Invasión de la Fotografía

When I was pretty young, I remember absolutely loving pictures. My mom had so many photo albums and I enjoyed watching her put them together. I took careful note of her system and looked forward to the day I could have my own.   I started saving pretty early (we're talking about age 8 or 9) to buy my first camera! You know - back when there was actual film and they were fairly cheap... It was something I enjoyed quite a lot! I was always the person you could count on to have a camera at my side. There was never actually science and skill involved, just enjoyment! But I hoped that maybe one day...

Unfortunately, the first year I was a camp counselor, I kinda lost my photo touch. When I started out I was still taking a lot of photos, but I realized how difficult it was to care for 9 little girls and also take fun pictures all the time! I don't regret my decision to focus on the girls, but I do wish I had not let that first summer set a trend for the next four years. It is such a rare thing for me to take photos anymore simply because I feel likes it's too much of a hassle! But for this trip, I have to meet some requirements - and taking pictures is one of them. So it's been a little interesting but also exciting. 

During this last semester of school, I spent a lot of time reflecting on different things about me, especially trying to understand what the things are that I truly enjoy even if they haven't been a part of my life for a while. As I prepared for Chile with the anticipation of this "photo expectation," I started asking God to give me a better understanding of this interest or pastime as well. I expect this summer to give me a lot of perspective changes but I still don't know what those will be! For today, I'm starting to see a trend with the photography.

As it turns out, my mom is a photographer as one of her jobs. The first day here, I had quite a bit of fun trying to figure out different angles and such in her beautiful garden! Last night as I was talking with my primo (yes, I now have a primo!) he also mentioned that he would have loved to take classes for photography because it's one of his greatest interests, but it's not as easy to do so here. After last night, I started to feel a little bit like this was too much to be a coincidence. Then today, we made an excursion to several significant locations in Arica and I was absolutely loving taking pictures! I haven't felt that in such a long time, but it was fantastic! We didn't have as much time as I wanted though, so I still hope to return to take more another time!

I'm not sure what significance this holds in my life, but I'm so grateful to have that job rekindled =) I can't even explain how much I have missed it and simply wished it would return over the last several years! Jesus is good =) I praise God for the times He is willing to bless me with those little things, just because He can and to once again remind me of His love. I needed that today! I don't know what tomorrow brings, but I am enjoying my interest for the time!