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

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.

Barrio Amón, San Jose, Costa Rica

So often in the bible the city near God's heart is referred to as a "she". He later describes his followers as his "bride". When I think about cities, I think about the love of God for that city. San José is such a young, artistic and beautiful city. When one glances at her not much is revealed, but when you walk her streets, talk to her people, and see her heart, you are captured. She is yours for that one single moment and you cannot help but look at her walls and cherish her heart.

Near downtown you will find Barrio Amón; a very artistic neighborhood. A few weeks ago they were hosting a cultural event and Brian and I took advantage of this opportunity to take our cameras out for a stroll. During this time we met new people, ate a good meal with our friends, drank some good coffee, watched a dancing show, and went to an indoor market. We had our first experience in “street” photography. In these next few images you will find true beauty, but above all, you will see real stories. In Barrio Amón you will find a young potter, Mayahuel, working in the basement of her professor’s house. You will see a colorful fashion show; you will meet the world’s best coffee. You will see a random couple meeting as if it were the first time, kissing carelessly in front of the masses. Further down you will find yourself in the heart of San José: downtown. You’ll see her from above, naked and stripped down, showing everyone her many stories. In her people live; in her people have made themselves a home.
 

(Make sure to click here to listen to music while enjoying pictures )