Oh how excited I am to write this blog! I have wanted to write those words ever since we first traveled to West Africa in January and now we get to travel back to a continent that I love for the second time in a year. To say we are blessed is an understatement!
When we first went I did not know what to expect, but it was everything my heart had been hoping for. As someone who did not grow up in the United States I believe I am made to be overseas, and that is a desire that will never be quelled - but traveling across an ocean helps. This time Nathan and I get to go as leaders for a group of amazing high school and college students who are ready to take on the world and see what they have to offer it while learning in return.
In full honesty I have been creatively burnt out for a little while now. Between countless weddings, engagement sessions, and portrait sessions I have not had time to recharge or come up for air in between everything. In no way am I complaining - I love my job, and this is just part of what comes with being a full-time photographer. I wouldn't trade it for the world, but I need to be aware of re-connecting with the things that most inspire my heart.
Africa inspires me. Traveling recharges me. Above all, though, what refreshes me is serving other people. When we first went to Africa in January it provided healing for my heart after we suffered a loss. I remember how wonderful it felt to focus on somebody other than myself - to think about how full my life is, even if it felt very empty in a lot of ways at the time. That is what I need more than anything - to look outside of myself and my own little world and serve people who are truly in need.
So with that we are going back to Africa. Two trips in one year. And I can only imagine what adventures the next year will bring.
