THANK YOU

It was a year last September that CTPhotoMemories has been in exsistence.  It was born out of a love of capturing memories and personalities and a love of people.  I had NO IDEA what it would entail with regards to the business side of things and I had no direction in what to actually hope for...

Although, deep down, being the people pleasing person that I am...I secretly hoped that people would like what I captured...that they'd be giddy over pictures of their children and happy that they had chosen to use CTPhotoMems...

And it seemed like God just started blessing it...I had an abundance of family photo sessions (sometimes to the point that I was overwhelmed, but not quite)...then came a couple of weddings...then senior photo sessions and now the opportunity to photograph newborns...it's been an amazing journey. 

In this, I've been able to purchase necessities...like my camera, a Nikon d300s...like a new lense that affords me the opportunity to photograph weddings...like batteries that seem to die fast when my finger starts clickin' the button:)

Outside of these purchases, my family is not in great need...God has allowed my husband to remain in a job that is able to support our family and even extras:)

Because of this, I told God and my daughters that profit that was made from Mommy's christmas card designs/sales this year would be going for those that didn't have all that we have...

And can I tell you, that once you start down this road of giving...your heart runs the risk of being burdened and blessed all at the same time?  Burdened, because you realize that you can't even make a dent in the needs that are out there and Blessed, because even just one person's life can be changed...

Because so many of you entrusted me to take your family photos and turn them into christmas card gifts to all of your extended family and friends...we were able to give to some needy children and families in different parts of the world. 

I wanted to share with you what your moneys have done...

First off, the girls and I went a little crazy on putting together shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child  If you aren't familiar with this organization, please feel free to peruse the link.  We crammed dolls and toothbrushes and headbands and gum and strawberry shortcake toys and just all sorts of things that we thought some little children might enjoy into a few shoeboxes.  We sent them off with a prayer and a hope that it will make someone who doesn't have all the things my girls have, feel special and loved.

And then we went scrolling through World Vision dot com and after a longggggg discussion about what we might like to give...(let me tell you, it was a long discussion...my eldest was set on getting  a bike for an exploited girl in India, my middle child wanted to support a child going to school for a year in Africa, and my youngest thought a cow was just cool!) 

I'm happy to announce that your moneys provided for a goat, 2 chickens, 3 ducks and 2 rabbits.  You can go to the link to read how these animals help to provide not only food, but a way of income for those that have next to nothing. 

THANK YOU a million times over for using CTPhotoMemories...I am praying and looking for other ways for your moneys to be used for 2011.  It has been a privilege and blessing to be able to do this this year.  I will be expecting great things in the new year...anticipating what God will do and how He directs me! 

Merry Christmas...hope to see you again in 2011!!!