Courage & Beauty

I recent met LouAnn.

She is facing cancer... for the 2nd time.

She asked me if I would take photos of her.... it was my honor!





What Cancer Cannot Do

It cannot cripple love
It cannot dissolve faith
It cannot destroy peace
It cannot kill friendship
It cannot suppress memories
It cannot silence courage
It cannot invade the soul
It cannot steal eternal life
It cannot conquer the spirit

LouAnn-- my thoughts and prayers are with you!

humbly--pati

Habitat for Humanity---

Meet the Acousta Family.

They are waiting... and dreaming for a new home.

They have lived in apartments for years and years... and now their dream is coming true.





Last weekend I had the opportunity to participate in an wonderful event... the ground breaking ceremony for a home being built through the Habitat for Humanity organization---
http://www.habitatforhumanity/

What is Habitat for Humanity? Per their website, "Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action."

Desert Springs Church in Chandler, http://www.desertsprings.net/ has been sponsoring the building of a home for this family through this great organization.

Located in Glendale AZ--Volunteers have come together to help raise money and build a home for the Acousta Family.





It is the greatest feeling to watch everyone come together and work so hard toward a common goal -- to bless this family with a beautiful home!

The Mayor of Glendale and other local leaders in the area... along with our Pastor, Mark Leuning... conducted the ground breaking ceremony with celebration and prayer for the Acousta Family - and their new--- soon to be lived in - home!

Mayor Elaine Scruggs of Glendale Arizona and soon to be homeowner - Max Acousta.

Pastor Mark Leuning... prays over this family and their new home

little details........

All the volunteer's wrote message throughout the home-- on wood beams and over door posts... wishing the Acousta family well:

During one portion of the ceremony--- the main wall was lifted and placed on top of the home. This wall, as it was lifted, was actually dedicated to my husband Peter---

it was very moving--

Then I had the opportunity to write the Acousta family a message on top of this main wall!

On October 11th-- this house will be finished and a final dedication ceremony will take place.

A family will have a place that they can call home!!

Go Colleen Go!

This is Colleen... she is my daughter Julia's close friend from school. They have known each other for years and continue to have a very special relationship.







We came out to support Colleen and cheer her on at this year's Special Olympics Swim Meet

in Mesa, Arizona.




What an AMAZING event!

I was smiling so much that my face actually hurt.
I had the opportunity to witness so many beautiful, tender and courageous moments.


Colleen swam 2 events. Here she is getting "psyched up" before her first race. She was so full of confidence-- it was awesome!! No wonder her mother Kathleen has such a smile on her face!


She swam hard!

Collen's friend Connor also came to cheer her on!

She won 1st place!! Great job Colleen!

Can you see the "I'm number one" on her finger?



She was not at ALL shy during the award ceremonies--- a photographer's dream-- so totally full of character! No boring photos here!






The determination and effort put forth by these Athletes was so inspiring!

The love demonstrated by family and friends-- completely heartwarming.

They cheered-- they coached- they screamed and clapped and encouraged

with everthing they had!




I had the pleasure of watching each athlete celebrate with pure joy in their accomplishments. Surrounded by their loved ones--- they beemed with pride and joy at what they were able to achieve!

Feels like gold...

....................

CONGRATULATIONS COLLEEN-- Way to go Champ!



We love you---

The Pakulis Family!