Trip To Nellore | 2013 India Adventures

I write from our bedroom, as a lie on my belly with the fan on full blast above me, and the windows open with a slight breeze coming in. We have a little down time, so I wanted to write a little while it is still fresh on my mind. We returned from our four day trip to Nellore. After a four hour long and windy car ride we arrived to a chicken curry lunch and then headed to a hotel. Hotels in villages of India are not like hotels in America. There isn't any pastel pictures framed hanging above your large comfy beds, things are just a bit dirtier and for lack of a better word simpler. We got towels brought up to us, with two tiny rolls of toilet paper. Let me clarify that this was a nice hotel, and a blessing. No bugs, hot water from 7am-10am, AC in each room, foam mattress' and western toilets!

We had a little time to get comfy and get ready for our evening meeting. Then off to a small village church for some India worship - think any indian music you have then take the high female voice add drums, piano and put that volume as high as it can go! I will have to post a video sometime so you can hear it for yourself. Worship was followed by a little preaching - we have some guests from the State here as well, and they shared. Followed by prayer for blessings, healings, and family. After praying for so many, I think I usually feel more blessed then they do. When all is done we eat. If it is 9pm we eat, if it is 11pm we eat, if it is 1am we eat. No matter we eat and it is chicken curry, with rice and usually (not always) a vegetable delight. Then back to the hotel for sleep. 

The next couple of nights were about the same. Getting home late and then waking up for breakfast in the morning. The first morning we got a little coffee delivered to the room (water, goats milk, sugar plus instant coffee), it was good. Our afternoons were filled with visiting churches around the city (anywhere from thirty minutes - a couple of hours away), praying, saying a word and fellowship-ing. It is so refreshing to see what God is doing in such a tangible way. One of the churches we visited lies on the shores of the Bay of Bangel. We got to walk to the shore, found some pretty shells, dipped our toes in the water and saw and talked with the fishermen. 

Our last morning before heading home, to Guntur, we went to the pastor's house for breakfast. We had a delicious breakfast of chicken curry, curry gravy, mashed potatoes and a fried egg. Three meals of chicken curry is a lot for this American girl but it was their blessing to us, so we eat happily. Then into the jeeps we pile for our ride home. As B and I walked up the stairs to our "apartment" I turned and said "it is good to be home". Oh, the irony in this statement... that only a few days makes this place already home. This is where our stuff hides, where we don't have to live out of a piece of luggage.

Being here causes my heart to be full of so much thankfulness. For our home in America, for the over abundance of blessings that God has given us.

Welcome To India | 2013 India Adventures

Traveling half way across the world… we are here. India is as we left it. The people are overflowing with joy and excitement. The services and experience in the last week alone have been beautiful and full of God's grace, mercy and power. For now all I have is iPhone/Instagram photos to share. My camera won't connect to my computer… prayers that we find a card reader soon!

Our trip started with a 8 hour flight from Minneapolis to Paris, a couple hours spent in the airport and we boarded our second flight to Mumbai. The flights were spent movie watching, attempting to sleep, the occasional reading of books (aka: kindle) and the "delicious" (sarcasm) smell (and sometimes taste) of airplane cuisine. Our arrival into Mumbai was smooth and getting through customs without any hick up's is always a blessing. Off to a little hotel for a night stay and then back to the airport for our final flight to Hyderabad. The shower and the hours of sleep we got were priceless and the second flight went smoothly. Then into a car for a 6+ hour drive on Indian roads, where horns are honked and bumps and swerving are a normal occurrence. Sleep is impossible but when the sun set it was inevitable.

Our arrival at 9:00 pm (9:30am Minnesota time) was a large group of people with flowers to throw and garlands to go around our necks. As we walk through the tunnel of petals falling into our faces their voices sang "we welcome you in the name of Jesus." This is our home for the next five weeks. After bringing our bags up to our "apartment" we were hauled off to dinner : rice, chicken curry, chicken fry, thumbs up, and ice-cream. Then back home to make our beds with our clean sheets from Minnesota only to fall fast sleep in seconds. The next few days were filled with getting things figured out. When you are gone for 11 months there are so many little things to iron out.

We snuck to the grocery store and filled our cart with snacks : Tic Tac's, Mento's, Lays chips, Little Hearts, and Appy Fiz. Upon returning home we cleaned all our shelves and began unpacking, attempting to make everything feel like home. B, sister and I stay above the bible school in what we call the apartment. It is a two room, two bathroom area. We have a little spot on the terrace with chairs. Inside we have a fridge and a little gas stove. It has all you need for a month stay. Showers are warm, and come from a bucket. It's like being a little kid again washing your hair with a cup of water. But it is a blessing after being covered in sweat and bug spray from the days and evening spent out and about.

Nothing is like America. The people are different, the culture is hugely different, the food is different, the language is different, everything is different. Even the third time around I am amazed at how everything is here. Sometimes the chaos can be overwhelming but when you take the time to sit, breath and enjoy the moment, you take in the beauty that surrounds you. God's glory is everywhere.

Off To An Adventure ... India | 2013 India Adventures

Our plane for India leaves in 5 hours. The excitement is finally starting to settle in. I haven't had too much time to think about what the next 6 weeks will be like. This morning I checked off the last open box on my to do list. This will be our 3rd trip together and my husbands (way too many to count) trip. We will lose 12 hours as we fly to Mumbai, India, making one stop in Paris. We should arrive at our final destination, southern India, on Friday... for those who are counting that is 4 days from now. I look forward to the tunnel of people, with flowers to throw, welcoming us back "home."

 

My bag is officially packed with things like toilet paper, peanut butter, nail polish and toiletries. I have about three days worth of clothes because there is a pile of punjabi outfits to wear (along with some sari's). My carry-on consists of my kindle, laptop, Bible, pushing daisies dvd's, my camera, two lens, and snacks. I think I am ready.

My sister is coming along. This is her first time. It will be a new adventure having her alongside. She is so excited and nervous... it will be refreshing to see India through her eyes instead of just mine. 

 I'm excited and can't wait for this adventure to start. Stay tuned to the blog for updates and lots of photos. Things should get pretty exciting around here!

Heather & Chad's Wedding | Minneapolis Wedding Photographer

A winter wedding on January 19th at Minneapolis City Hall. Surrounded by their beautiful family and loving friends this adorable couple tied the knot in the center of City Hall. It was a little chilly, and a bit windy but the wedding party braved the weather to get some shots that are unforgettable. This sneak peak is very large, so please be patient as it loads. I wanted to tell the story of the whole day, and could not bear to cut out even one shot.

Baby D | Minneapolis Newborn Photographer

The priority of this session was to capture the adoration that mom and dad have for their new little one and for each other. Every smile and snuggle will be caught in time for them, forever. Baby H came fast asleep... then became so curious and wide eyed. He just observed as he snuggled between two heaters... with his little lips shaped as an "o". He is so loved and is so adorable!  

Baby H | Woodbury Newborn Photographer

Meet Baby H and his momma and dad that adore him. This 7 days old was wide eyed and curious, not wanting to miss a moment of what was happening. If you could have only heard how mom raved of the indescribable love she has for this little one. Even though we had some tears and lots of rocking, he did so good. To be quite honest sessions where the baby isn't "perfect" are always the best. They are real, honest, raw and beautiful.

The B Twins | Minneapolis Twin Photographer

I think the best thing about taking photos of twins is to watch the way the interact. Especially when you smoosh them in a chair together or put them side by side on the floor. They have known no other world but the one where the other exists, right by their side. It's always the cutest. This little girl and little boy were no exception. There cuteness was overflowing, and the smiles that they let sneak out (if only for a half of second) are now caught forever in time... 

18 Month Old B | Minneapolis Mini Session Photographer

This is B. He is adorable and warmed up in no time at all. Giving smiles and talking gibberish... he was way too giggly and mom knows the right spots to tickle, songs to sings, and trucks to bring along! He did so great and even though we were limited on time, more then half of the pictures have his full toothie, adorable grin!

Watching Baby A Grow | Watch Me Grow Photography

A completed Watch Me Grow session! Oh the pure excitement and joy of seeing these shots next to one another. The documenting of  little  one growing in their first year of life is amazing, and will never get old! Below is Asher, born in November of 2011. He is now one and they are expecting so get ready for Baby R number two later this year!

Birth | Newborn | 3 month | 6 month | 9 month | 1 year

Custom Wedding Guestbook | Carissa Christine Photography Products

One out of a list of many, new year goals is to photograph every product that touches my hands before it goes to a wonderful client. Here is the first of the year. This wonderful couple's wedding is in June and we got the opportunity to create a custom guestbook for their reception using their engagement session photos!

Baby I & Big Sister | Minneapolis Newborn Photographer

Welcome to the world baby I. You are surrounded by a mommy and daddy that adore you and a big sister who can't get enough of you. This beautiful little girlie was all eyes for her entire shoot. Her big sister toddled around and came over now and then to check in on how we were doing while singing jingle bells, elmo's world and old mcdonald all rolled into one. What a joy it will be to capture this little lady throughout the next year and watch her grow!

Baby Bella Rose | Minneapolis Newborn Photographer

Beautiful baby B is one month old already! How time has already flown by since the honor of capturing her birth. This time I got to see her nursery and capture a tiny piece of life with Miss B. She is such a dolly with her dark hair and perfectly adorable features.

Tim & Erika's New Years Eve Wedding | Minneapolis Wedding Photographer

Oh the fun of a New Years Eve wedding that was planned in a month. I had the wonderful opportunity to work alongside the wonderful wedding planner Emily Schiesl. The night came together perfectly. It was a celebration of these two adoration and love for each other at Pinstripes, in Edina. Which was concluded by bocce, bowling, pizza and a countdown into the new year with a kiss and fireworks! The beautiful flowers were done by : Studio B Floral Designs.