The River of Life Youth Mission

No airplane ride, no buses, or trains, just a short drive in the car. No sleeping in a tent or hotel, but my own comfortable bed. I was photographing a mission trip for my church, Wesley Way UMC, this week in our own county.

Called "The River of Life Youth Mission," youth from all around came to lend a helping hand to the local citizens for a week.

Most of the Church classrooms were transformed into sleeping quarters. Local schools opened their gym showers and the breakfast and dinner meals served at the church by volunteers.

I was amazed at the work performance of the group especially since the temperature was well into the 90's each day. The leaders gave numerous water breaks. I never heard a complaint from anyone except maybe when I clicked a few photos of a few unsuspecting smiling faces.

Roofs were replaced, boards and siding repaired, yard cleanup and houses were given a fresh coat of paint. More than 15 homes were included in the mission project. Months of planning by a great number of volunteers proved to be a smooth operation.

What an impact to the community these youth made and I believe they will never be the same, taking a week of their summer vacation to help others in the hot June sun. "Blessed to be a blessing" is what Pastor Greg has taught us...and this week not in Honduras, South America, or some distant place but only a few miles from our homes.

Randy

And Now I Can Tell

Sometimes secrets are very hard to keep. You have to take your mind off of them and maintain the integrity. One such promise Lisa and I have been holding on began in a Starbuck's over some fresh coffee on a November afternoon. It was there where Scott and Christy glowing in love shared their plans of their wedding day.

We had initially met at the Georgia Bridal Show and we had planned several meetings to discuss their needs from us as their photographers. Scott told us how they liked our work, that we were not the normal wedding photographers, and they liked our style. Then he told us of their post wedding plans for all of the guests to share. They wanted to release butterflies. Not just any butterflies but Monarch butterflies! Scott also had planned to have a few for a private release session for just the two of them! Chills filled my arms as I could imagine the awesome photos this would make. I recall even showing the chill bumps to them. Yes, I get excited. I love what I do and I get very excited when situations like this arrive. He was very serious and I believed he had already placed the order some seven months away.

This past weekend Christy and Scott were married. The beautiful windows of the church allowed the soft sunlight to fill the sanctuary as the friends and family shared in this special day. No summer rain would spoil this day.

After the ceremony we gathered outside on the lawn as several dozen of the butterflies in the special containers were handed out and then they were free. You are probably thinking of the ones that didn't make the trip, but I do believe that all were alive in their unforgetable brilliant orange wings.

Most special to me was our private release in the back courtyard. A photographer's dream area to work with.

With the reception a few miles away, I was wondering how they would be transported there. But all was answered when I saw the green Mustang convertible out front. I kindly asked permission to go for a quick ride in the front seat to maybe get a shot of the two of them with the wind in their hair.

The night was then filled with a wonderful reception and dancing.

There have been many times that I almost told some of our future brides about the butterflies. I always caught myself and now I can tell. If you are looking for something different and amazing, I have the company info, just email me.

Scott and Christy, thanks for taking us along on your exciting day. We are grateful and we wish you a blessed life. It was a very special day for us also!

Randy