A very {Ally} weekend :)

So you might remember that I went to Colorado for a photography class last September...it was an amazing few weeks filled with awesome friends, over-priced food, and of course lots of pictures :)  I didn't know anyone going into the class, but was able to leave feeling like I'd known everyone for a lifetime.  One such amazing person was Ally (be sure to check out her photography blog!!), and even though oceans were between us for a few months, we kept in touch via Facebook chat.  Ever since Colorado, we've talked about getting together and SHE FINALLY CAME LAST WEEKEND!!!! :D :D :D  It was so much fun to explore Pittsburgh together...from the Strip District, to Phipps Conservatory, to mall hopping - we got it all covered!!  Now I'm already counting down the days until I get to go to New Hampshire and visit her...

(isn't she the cutest??!! :D)

The Strip District was our first stop on Saturday morning - we had a blast walking around and exploring all the shops!! (although I think I gained about 3 pounds with all the food we ate :P)

Yup - they're real.

Bacon and cheese!  My favorite ;)

My favorite store - Penzeys!!  This place has every spice you could possibly imagine..we had fun walking around and smelling all the flavors of the world :)

Oh yes....Kitchen Aid mixers!!  These are a few of my favorite things :D

We tried a gyro from a Mediterranean street vendor, and it was amazing!!  The picture really doesn't do it justice...slow roasted lamb meat with tomatoes, lettuce, and onion sauce...now I want to go back ;)

Our final stop was my absolute FAVORITE place ever :D  Normally I am not a doughnut fan, but this little hole-in-the-wall bakery makes mini doughnuts that are to. die. for. (I told you I gained about 3 pounds from this trip!! :D)

Another excursion we took was to Phipps Conservatory - this is one of my absolute favorite places to go, especially in the winter!  Not a whole lot was in bloom the day we went, but their orchid display was gorgeous...

(my favorite flower!)

These odd little white men are always exciting...

Oh Ally, it was so amazing to see you again!! (although I officially hate you for getting me addicted to shamrock shakes ;P)  Thanks so much for making this past weekend so special - I can't wait to see you again soon!!

Bex <3

PS I am ALWAYS looking to gain photo experience, so if you or someone you know would like a family session, senior portraits, etc, just drop me an email at simply.joyfully.his@gmail.com and we can set something up!

No {Greater} Love

Hope you all have a blessed Valentine's day delighting in the matchless love of our Savior :)

Bex <3

Baby, it's COLD outside!!

Finally unpacked my camera and ventured out into the snow today :)  Although I think my fingers are officially frostbitten, it was great to get out and enjoy the beautiful snow!

Bex <3

I'm BACK!!! (for now :D)

Before you even say it, yes yes I know I've been a horrible blogger for the past few weeks :D  But just in case you were starting to wonder, I promise I'm not dead!  Just been busy running around trying to finish up some things :)  

I am back from the Philippines now, and a lot of things are in the works...I'll keep you posted as further developments are solidified :)  But as the snow whips around the house and the temperature keeps dropping, I wanted to share some photos I took on my last day in Manila.  They bring back happy memories of sunshine ;)  

Kezia, Heather, and Sharon are the three American staff girls for IBLP Philippines

(don't you wish your garage door looked like that??)

^ My personal favorite ;)

Some pretty awesome personalities right there!! :D

Hopefully more will come soon...maybe I'll actually brave the elements and try to get some snow photos :)

Bex <3 <3

{Meet Irene}

Hello to my dear friends across the miles, or as my Filipino family says, "Maligayang Pasko!!!" (Merry Christmas :D)  This is officially my favorite time of the year, although I must admit it's a little weird listening to 'Winter Wonderland' or 'Sleigh Ride' when it's 80 degrees outside ;)  

I know that my blogging has been really sporadic lately and with Christmas upon us, I don't know how much I'll be able to get done in the next few weeks, but I wanted to let you know that I am still alive and share some things that the Lord has put on my heart over the past few days.....

Meet Irene.  The more time I spend with these kids the more I am touched by their love for people...I had never met this little dear before today, but the moment I picked her up she wrapped her bony little arms around my shoulder and gave me the biggest smile.  As I cradled her in my arms, I couldn't help but feel how frail and light her body was - it literally felt like I was holding my old Bitty Baby doll.  As she dozed off to sleep on my shoulder, I couldn't help but wonder how many times she's had the opportunity to be rocked to sleep.  As I played games of Peek-a-Boo with her, I couldn't help but notice her cleft palate.  Will she ever had the chance to undergo life-changing surgery?  Probably not, unless someone either adopts her or sponsors her.  

And there are others.

Little Dave, who just cut his first tooth and who gives the heartiest chuckle when you tickle him through the crib bars.

Sweet Sophia, who can't walk because of the casts on her legs, but who holds up her battered PlaySkool toy with great pride.

Darling Irwin, the little African baby whose parents are currently in jail here in Manila.

Joyful Fabian, who was born with serious bone defects in his legs that prohibit him from walking, so he simply pulls himself along the floor by his hands.

And I see not only these precious faces, but I also see the street children - two and three year olds - weaving in between five to six lanes of traffic as they try to sell cheap trinkets to passers-by.  I must admit that the thought has crossed my mind, "How can I ever get used to this?  How can I ever get accustomed to hearing these stories of lifetimes of pain and suffering?"  And then, just as quickly, another thought: "I never, ever want to get used to this."  As much as it hurts, I want my heart to be broken by every street child that pats my arm and holds out their hand.  I want to meet little ones like Irene and wrap my arms around them for a time, even though I may never see them again.  I want to love - with no conditions, no regrets, and nothing held back.

So I simply live.  People keep asking me, "What are you doing while you're there?"  And honestly, I don't have a good answer except to say that I'm just living life!  Because when it gets right down to it, 'life' is the body of Christ in action - people from all over the world simply walking along this journey of life encouraging one another in the love of Jesus.  And you know what?  Every moment is truly beautiful.

Miss you all so much - I appreciate your prayers!!  Hope you are having a blessed season celebrating the birth of our Savior :)

Bex <3 <3

PS  Do you have another minute?  When you get the chance be sure to check out this blog post....actually check out the whole blog while you're at it :)  The author is a young man who I 'not-really-but-sort-of-kind-of' know through NCFCA - he is currently living in Uganda working with the International Justice Mission, and his stories are truly incredible.  Take the time to read it - you will be encouraged and blessed :)