Stemple Family | Middlebourne Family Photographer | October 2014

This is my second family---for real!  

When my family moved to Latvia oh so many years ago, Alissa was my school teacher, she even lived with us for a bit.  Our school was literally a one room school.  We had grades 1st through 5th, a body guard, and our own little bus that would pick up MK's (missionary kids) for school.  It was a year that would change my life.

In 2004, after graduating high school I went to Latvia to serve for two months in the Sparrows Nest Orphanage (http://thesparrowsnest.org) of which Alissa is the director.  The children of the Sparrows Nest changed my life forever!  It was the most fulfilling and amazing time of my life, and to be back in Latvia was a dream come true.

While I was there I met Alissa's two children.  They were quite young at that time and we spent many days together watching movies and playing.  We even went on an adventure to Moscow by train!  That was incredible...but a story for another time.

All in all, I love the Stemple family.  I am blessed and overwhelmed by their friendship and the witness of their lives and the power of God at work in them.

Leza | Middlebourne Senior Photographer | October 2014

This lovely lady is graduating this year!  Her mom flew me out to Vinita, OK to do her senior pictures.  It was a blast.  She showed me all her poultry and the awards she has earned.  I was amazed.  Who knew there were so many different kinds of chickens!

Leza is an amazing girl with a heart of gold.  When she was adopted the doctors had little hope that she would ever see or be able to learn like other children her age.  But God is so good!  She is graduating high school, excelling in whatever she puts her hand too, and on top of it all--she doesn't even wear glasses!!  

Boggs Family | Middlebourne Family Photographer | October 2014

The Boggs Family has been through more than most families their age.  When I took these pictures Matt (the dad) was getting ready to start chemo.  It was a time of uncertainty, fear but yet hope, and enjoying their time together.  The love between these four was tangible and it was impossible not to be drawn in by them.  

We prayed together and trusted God for Matt's healing and recovery.  As of right now, he is doing well!  Most of the cancer is gone and what isn't they are treating and have great hopes.  God is good!

Wall Family | Middlebourne Family Photographer | October 2014

When I was growing up my mom read to my brother and I every night, creating a special appreciation for books.  I love to see families reading together, teaching their children to appreciate their imaginations and learn how to escape to foreign and exotic lands!  It's easy to get caught up in the business of life and tv and never spend that quality time together.

We had a blast with this session: traversing through the high grass, being silly, and trying to finish before the light was gone!  It was a true adventure with the Wall Family.