Capturing Creation

Capturing Creation

As many of you know, we were in Costa Rica for language school. At times it was tough being there because we were not yet in Chile. But I can now look back and see that it was all well worth it. What we learned and gained in Costa Rica will forever be part of who we are. God has shown us so much faithfulness and favor in this process and we are truly humble and blessed to be here in Chile. We look forward to what God wants to do here in Chile. Although we are in Chile, we are still editing and going through photos from Costa Rica. During our free time outside of class, we had a few opportunities to see some beautiful places. Costa Rica is extremely biodiverse; in fact, it has close to 6% of the world’s biodiversity. It was in this beautiful country that I fell in love with wildlife photography. This is a new type of photography for me and I realize that I have a lot to learn. Although I was limited due to the fact that I don’t own a telephoto lens, I was able to do what I could with a 105mm. It proved to be sufficient on a number of occasions but it became obvious why professionals use telephoto lenses for their work. 

One day I hope to have the opportunity to be in a place where I can capture wildlife again like I did in Costa Rica. Taking these photos was and is not just a hobby, it is a passion. And these photos don’t just show the beauty of Costa Rica or the wildlife, but they show the beauty of our God who created this planet. Time and time again as we take photos, I remind myself that God created what is in front of me. I just get the privilege of capturing. He is the true artist. We may photograph weddings, families, random people, newborns, landscapes or wildlife but everything I see in front of me God made and called it good.

Psalm 24:1-2   A Psalm of David.

        The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.

-Brian

Whitney Harr

San José has become very dear to me recently. It rains almost every day. The "rainy season" starts in May and runs all the way through November. It is unlike my dear Ireland where it's always cold when it rains, but I am content with the mere fact that cloudy days fill my week.

Not too long ago we welcomed in the new students that are now attending CINCEL. One of them, Whitney Harr, is heading to Nicaragua to work with high school/ college aged student, as well as many other opportunities that may come her way. Whitney is here for eight months and has adjusted well to the culture. She loves to cook, bake, and make new friends. In fact, no too long ago, she was teaching me how to make a homemade apple pie. Ya'll... it was delicious. Whitney is one of ten siblings, she is 6 feet tall and has gorgeous eyes. She truly captivates anyone that stands in her way, she is what many call: beautiful inside and out.

On the day of the shoot we headed out after a rainy afternoon to catch a few shots just right before sundown. I wanted some dark and moody tones and I sure got them! Thanks Whitney for being an awesome model!

The Hakes

During Holy Week, Costa Rica is on vacation. What I mean by that is that everyone has a few days off and takes advantage of the dry and sunny weather and goes to the beach. During this week we celebrate that Christ is risen, but it has now become more of a tradition for many and has lost its true meaning.

About a month ago we had the privilege to tag along with the Hakes, a missionary family that serves in Nicaragua. They have three teenagers (but they didn't get to come on this trip) and have a niece (Kierstin) that has recently joined them in Nicaragua. We, along with Kierstin and another friend (Beth) from CINCEL headed out to a small town called San Francisco de Coyote. This small town is located in Guanacaste just a few hours west of San José. Our friend Beth was able to get us a cozy airbnb home, in the middle of nowhere. Twenty minutes down a bumpy paved road was worth the view of this home. In the morning around 5:30 am we would hear the Howler monkeys, waking us up for a new day ahead of us.

But let’s get to the point. Rachel and Tom Hakes: a love story untold that should be told! I wish I could write the many stories they shared during this trip, how the enemy had wanted to destroy their lives, but that in the midst of adversity they faced and overcame their giants. The Hakes work with Kings Castle, an organization that reaches out to children ruled by poverty in Nicaragua (I should say that they are found in many countries and not just in Nica). When a child is in need, Rachel and Tom are there to help, guide, and instruct. Through their lives, many are being blessed. Some, even, are being healed. Literally healed! The Hakes believe in the power of prayer and are not ashamed to tell the world that Jesus lives and that they are servants of His kingdom. During this trip, Rachel would face scorpions every single night. We were there for three nights, and it wasn’t until the last night that we had the brilliant Idea that we shold pray for these scorpions to go away, DUH! So we did… and guess what? No scorpions that night! During the San Francisco de Coyote days, we talked about Jesus, we shared our calling, we shared our vision for the countries that are ahead of us. Together, we understood, that family in Christ means everything to those that are not in their “homeland”. We headed to new adventures together, went to the beach and admired the beauty of God. We understood that in the midst of a hectic season, we needed a peace that surpasses all understanding, and these four days and three nights were all about accepting that peace. Thanks be to God that we no longer live for ourselves anymore, and that like a prisoner, we are lead to live a very different life than that which we would have never imagined. We are ruled and guided by a person called the Holy Spirit. The only difference here is that being a prisoner doesn’t mean oppresion, it means freedom. A prisoner, free from the world, but a slave to Christ. This is true freedom.