European Adventure...

A few days after my family and I got back from Captiva, I had to quickly pack two suitcases and head out for my first time to Sweden. This was not only my first time to Sweden, but also my first time out of the country. I was eager-- but a little nervous, and not sure what to expect. I was with a few close friends, which made the 9 hour plane ride more entertaining. After we arrived in Sweden (a day later), we met up with our good friends from Atlanta and drove to Gnarp (where we were going to stay for the two weeks we spent there). The reason we traveled thousands of miles over sea was to help run a christian sports camp for the Swedes. About 2% of the Swedes are Christians-- which is a surprising fact that many do not know. The camp lasted for a week and it was an absolute success and, for me, life changing. I experienced God and His love on a whole new level. I also made such great friends and I cannot wait to go back there again. Here are a few pictures from my trip.

Americans and Swedes the last day before we left Hudiksvall for America.

Hudiksvall.

Me and my friend Louise in Sweden.

This was our camp groub-- B Team, we were the best!

Naturally, with 7 girls in one room-- you are bound to have a messy room.

Me and Rebecca after the talent show.

The last day of camp :( Jason was getting all of the pictures from the campers cameras.

Me and Caroline.

The last night before camp ended we had a talent show and we danced to the song I'm Blue.

S'mores on the mountain.

Me and Jemima the first day I arrived.

Me, Adelina, Paulina, and Anna.

This was at roughly 11:00 PM in Sweden-- still light outside. We went to the top of a mountain and made s'mores for the Swedes. It was their first time ever having them.

Midsommar celebration with the leaders and a few of the campers.

This was the first day that we were in Sweden-- and I just had to look around and see Gnarp, so me and a few of the Swedes and Americans walked up the mountain and just explored.

The delicious Swedish cake = tårta.

This is typical Sweden-- large fields with red barns (as homes).

A Week In Parasise

The beginning of summer 2009 was quite eventful. After finishing school, my family and I packed our bags and headed to Captiva Island for a week. Staying in Captiva was truly the ideal vacation and a great way to start off the summer. The island is absolutely beautiful, and offers much to the vacationers. We woke up every morning only to look out and see the ocean about 100 ft away. The hotel where we stay is surrounded by the ocean on one side and the inner coastal on the other. We woke up every morning and had a delicious continental breakfast. After that, we just kind of did whatever we wanted to do (jet skiing, walking around the island, shell hunting, swimming, and then at night we watched a beautiful sunset). While there I was able to take plenty of pictures and here are a few of them.

The Spark

I discovered my love for photography once I received a red sony cybershot for christmas in 2008. I just ran around snapping pictures and videos of people and places at any given moment. It was not until a few months later that people began to look at my photos and say "Hey I really like that," or "I would buy that." Their comments inspired my to take more and more pictures. Later on my mom decided to let me use her Nikon D40. I love the Nikon and I have not put it down since. These are some of my first pictures.