued reminder that we don't know what is coming next and fear is rampent.

Lines of communication are getting better. I was able to talk to my Mom on the phone for a few minutes today. Thanks to all who have reached out to hear with your love and support. I just got word that the internet is working now at Wings (I'm at the Baptist Mission again), so that is good. The next step now is to get a source of power at Wings. The one plug we have is from an inverter and that probably won't last much longer. I gave the guys a bunch of money today to go and try to find a small generator for us. We don't want to run the big generators because of what the vibrations may do to the unstable house. We need one we can wheel outside when it is on, and secure inside when we are not using it. With everything closed down, shopping isn't easy, but they are resourceful!

If I can get online on my own computer I'll try to post some pictures, we'll see how the electricity and internet connection hold out.

Thank you for all your love, support, prayers for all of us. We feel your presence.

Monetary donations should be sent through Hearts With Haiti (www.heartswithhaiti.org),

the Haitian Timoun Foundation (www.hopeinhaiti.org) - both are US mission partners of ours; or Broken Wings Missions (www.broken-wings.ca) in Canada - also our mission partner.

And now 20 minutes have passed. 48 hours in...what's next?

Hearts with Haiti, help for earthquake victims

2010-01-14T18:41:00.001-05:00

Here is the video from our report to Fox 8 News.

Reflections

2009-12-30T07:33:00.016-05:00

New Year's Eve has arrived and it is during this time we often reflect on what has happened and set our hopes for the future.

As I look back, it has been a difficult year in our family. We lost my mother to ovarian cancer around Valentine's Day, we lost my father-in-law to heart disease around Halloween, and I had the worst MS relapse ever just before Thanksgiving. With all these challenges I kept asking the question, "What am I to learn from all this?". Sometimes the answers were quick and obvious, other times not so much. The problem was even with what I thought the answers were, these events still left us rattled and emotionally drained.

After Thanksgiving is when we typically deck the halls in our house. Christmas is everywhere and it always put a smile on all our faces. With the recent loss, and my just starting the recovery process from my relapse, I just did not have the energy or the desire to decorate. I did manage to bring down a tree from the attic, but it stood in the corner with only it's lights and a couple random ornaments we had received as gifts. I lit it a couple times, but it still did not bring the warmth and happiness it usually did.

Since we had experienced so much drama over the last few weeks, we had decided this year to not celebrate Christmas in the traditional commercial sense of the word. Since we did not decorate, buy presents, send Christmas cards or host a get together; we were going to let Christmas come and go and slip quietly into the night. After a number of conversations, we decided instead of hunkering down and pretending Christmas was not occurring, we would escape to the beach. We got up early Christmas morning and with our car packed, we made our way to a new tradition. The drive took our mind off the normal trappings of Christmas. We did not miss opening presents under the tree, we did not have to plan a big meal that would take hours to prepare, but be consumed in minutes, and we did not sit around reminiscing about Christmas' past. Instead we listened to carols on the radio and found traffic to be very light as we made our way to the beach.

The beach provided a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of the season. We enjoyed everyone's decorations, we had breakfast at the Waffle House and found Christmas cheer in those who were working that day, and went on an adventure to find where in the world we were going to eat dinner. Later, as we walked the beach, we enjoyed the warm spray of the sea and playing with our dog as he chased his favorite toy. Christmas this year was new and different. We left our escape on Sunday and patted ourselves on the back for finding a nice alternative to our traditional celebration.

Once we got home that evening, neither of us felt like cooking, so I ordered a large cheese pizza from our local pizzeria. I arrived a few moments early and started looking over the magazines in the lobby. We have a local paper called, The Crossroads Journal. When I opened it and started reading, I was struck by one of the lead articles about a Christmas tree and a person named Stubby. Stubby is not a name you hear often, and it carries special meaning to me as it was my father's nickname. My Dad was 5'5" and a little stout, so the name fit. The other interesting note about my Dad is every Christmas, while he worked at the Toy Castle, he played Santa Claus. As I quickly glanced at the article, I was told our pizza was ready and I quickly put the paper down. Despite the quick read, it had stirred fond memories I had forgotten.

One those years my Dad was playing the jolly old elf, he had received a visit Jack Wyrtzen and Harry Ballback. Jack was very involved in The Word of Life Ministries in NY, and Harry was a missionary to Brazil. They both approached my Dad about going to Church. Jack would later share that story as part of his own ministry. Reading the name Stubby again in a place so far from where Jack's story to place, took away the emptiness of this Christmas and filled it with a warm nostalgic memory of Christmas past. I left the pizzeria a little lighter and more at peace than I had felt in weeks.

My hope then is for everyone to have a wonderful New Year and each of to find that same warm feeling from memories past. When you do, hold on to it and let it fill you with happiness in a time where happiness can be in short supply.

Although I am now Presbyterian and no longer hold to the particular religious view of my Dad's story, it is still a wonderful story of hope. Below is the story as it was printed in the Word of Life publication.

The toy store was packed with bright toys for Christmas, but one of the biggest thrills was a telephone connected directly to Santa Claus at the North Pole. The kiddies were making the most of it; but in a pause when they were busy elsewhere, Don Robertson couldn't resist the urge. Don is a Word of Life evangelist with children of his own. He picked up the phone.
"Hey, Santa," he said, "We're having evangelistic meetings at the Town Hall her in Claremont, Hew Hampshire, every night this week. How about coming tonight?"

Santa replied with a hearty "Ho-ho-ho!" and a cheerful "Maybe!" and added that he thought he would have to be on the job every night in the Christmas rush. So Don and his buddy Harry Ballback, Word of Life missionary to Brazil, prayed that night for Santa Claus.

At the first meeting of the Campaign on of those who received Christ as their Savior was an attractive young housewife. Don and Harry called at her home the next morning to encourage her in her new found faith, and met her husband, jovial, plump Winston Matthews. When they invited him to the meetings, he roared with laughter. "I know all about those meetings fellows," he said; "you see, I'm Santa Claus!"

Although his job kept him from attending, Santa's wife took him to church after Christmas, and there - for the first time - he really heard the gospel of salvation through Christ. He kept coming.

"One Sunday night," Matthews told it later, "I felt the Lord was speaking to my heart. I realized I was a sinner and needed Christ. When Pastor Warren Biebel gave the invitation I accepted Christ into my heart. It was the most wonderful thing in my life." And that was the night that Santa Claus got converted.

but the story doesn't end there. "I wanted others to hear the Word of God and have salvation too," continued Matthews. "I invited my brother and his wife to church, and the first time they came they accepted Christ. A week or so later my sister and her husband came to hear Larry Doyle, another Word of Life evangelist. They too opened their hearts to Christ. Then cam my co-laborer, and later one of my wife's friends, and they were saved. The following summer we all went to Word of Life Camp in New York's Adirondack Mountains.

As for me, I'm a Sunday school teacher now. My wife has a Bible club in our home and has won many boys and girls in the neighborhood to Christ. We just wish we could do more for Him, for He has done so much for us."

Santa Claus, sad to say, has become the symbol fo Christmas in pagan America. But behind the mask of the "jolly old elf" as we see him in department stores and on street corners there is the heart of a man -- unhappy, lonesome, a sinner, longing for lasting joy and peace.

And what is true of any "Santa Claus' is true of everybody: no matter how outwardly jolly or prosperous he may appear, there is a void in his heart that only Christ can fill. That is why the Lord Jesus says to you, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:29). Do you want this joy and peace? Then do as Winston Matthews did -- confess to God that you are a guilty sinner in need of forgiveness, and invite the Lord Jesus to come into your heart and take possession.

Things That Make You Go Hmmmm

2009-09-29T09:11:00.005-04:00

I have worked for many years in print media prior to becoming a network consultant, and I still enjoy the occasional, "what were you thinking?" moments in advertising.

It is election time here in NC for local municipalities and to the right is an example of one of those moments. Personally I don't want my mayor to be roasted to a golden brown, but apparently the staff for Mr. Brown does.

Here's to hoping Mr. Brown does not become well done during his election campaign.

Cherish Yesterday - Dream Tomorrow - Live Today

2009-09-01T07:03:00.010-04:00

This segment has been by far the hardest to write. Two months have gone by since I started this series and each time I get ready to sit and write, the words just don't seem to flow. The emotion seems weak and the passion unreachable.

In these last two months we have lost a dear member of our family. He was an honorable man who God blessed with a quick passing. He gave closure to his son and allowed me to fill a void the passing of my own father had left behind. In his passing I feel loss, but I am not sad. I know he has done what it was he had to do and he left this existence ready to face new challenges.
A chronic illness can make a person take a harsh look at their own mortality. His passing did not cause me concern over my MS, but I think the loss and the accompanying self examination these last two months has given me the ability to write this passage.

Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow, Live Today. These three simple phrases have tremendous ramifications for life. Cherish yesterday; look back with fond nostalgia, but don't get lost in those old memories. Longing to live in a previous time is unhealthy. It creates a romantic illusion of a time remembered as one so perfect. Reality is those times are never quite as good as we remember.

Dream tomorrow; which one of us has not dreamed of doing fantastic things, living a fulfilling life, being somebody. There is nothing wrong in dreaming, but as with cherishing the past, if were not careful it can become all consuming. It becomes chasing a dream with too much passion. Wanting something we want, but what may not be what we are meant to do.

Live today; the writer knew the order of this saying was important. By cherishing yesterday, but not living in the past; we learn from our mistakes and hopefully do not allow history to repeat itself. Then we take those cherished moments and build on them with dreams of the future. Those dreams reach for heights we can achieve if we just try. Lastly though, when doing all those things, do not forget to live today. To stop and enjoy all that is in front of us. We cannot cause ourselves to last any moment past our allotted time, so we must experience what we have, which is right now. So, it is this night, this moment, this emotion that gives me the courage to write.

We are all on different journeys; people cross our path and we don't know why, or we don't even notice. I am beginning to appreciate my illness for what it is. An awakening to stop and take a slower look at my life. People tell me they are praying for me to get well, and happy when they hear I am. I really do appreciate the prayers and warm wishes. The truth for me is I am not praying to cured of my MS, but to learn from it what I must learn. I truly have an opportunity to view MS as a gift. An illness that is so random, one day I can feel like crap, but the next day not so bad. All in all, not so bad in comparison to how other illnesses affect other people. Some don't get the breaks I enjoy.

Over the years I have talked a good story. I tell people the purpose of my art is to slow down, enjoy the little things, but I really don't do it myself. I would like to convince myself I do, but the closer I look, the less I think I do. So now I am taking stock of how my MS manifests itself. I am fatigued, not as physically strong or balanced, (I fall down a lot), I don't sleep well, and I am in pain a fair amount of the time. I don't mention this for pity. On the contrary, I mention it for what it has been telling me and what I need to learn. All my symptoms are a result of perhaps not taking the time to slow down and live today. I am being forced to slow down, relax, look at the world and the things around me with a different sense of urgency. One that is not quite so urgent. All my symptoms are the exact opposite of how I have lived my life. I have lived as a candle burning brightly. So, the more I look and try to cherish yesterday, or live today, the more I realize I have been stuck in the dream for tomorrow.

Don't Count the Days, Make the Days Count.

2009-09-01T07:02:00.004-04:00

The picture to the left describes my feelings today. I am counting the day. I took this picture in Haiti because it shows two very distinct facts. One is this man has grey hair in a country where you are middle aged at 21. He also appears to be resigned to his fate, which is how I feel some days.

The title saying, "Don't count the days, make the days count", is especially poignant for myself or anyone else suffering the roller coaster ride of MS. Your symptoms can really bring on times where you count the days. Fatigue and nausea are my two biggest enemies. I have meds to reduce their impact, but they can wear on me. Today is one of those days. I get up and feel like a bus has run over me; smile, do my injection and plan the day. Today I count the hours in the day, and wait until the work day ends so I can come home and go back to sleep. I feel frustrated, but do not surrender hope. My illness has forced me to surrender my dog Boozer as I cannot give him the attention and exercise he deserves, but I take comfort in the fact I have been able to find him what appears to be a good home. While I am sad, I know the beauty of such a random illness means tomorrow has all the potential of being a day I can make count. Hope springs eternal.

Hope is a powerful tool. It enables us to rise above the fear and drudgery and reach for a goal. Some goals are simple; others are more long ranging, but in the end my hope keeps me going. Faith walks with hope and gives my hope courage and strength. Without faith, I know I could fall into feeling sorry for myself. Faith can take many forms. It does not have to be strictly a religious phenomenon, but for me it is.

My faith has taken a strange and interesting road. I started out Baptist and practice with Presbyterians, but have beliefs that also include Buddhism. I look for the pearl of wisdom in all and reject the rigidity of my younger years. I try to look at the glass half full, not half empty even on days I count.

My hope for each day is to make the day count even when I am counting it. So here is to today, may we all make the day count in our own ways. I am trying to make this day count by bringing a smile to my face and perhaps others with my buddy Boozer.

Be the Change You Wish to See in the World

2009-09-01T07:01:00.004-04:00

The other week we were out shopping at the farmer's market. After getting our vegetables for the week we went to the nearby garden center to poke around. Inside we found the usual items, seeds, bird houses, plants, etc. Little did we know a treasure lurked inside waiting to be found. As we were getting ready to leave we came across a rack of wood signs with various musings written on them. Four of them caught our attention and this is the first of the four. The others will follow in the upcoming entries.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world", a simple saying, but also profound.

For quite some time now, change has been a mantra spoken by everyone. No one has said what kind of change they want, but we collectively know things need to change. Politicians rant about how they are going to bring about change, but realize they are one voice and need many voices to bring about real effective change. The saying, "be the change you wish to see in the world", makes it more realistic. It is a call for each of us to take personal responsibility. To be the change we want to see.

For me, the change I want to see is an end to needless hunger, poverty, abuse and a chance for all children to achieve their dreams. A lofty dream, but one I am actively trying to achieve. A dream I have seemingly failed at numerous times by not meeting my personal goals, but if I don't at least try, nothing will change. So I take comfort in knowing I am a bit player in a very large dance. One I do not see as a spectator, or as the choreographer, but as one who sees the change I am trying to be in the world.

The Best Things in Life are not Things

2009-09-01T07:00:00.017-04:00

I have thought for several days about what to say in regards to, "The Best Things in Life are not Things", and there were so many things to choose from. A smile from a stranger, a good belly laugh, friends, a dog wagging it's tail, (sorry I am a dog person), family, a warm sunny day, etc. Today I added a new one, seeing the end of a rainbow. I must admit, I was disappointed I didn't find the fabled pot of gold, but it was still amazing. Have you ever been to the end of a rainbow? I have only spoken to a couple other people who have witnessed it. I remember as a child the stories of the Irishman at the end with his pot of gold, and always wondered if I would ever be lucky enough to see it.

I have always enjoyed seeing rainbows and as I have grown older, I wondered if they truly did touch the ground. Seeing the end was just a far away childhood dream I thought I would never experience. On this day the dream became reality. It was raining so hard the end of the rainbow did actually touch the pavement. As I saw the possibility of reaching the end, I couldn't help but burst out with in a loud voice, sweet! As I approached it, it moved a little bit in front of me for a time and then poof, it was gone. Today I not only got to see the end, but a rainbow faintly above this, one to my left and one to my right. I had never seen so many at one time and in such a small area. I just whispered a thank-you and smiled.

The end no longer became an end, or a dream fulfilled. It became more esoteric and fulfilling and leading to even more thoughts of new beginnings rather than endings. I actually took a moment to reflect on the comment, "The Best Things in Life are not Things". So many times in my life I would think about what I had or received from the traditional consumer point of view. The "things" from my family that always had a string attached. I would like to think I have matured and moved past the consumption mentality so many of us in the U.S. face. I am trying to appreciate more things that are not things to be purchased, but still can fall under the umbrella of things. I gave a short list in the paragraph above, but there are so many more if we take time to appreciate them. I don't know how many times in the course of a day I don't take the time to enjoy a simply thing. Instead I rail against the driver in front of me going to slow, fighting the clock to get work done for my clients, rushing to finish chores at home needing to be done.

Instead of rushing, I am setting a challenge to myself to try to slow down; a New Years resolution without it being January 1st. A challenge to try to look for and enjoy more of the things that are not things. It is a challenge I hope others who read this will join with me in pursuing. For me it is hard as I feel like a candle burning brightly and try to cram as much in as I can. With MS you don't know from one day to the next how your body is going to behave. My goal is to stop using my illness as an excuse to continue on this feverish pace, but to take my time and talents and slow down.

I use my photography to try and capture some of those things I see and appreciate, and I hope to continue to bring more. I also am grateful for the time spent learning about these types of things while I was in Haiti. I have begun with baby steps. Some day I hope to progress and walk as others who are patient and enjoy the world around them. I hope to enjoy the world around us for it's simple beauty and gifts, and not those to be purchased.

A Glimpse of Haiti

2009-08-16T17:15:00.013-04:00

Sometimes words can be insufficient; hence the term a picture paints a thousand words. In this case the picture is a television show. The picture seen here is a promotional shot from the NBC series "The Philanthropist". I saw this episode and was riveted to my chair. From what we experienced in Haiti, this was the most realistic drama of Haitian life I had seen. While the story was not a documentary, it was relatively accurate. The Kreyol they spoke fit with the story line and I recognized half of it, so it wasn't jibberish. All in all, I was very impressed.

The storyline is realistic, discouraging, painful and encouraging. I was encouraged to learn the show is based on a real person. Whoever he is, I send my kudos. Here is a man with means trying to make a difference. I don't know if this episode is based on true events as there is no disclaimer, but in any event the millions of viewers who saw this story is wonderful.

I can tell you from watching it, I felt all the emotions rush back from when I was in Haiti. The sorrow for a people who just want a opportunity to succeed on their own, but a people who need everyone's help to get started. Now hopefully more will recognize the need for aid.

The food riots were real. We were there. The shortage of rice was felt by everyone. We saw the amount people got fed.
The slavery is real. It is not uncommon for a Haitian child to be sold into slavery to another Haitian. This is one of the most distressing facets of their life. The Haitians are proud of shedding their chains of slavery, but some still resort to the brutal practice with their own people. Not to mention the Haitians who are abused in the sex trade. For a documentary on the plight of these children, watch the ABC News special on How to buy a child in 10 hours. Bill Nathan from the St. Joseph's Home for Boys was interviewed for the piece.

If you have any curiosity about our motivation to help Haiti, please watch either or both of these episodes. The image link along with a link at the end of this entry will take you to the online episode from NBC. The link in the paragraph above with take you to the ABC story. Then help us help those who are looking for a hand up, and not a hand out.

NBC's The Philanthropist -- Haiti

Simply Amazing

2009-08-11T16:43:00.007-04:00

There are times when you just need to take a break from things. This last month has sort of been mine. I am adjusting to my new drug regime to manage my MS and the changes it brings. No pity party here. I am glad I can get up and still be working. Numbers of MS patients cannot.

During my mini respite I have just been taking photos, not processing them for the website. Taking a moment to reconnect with my artistic style and enjoy the world and people around me. As a result, I came across this show on the National Geographic Channel. I love this channel. Science can be fun. It is about the giant crystal caves in Niaca Mexico. (follow this link to see the story and times it is on the National Geographic Channel.) These crystals are enormous, and growing in a caustic environment to humans. You journey with the scientists as they discover the enormity of the caves, the breathtaking sites and lastly, how dangerous such beauty can be.

One of the last portions of the show which sticks out in my mind is how precarious the life of these crystals is. They said in the documentary as the crystal's climate changes they run the risk of not only a stoppage of growth, but potential destruction. The caves were filled with water, but the water is being pumped out daily to a lake. One of the functions of the lake is to help irrigate a nearby golf course. The crystals are softer than a human fingernail and the water not only added in their growth, but help protect their fragile nature.

Watching the story helped renew a sense of wonder in the world I had begun to lose. It is easy to get wrapped up in your own day to day lives and forget to stop and take in the amazing beauty around us. I am glad I have taken a chance to begin rediscovering my own wonder and amazement. As the story concluded, I chuckled to myself and then said out loud; "No wonder God rested on the seventh day, with all the work involved in just this one beautiful site and the planning went into it, I would be tired too."

Windows 7, Coming to a PC Near You.

2009-07-21T07:05:00.004-04:00

I am one of the few in the creative industry using a PC.I am sure there is a collective gasp occurring somewhere as I write this, but I am also a Microsoft Certified System Engineer and Gold Certified Partner. This gives me a great deal of access to Microsoft product. Well I got my release candidate this week of Windows 7, the next generation operating system from Microsoft.I was needless to say impressed.

When Vista came out I was less than enthusiastic.I had gone through the nightmare of upgrading to Vista, and having hardware not work, applications not work,etc, not so with Windows 7.The upgrade went without a hitch, the hardware was all functional and my software worked as well.The other nice thing is my test system seems to run faster and launch quicker.Then I got to looking around the interface. Everything I needed as an engineer was easily accessible.I most admit, I have enjoyed Apple’s operating system for its intuitive interface, but this version of Windows will give it a run for its money.

All is not perfect in wonderland though. For anyone who upgrades from Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Ultimate, you will find some things missing. Windows 7 will come with no extras, and the ones you had in Vista will disappear. One common sense item is Windows Mail, it was removed in the upgrade,and if I did not use Outlook I would have needed to download Windows Live Essentials. Windows Live Essentials is the online colloborative component Microsoft has been running ads about.

It includes: Live Mail, Photo Gallery, Messenger, Mail, Movie Maker and others. (http://www.windowslive.com/Desktop) This was one extra step I thought was unnecessary. Besides this, I see a number of features I enjoy. I can open Windows Explorer and a number of tasks are available from the window. I can burn CD's, add/remove programs, share documents or pictures, create slideshows and have a preview pane visible on the right side of the window. Another enjoyable feature is the good old Alt+Tab keystroke. As you Alt+Tab through your open windows, the desktop changes to show you the full screen of each window. No longer to you have to figure out what you have open and hope to pick the right one. It is easy to discern and the transistions are smooth. These minor changes to the interface result in a tremendous amount of saved time over previous releases of Windows.

Another improvement is how Windows 7 uses its graphics. In Windows Vista the Aero interface took up a lot of processor cycles and could slow a machine to a crawl. I have 2 Gig of RAM on my test machine and turned off Aero. When running Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, the screen redraws were taking too long. Now with Windows 7 they run as if the Aero interface is not in use

Bottom line, if you are looking to purchase a new pc or laptop, wait for the release of Windows 7. It is slated to be released on October 22nd. If you have Vista, I would consider the upgrade. For all you XP users, you will have to reinstall everything as there is not direct upgrade path.

God is Alive and Well in Reidsville, NC

2009-07-11T11:27:00.006-04:00

What a week. Anyone who has had to deal with a major health issue will be able to relate to my week in July 2009.

I had been working on this image from our trip to DC. No matter how I put it the panels together, it just didn't look right. It is a compilation of stained glass windows from our visit to the National Cathedral. It wasn't until after the events I am about to share that the image took shape and meaning.

As many of my friends and family know, I have been fighting to determine if I have MS or not over the last several years. The MS diagnosis finally came through and the Dr. prescribed a treatment plan. The bottom fell out when I went to fill the prescription. The insurance company was telling me they would only cover up to a certain amount and then after that I was on my own. The amount they would cover amounted to a 1 month supply. Then the other 11 months were my responsibility each year. This was devastating news to say the least. I did a number of frantic phone calls, started financial discussions at home, and began wondering what would happen next. I had placed a call to my insurance agent with the situation and he was pursuing options as well. At the end of the day, I went to bed anticipating a long and arduous task of coming up with a long term plan.

The next day I was still overwhelmed with the news and just wanted some sense of normalcy back . I was driving to work and whispered a simple prayer. I prayed this was too much for me to figure out and I needed help. The next hour was amazing. I had whispered my prayer and made a mental decision to walk away from the problem until I had more information. I was sitting at a client site and talking with them when my cell phone rang. I saw it was my insurance agent, so I let it go to voice mail. I had expected him to say he had another insurance option and this was how much it was going to cost. When I listened to the message, I was overwhelmed with relief. He actually had called me with a way to work with my current insurance policy so it would cover the drug. You had to put additional effort in, but the reward was the copay would be the same as other drugs covered under my plan. Talk about the weight of the world being lifted off my shoulders. Finally the long struggle over being diagnosed with MS was over, and I had a treatment plan I could afford.

It is these moments when you go; "Wow, I am not alone." It is a wonderful feeling and brings into focus how amazing this world is. It also shows how subtle and powerful prayer can be. My agent was trying to find an option and happened to stumble across a way to bill my insurance on their website. So, the question becomes did he just happen across it and there was no guidance, or was there guidance and we just need to take a moment to recognize it and appreciate it. For me, I am saying God is alive and well in Reidsville, NC.

Father's Day

2009-06-21T10:23:00.003-04:00

Fathers come in many shapes, sizes and in relationships. We have the physical father, the Heavenly Father, step-father, foster father and the person in your life who you feel that bond with just because of who they are.

This Father's Day is no different for me. I take a moment and think of my father who passed when I was 12, and then the other men in my life who have had a profound impact on the man I have become. This is my wish as well. Not so much to have a child of my own, the world is too complicated a place right now for that, but to provide guidance, hope and encouragement to others as they go through this life.

It is the small things that can touch us on a day like today, and nothing so much as an unexpected thank-you and warm wish. Our Heavenly Father always has a way of those messages coming through at just the right moment. Today was one of those for us. We got a message from a young man we met only once, and for a brief time while in Haiti. He has no reason to try to keep in touch with us, but just did out of the blue to say hello and how much our offer of friendship meant to him and continues to mean to him.

So take a moment today not only to remember our fathers, but those others who have had a impact on our lives. Happy Father's Day.

Liberty and Justice for All

2009-06-12T07:25:00.003-04:00

Enough said. This is from the Newseum in DC

Bing, what is in a name.

2009-06-08T16:20:00.004-04:00

I was very saddened to see the retirement of Search and Give from Microsoft this month. It was a useful way to raise money for your charity and reached across all age groups. A group of us had been able to raise money for Hearts with Haiti by just doing simple web searches. It can all add up. I spoke with my Microsoft rep and plans are in the wings for a similar program, but not target date as of yet. I did find another way to raise money through the web and it is through Club Bing. Bing is Microsoft's new name for the Live Search engine. Big plans, commercials, etc. and it is going to change the way we all do online searches. We have all heard that before and then go back to Google. If you want to see it, go to www.bing.com and you can move your mouse over the image, and see popups, etc. Nice, but not a replacement for Search and Give.

Club Bing is a little bit different. It is Live Club re-branded. Club Bing is an extention of Bing in so much as it is a game portal versus just a search engine. All you need is a free Live ID and sign up for free to Club Bing. Then you can play free games from their list. Sounds pretty good so far huh, free and play games. The beauty lies in what you do with the tickets you earn. You can choose to donate them to a charity or public school. I was very excited and immediately went to sending tickets to Hearts with Haiti. I was disappointed to not find Hearts with Haiti in the list powered by GuideStar. So I went to GuideStars' website, typed in Hearts with Haiti and they showed up. Went back to Bing, still no luck. The long and short of this is Microsoft is working out the kinks as they go live and launch commercials, etc. I would still sign up as it is free and playing a game of Chicktionary helps lighten up the day. When you are done, donate the tickets to your charity or school. I will continue to look for Hearts with Haiti and also have my Microsoft rep on the case and when they appear in the list I will let everyone know.

Star Light, Star Bright

2009-05-27T07:50:00.006-04:00

Star light, star bright, the first star I see tonight.... I have fond childhood memories of sitting outside in the NH night air with my father saying this childhood rhyme. Star light, star bright. First star I see tonight. I wish I may I wish I might have this wish I wish tonight.

It has been a bit since I did any posts, so I am continuing to get back into the swing of things. The last few weeks have been spent doing behind the scenes stuff, including being picked up by the Fat Cat, Ltd in Oak Ridge, NC.

I needed to get back behind the lens after such a long drought, so I grabbed my camera and went out into our backyard. I had some real fun just shooting random shots while slowing down and absorbing the sights and sounds around me. Once I got done roaming, I took a moment to do some staged still life. Traditionally I don't do these type of shots as they are posed and not as organic, but to my surprise I found out something I had not realized. When you get REALLY up close to a sand dollar, they have a little star in the center. My macro lens picked it up as seen in the image in nice detail.

So for me these sand dollars mean a number of different things, the beach, warm salty air, ice cream, (mmm everything reminds me of ice cream) and the amazing beauty to be captured in the smallest of items.

Pride

2009-04-19T11:55:00.005-04:00

We just went to a Sunday School class offered at our church using Andy Griffith shows as Biblical teaching tools. At first I was a bit skeptical, but after this first class I am not so sure anymore. Today's lesson was on pride. As I now digest what was talked about, I am taking a long hard look at my own life and the perceptions I put out to others. I think the biggest thing striking me is what others may take away from my attempts to help the St. Joseph's Family in Haiti.

I am doing everything I can to drum up attention to these amazing people, but am I doing it in a way that is appropriate? I looked at my headings on the very first page when you come to our website. I examined what my first impression was when putting myself out to the world. It was quite humbling. I am saying look at me, I give 40% of the sales price to charity. While this is my goal, it may not be shared by everyone. To someone who doesn't know me, I could be coming across as quite arrogant or aggressive. The thought which kept resurfacing was I was saying to visitors, I am doing this why aren't you? And honestly, this approach hasn't helped me accomplish my goal.

So, as I reexamine my message, I am going to change it to one more inviting. One asking for assistance in my passion and not one thrusting my own perceived piety in the face of others. I now will ask,"Help us make a difference in the lives of children in Haiti." a message I so deeply want to do.

A message from Michael Geilenfeld during Easter

2009-04-16T10:15:00.002-04:00

Below is an email I got from Michael. It talks about a very moving service they perform each year. I had an opportunity to chat with Renee before the service and could sense how much she was looking forward to it. From looking at the picture she took, I can understand why.

Subject: Inspired - Humbled - Moved with Deep Emotion - This is servanthood

Jesus shows us how to love and serve…………

In this photo Dad is washing his caregivers feet with the help of KC. What more do we need to see in order to be moved and moving in Jesus?

Dr. Chad Johnson

Pastor for Discipleship

Abiding Hope Lutheran Church

Littleton, CO 80127

303-972-1283

Easter

2009-04-09T07:26:00.005-04:00

As we reach the culmination of Holy Week on Sunday, let us all take a moment and really reflect on what it all means. Sacrifice by one for all.

I have been following a number of stories over the week on various blogs and news sites I read. The one commonality I find disturbing is everyone has to be exclusively right with no room for compromise. God did not send Jesus, and Jesus did not accept his role for any particular group to call themselves right, or the only ones in the know. They performed these miraculous acts for all of us. The dogma of the human race to only seek a winner instead of acceptance of all points of view is a philosophy we need to outgrow. If we don't I fear we are doomed to face the fate of so many of our ancestors over history. A continuing struggle to fight, kill, stigmatize and persecute others all in the name of God.

I feel at this time more than any other in the past few years we can almost start to feel hope again. Hope is a powerful thing and one which enables us to try to see beyond our own front door and venture into the door of another.

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

Wonder

2009-03-26T07:51:00.004-04:00

It has been a long winter and I am ready for the renewal and wonder of spring to begin. It has been a long winter, not in terms of temperature, but of loss. My brother and I lost our Mother to Ovarian Cancer around Valentine's Day, and amidst all of it we had to deal with unnecessary family drama. But with all loss comes a opportunity for new hope. We are closer as a result.

We have added two new members to our family, Boozer and Bear. A Black Lab and a Giant Schnauzer. They are quite the pair and I will post pictures of them, along with their biggest nemsis, the lufa dog, later.

We also are launching a new campaign to assist displaced workers by providing them and opportunity to enter a drawing for 5 free Professional Thank You Cards.

So as I leave Winter and it's long sleep, I enter Spring with it's promise of new life and hope with a sense of calm and wonder at things to come.

Closet Full of Prayers

2009-02-10T07:11:00.004-05:00

Even though our time at St. Joseph's Home for Boys was shorter than we planned. A lot was crammed into a very small length of time. I remember that time with fond memories, not only for what we experienced at Wings, but also what we did and could continue to experience in Haiti.

Every morning and evening the boys at St. Joseph's have a worship service. We were allowed to be with them and the image here is a picture of the closet their Bibles are stored in. The service was very moving despite the fact I could only understand a small portion of it. But as with moments in our lives, words cannot capture the emotion. This is one of those times. While in the room you felt this tremendous feeling of peace, despite the chaos all around you. As you looked into the boys' eyes you could see hope and gratitude. The service we attended was a service to give thanks. Where each boy would speak of something they saw, experienced or heard of and for which they were thankful. I heard thanks for things we take for granted. The gratitude of one person helping another. The fact no one in the house was seriously affected by the riots. The fact they had food, clothing and a home where people cared for them.

While I may have strong feelings about what I find wrong in religion, I certainly could not doubt the presence of God or his purpose after this service. It also made all the things we squabble about seem insignificant, and that is a feeling I carry with me still. I see all the turmoil over the literal interpretations of the Bible. Who is right and who is wrong, which social class is damned to hell and which is not. All these seem like a tremendous waste of our time when you witness the tremendous out pouring of caring by people who have nothing, and as a result do not judge. Blessed are the poor, for they shall inherit the earth.

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

The Unkown

2009-02-10T06:59:00.006-05:00

While in Charleston, we were walking through the historic district following our noses to the smell of what turned out to be a Starbucks. Just before we entered, I happened to see this alley way lit up and the other end swallowed up by the darkness. The light and shadows seemed to draw you in, if nothing more than out of curiosity at what lie at the end in that dark chasm.

It appears not only the name, but the interest is felt by a lot of us. I took this image on a show I did over the fall and several people picked it up and expressed the same feeling. The also thought the name "The Unknown" was an accurate description.

Does it sum up a lot of the current emotions in our society, who knows, but on a basic level I think we all wish to avoid if possible those unknown things in our lives.

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

Moonlight

2009-02-05T07:01:00.005-05:00

It has been brutally cold here the last few days, and I decided this image was one way to feel a little warmer.

It was a deliciously warm spring day when this shot caught my eye. I was sitting beside the pool and looked back at the batchelor buttons gracing the left side of the yard. I had stuck this yard art in the middle of where I had planted all those seeds hoping the blue in the globe would compliment the flowers.

I was not disappointed. I came upon this spot as I do others in the yard; I just roam around late in the afternoon. I will pick various parts of the yard and look around soaking up the sights and sounds of the day. Late day light is my favorite light. It is similar to the story of the Three Bears, not to bright, not to dark. This day the late afternoon light caused all the blue's in this image to glow and the greens to look silky smooth. It is one of my favorites along with the image titled Decisions. They both came out as originally framed in my head and more.

I hope you enjoy Moonlight as much as I do, and may it warm your heart and be a reminder that spring is close at hand.

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

Hand up Not Hand out

2009-02-05T07:00:00.008-05:00

I was doing random shots from the roof at St. Joseph's and did not see through the view finder what was captured. The intended focal point of the image was the older gentleman in his chair being framed by the bars. I was interested in it for the paradox; at 21 the average Haitian is considered middle aged, so to see a man with grey hair stuck out.

After returning home, I began culling through the hundreds of images we took and came to this one. At first I thought it had turned out as planned, but as I looked closer, I realized not only had I captured the original shot, but one with even more symbolism. Above the older man is a young boy poking his head through the railing. This one image shows so many paradoxes occurring in Haiti. The young and the old, fear and hope, entrapment and freedom. All within everyone's grasp.

I had not decided until just this week to post the image to the blog. What triggered my decision was an article published in the local newspaper. It was a sports article with a heart warming story of a young man running a marathon for Haiti. At the tender age of 17 he realized the great need for a people called the poorest in the Western Hemisphere. It was good to see someone so young recognizing Haiti's great need. But even someone as young as this runner realized they do not want a hand out of their poverty, but a hand up.

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

Joe Cool

2009-01-27T07:00:00.003-05:00

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

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

Hatteras

2009-01-27T06:59:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-22T07:42:00.005-05:00

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

2009-01-20T16:41:00.006-05:00

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

Song of Promise

2008-12-23T07:12:00.004-05:00

This image was not intended to be a Christmas image, but I feel it is the perfect way to end my Christmas postings. I looked again at it this morning and thought of the Christmas story. In particular the part of the angel coming to the shepherds and telling them..fear not, for I bring you tidings of great joy... To me this symbolizes everything about the St. Joseph's family. A haven to help those who we would consider cast outs. A place for children to have hope and rest. A place where opportunity can be found. Not only to help themselves, but to also learn the joy and reward of being able to help others in need. Despite all our problems, there are always others who have things more difficult and need someone to lend them a helping hand. So with this I end my Christmas postings and wish you all a blessed holiday season; and remember, fear not, for God brings us tidings of great joy.

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

Silent Night

2008-12-18T07:04:00.002-05:00

As the carol goes; " All is calm, all is bright..." was the inspiration for this shot. It was taken in our home from our own Christmas tree. I was sitting in our den when I happened to glance over and notice the soft glow given off by the ornament and the lights surrounding it. Isolating the ornament and the other two lights gave the impression of time standing still and just enjoying the moment. I hope everyone has an opportunity to enjoy such stillness and rest over this Christmas holiday. Merry Christmas.

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

Hidden Treasures

2008-12-18T07:03:00.003-05:00

I used this image as Christmas card one year and it received rave reviews. I named it Hidden Treasures, not because of the berries hiding under the leave, but because this photograph was not taken during the winter. I took this in the fall, and when I stripped the color, it gave it this wintery appearance. It is amazing what can be accomplished through digital technology and creativity.

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

Winter Wonderland

2008-12-16T06:43:00.005-05:00

I am willing to bet a number of people suffer from the same dilemma I do. A cold or flu either during Thanksgiving or Christmas. It seems every year I end up with a bug on one of the two holidays. I dodged the bullet last year and are hoping for a two for two. During one of those bouts I was home and it started snowing. As we live in NC, snow is pleasantly absent most of the winter. So while I was buried under a blanket drinking warm tea I sat looking at this little snowman. His cheeks were rosy and he had such a fun loving smile I had to snap his picture. I have since learned there is quite a large group of individuals who love to collect snowmen, myself being a recent convert. So wherever you are this holiday season, may you enjoy a winter wonderland if you love snow, and for those of us where snow at Christmas equals a snow balls chance in hell, may we get some to look pretty and then quickly melt away.

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

Season's Greetings

2008-12-15T20:23:00.005-05:00

This is one of my first images for Christmas. It lent itself well to become a contrast image. I enjoyed the smile on the little snowman's face and how his hat matched the poinsetta. Now, some 4 or 5 years later, I look at the image and the title and think about how non denominational we have become. Season's Greetings has become a part of our lexicon to avoid insulting any one person's religion. I think it is sad we have gone so far to this extreme, and instead of celebrating everyone's diverse religious beliefs, we worry about offending them. God came to everyone, not just a few. Each religion has a God and a mediator and different ways of expressing their faith. We should be celebrating during this season the graciousness of an inclusive God and not a divisive one. Perhaps one day we will all learn to appreciate the diversity and practices of each other, without the need to feel any one group has the correct answer. Maybe then we can truly say, "Season's Greetings" and have it mean a season of love, togetherness and peace on Earth.

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

Old Father Christmas

2008-12-02T07:19:00.004-05:00

Christmas time is here, happiness and cheer. Those are the first couple of lines of a favorite Christmas song from a holiday cartoon classic. In our house we have a number of Santa Clauses. It is one of the few things collected. They vary from old fashioned, current, art deco, etc. Each one has it's own story surrounding what was going on. The two here have especially good faces and make a perfect companion to my other Christmas images. Over the next couple of weeks, I will post my Christmas image collection which are available on our site, www.heirloomcrafters.com. So enjoy this holiday season and don't let the bad economy dampen your spirit. We have a time honored tradition with our friends. We get gifts for the children, but for each other we provide a donation to a favorite charity. This relieves the stress of holiday shopping and gives a gift that gives back. Merry Christmas.

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

Hark

2008-11-24T21:41:00.013-05:00

Well it is that time of year again, Christmas is coming fast. Each year it seems we rush more and more to purchase anything and everything we possibly can in recognition of the greatest gift man has been given. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, but just not the pushing and shoving at Walmart or other retailers. The image to your right is called Hark. It is Haitian metal art, and is hanging at Wings of Hope in Fermathe, Haiti. I titled the image Hark as it is an interesting word, an Old English word meaning to listen. I hope we all can take a moment and listen to the real meaning behind Christmas, and who knows, we may even enjoy ourselves.

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

Focus

2008-11-24T21:39:00.007-05:00

All things happen for a reason, and so was our stay in Haiti. When we arrived, we were only supposed to be at Wings of Hope for a day and a night; however, our stay lasted longer. The 2008 spring food riots were in full swing. Cars burning, rocks pushed off the roads above to block the streets below and buildings having their windows smashed out. No one was moving anywhere, so we got an opportunity to spend more time with the Wings children, one on one. Renee had a quarterly mailing to do for the children's sponsors, so we decided to help with the mailing. We all divided up into groups and took children and traced their hands and feet. It was a lot of fun, we all had a great time doing it. Once I completed our groups, I grabbed my camera and started walking around. As I got to the second floor, I saw Josephine was getting her tracing done. Now understand, Josephine had me wrapped right around her little finger, so as I sat down to watch, I couldn't pass up this shot. Focus seemed to be the correct title as both Maya and Josephine seemed very intent on what was occurring. Once we were all completed we sat and folded them up to go to their sponsors. It was fun and fulfilling and allowed me a chance to focus on something positive, while chaos was happening all around us.

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

Decisions

2008-11-11T07:01:00.006-05:00

One afternoon we were walking along the trail of Chinqua Penn where the stream trickles to the lake. We were stopped by a really colorful dragon fly just flitting around landing here and there along the stream. I was glad for the distraction, because when I looked down I saw this little orange frog. I had not seen one in years and was excited to see one again. I only had my telephoto lens with me, but I was able to play around with it for a bit, and capture this neat perspective. The lens kept the frog and directly in front of him in focus, but the rest out of focus. It creates an illusion of looking through an eye at frog. I called the image Decisions, because the lens gives the illusion of him either staying in place or hopping forward, so the decision is his to make. It reminds me of the decisions we all have each day, do we go forward or stand still.

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

Indian Summer

2008-10-30T06:55:00.005-04:00

Fall is a favorite time of year for a lot of us. Growing up in NH I got to see some dramatic fall foliage every year. A couple years ago I was driving around Reidsville and saw this maple tree in the lot of the drivers license office. The sun was shinning through the yellow leaves and made the tree just glow. So I grabbed my camera and walked around under the tree. It was Indian Summer and the day was warm, but with a nice breeze. I have a favorite fleece blanket that is similar in color, so I felt as if I was snuggled up in my blanket while under this tree. Then while I was just mulling around, the sun hit the tree and gave me a chance to get this amazing shot. It is during one of those moments where you give a big thank you to for the beauty around us each day.

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

Halloween

2008-10-28T07:09:00.007-04:00

Ghosts and goblins, spooky spirits, snips and snails and puppy dog tails, that's what Halloween is made of. One of our many trips to the Outer Banks of NC brought us to this cemetery. We frequent Oriental and the numerous sites around. I think I took this in Bath NC, home of the infamous Blackbeard. Inside it we found a grave with a cannon, live oaks with long branches almost embracing the tombstones, and many old grave stones. It was afternoon, so long shadows started to creep their way over the landscape. It was perfect for a Halloween image. I hope you enjoy and have a great time during the Halloween season. BOO!

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

Gardenia

2008-10-23T07:09:00.007-04:00

A couple of very dear friends gave us two gardenia plants they had started from cuttings. As a fun thank you, we named the two bushes after them. Fraysure and Dale went in a very prominent spot in our front garden. This way when they blossomed we, and our friends, could enjoy the fragrance entering or leaving the house. Well, as stories go with a lot of couples, Fraysure started out strong and Dale didn't seem to be too interested in competing. Then one season Dale took off. (We all agreed she was just a late bloomer.) Poor Fraysure, he was being out done by his wife, and we all had a good laugh. Well, this year Fraysure put his best foot forward and here is a shot of two of the beautiful blossoms produced. Way to go Fray!

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

Recycled

2008-10-21T07:10:00.006-04:00

One of the things I marveled at while in Haiti was the use of everything. Nothing went to waste. What someone may discard got reused by someone else. The Haitians have recycling down pat, and we as a country could learn from their example. I saw this angel statue and while the work is beautiful, it is even more so when you see the different scraps of metal used in its design. A brilliant combination of discarded items to become something treasured. How many of us have heard the old expression "One man's junk is another man's treasure"?

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

Dichotomy

2008-10-16T07:26:00.008-04:00

To the left is another of the stark contrasts to be seen in Haiti. Here is a nation with most of it's populace struggling to earn enough to eat. And then with in viewing distance is a well maintained house with a swimming pool. Dichotomy seemed an appropriate name. I was amazed to see so many homes without windows, paint, doors, or even finished roofs and then see these three homes rise up out of the chaos. In this 2008 election season, we are hearing all about the fear of socialism and wealth redistribution, but at what point does it become necessary to question the logic of such extremes? I don't presume to know the answer, but I do feel compelled to ask the question. I feel if I have enough to help those in need, it is my responsibility to do so. But at the same time I cannot judge someone elses behavior no matter how opposed I am to it. So, not only does the image reflect a visual dichotomy, but an emotional dichotomy as well. I keep falling back to the old Bible verse of judge not, for by the same measure you judge others, so shall you be judged.

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

Blanc

2008-10-14T07:19:00.007-04:00

The image you see to the left is a portion of an amazing fountain in St. Joseph's. For me it symbolizes a number of different things. In Haitian Kreyole, Blanc means Non Haitian. In French blanc means white. I did not see this fountain until the end of our trip, but it represents what we experienced during our trip. While we were in Haiti, the food riots of this year were in full swing. We were unable to move about freely as car fires, road blocks and general unrest were running rampant. People were rioting against the high cost of rice, a major staple in their diet. We stayed in our guest house most of the time, but Peter ventured out on to the streets with a local guide. While he was walking to the Catholic Church in Fermathe, he was told to go away. Not because he was a Blanc, but because they were afraid for his safety. I also received a surprising response when I was on the roof of our guest house with Gesner, one of the residents of Wings. The women on the street gave me disgusted looks, again not because I was a Blanc, but because of who I was standing with. Haitians have religious roots in Voodoo. Voodoo believes a handicapped person should be put out as they are demon possessed. Gesner holding my hand in public represented a number of religious and cultural taboos in their minds. Once we left Wings and went to St. Joseph's I could not shake the image of the women from my mind. I was both angry and surprised to see women hold such animosity and to harbor more than the men I saw. Then I saw this fountain and thought, if only we could all look at each other without description. The blank and colorless face of this fountain made me pray for all humans. I prayed we all would view each other more like this fountain and not be influenced by color or disability. Naive, I hope not, because I honestly believe in heaven their are no such distinctions and we are all equal.

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

Cave Treasure

2008-10-09T07:34:00.006-04:00

In our meanderings through the various shops around Charleston, we discovered this little shop with an interesting display of crystals. Throughout the store they had several lit up as you see here.

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

Carriage Ride

2008-10-09T07:21:00.008-04:00

While in Charleston we did the traditional tourist items including a carriage tour from Palmetto Carriage Company. http://www.carriagetour.com/splash.asp The barn interior was fun and included these interesting lights in the ceiling. If in Charleston, I would use these folks again. The were helpful, informative during the tour, and best of all, the guide was funny.

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

The Ghosts of Charleston

2008-10-08T07:13:00.005-04:00

Anyone who has visited Charleston discovers a couple of things. There are lots of ghost tours, images of the bridge and the historic district. I had fun playing with the shutter speed on my camera while on a dinner cruise in Charleston. I love how this one came out. I thought it appropriate to name it The Ghosts of Charleston since it combined the location, along with the other interesting points of interest. The dinner cruise was great, and anyone wanting to take it should look up Fort Sumter Tours. There link is http://www.spiritlinecruises.com/

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

Market Square

2008-10-08T07:09:00.006-04:00

While on a recent excursion to Charleston, SC, I got to walk through the historic district into the Market Square area. Immediately the ceiling caught my eye with the combination of angles and lights, so I pointed the camera and clicked. We also found lots of interesting things to look at from the vendors and found one gentleman who was selling a acupressure device. Let me tell you, it works! It helps reduce pain and was brilliant. Needless to say, I not only walked away with a cool photography, but a great product as well. Make sure you pay the market a visit when you are in Charleston.

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

Gaze Towards Heaven

2008-08-21T08:01:00.007-04:00

One of the last things we got to experience in Haiti before we left was the evening prayer at St. Joseph's. Each morning and evening the boys get together for prayer and worship. Bill was leading the night we asked if we could sit in. We sat in the back observing and not fully understanding everything being said. Occasionally I would recognize a word or two, but it was a moving experience being only an observer. One of the things the boys did during the prayer was to recognize actions others had done throughout the day. I heard the name Chris mentioned and did not pay it much attention. I assumed they were speaking of one of the youth in the group. After my name was mentioned again, I noticed everyone looking at me. Then Bill told me the boys had recognized me for helping the children at Wings of Hope. I was shocked! Not only did I think anything I had done was significant, but I was amazed at how they knew we had helped with the children. Here were all these young boys and men praying in the midst of tremendous turmoil in their country, and recognizing the little I had done to help. I was not only amazed, but deeply moved. It reminded me of the Biblical allegory told to most children of how God keeps his eye on the sparrow, just as this cross watches over those who enter the prayer room. It also showed me how even the smallest of our actions can be noticed by others around us. It is both comforting and daunting to realize you are being watched for both the good and the bad we do.

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

Peacfulness

2008-08-14T07:34:00.007-04:00

On our return trip from Haiti, we stopped along the beach just on the other side of the Florida in Georgia. I can't remember the name of the town, but we had the best soft serve ice cream you can imagine. Better yet, you had the choice of 40 or more flavors for it, who knew! While we were eating our ice cream, I happened to cross the street and step out onto the beach. As you can see the sky was beautiful and the streaks left behind by the planes out of the airport just added to the effect. It was a nice relaxing moment where everything just seemed to click together .

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

Nancy Hill

2008-07-01T07:15:00.014-04:00

Anyone who remembers Nancy Hill will understand why I named this after her. For me, this is the complete embodiment of her. Sea Holly is pretty, unusual, blue (her favorite color) and prickly. All her best attributes. So when she passed away, I planted this in honor of her and as a fond remembrance of a dear friend.

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

Artiste doue' (Gifted Artist)

2008-07-01T07:15:00.013-04:00

I have thought long about this article, and all things keep coming back to the story of Job. When we first were preparing to go to Haiti, someone gave us a study guide of Job to bring for the youth. When we returned to the States, we learned one of the youth, Job, had passed away. So as I was sitting here pondering what to say about this image, Job again popped into my mind. I have just recently completed reading the book of Job for the second time. While I see the story so many see, which is the perseverance of faith by Job; there is another story that goes overlooked. The beginning of Job starts with a conversations between God and Satan. Satan goes before God and they discuss God's servant Job. This conversation occurs a couple of different times. Each time God says how there is no one else like Job. Satan then asks to prove God wrong by visiting Job with terrible trials. God agrees as long as Satan does not kill Job. This to me isn't the whole story of Job. I apologize if this sounds preachy, but as I continue to look around our world, I see a lack of understanding when it comes to cause and effect. When we were created we were given the freedom of choice, what we obtained in the Garden of Eden was the knowledge or good and evil. Each choice we make has a consequence. Several times in Proverbs Solomon talks about the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Solomon doesn't say fear of God equals wisdom, but begins to teach us wisdom. For me, this symbolizes the making of choices to benefit others, not just myself. As children we are taught to fear the consequences of not doing what I parents say. Those words are designed to keep us from hurting ourselves. Later, as we grow older, that fear is replaced with love and respect for our parents and the lessons they taught us. We also replace fear with a desire to make our parents proud. So we begin with our fear of God and grow to our love and desire to make God proud. As I approach moving from fear to love and desire a miraculous thing happened. I began to want to do good and help others, not out a selfish desire to earn God's favor, but because it is the right thing to do. Now that I have taken the long way around to my point. The first part of Job shows me a lesson of God teaching Satan. Look at my servant Job, there is none like him. Job was one who matured in wisdom and God wanted to show Satan what that maturity looked like. Satan still being consumed by selfish needs for approval and power sought to destroy Job. So, how does this all come together? I have asked Walnes a question. If you could have one prayer answered, what would it be? Perhaps when he answers, the answer will be for wisdom as he and the others at St. Joseph's already have the strength of Job.

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

Happiness Explosion

2008-07-01T07:13:00.004-04:00

This is how I first met Juni at Wings, shy and yet curious. Later as we saw more of each other and we interacted, she became far less shy and a joy to see. Juni would greet me each time in the various parts of the house with the biggest smile and the loudest squeal of delight! Her smile was truly from ear to ear and she was bursting at the seams with happiness. It is that smile and happiness I remember any time I am feeling down or out of sorts, and once I remember it, I too get a smile on my face from ear to ear.

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

Into the Wild Blue Yonder

2008-05-28T07:53:00.004-04:00

The smile on our faces doesn't even begin to show the fun we had on this trip. Before we went to Haiti we had a couple days in Florida. We drove through all the keys and ended up in Key West. On the way back to Ft. Lauderdale, we stopped on Marathon Island as we went by the airport and saw a bi-plane ride. Anyone who knows us, knows we had to do it. So we contacted the pilot and away we went. What a ride, we pulled negative g's, figure 8's and other acrobatics. We got to fly over 7 Mile bridge and had an absolute blast. We would recommend Capt. Paul's ride to anyone in the area. His website is http://www.conch-air.com/ it is well worth the time and money.

Waiting in Silence

2008-05-08T19:36:00.006-04:00

If I had to pick a picture to rank as number two from our trip, this would be the one. We were at St. Joseph's and Peter was trying to get me to take a picture of Woodtrod playing soccer. Before I got focused in on Woodtrod, I saw this man in my view finder and quickly snapped his picture. He is a graduate of the St. Joseph's Family, but is deaf. Despite this, you can see a hint of a smile on his face, and everyday he comes to the gate looking for food. As I look at him, I know I will follow his lead. I will wait in silence hoping people will learn and things will change, all the time waiting for the hint of a smile showing things are improving. There are times in each of our lives where we wished silence was observed, but those hopes are dashed as people cannot seem to cooperate and work in harmony. We all feel the need to try to make others see our point of view no matter the cost. I remember the old saying, don't talk about the spec in your brother's eye while you don't see the plank in your own eye. May we all pay more attention to our own plank before looking at another person's spec.

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

St. Joseph's Song

2008-04-23T14:01:00.009-04:00

We have been back stateside for over a week now, but I still feel disconnected and not settled back into the American lifestyle. It was much easier to adjust to Haitian time and way of life;(if you have been to Haiti you understand what I mean), it has it's own rhythm. Since electricity is not as reliable as in other parts of the developed world, Haiti runs on the sun. I remember getting up early when the roosters started crowing, and the people across the valley started singing and working the fields. I also went to bed earlier as we didn't know how long electricity was going to be on. So a watch was not necessary and I packed mine after the first day. Today I discovered what was missing and why I feel out of sorts. When we got to St. Joseph's I had an opportunity to be alone upstairs in the meditation area. I listened to the people all around, radios, children and intermixed with all of this was the chime you see in the image. It was like no other chime I have heard. John, a musician who was at St. Joseph's at the same time we were, and I agreed later it had a song of its own. Most chimes have a random sound and can be sometimes quite annoying, but this one had a lilting melody of its own which complimented the surrounding sounds of life in Port au Prince. Since I have been back to the States, I noticed Americans tend to live very isolated lives. We are in our cars, our houses, our jobs, etc and everything is quiet. Even when we go outside things tend to be quiet, even in the city. We are in the middle of our town, and yet we can go outside in the backyard and hear very little, save the occasional siren or the birds chirping . I miss the sounds of life happening and the energy it produces. I miss the sense of connection with the people and the city around me. I miss the St. Joseph's Song that made me feel at home and alive. Fortunately, when I return to the choir loft of First Presbyterian Church in Reidsville, I will get to fell a glimmer of that same connection. As I will look out and smile at the people we have gotten so close to, and have them smile back; it will generate the same warmth I felt while in Haiti.

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

An Angel Goes Home

2008-04-22T19:08:00.008-04:00

Since our return I have been spending my evenings going through images and assigning titles. I had left this one until later, but received an email that put a name to the print. I had taken this at St. Joseph's, but the name comes from Wings of Hope. I received an email this afternoon from Renee concerning a young man we did not get to meet. Job was very ill and KC and the nurse had been spending countless hours working toward getting him well. While we were at Wings the food riots were reaching their peak. Tap-Taps were not running, gas stations were closed, and the area surrounding Port au Prince had pretty much shut down. KC lives at Wings and would come to dinner late every evening after doing what was needed for Job. She would let Peter, Renee and I know how he was and if she had been able to get him to eat. The nurse that works at Wings is a Haitian nurse and lived in Port au Prince. The day we were supposed to leave Wings was when even the driver did not feel safe enough to leave his home. We saw the nurse and heard of her dedication. She had gotten a ride on the back of a motorcycle as high up the mountain as she could. I believe I heard she paid $40 for the ride, then after she had ridden as far as she could, she walked the rest of the way. This walk is not your walk to the corner and back. This is a hike that was not only physically grueling, but mentally as well. She worked that day and the staff at Wings encouraged her to stay the night, to which she replied, "I have a mother at home I need to get back to..." There are so many amazing things in this story. One is how Haitian's view disabled children; part of their culture has ties to voodoo. In voodoo, we were told, disabled children are viewed as being possessed by the devil. A fact I personally encountered while being given a tour of Wings by David.(more on this later) So for a Haitian nurse to show such compassion for a disabled child not only speaks volumes about her, but also for the staff in the St. Joseph's family. I am sad to say we learned this evening that Job has lost his fight to recover, but he will not be forgotten. Our thoughts are with KC, the nurse, Renee and all the members of the St. Joseph's family as one of their angels goes home.

http://www.heirloomcrafters.com/gallery/anangelgoeshome.htmol

Haitian Hope

2008-04-22T07:18:00.006-04:00

This last week I have been culling through the 1,000 plus images I took and trying to sort out everything we saw and experienced while in Haiti. As any photographer will tell you, there are some images that when you see them you say, "this is the one", this is that one for me. When I first saw it my immediate thought was, Haitian hope. Lulu is his name, and in our time in Haiti he spent a great deal of time with us, studying us, playing with us and teaching us. Don't get me wrong, he is still quite the character and those big brown eyes conceal a boy who is quite the instigator. But, you couldn't help to fall in love with him and the other children at Wings. Despite all the unrest, we were cocooned in this home for disabled children in the mountains. We were given the opportunity to learn about them and for our beginnings, work to find others to share in their hope. Haitians do not want a hand out, but a hand up. They want to be able to find their own way. In the meantime, it is children such as these who are outcasts in Haitian society that can benefit from our hand up. 300US per year sponsors one of these children, and I would dare to say 90% or more of the money goes to the care of these children. The staff we got to meet donate their time and fund raise their money from others so the money for Wings of Hope goes to the children. If you would like more information on Wings of Hope, email me at cmatthews@heirloomcrafters.com and I can get you in touch with Renee to see how you can help.

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

Amazing things still happen

2008-04-01T04:38:00.010-04:00

We are winding down the preparations for our trip to Haiti next week. The tickets and reservations are all made and now we just have to wait. During this waiting we have been asked to speak with a young man in Haiti, named Polo, about potential for him to be educated in the US. In our emails getting to know him, Peter asked him what we could bring to him or his family. He had the courage to ask for a laptop. We were both discouraged as I did not know of any of my clients who may have one they were retiring from service. Then the next day while I was going to Mt. Airy I got a call from one of my clients with an issue. Before I took the call I remembered they had replaced a laptop a few months ago and still had not sold it. After speaking with them we were able to come to an agreement and amazingly he now has a laptop for school, whether it be here in the US or anywhere. A big thank you to my friends at Fine Furniture Design and Marketing. Who says miracles don't happen! Here is a picture of Polo and his older brother provided to us by one of those involved in making a difference in this young man's life.

UPDATE:

Our journey to deliver this and the other generous gifts to Haiti was arduous. We packed everything and had one carry on each and then a total of 3 suitcases with basic need items for St. Joseph's Family. Our trip to the airport was uneventful, but the flight was not. Our bags were checked and we were in line to board the plane when SkyBus went bankrupt. I watched the cockpit go black while people were running around yelling at flight attendants and other airline workers about the delay. Since there was going to be no flight, we got our bags back and started to think of how we were going to make our reservations and connecting flights in Ft. Lauderdale. Fortunately, we had a couple of days to make the connecting flight. We went home and looked at alternate flights, trains, etc. All were way to expensive. Our final decision was to either drive or not go. We decided to plug on and drive to Florida bright and early the following morning.

Our journey in the morning itself was not without incident. We started south on I85 to make our way to FL. As we approached Charlotte, NC we saw 2 accidents. There is a sharp corner on 85/77 as you approach uptown. I told Peter to slow down as the roads were wet. As we rounded the corner we saw two cards partially out of the road which we narrowly missed. Then as went further down the highway, we just missed another accident. The car had it's front end caved in and no sign of the other driver. We made sure the person was ok and proceeded on.

We were glad to make it through all the accidents unscathed and continue on our journey. The weather was bad and we were running into patches of heavy thunderstorms and rain. We heard of hail and tornadoes as we were driving through SC. Peter said if we heard of anymore tornadoes we were turning around, but I persuaded him to continue. We got through the bad weather and into GA. Once in the sunshine again we talked to his mother. She told us it was amazing we made it through SC and didn't see any of the tornadoes reported in the area we were driving in.

We continued on and made it to they Keys and enjoyed ourselves and prepared for our flight with Spirit Air into Port au Prince. It was an adventure indeed, but one we stuck through and were glad we did.

Blog Entry dated 03/27/2008 7:00 AM

2008-03-27T07:06:00.004-04:00

Welcome to the Heirloom Photography blog. Here you will see some new works before they enter the gallery, stories from our trips and other things that rattle around in my brain. I am also excited and hope to see images and stories from the St. Jospeh's Family houses. I have given them access to contribute to this blog so we all get to see and hear events as they occur.