Here are my top 11 pictures from my fifth month on the race in Mozambique.
It’s not often you get to witness moment of importance in someones life a moment that will be remembered for years as a life changer. In Mozambique, I was blessed to witness Beccas baptism. I can still remember her jumping out of the water and the permanent smile that was plastered on her face. I can recall the joy she had and the weight that was lifted from her from that day on. Her life is her testimony and this moment marked the start of a new chapter for her.
Some days I ask God to show me the beauty of the world like He sees it. On this particular day He gave me this picture in response.
This month I was asked to photograph my first wedding. I knew that would include a lot of work but never expected to enjoy getting to know a couple so intimately after spending just a couple of days with them. Throughout the first day I was able to hear a bit about their story. They met and began a relationship before becoming Christians. It wasn’t until they’d built a home together, with 2 young children, that they discovered Jesus love for them. Shortly after they decided to redefine their relationship by getting married. What really stood out to me was their affection and constant hand holding after so many years together.
My month was spent with Falido. A prayer warrior! Here he is in action, praying for the newlyweds.
My year began with a crossroads. Im so glad I chose to take the unlikely path and travel through 11 countries filled with uncertainty and possibilities.
The strength of the women of Mozambique is apparent everywhere. The ease with which they carry heavy loads is a reminder of the non-physical loads they carry, as well.
Our teams were taken into the villages of Mozambique for 2 days of reaching out to the community. The beauty of the untouched lands, where I was able to enjoy quiet moments of rest between praying for the people we met, astounded me.
This man spends his day shuttling people back and forth across the river. The sun is beaming down on him. His boat has a hole. And he makes very little money. But he does it without complaint because it is a job and he’s grateful just to support himself.
Spending the day at the beach I was able to witness a ton of crab digging their way out of the sand, only to cover themselves up once I got too close. It reminded me of the timidity I began the World Race with and my own desire to hide when I felt others looking to me. And reminded me of the new boldness I now walk in.
When I met this man and saw the complete joy and kindness he has, I never guessed that not too long ago he was an alcoholic and abusive husband. An encounter with the Lord changed his heart into the joyful man you see here. He literally woke up one day and realized that he had been living wrong, and made the decision to follow God. He changed his life and marriage from that moment forward. Side-by-side he and his wife help run the local church my team worked with, and use their story to change the lives of the people they meet.
These two girls have grown up together and been best friends for years. Although a lot of their time is spent in separate countries they have a friendship that overcomes those limits. I had the privilege of seeing them reunite after months apart and pick up right where they left off. Most of their time together was spent in the laughter and secretive whispers that go along with all good friendships.
