HomeFree

I made it. I made it back to Salem alive and in one piece. The last 9 months of my life have been spent living out of my backpack. Do I love it? YES. Just thinking back I have had experiences with Brazilian SWAT teams, stayed in sketchy hotel rooms in un-known cities in Brazil, been welcomed in by multiple families in Brazil, built a Ropes Course, God provided a ride from Reno Nv. to Bishop Ca...soo cool, backpacked with a team of people in the Eastern Sierras, shot a movie for YWAM Bishop, learned a lot about mountaineering, glisaded 2,500 ft down a coular on my butt, compleated a WFR (recertification) been caught in a lightning/hail/sleet/wind storm on the 3rd pitch of a route at Smith Rock. (that was just 2 days ago!) we bailed on that one, almost got hypothermia....

The coolest thing about all this is I have been able to invest every single day into someones life. Honestly, I have been more blessed to be able to meet and hang out with such great people and partner and do some ministry...so much fun.

So I want to make this one a really quick post...with some sweet photos....here it is. First photo is in Bishop (this is where we had the lecture part of the course....the bottom is me climbing in Bishop. We had one day off within the 200 some odd hours we worked so climbing comes in handy...

Ok

Goodnight!

Have you lost Weight!

So with every thing I have been doing this last month I haven't had time to update my blog cause well, I have been in the back country in the Sierra Nevadas just a short drive out of Bishop Ca...Where did this all come from?

Well, when I was down in Brazil earlier this last year Aaron, one of the staff emailed me and asked if I would like to come with them on a few of their trips and document everything that they do in this school. Here is the Website. Of course I said yes!

So just a few things of what we did...a few days of Mountaineering, skills involved with that such as using an ice ax, learning Self Arrest, setting up protection climbing on ice, and how to walk down hill on ice...From there we were able to go Desert Canyoneering, so we went near Death Valley and found a mtn to climb up and repel down 11 waterfalls. Pretty amazing! This whole time I took photos of everything....I mean everything...it was pretty much a dream come true, very cool. So, before I was to come back home (to Salem) I was asked if I could stay longer and help out the DTS with a promo video....of course I said yes again and was able to help Jordan out with some production stuff, I ended up shooting some....wasn't infront of the camera but thats ok...it was a great learning expeience for me I had never shot a movie before...can't wait to see it. I'll be sure and share it when I can.

So, before the rock climbing and everything wears off until I go next time I wanted to get some photos off so you can see some stuff.


On a compleatly seperate note...It looks like my plans are going through this year. I think that I will be haveing a very interesting year...some things God and I talked about in Brazil are actually formulating....just not how I invisioned it...all that for another time to post.

I have been in this amazing office that you see here in photos and the last week I have been back in the office trying to publish all these photos....kind of drastic but, I think I can handle. Back to working in the middle of the night.

So..in order to save time I am going to bed right now...and sleep so I can work tomorrow.

Good day.

A quick updated with photos!

So, I can say this has been THE most strenuous and physically demanding photo shoot I have had in my entire life thus far.

Let me back up

just a little bit and

tell you how I got here...kind of a long story but I will shorten it up....But, thank you so much all of you who were part of this...God is in you!

Twin Falls, I need to so

me how make it down to Bishop Ca on the 24th ish of March. One of my friends was leaving to go work overseas and asked if they could help any by flying me as close as possible to bishop on the

ir flight miles! Of course I said

yes it would at least get me halfway there! So, Vegas here I come! I was able to visit family and friends down there for a few days and it was an amazing time just to relax and get some much needed work done...at this time I am still trying to figure out how I am am going t

o get to Reno 8 hrs North, to catch THE only bus that runs into Bishop...So,

I get on Craigslist to find a rideshare and come to find out one of my uncles friends was driving there the day that I needed! Check! 8 hrs in the truck what a great time! Really it was fun, great conversation! Just watch out for the alie

ns in the Nevada Desert! I needed a place to stay that night

ht and then be dropped off at the airport in Reno on that Wed. to catch the bus...Ended up getting in contact

with some old friends that are pastoring a church in Reno, they let me crash on their floor for the evening...wha

t a wonderful time catching up and actually seeing where life takes people! God has some amazing stories! Next afternoon to the airport in Reno to catch the bus...I showed up 1.5 hrs early to make sure everything was good...come to find out the lady that I talked to told 3 other people that the bus was running that day and it never showed up! So, here I am stuck in Reno! I looked into renting a car...but couldn't cause non of the car companies had any extra or they don't service one ways to Bishop. Great! So let me give you a picture....I have all my luggage with me...backpacking, climbing, camera and nothing extra...I had

been wearing the same cloths for a few days and my uncle gave me a shirt that was too small on him. SO. I ended up asking ever

yone going through Reno if they were heading in the direction of Bishop, just so I could get a way down there! After almost 4.5 hours of asking people if they were going I almost gave up and was about to call my contacts from the night b

efore, or get a hotel room...the last half hour was me just telling myself "just one more person" Finally that one more person paid off. A lady and 2 other people were standing waiting for their luggage I rolled up there with my little luggage cart way overfilled and asked if they were heading down to Bishop...No (again) then the lady asks why I need to be down there...told them about the photo shoot and the situation that I was in, she ended up calling her house sitter and asked him is he wanted to drive

down to Bishop Ca tonight she mentioned YWAM and he said YES. The lady brought me to her house set me in front of her TV with some Sparkeling Water....and I wait...45 minutes pass and I am still all by myself in her home! What a trusting woman! God is soo good! (By the way March Madness was on so I was happy) Finally my ride gets there and we picked up another car with friend and we were on the road, heading to Bishop Ca. Finally! Amazing time driving down there with these guys in the middle of the night. We ended up pulling into Bishop at around 11 at night...and they turned around and went back! I wanted to pay them but they wouldn't have it at all! God answered a lot of dreams that night mine and theirs! Mine was a ride, theirs was to help someone out!

So Now I am in Bishop for a few weeks and we did some Mountaineering, and ended up climbing close to 13,000 ft. Never in my life have I wanted to quite so bad....I just couldn't breath going up the steep mountain! But, I am so glad I kept on going....trust me the pay off was amazing...I have some pictures of it. It was a good summit/pass.

Unfortuanaly one of the staff ended up getting sick and we had to cancel the rest of the trip...we were out 5 days....I think, and we had 3 more to go. I ended up doing some things like learning how to Self Arrest and build snow caves and a bunch of different things, such a great time.

Anyways, I need to get going but tomorrow we head out to Death Valley to go Desert Canyoneering. We will be hiking for 1.5 days to the top of a canyon...Rappel down to the river and continue getting out of the canyon...a total of 13 Rappel stations! Some places will be up to our neck in water! and I have to keep all my gear Dry! Ha! This is going to be awesome! So.

The photos...

Big Day in Bishop Ca

Today as of right now...when I post this...I will be doing one of the hardest thing ever in my life...I will be heading out with me and my camera to document a little school here in Bishop called SOAR...look it up under YWAM Bishop. We will be spending 8 days out in the Mtns outside Bishop Ca and one of these days we will summit at 14,000 ft. Lots of snow in this area. Great times! I really am looking forward to it but really covet your prayers....it is going to be exausting...last time I weighed my bag it was 73 lbs...or 33.1 Kg. It will be an experience that I wont soon forget. After that we will be going into the desert to do some exercises out there. Well, its past 1:30 in the morn...and I kind of need my good sleep...Ciao.

The Pictures are some from my time at home last month...training...or snowshoeing, same thing.

Enjoy!

Just a few photos from Brazil.

So I am here in Boise right now, and the last few days here have been great! I got to summit a little climb in Idaho City with a good friend and it literally kicked my butt...I am so out of shape for this next month!! Its going to be amazing!

Well, as I promised here are some photos from Brazil.

I know I know...but I thought it was a blog that updates automatically. Opps.

So, my current location is Twin Falls Idaho. I am

here for a few days on vacation and well, so far its been pretty good. I have seen a few people, not everyone I want to see but I am getting there.

The last 3 days as of the 9th...I have gone snowshoeing everyday...It has been amazing...everything ranging from a S

unday stroll after church to an all day hike up and around the mtn...just to get to the top and snowboard down in power up to the knee...its been a great week so far.

So in this time I have had some time to process some photos. Actually I need to take time cause my work horse (Powerbook G4) is getting a little slow the

se days...I am proud to say that it is still going though. I am really excited to share some photos, it seems like forever...I know, it has been.

So just for the sake of getting photos up. Here are a few. Enjoy. I will have a more Brazil specific one soon.

First post of 09´ with pictures!

A few photos taken of some of the work I have been doing down here. NOTE: The photos taken are not MY photos. they are a member of the team that was down here Brian, also a great photog. Thanks Brian for leaving some photos behind down here.

From Dimension

Luba learning how to throw things at my head.

From Dimension

Dirk and I in the trees...I am on the left.

From Dimension

Jorg and I in another tree. Passing him the drill.

From Dimension

Drilling the Flying Squirrell

From Dimension

Taking photos of the pamper pole being put up.

From Dimension

A few days on Honey Island, hanging out with some of the guys.

From Dimension

Trying to get the bolt in with my mind. I finally got it.

From Dimension

Camron Diaz...apparently I look like her.

From Dimension

Short hike to the top of some rocks a few minutes walk from the base.

From Dimension

On top of that big rock...looking out.

From Dimension

Back to training on the course.

From Dimension

Teaching knots...Thanks Rex!

From Dimension

How I climb trees...I guess.

From Dimension

First attempt on the Zip Line...our participant had just a few broken legs...I mean bottles.

From Dimension

From Dimension

Another tree...Giant Swing I believe.

From Dimension

Platform for The Giant Swing

From Dimension

Another look out. running around with some of the kids from the neighborhood.

From Dimension

Calling it a day.

From Dimension

Working with my brother...err...Ivo. (and Hanna)

From Dimension

Brad and I. Literally my sanity :)

From Dimension

I guess I just like to hang out at the tops of trees and poles...this one I had to wait for a while...I fell asleep.

Christmas in Brazil

Merry Christmas all...I was just thinking about my blog and how long I have been updating it and its coming up on a 3 year birthday if you will here at the new year.  

So 

its been an interesting time here in Brazil on Christmas.  Let me give you a little update on whats been happening before...

Part 6...

God has his own timing for everything.  If you were to ask me to explain how it works well, I don't know.  Pretty much you plan and

 do everything you can to make things work smoothly and he is still in control....which doesn't really have anything to do with time. 

So the rest of our team got here 3 guys from Latvia and a few others from here in Brazil.  Each day we would do all we could do with very little tools we literally didn't have a normal hammer...it had a broken head on it...and was a finishing hammer.  There was plenty of things for us to do before the container got here Jorg, Dirk, and I were the main team up in the air for the first part drilling holes up in trees with no bolt to put them in which meant we had to climb the trees again.

Other places around the course it was ground work.  So in other words it was a lot of prep work for when the container got here.  

The night that the container got here was an exciting one.  It was about 23:00 and we had a whole bunch of people helping unload, almost 35 people!  Pretty Amazing.  

So, of course after that night the rest of the time the team was here was spent swedgeing, putting bolt in, drilling more holes, pre

tty much we put the course together in under a week...backwards.  I never thought I would say this but...math works.  NOT for me mind you but it still does...I guess.

So since all the team has left except Luba and the Metcalfs we are now the official make things look good team.  We still need to build a platform for the Zip Line and tighten Guy Wires, finish working on the High Circuit and then the important part is to train people how to facilitate on the ropes course.  

New years is here and we have just a few more days to relax and take off...its been nice but way to much time to do nothing.

So the Photos.  The first one is a picture that Brain, a guy on our team took...maybe it was Petra...anyway....if you look close enough you might be able to find Dirk and I.

The next photo is me on the Giant Swing tree drilling away...look over my right shoulder and you can see someone on the ground way...way down there.

And the last photo is of a girl in one of the homes in the slum behind the base...with us getting all the ground work done before the container got here we had spare time to do some ministry around the neighborhood...this place we ended up raising enough money just in our team to replace the roof(or lack there of) of one of the guys homes that was helping us. We were also able to buy furniture and a stove for him and his family as well.  Cool Stuff.

Well until next time...who knows when.

keep praying...I come home on the 12th of Feb 09.  

Brazil

 So its been 1 week here in Brazil and I am not sure which story to tell.  My adventures have consisted of 3 days of couch surfing, being lost in a city of 19 million.  Trying to find my way through the bus system in that city, driving through other cities, my lack of speaking Portuguese, literally bush whacking through a jungle.  Helping teach with a team of people a group from one of the local churches and meeting up with 25 friends from around the world.  Today I got to sit down

(lay down) in a hammock and look over 

parts of a city and just realize how privileged I am to be living my life.  Though the work days start Monday 

on building the Ropes Course, and I hopefully will be hanging out in the tops of trees, its really been a time to remember.  

  The team I met up with consists of:

Jeff, his wife Sue and Loral his daughter (he is the guy I went to Germany and Latvia with)

Sal and his family. (They were in Sa

lem for just over a year training on the Ropes Course so we could bring it down here to his city of curitiba.  He has 3 daughters.)

Dirk and Patty and their family  (They have worked on the ropes course the last 3 seasons and have 2 daughters Kendra and Kylie.  They will be staying here for 6 months at the base.  

Jorg and his family (They were a family I met in Germany when I was there last year, a family of 4 boys!  Only 3 minutes into seeing them tonight I was already being tackled by 3 of them!  Good times)

Brad and Kendra (Both are on staff at 

YWAM Salem and have worked on the Ropes Course this last year.  They are dating.) 

Brian and Petra (Brian just finished his CDTS a few weeks ago and Petra I met in Germany last year...she came over here to work on Ropes and met Brian there.  They just got engaged.)

Bill (I worked with Bill on the Ropes Course the last first 2 years and has an incredible knack for intelligence coupled with an amazing testimony.)

Luba (Luba is from Ukraine and has worked on the Ropes Course the last 2 years.  She will be here 3 months just like me.)

Jesse (Jesse is the YWAM Salems Base Director and will be here for 2 more weeks.  He is one of the guys I got to go and teach with this last weekend)

Hanna (She is a girl that just arrived today (26th) from Germany.  She is working with the Ritter family and is working on the ropes course there.)

And for some people that we are still waiting on

Ivo, Rivas and Ritus (All from Latvia, I got to work with Ivo and his family one year on the Ropes Course in Salem and then I met up with all of them last year in Latvia) 

Cory and Kevin (Right now they are still in Salem waiting for their visas to come into Brazil.  They will be here for almost I year I think doing a DTS here and then going back to Salem.

So thats the clan I get to live and work with, most will be here a month working on the course and a few of the others will stay a bit longer like me and help out where needed.

ON TO THE STORIES!

So my first day in Brazil I spent walking a total of 18 miles in and around Sao Paulo.  I was offered a bike to ride around on but was encouraged to take the public transit system (faster and easier.)  First of all I want to say that the couch surfing family I stayed with was amazing!  I couldn’t ask for a better home to stay in they were minutes within Brazils “Wall Street” and wanted only the best for me.  They provided a key to the house and let me come and go as I pleased such a great time with these people.

Anyway, so I decided to walk that day and went to a few different places...the cemetery being one of those places...let me tell you this place was cool!  Its a very Catholic cemetery, so lots of tombs (is that the right word?)  Got a few good pictures there and then the rest of the day was me walking around all the different galleries one place must have been about 60 acres total and 4 stories up....very cool!

So the pictures.

I am having to pick and choose what photos to put on here and for some reason I can't get vertical photos...vertical...go figure.

So here are just a few 

The first 2 are just some photos of the first few days and the Sunday afternoon I got to relax on the deck.  The first photo is in Sao Paulo couch surfing and the next is where I'll be most of my time at the YWAM base.

the 3rd photo is of Jorg and I working up in the trees just hanging there with big drills...no big deal.  

Its 23:00 I am going to bed...NIGHT!

Brazil and Couches

So, there is a rumor going around that I am going to Brazil. Well, let me tell you...I am. Its been a long month since my last post. We (Ropes Team) applied for 2 different visas to Brazil and got denied both times...this was of course after the fact that I had already bought my ticket to Brazil, a whopping $1289.83 or something like that...who is counting anyway. So, It hasn't been until the last few weeks after the 3rd application to Brazil did we ALL (25 people) get our visas...I got a 5 year visa! Amazing! God is so good.
Anyway, all this time has been caught up working (hanging out) with the current DTS, planning for this trip to Brazil, working on maintenance here at the base, working in communications, I think sometime in there was a trip down to San Fransisco (apply for visas) Seattle (Photoshop siminar) my Aunts Wedding, and everything else that comes when you only have a few days to do everything, good stuff. I still need to figure out what,where, and how I am going to take everything I need down there...I have 2 backpacks that I can carry on. (You can see those here and here.) Camera gear, 3 months worth of "gear that I need to bring, all my climbing gear for building, and stuff Sal has bought for us all to enjoy bringing down to him. I am going to try and get this all as carry on...good times. Then other stuff like finances, calling people, making sure I am not forgetting anything you know, travel stuff.
So, I just noticed a few things. One, I have never talked about couchsurfing and Two, I have never talked about couchsurfing. Personally, I think its is such a great concept. Invite people from all over the world to stay at your house for free and your only payment is a new friends and a better connection with the world...sharing, hospitality at its finest. I have hosted a few people on my couch in Idaho and also a few more people here in Salem. I have also done it well, all over the world literally. Boise, Portland, Seattle, Nashville, L.A., Berlin, and on the 17th...Sao Paulo. This round of couchsurfing includes a couple in Sao Paulo, they have literally given me the keys to their house...man I am so blessed and privileged. I will be there at their house for a few days until the rest of the team gets into Brazil and then we go further south and begin building. So the first few days I will be thrown into a brand new culture, new language, and new surroundings without knowing hardly any Portuguese, and my first task is to make it all the way across a HUGE city without any problems. (Jessica I'll be thinking about you when we finally make it on to The Amazing Race!)
So, I guess an important detail that I forgot to mention was I am also coming back to the states on my very own Birthday, February the 13th I'll be mid-air...man I hope they have a cake for me. Ok, I kid. I don't enjoy cake unless its free, and then sometimes not.
When I am down there I don't know when I am going to be able to up date this blog. The first month I will be up in a tree mainly hanging out like I was doing in Germany and Latvia (good times) then the next 2 months after that are still in the process of planning but that will be the main bulk of when I am taking photos...

So the Photos.

The first one is of Ruthie. I work with here here at the base in Salem. Its just a random photo I found in my archive. I like it. Its all sunlight.

The other Photos are some experiments I am doing with bubbles. Its a fun project...I am actually learning a lot through it...

We'll good night for me right now.

Africa and New School

So, one of my really good friends (person A) left last week for Africa (soon) and to be honest I haven't felt so bitter towards YWAM, someone (person A), Jesus, all of the above for leaving in a long time. I know I am going to see him (person A) again, I am confident in that, but seriously! Did you have to leave without me? BLAH! I am really stoked to see and hear what unfolds in the next few years for my friend(s) who are over there...really excited. I am sure all of them will be gracing the end of my lens someday. Have fun.

In other news. The Fall DTS is in session, and I am doing a little something different during this school. Most of the time I might get to know a few of the students...maybe. But God really challenge me to not just "do my thing" but to actually connect with the students. Normaly I would just connect with the people who would come back on staff and get to know them then...but thats now how my friend (person A)...or Jesus would do it. You see, Person A even when he knows he only has 3 weeks with a person, he invests as much as he can into the person and tries to disciple them. I am pretty sure the J man would do the same thing...wait, he did. Anyway, I am making time to hang out with the school cause I only have until November 16th before I leave for Brazil and I want them to experience as much of God as possible. So, that makes me excited about what God will be doing in their lives. Go God.

On the Photo side of things I have been doing a few different things around here. We have a "studio" if you will...more like a cave with 2 strobes in it...(it works so much better then not having one) but, I have been shooting quite a few "seamless backgrounds" for this look.
I don't think I quite have it down consistently but I am working on it. I am thinking Staff photos.
This next Monday I get 2 soft boxes to work with and frankly I am really enthusiastic about that. Its going to be great!

I have also been seeing some things in my head that I am going to try and get down on "film" some design stuff and some painting stuff...yeah thats right, I said painting...I don't know how I am going to accomplish that...it didn't turn out so well in High School...but all that to say I still have something in my head for an ad ish background for something...I don't know yet.

So for the photos...Well, I shaved again...currently its all gone. But just as a warning, its beard time, who knows how far I am going to take this one. I am sure I'll give updates on that.

The 2nd and 3rd photos were of a Sunday Drive I took with a friend at church its at the Silverton Reservoir.
4th photo is a building up in Portland.
5th Photo of some students. Saturday I took a few of the girls up to Portland to hang out. Get this, we went to some Art Galleries and they didn't complain one bit! Amazing. In fact we also just walked around and they didn't say a thing. (I guess I was the only one complaining on that trip.)

6th Photo is the next day (Sunday) and the school went to the beach. Well, we kind of got lost and then found it. A little rainy but not to bad for the Oregon Coast. All in all its been a great time. Next time I update I have to write something about what is going on with our Visas for Brazil. That's a whole other blog post...I'll give you a hint. I went to San Fran for a day and a half...OK! Off to Bed.

See ya when ever.

What the Brown!

I slept in today...it was wonderful. Then went for a random drive with the new DTS Students up to Portland...Apple Store, REI,Powells Books, Deek and Brians...well, sort of. We stood on the outside and talked to a homeless man that we (8 guys) were able to help out. Not much is happening that I can think of right now. Newsletters will be heading out this next week. Again, if you missed it on the last post, I am going to Brazil and am spreading the word about it cause, I have ohhh, 33 bucks in my account and need to raise $1000 dollars by November 16th.

The Photo is a picture of one of the Students in the DTS. It's one photo in a group of 65 photos put into an animation...once he is done putting it together I'll be sure and post it on here.

oh yeah...I also have my newsletter here. Go ahead and read it.

Have a good week. Oh, yeah. Here is my newsletter.

Quick Wrap Up.

I have had one heck of a summer...well, spring summer. Since the April, I have been consistently going somewhere or coming back from doing something. Last week was the last Niko on the schedule and I am "grounded" for 2 months...maybe one month cause there are talks of me going on another mobile trip to document it for the Galilee Project. This ends only 9 days before I leave to go to Brazil for 3 months. Currently, my plans for the trip consist of helping build a Ropes Course for the YWAM Base down there for the first month, take a little vacation for Christmas and New Years, and then start on kind of a personal project with my photography. Now, I say kind of cause it involves my sister (RIP) and it also involves me documenting mission/missionaries where ever I am. Just a quick background...I had a sister that died of SIDS before I was born and my parents set up a fund in her name...well, part of the funds if I remember correctly went to a missionary that was stationed in Brazil. Now, unfortunately he has since moved away to Africa and is working over there full time...but I get to go and document what he/and his family has done over there over the years, along with kind of a legacy of what has become of my sister...so, a work/personal project. I will be flying back from Brazil on my birthday the 13th of February...so Happy Birthday to me.
Right now, I am currently working on raising support for the time I am on the ground in Brazil. I had enough money saved up from the last time I was home and had enough for the plane ticket...but I had a little hic-up with on of my lenses...last May when I was in California I ended up breaking a lens...it wouldn't zoom or focus anymore. I have worked with it since then and last month when I was at a camp for foster kid in the area the lens literaly exploded in my hand...pretty amazing. Check out the photos. ANYWAY, I ended up having to buy a new lens. Luckly I have put money away each month to save up for it and I am a proud new owner of a Nikon 17-55 2.8 lens YEAH! For those of you who are checking up on the price of the lens, I got it for 5/8ths the price...thanks Craigs List, $800 bucks! WHOO!

SO, the Price I am budgeting for on the ground in Brazil will be $1000.00 food, travel, all that.

Now on to the pictures of the last few months....actually, these are just within the last few week.

The First two photos are of some staff here at the base. Ethan and Mekisha (forgive me for the spelling) and the other is Angela. The Next two are for the Freedom Project...some promotional stuff that I am helping with in Latvia. Of course the next is my broken lens.

By the Way. The Pano Photos are up and moving on the YWAM Website Here is the link.

Forever and Counting

By the Way. The Pano Photos are up and moving on the YWAM Website Here is the link.







So, for the requested update I give you some photos...these are panoramic shots of the base...flat on my blog...but soon to be interactive pano shots on here. Not as of yet though. This week I should have a few minutes to update on my life...its been a busy one. Anyways, here they are. Enjoy.

A little Over Due

Well. It happened, 2 months just got away from me and I am left here trying to recap every thing that I did. Right now I am sitting in the Boise Airport just about ready to embark on another wedding...One more of my friends getting hitched...Go Andrew. Anyways, the time that I left you I was just beginning a month long mobile trip down to California and Mexico. Here is an example of some of the things that I did for the "marketing" for this trip. I will say I had a great person to work with in the photos and design process, fun stuff. Over all that experience was really great just to go and speak with people and try to motivate them to do something for God, and build relationships with different churches that we have been to before...it was kind of cool to see us as a group go from talking about doing something productive (like serving other people)to just serving people. It was great to see how God worked.

So I have other stroies about that trip but frankly...that was a month ago...And I am still one month behind.

When I got back from that trip in California a day later I was in a vehicle driving up to Spokane, Wa. for a Ropes Course Training for a TRAC Camp that I am on the Leadership Board with. Good times there.

Ok Now I am back in Salem and my next stop is Staffing a NIKO...I am 3 minutes late for the bus...drove out to the NIKO Site and had an interesting time with Jr. High Students from a local Mennonite Church here in the Valley...Good times.

Got back from that and ended up doing a little bit of work for NIKO and going to Manditory meetings for a Royal Family Kids Camp that I would be a counselor at, at a later date. Plus Building and Training for this TRAC Camp...little busy.

Next I shot Mel and Sammys Wedding at the base. Thats when I found out that I had broken one of my lenses...So I got to rent the lens I have been saving up for. Nikon 17-55 2.8 Only 1400 bucks.

Weddings done at 2 in the morning and 10 the next morning I am on my way to church packed and ready to go for a week long kids camp through my church for Foster Kids who have been abused and neglected...Lets just say it was at that point in church when I sat there and realized I haven't taken a day off to relax since the first of May...so tired. Not a good way to start a Kids Camp. Well, I had fun there. One morning I woke up at 3 and had to bring a child back to his bed....good times.

And now. I just got back from this camp last Saturday and right as I drive on base I am reminded that I have kitchen duties for that day....(they had updated the schedule when I was gone) I was told not to worry about it today but I could cover whoever had it on Sunday...my first official day off. It wasn't a bad thing I actually enjoyed getting back in the kitchen for a little while.

So I sat in my office the last two days and tidied up a little bit. Made a few books and edited Photos from the last wedding I shot and all of a sudden I am sitting here in Boise, Idaho waiting for my ride to get here and am up dating this thing...all I have to say is its about time. Geez.

As always enjoy the photos...I hope to make a few more these next few days.

The beginning of this month I had the oppertunity to leave the base and go on a mobile trip with 5 other people Megan, Brittany, Ruthie, Andrew, Luke and I.  Already, we have  seen a lot of cool things happen, things that we prayed for before we left are happening, people are being really receptive, and I am getting to live out what I have dreamed of...This morning I got to speak in front of a a middle school class here in California and challenged them to make a difference where they are at now in their lives...so the first few minutes of it was just a little slide show going on in the background and all the kids were ewwing and awing...kind of cool.  It killed the time :) I had about 10 or 15 minutes, so it was much needed.  

Anyway, I am on the road for a whole month and I just confirmed today that I will be going to Mexico for about 2 days to work along side a youth group that wants us to show them how to do the evangelism side of things.

Today was the first day I feel like I ended up getting some decent photos of everyone...even though they are still just talking in front of people.  There must be a way to spice these photos up a little in order to make it more exciting....maybe not.  We will be having "ministry" time more in the future so I'll get some action shots of them all working.

Anyways, If you (who ever reads this) would like to pray for a few things on this trip.  Here are a few things.

• Pray that the things we share and show will continue to motivate the people we speak to.  That it won't be just a passing thing but a transforming thing.
• Safety...in driving...oh, and good gas miledge.  We are driving a White Chevy 15 Passenger Van...so.
• More on the team dynamics...creativeness. 

I am really working with a great team and am excited to see exactly what is going to happen.

I don't have any photos right now on this computer...but as soon as I do I'll put up some photos.  I think that this is officially the second time I have posted something without any photos....I feel like I am not doing you justice...sorry.  

So be blessed and if your reading this and your in the LA area....we have about 5 days I think where we don't know where we are staying...its going to be great to see how God pulls through.

Be blesssed. 

Now for a real post.

Ok so I admit...I was a little tired on the last post...what, three weeks ago. When its early in the morning it just struck me funny.

So whats been going on to make me so busy... just for starters. WFR is going on. If you don't remember what the WFR is check out my last post here. Just this time I am on the other side of the notes...thank the Lord. I am pretty confident that none of the students are going to find this by Thursday- Saturday. So pretty much what I have been doing is setting up a few different catastrophic scenes. The first one started on Monday, I went to the local airport and picked up the body of an Airplane...good times. I remember last year. Second, I will be involved in turning a van on its side down a ravine. that will be lots of fun...I have always wanted to flip a car. Then there is going to be an earthquake and a class 5 hurricane...all in a few hours. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday is when that is going on.

Among other things. I am getting some ideas together for the Freedom Project here at the base. I kind of view it as a (inter)national Marketing Campaign to stop Human Trafficking. I have quite a few great ideas already in the works towards that...a lot of the stuff I am coming up with deals with a large budget...which, we all know I am not on that end of the spectrum. Maybe someday though. So Chase Jarvis, if you read this you should email me and we could talk about ideas....thats a good idea.

So, I am getting restless...I need to move. Go. Document.

So whats the J man been doing in my life lately...He is challenging me to go to be by 12...at the latest...its after that right now. Anyway, its really tough. I guess thats good though.

I guess since I am at it. Another video...I think this video really speaks into the generations coming up and also the way business are going to be run in the future...its kind of interesting.




Now for the photo. It was shot last week for the project mentioned above...but this wasn't one of my concepts...mine are a little more confusing on the lighting end....I think.

Anyways, enjoy.

Until next time.

Easter. Steven Curtis Chapman and Girls With Gang Signs.

Its been a while, I know. To long. Almost to the point of me putting it off longer...not that it hasn't been busy around here. On the contrary, it has been really busy. I have actually taken a lot of photos and quite a few things have been going on here at the base.

Today is Easter. I am also in a performance at church. Steven Curtis Chapman. Need I say more? I think it should be on youtube here in a few days. You all can laugh at me. Well, I need to get to bed. I wanted to post something so it would motivate me another time in the near future to post again. Trust me its coming. But until then, for those of you who enjoyed the mustache video...this one made me laugh as well. Just the irony of it all.



The other photos are of some students that are here. I made a ring flash just for this shoot. I think it turned out really well. I love the photos.

Have a great day. (No matter what day it is when you read this.)

Be Blessed

Photo Videos.

A lot has been going on here at the base. Even though I am sitting in front of this computer most of the time now...I still don't have any time to update this thing...it has been a while.
The week of my birthday I spent up in Portland going back and forth from the Airport...Picking up and dropping off Students....Then the rest of that week was spent making slide shows of all the photos that were brought back from outreach....great stuff. I was able to edit and show a variety of photos...

So, I am really tired right now. It is currently 12:22 and I am going to bed but, before I do that I want to introduce a new little thing I am going to do....Since I am trying to find a balance between a "Photo Blog" and a blog that people can come to and find out what I am doing. I am going to Post some of my favorite photo videos that I come across on the internet. This will give you a little insight to the things that I consistently think about. When ever I enter a room I can almost tell you what kind of exposure it will need "in" camera for what I imagine. Anyway, Thats going to be part of my geeky side coming out in this world. So for my first movie...enjoy.

This First movie is one of a respected Photog up in Seattle/Paris area. Chase Jarvis.



So Sit back and enjoy this whole process of work by Chase.

The News!!

First off. It has been such a long week for me. Most of it was sitting behind a wheel driving between the airport and where ever I spent the previous night. I had the great pleasure of meeting up with YWAM Portland. Great bunch of people. They took me out for a Birthday Breakfast and it was the best BnG...good stuff.

After I almost had a heart attack cause of that BnG I was off to see the city of Portland with my eyes behind the camera...well, that hardly happened cause 2 brothers that were at the PDX Base we ended up hanging out and eating some great grub from a place downtown.

Later that afternoon I picked up a student that flew in from Sudan. Great news there also! Man its been a busy week!

That was my Birthday.

The next day I preceded to pick up more students from the airport....next day I shot a music video for a local artists. She was a lot of fun to work with and I think I turned out with some pretty solid images. (not bad shooting at ambient...1/40th of a sec @ 2.8) I was a little nervous. After the whole shindig is a whole other story...God and Divulge Records is a huge blessing...thats another story...

NOW for the NEWS that some of you have been waiting for.

About a week and a half ago, Eddy, Jess, and I sat down for dinner here at the base and he preceded to tell me (over and over again) to get out of here, to get up off my butt and get going.
Well, a few things have been happening to refine my vision lately and this was part of it.

I guess I am just going to drop it, instead of just lead you on...(even if you have read this far)

I would like to publish a book by this time next year...like 10,000 copies. OF WHAT? Well, I have come to realize that not a lot of people are going to pick up a book about missionaries...come on would you? Personally, I never go out of my way to look at images of missionaries out in "the field" its just boring. Crappy photos, crappy story (not all the time) Oh, and crappy photos. Maybe I am just looking at the wrong books but I haven't seen anything really captivating...thats just me. Thats why I want my part in this transformation.

Where am I going to get these photos? Well, again I am still refining...still in a process. I would love to be able to volunteer on say Mercy Ships or something like that so I can document what the doctors are doing...actively. Maybe for a month. (Man, Eddy your smart.) Present to the doctors what exactly I am doing. (With my books, and maybe their photos in a book.) And whoever else wants to see what they are doing.

Now I know publishing costs are expensive...very. Doctors don't have all the money in the world but if they buy into what my vision is maybe they could invest into the publishing costs through a foundation, grant, personal contribution, ect.

Now if you remember not a lot of people are going to pick up a book about a missionary...but they will with a social issue...say Human Trafficking. I could present a Problem (Human Trafficking) and present part of a solution (Jesus, Freedom Project.) to the problem. THUS the missionaries that I document will be able to receive more support through the pages dedicated to them.

Upon my return to Salem I then go to the different areas that YWAM Salem focus on as a base. Document (the Problem) and offer part of a solution. This helps out with the vision of the base. It helps with the mobilization of people. (aka marketing) and a documentation of what YWAM Salem's inheritance is...I still learn more about this base every day I had no Idea about before...

All this of course means...I need more money...I have no idea how in the world I am going to do it...its out of my range. Really far out. I never used to think of myself publishing a book but I guess the J-Man see it all different, he is the one stretching the $300 buck I get a month. He is SO Faithful.

I would love to hear anything of what you guys, (the now 10 or so of you that read this on a regular basis...thank you) think of this refined vision...critics, anything...remember I can't do this on my own. I have to rely on you and other people that don't read this blog.

Well, to all. Its getting really late...1:51 according to my computer...good night and I'll see you next time.

By the way. God is good.

Happy Birthday to me.

Its that time of the year again...my birthday. 26 yrs old. Its been good times, never thought I would make it this far...surprising, I keep on surviving. God is good.

This last week at the base has been full of adventures. First off the outreach teams are coming back from overseas...and we have been doing construction all week to prepare the dorms...they are "more" livable. So lots of things going on and that means a lot of pictures, and work. I did a little bit of everything. Where ever I could help. All I have to say is thanks Josh for teaching me properly how to roll a wall. No roller lines!

I also took a few more pictures of smoke. I really kind of enjoy doing this cause I never know what I am going to get. Hope you enjoy.

Tune in next time...I have news that has been brewing the last few days and I would really like some response on it...If you don't mind.

Wedding Engagement

Not mine. Sorry to get your hopes up...I know.

I spent Saturday with a couple here on the base. Mel and Samuel are getting married in the next few months and i get to document their wedding! We ended up going in to Salem to take a few photos down town...
Anyway, enjoy.

Alien Bee800...I think I am in love

I had an real photo shoot today with all the staff on the base. It was a lot of fun. I learned a lot with placement of lights, power, working with models...Man, I have so much to learn if I ever try to work in a "studio".
However, even though I am excited about doing that throughout the day...I had even more fun...getting all my work done! I had decided to bring my computer up with me so I could download and edit throughout the day AND work on all my other projects that need to get done...I am a little worried for tomorrow. What am I going to do? I sat there in the Prayer Chapel and asked myself why and how I got all of this work done...then I realized. I didn't have the internet...even when I am working this thing wastes my time. It reminds me of this video I saw (just a little bit more to waste your time.)

Today, taking all of these photos for the base, I learned how much I should have made...just for todays work. Lets just say I am glad I am doing exactly what I love. God is good. Now hopefully, with these photos they (the missionaries) can maybe send these out to there supporters...I hope I did good enough to be put on the fridge :) of their supporters.

The Ropes Course team left today for a confrence in Portland. Seems to be a pretty big deal. Man, I really miss Ropes. I love working outside, with teams, with the crew we have right now. I know that I am going to be working more in communications but that fresh air every day...I guess I could go take photos...thats how I'll get out. Take pictures. God is good.

For all my supporters (prayer, financial, or those who agree with what I am doing) out there that read this...I don't know who. Thank You. So far its been 2 years, and its been seriously the ride of my life. It is honestly such a blessing when I see your name every month knowing that you still remember me. It feels good. This year will be different with my contact with you. I really want it to be more. So, be ready. I know how to find you.

Well, I am really tired. Its currently 1:44 in the morn and I'll be back in the office at 8 in the morn. Good night to you.

Photo info.

First photo is Phil...I won't tell you what he is doing.

Second is Ethan and Mekeisha "Flying Ladies"

Third is Jason and Trisha

And Fourth is Mike and Nikki

I really enjoyed the family photos a lot this time great people to work with also. So, again good night.

Dreams and Missions

The last few days have been something I could never had dreamed in a long time...First off...I actually enjoyed myself at a missions convention....kind of weird. I went there with a two part reason.
1. To see/meet old friends. Unfortunately, I don't have any photos of this whole week....kind of sad. And,
2. To actually learn something of what is going on in the "World of Christian Missions."
I made a few different contacts this last week that I will be stirring around for a while in my head to figure out what do to with them.
Honestly, there was so much information thrown out at this convention that it was like trying to drink water from a fire hydrant.

A lot of good things came out of this weekend though. Jeremy and Keri Brown along with Katelynne came to the conference in Portland and were able to come with their friends down to the base here in Salem and experience all that I have been doing the last 2 years. I'll tell you what, having them here was a blast from the past for sure and, they left me wondering if what had happened was real or not. Its always different when someone from "home" visit and see what your doing. To actually experience with them what your dreams are is just amazing. To do that in the physical, so cool. Thank you guys for coming.

On Tuesday I had the opportunity to display my photos in a "mini convention" held here at the base to show people exactly what we are doing here and overseas as well.
I had my own booth to show my work and display all the things that I want to see happen just in my own little ministry...good times. Some photos are finally framed and I have an idea of better ways to do things next time. It was a great crash course. And I can't wait to see what is around the next corner.

Its late and I was going to post some photos that I just took but I think that will come next time...maybe.

But the photo at the top was taken during Christmas in Vegas...my Uncle and I went down to feed the homeless...good times filled with people from all over the world and burning the tips of your fingers on coffee.

Good night.

YWAM SALEM

I made it home. Josh and I left Twin Falls around 10:30 and pulled into Boise with perfect time to get something to eat and fly on my way back to Salem. This flight however was maybe the most painful I have ever experienced. Just a few days before, I started to get sick. Nothing bad. On the plane however, I got the worst plugged ears EVER! I felt the plane go from 30,000 feet to about 12,000 All in my head! I thought I heard a baby screaming on the plane but I am convinced it was my sub-conscious. This hurts. I have never had a problem with this because I can "pop" my ears pretty simply without making a scene. I just yawn and it seems to work for me. (I can even do it with my mouth closed.) I don't know if thats cool or not but whatever. This time I actually had to pop my ears. Crazy! Anyways, now I can understand babies a little more.

On a total separate note. Today, I got to climb a tree on the course that we have just added stuff to. Its called a Staple Climb. I wish I had some photos but I was too excited, I just grabbed my harness out of my room. Anyways, all you do on this one is climb up a tree (on belay) to the top of the tree! It is so cool! On the way up there are mainly only 10 staples or so the rest your climbing on tree branches. A lot of the ones that are near the ground are cut off to about 8 or 12 inches but once you pass that thresh hold its like when your a little kid again, You get a feeling that you are much safer just because there are branches around and your climbing on and around them. Eventually, I climbed so high that EVERYTHING crystallized almost instantly. All the needles on the tree were green with a layer of ice on top of it. Spiderwebs you could see every detail!

I finally reached the top and looked behind me. I could see above all the other trees on the base and see all the other trees with ice christals throughout the valley. I looked over to my right and could see I-5...to the left was the vineyard. Amazing!

This reminded me of when I was growing up there were different trees all over my neighborhood, (which consisted of miles and miles of forest and farming land in Oregon.) and there were trees that I loved to climb. I would always find a way to climb. (I think about it now and its weird how everything works together.) These were some of my favorite times growing up I think. I could climb a tree and be away from everyone and not be bothered. I could hide and no one could see me. I look at it now and these were probably the times when The J-Man and I would talk the most, where I got the most rest, where I looked and listened.

Fast forward however many years and I find myself climbing same sort of trees in the same area and strangely enough the same safe feeling that I had when I was a kid. The last 2 years I have been up in trees and have been able to minister to people that are now in the same tree as me. Its so cool to see what God has in mind for a persons life. I had so many different ideas of what I was going to do with my life, back when I was a kid maybe my concern was to always have fresh dirt between my toes running down Marion Berry rows. Today, its a little different then that but, I still love to get my hands/feet dirty...I still love to climb trees. I am not always positive about this but I heard a voice that I am all too acquainted with, maybe my ears are bigger up there...I don't know.

Good times today.

So for the Photos.

The First one is kind of obvious....Moms Christmas Gift that she hasn't gotten yet fully. Trust me its coming. One Happy Family there. Mom, Dad, Rob, and Ryan. (Christmas was good. I got to see my brother.)

Photo #2
Just a little more light painting I did with my little cousins in Vegas. (AKA Teaching Them/Goofing around.) Fun times.

Photo #3
My ride up to Boise with Telcia, Orren, and his dad Troy off on the far right. His wife Bonnie is sitting shotgun. This ride was such a blessing to hang out with Tel* for a few days.

Trents Wedding.
Trent got lucky (thats what she said) and married Nicole. There wedding was a blast and I am excited to see how I get to work along side of them in the future...You may remember Trent from another post...then again. Maybe not. Congrats man.

I came away from this video speechless...I know exactly what this guy is going through...except the flat note that he hits later in the video. So next time you see me with just a mustache, you know.



On a separate note. The ads to the right, I don't control what is being advertised over there. If I could they would probably be different. Anyways, just thought I would tell you guys, google is the one who picks and chooses what is shown. On my computer they are always one thing...today I saw another thing on another computer.

New Years has come! (and gone!)

Thats right, I am sorry for not showing up here like I said I was. Its been a different "New Years" for me. A good one. I am not complaining. At all. In fact it has been most enjoyable the different experiences I have had thus far this year. Ranging from getting back from Christmas and spending the New Years with friends/the hospital. (NOT ALCOHOL RELATED). Traveling up to Boise and participating in Trents wedding and spending a few days after trying to meet up with people in Boise. Some of which happened but most didn't (which sucks). Only a few days left here in Idaho and I am back into the game of things in Salem. I am really excited to go back. I really hope to pick up the ball and get things rolling (faster) for the base.

So I kind of want to share a little experience with you that I had in Boise.

I had spent the wedding night at the hotel room with the Beckers (his family, not the new ones) and woken up to a few inches of snow out side the window. Thats fine. I love snow. Nice and fluffy. Well, I had packed everything that I had with me and asked the Beckers to drop me off at REI cause I wanted to go look around.

Now, I don't have a ride after they drop me off. Once I step out of the car I am on my own. I did have a few people that I wanted to meet up with and talk to but some of them didn't even know I was in Boise at the time....anyways. I am giving you a play by play of the day. I'll skip to the funny part.

After I bought a jacket from REI later that day my backpack in position and my winter hat on I was walking to Trents house cause thats where I was staying. It was turning dark by this time and I was getting hungry (I hadn't eaten since breakfast) and I decided to walk into a Mongolian BBQ. Before I went in I had decided to only pay five dollars at the very most for dinner that night. When the man told me the prices for the meal I told him thank you and began to leave. He stopped me when I was halfway through the door and said, "Wait, I'll give you a deal!" Well, needless to say I became interested. He gave me half off the $10 menu which means....oh, $5...awesome. AND to top it off halfway through dinner someone from the back of the house (kitchen) came out and gave me two oranges!

So I ate more then my fill and topped it off with 2 oranges and 2 fortune cookies. God is amazing!

Now, don't get me wrong, I was sooo thankful for all they had given me (literally)
but when I sat down to eat I started thinking to myself why I got this "DEAL"
There are a few options here that went through my head.

A. I was their 100th customer that day.
B. He was giving deals out to people wearing backpacks
C. They thought I was homeless
or D. God was hooking me up...again.

I like to think it was D. but with the way they treated me I am not quite sure.

I had just gotten my beard/hair trimmed and my hair was tucked up under my hat. Thinking back on it I remember the cloths I was wearing my Kuhl pants, NorthFace down Jacket, Merrell shoes and my Osprey backpack. Not at all what I Imagen a homeless person to be wearing.

I think this Jesus person is funny the way he takes care of his people. He is faithful.

So, another story for another post but I made it back home (to Twin Falls) just fine and I will be going to bed now.

And So It Begins.

Christmas, that is. The day is in full swing and I keep thinking of something that I read just yesterday. This comes from my friends over at The Amazing Adventures of Munchy and the Squirrel. This is something that I have been thinking about for quite a while...what is the point. Anyways.

If your checking this thing regularly. Thanks. I plan on updating a few times a week hopefully with new photos every time of what I am doing. For those of you that want to know about the technical side of things I will have that. For those of you who want to know what I am doing period. Well, thats just going to come along with everything that I do....

Well, off to Christmas dinner.

Leaving...again...for Christmas...in Vegas.

This photo is one of my personal favorites from Prague. It was something I saw and actually ended up conveying at least in the photo "look".
I don't know why it happens every time. But its going to be 3:00 in the AM by the time that we leave. At least. thats the goal. Why do we force ourselves to drive in the middle of the night EVERY single time. As ol' Johnny put it, "my bags are pack'd I'm ready to go." You know I even have my passport on me just in case I need to leave the country...that would be nice right about now.
The last few days I have been laying low doing some different things I have needed to do for a while...and just plain old wasting time. Its been nice. But its time to change. I have that hunger inside to go and document. I really need to run...with my dream. Its time. The horn has sounded and its time to get moving.
Maybe this time in Vegas will be different. Maybe I can go do something for my photography. Do something that I want. I am not sure what it is, landscape is nice...everyone has landscapes of Vegas. Family portraits are nice...those only go so far. I don't know what it is but maybe I can document something important. Not just another trip. I looked at photos from Christianity Today coming from Burma...it fueled more of the fire. I want to GO.
Well, I am going to Vegas tonight. Maybe something will happen this next week. Lets see.

A few Changes

So just for the record the bottom 2 photos aren't the best...but they sure are funny...(Do you want to be freeeee.) You have to say it with an Elvis touch. Oh, and your thumbs down. By the way its Jason. A guy I work with.

I have been home for a few days now and if I haven't called you I am sorry. Things have been a little hectic. There have been a few changes around this place...some for good and some for, not as good. As I mentioned in my last post I have really been wanting to figure out a way I could attract more people to my site and get them more engaged in what I am doing. My supporters, friends, random people. (If you fit into any of these categories thanks for coming by.)
So the apparent changes are obvious. I got a new header...look up, I have updated my side panel look over there --> and somewhere else over there I added a news reel of sorts, different topics that I look into that may or may not catch your eye. Also I will be adding...I am kind of ashamed to admit this. Google Ads. I figured I might as well try and add some revenue to this site for 2 reason.

1.) I need it.
2.) Blogger is a great service to let other people know what I am doing. I am sure they benefit from it in some way and they don't charge.

So I feel as though I am now prostituting myself out there with Google names everywhere. But. Oh well. As far as I know you didn't come here as a refuge to relieve stress of advertising...I don't think.

Please, if anyone has any advice on making this site better I am all ears, or I mean eyes, or maybe fingers seeing how I am typing right now. The more advice that I have the better.

Here is my deal. I want to be more consistent in updating this thing so you know what is going on in my life. (I say you like someone reads this.) My life being in missions...as a photographer and also updating about random things. I have realized that just like running a business I also need to figure out what my focus is going to be. Is this thing going to be strictly a photo blog where I post about the process of the photos? Is it going to be about updating my supporters and friends on what goes on every day in my life? I like the optimistic view of a healthy balance. There has to be. Well more to come later. I have to get to bed now. Night.