It was dusk. The mountains were blue and purple, each peaking on both sides of the tightly-packed car, and the evergreens stretched their snow covered arms heavenward. I pressed my forehead against the cold passenger-side window. Don’t forget this…don’t forget this…don’t forget any of this…

I’ve never seen it snow. Like snow, snow. I sound like such a city girl.

As we drove from Denver to Vail, Colorado, casually listening to John Butler’s music, I reminded myself that I was a small girl who came from nothing. A girl whose family survived off U.S. government and church food donations. A girl who wore clothes purchased from thrift stores. A girl who feared drive-by shootings. And, many years later, I am the same small girl seeing the world.

This same small girl is now photographing other small girls surviving off U.S. government food donations and shopping in thrift stores. Life is beautiful and this country offers unlimited opportunities for the few who dare to dream.

Yesterday, I worked with Volunteers of America on a myriad of projects. I met people who I’ll never see again, but have changed my view of the world. I am thankful to this in this beautiful and amazing country, and I thank God for His many blessings in my life. I have fallen more in love with photography and I’m fortunate to look back on my short life and remind myself, Don’t forget this…don’t forget this…don’t forget any of this…

I started the day at a VOA Nursery and Head Start…

Shortly thereafter, I hung out with Meals on Wheels and delivered meals to the needy and elderly…this was the absolute, most fabulous part of my day. I fought tears the entire afternoon…I was amazed by the organization's dedication and love for their clients…

Lastly, for those who have wondered, commented and/or emailed about the intentions of blogging my volunteer experience, please know I blog for no one but myself. Me, me, me. I blog because I selfishly want to remember these memories. I blog about everything and anything…my dog's birthday, a date with my husband, a recent grocery shopping trip…everything. I implore those who've queried as to whether I'm blogging for the ‘right' reasons to know I don't ever think there's a right or wrong to blogging. I blog my life. If you question my life, then so be it…but please don't question my intentions for they are sincere and come from the deepest part of my soul.