Black Photography

A Few Steps Closer

2010-05-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry that I have delayed in adding a new post...We have been at a stand still with no new BIG news!

Until NOW!

Our Homestudy was finally completed and returned to us with a clean background check and fingerprinting! I overnighted the paperwork to our Kenyan connection so that the Kenyan lawyer could begin to proceed once again on our behalf! Waiting is always SOOOO difficult! During this waiting period we sent Benjamin another package from his American family. It was so fun gathering books, puzzles, trains, cars and a photo album containing pics of all of his family! Apparently, Benjamin has become quite popular in the village with all of his new toys. However, I'm told that he doesn't like to share them! We will definitely need to work on that!

Last weekend we completed a large fundraising push to begin digging a well at the church and preschool. Enough funds were raised to get the process started. This week they have been able to dig up to 23 feet and have successfully reached water!!! They will dig a little deeper and then begin securing the well and purchase a pump! This is such an amazing "team" accomplishment and so exciting to know that many people will no longer walk several miles a day to obtain a basic necessity.

We feel so incredibly blessed and thankful for this journey and ask that you continue to partner with us in prayer for favor in Kenya!

Benjamin's New Preschool

2010-03-17T20:40:00.000-07:00

It's been a couple of weeks since my last post but a few recent updates that I wanted to share.

On Saturday, we had our 1st homestudy visit. We were all very excited to get the next steps put into motion.
The adoption investigater was very kind and helpful in leading us in the right direction. Brett, Melia, and I will be headed to the police station in the morning for our mandatory finger printing! Melia was really excited to have her prints filed with the federal government! Once, our second visit has concluded and the reports have been finalized we will be filing for pre-adoption approval (I-600A) with the United States. We hope that the remaining paperwork will continue to go smoothly and that we will be able to forward all the necessary documents from the US to the Kenyan courts and receive final adoption papers on schedule.

In the meantime, it has been our prayer to help fund a pre-school and a well to be drilled on site at the new church. With much joy, monies have been donated to help with the initial start-up costs and to help build a kitchen where we will facilitate a feeding program for the 50 children who will attend the school daily. We are in need of raising a monthly operational overhead of 400.00 a month. This will help employ a fulltime teacher and cook at the church. A one time donation has been given toward the drilling of the well, and we continue to need an additional 3500.00 to complete this project. This well will provide clean drinking water for eveyone in the village and surrounding villages. It's amazing how such little funds for us as Americans can be life-changing for an entire village. If you feel connected to this story, and project, and would like to contribute please send your charitable donations to House of Freedom at 1721 Ashwood Drive SW, Altoona, IA 50009. All donations are tax deductable. We appreciate your contributions and prayers as we continue on this journey.

I look forward to passing on more information regarding the pre-school and well!

Thank you for sharing in this great commission,

Jennifer

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A Phone Call with Benjamin!

2010-03-02T04:43:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning at 8:30am we had set-up a conference call with Benjamin. The gentleman assisting with the adoption would help translate. We were so excited just to hear his voice, even if he didn't say much or anything we could understand! My husband answered the phone when it rang, Joshua was on the line and said that Benjamin was as well. Brett greeted Benjamin and mostly heard laughing and a restless 3 year old in the background. Joshua told Brett that Benjamin had been asking for "momma". Brett smiled and then asked me to get on the phone. I said "hello Benjamin this is momma". With the phone on speaker we all heard in this sweet high voice "MOMMA" with excitement! Then repeatedly he said "hi, hi, hi"! So exciting, my heart just jumped. I was told that he colors everyday with the crayons and book that we sent and that his blanket is always with him. Following the call, Joshua informed us that he had began carrying our photo with him as well. What a great day! We hope to be able to talk to him every couple of weeks until he comes home!

At the church in Benjamin's village we have been discussing launching a preschool for the entire village. The preschool would accomodate 50 children 5 days a week and also provide them a hot meal before they go home. We had received information that the start-up costs would be 300.00 and the ongoing operational expense for the teacher, books, and a cook would be 400.00 a month. This weekend, at our church, the start-up costs and operational expenses for one month were donated. We continue to look for monthly sponsors of this preschool and are excited for the first classes to begin in about a week. If you would like to make a contribution to this project please log on to http://www.fomministry.com/ . All donations are a tax credit. Below is a photo of the new church building and home of the preschool.

I look forward to keeping you posted on the preschool and Benjamin's adoption journey!

The High Courts Decision!

2010-02-24T09:49:00.000-08:00

This morning has left us in a flood of emotions! At approximately 8am I received information that a cholera outbreak had hit the Kimondo Village where we sponsor 2 beautiful children. Early this morning one little boy from the orphange died from this illness. My husband spent time with him last summer and our dear friends T.J. and Allison are his sponsors. This has been difficult for all of us, and now we simply pray for health and protection for the remaining children. Medical supplies are being brought in and distributed today.

On the other side of Kenya, where Benjamin lives, the High Court began proceedings regarding the adoption of Benjamin. A judge in a nearby village was appointed to the case and determined that we would be eligable to adopt him!!! What an exciting moment for our family! We still have a long road of paperwork and details to complete but this has a been a huge step in the right direction.

We are so thankful for all of your prayers and words of encouragement. I look forward to continue to provide good news as it comes!

Benjamin's Package From His Family

2010-02-22T17:32:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago we were told that we could send Benjamin a package . I asked for guidence in sending appropriate items for him. The box contained: 2 pairs of pajama's, crayons, coloring book, pictures of the family and a Thomas the Train blanket. Today I learned that he had received the package and was very excited to show off all of his new stuff. The pajamas were the first pair he has ever owned and fit quite well!
The blanket was a favorite, he proudly showed it to his grandmother telling her that "his family had sent it, and not to touch it"! This cracked me up, his 3 year old american cousin tells us not to touch his stuff all of the time. This confirmed that he will fit right in and they should be fast friends!!!

At the end of last week, I received photos of him at church. I noticed that he was the only boy in the church photo without a suit on. I asked if it would be possible to send money for a suit to be purchased. Today I received this cute photo of him sporting his new duds! Looks a little big but, so handsome!

Benjamin is very excited about his new family and repeatedly speaks of us and his new American home. When Benjamin speaks of his new home to his grandmother he tells her that "there will be lot's of food there. WOW, how unimaginable that wealth for them is food.

In two days, the families adoption petitions will be presented to Kenya's High Court. Please be praying for the right judge to be assigned to our case and that we will have favor in the Kenyan courts. This will be a day of many decisions and an outline of the required steps we must take to complete this adoption will be determined.

I look forward to receiving more good news!

A New Home for Benjamin

2010-02-16T20:17:00.000-08:00

We were asked to email a photo of our home to Benjamin so that he and his family could see his new home in America. There were several thoughts that went through my mind at that point. "Will Benjamin be confused or scared"? How would his 3 year old mind understand?
Since homes in America are usually larger than homes in Kenya I wondered laughingly, " will he think this is a palace"?

Well, I didn't have a photo of our home but, fortunately, since I'm a photographer, I rushed out in the snow with camera in tow and snapped a few pics! I came inside with my family all laughing at me and decided to edit the image (of course) and add his photo to the front of the house. I hoped that it would be a way for him to see that this would be his new home.

Eagerly, I sent the image. A few days later I received a phone call from our friend and liason for the adoption saying that Benjamin had been showing the photo to everyone in his village and saying " this is my new home in America"! My eyes teared-up and heart leaped imagining the whole scene.

We continue to be encouraged by the progress of this adoption and hope to bring more good reports as they come.

Until next time...Jennifer

March Madness

2010-02-16T12:43:00.000-08:00

Book a New Session in March for BIG discounts!!!

No Family Session Fee (not applicable on extended family sessions)
Purchase any 16x16 Composite and Framing and receive a complimentary 8x10 and Frame (provided by The Great Frame-Up)

March Madness Photo Package: $75.00 ($108.00 retail value)

2-8x10's
2-5x7's
8- wallets

Call TODAY to reserve your session! 515-778-2361

Journey to Adoption

2010-02-10T11:28:00.000-08:00

For many years my husband and I have discussed the topic of adoption. Having four biological daughters, we have always considered adding a son to our family! For the past 2 years we began conversation a little more seriously and began to research the many options that are available.

Last August my husband had the opportunity to take a missions trip to Kenya. While there, he spent time at a local orphanage where we sponsor a little girl. The experience of Kenya and the photographs captured both of our hearts and caused us to investigate the possibilities of a Kenyan adoption. With the connections God had placed in our life we initially thought we would look to adopt from the orphanage. In December, land was donated in Kenya to our church to build a kenyan church on. Unknown to us at the time, the grandmother who donated the land for the church also had an orphaned grandson. She had been praying that someone would be able to adopt him. Upon hearing that we were looking to adopt a little boy she asked if we would consider Benjamin for adoption. We were so overjoyed with this news that we immediately said "yes" and began pursuing the possibilities.

Benjamin turned 3 on December 21st. (my dad's birthday)We have exchanged pictures with Benjamin's family, and the family has signed the necessary documents to allow adoption proceedings to move forward. There are so many emotions that are tied to this journey. Through all the excitement there is also a guarded heart not wanting to feel so vulnerable to a possible rejection from the Kenyan government. We are hopeful to keep you updated with lots of good news regarding Benjamins journey to America. We are praying for favor and a smooth transition. Brett and I are in the midst of fund raising for a new missions trip in August. We hope that while on this trip we will also be able to finalize the adoption and bring Benjamin home with us.

I have posted a few photos and will update information as I have it.

To all of my client families who have adopted, thank you for all your support and invaluable information! Keep your phones on, I may have more questions!!!LOL

Optimistically looking for a happy ending,

Jennifer

Kiva-helping entrepreneurs around the globe!

2010-01-22T08:02:00.000-08:00

Hi!

I just made a loan to someone in Philippines using a revolutionary new website called Kiva (www.kiva.org).

You can go to Kiva's website and lend to someone across the globe who needs a loan for their business - like raising goats, selling vegetables at market or making bricks. Each loan has a picture of the entrepreneur, a description of their business and how they plan to use the loan so you know exactly how your money is being spent - and you get updates letting you know how the entrepreneur is going.

The best part is, when the entrepreneur pays back their loan you get your money back - and Kiva's loans are managed by microfinance institutions on the ground who have a lot of experience doing this, so you can trust that your money is being handled responsibly.

I just made a loan to an entrepreneur named Remelyn Calenada in Philippines. They still need another $25.00 to complete their loan request of $1,200.00 (you can loan as little as $25.00!). Help me get this entrepreneur off the ground by clicking on the link below to make a loan to Remelyn Calenada too:

http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=170561

It's finally easy to actually do something about poverty - using Kiva I know exactly who my money is loaned to and what they're using it for. And most of all, I know that I'm helping them build asustainable business that will provide income to feed, clothe, house and educate their family long after my loan is paid back.

For those of us who are parents, I encourage you to get your children involved. One of my daughters has actually funded this particular loan. I'm excited to see how this will help blossom her giving spirit, and teach her some basic loan principles.

Join me in changing the world - one loan at a time.

Thanks!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-07T20:25:00.000-08:00

I'm told that I have really fallen off the blogging wagon! I realize that it has been a while since my last post so I'm making a resolution to do a better job of keeping you posted on the latest happenings of Black Photography!

2009 was another great year thanks to all of you! A special highlight of 2009 included a few families that some of you nominated for complimentary photography services. I firmly believe that we are blessed to bless. This year I was shown true strength and serventhood by families who were faced with a diagnosis of a termanilly ill child or individuals who were reaching far beyond themselves and adopting form 3rd world countries. I have been enriched as a parent to have simply met these individuals. In 2010 it my goal to continue take nominations for deserving families. Please feel free to let me know if there is an area that I can serve for 2010.

Another BIG highlight of 2009 was moving to a new office. I was so excited when the opportunity presented itself for me to move next to Hobby Lobby on Merle Hay Road. It tripled my square footage and and was budget friendly. An awesome blessing!
If you have not been by the new space, feel free to come and check it out!

I can't wait to see all of you again in 2010 and once again be apart of capturing your growing families and changing seasons!

I pray God's richest blessing on you for the New Year!

The Simple Things

2009-06-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

I recently attended funeral services for a dear client of mine Mrs. Kathy Broich. Kathy was not only a client but my girls reading teacher and friend. She was a wonderful women with a great zest for life that was shortened by ovarian cancer. At Kathy's funeral a poem was read that was written by her.

It talked about how we are always in a hurry, telling our children to hurry up and get dressed, hurry up and get in the car, hurry-up, hurry-up...! I realized that I have become one of these moms who can be guilty of the"hurry-ups" and not enough of"taking time to smell the roses"!

A couple of weeks ago when all of the beautiful wild flowers began to bloom I commented to my girls how pretty they were. Since then, I have received several bunches of wild flowers from my sweeties! Today, Sabrie brought me one little single wild flower. I was working at the computer at the time she interrupted me, I first thought of saying "just a minute". Suddenly, I reminded of the "hurry-up" poem. I stopped what I was doing and said "WOW, what a beautiful flower sweetheart"! I asked her if I could take a picture of this flower and asked her to place it in a small vase so we could all enjoy it"! Her sweet little face just lit -up with satisfaction.

Thank you Mrs. Broich for reminding me to take time to appreciate all of life's gifts! Big and small!

Jennifer

Sat. May 30th Opening

2009-05-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

Saturdays are always a busy photography day and are in very high demand. Currently, most of my Saturdays are booked thru June. However, I recently had a cancellation on Sat. May 30th @ 10:00am. I know this opening is coming right up however, if this would work for your schedule and you would like to take this opening please let me know.

I can be reached at 515-778-2361.

Jennifer

Welcoming Another New Addition!

2009-04-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

It's so rewarding to watch a family grow! It seems like such a short time ago Jason and Kali invited me to share in welcoming Jalyn into this world! I have loved every session and enjoyed each time I see a new personality trait come to the surface! Jalyn is always such a happy and sweet little girl!

Last year as we were out on one of Jalyn's sessions, Jason and Kali revealed that they would be once again expecting in the spring! I was anxiously awaiting the call of a new little one! On St. Patrick's Day Noah James made his grand entrance into this world! He is such an adorable little bundle! He was bright eyed and delightful! I told him that he was a "model citizen" for his session!lol

Jason and Kali, thank you for allowing me once again the privilege of being apart of your lives and capturing those special moments. You have a beautiful family!

Blessing,

Jennifer

Community Corner: Circle Soap Article (full article)

2009-03-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

At first glance, Carter Rowen is your typical seven year old boy who enjoys climbing trees, a good game of basketball, followed by a rousing game of Pokemon on his DS. But after spending some time with this 2nd grader at Iowa Christian Academy, you quickly see he has a heart for helping people, particularly the homeless.
It isn’t unusual for Carter to give his Valentine’s Day gift of money from Grammy to mom and say “let’s buy some food for the homeless” or want to give everything away in the kitchen pantry to the local food shelter. So, after learning that Carter wanted a way to make money to buy the homeless an “apartment building where they could come and go if they needed a place to live for free”, his mom Cheryl decided she’d better make good on one of his ideas and see it to “fruition”. And thus began CircleSoapTM.
Quite by accident, Carter was playing with a bar of soap in the bathroom one morning, making a hole in the center. Mom’s first reaction was a maternal “stop ruining the soap, Carter”! But after a day or two, mom found that the soap was easier for Carter’s two year old sister, Rebecca, to hold onto and Carter’s four year old sister, Ella, played with it while “magically” washing her hands all by herself. Mom and dad also preferred it as it didn’t slip out of their hands and swirl around in the sink!
So, the family decided to make a soap that was about ½ the size of a regular bar of soap and put a hole or “Circle” in the middle for kids to hold on to. They also developed ‘6 Little Hands, LLC’, a family business umbrella to sell the soap. Carter and his two younger sisters make up the six hands, each doing their part to produce the finished product.
While 6 Little Hands, LLC is a for-profit business, the primary use of the money raised through the sale of CircleSoapTM will go toward helping people in need. While no specific charity has been identified, 6 Little Hands would like to seek ‘real people’, whose lives could be blessed through their work. Carter’s parents also hope to use this as a tool to teach the kids about being good stewards of their money, business operations, and community service.
CircleSoapTM comes in a variety of shapes, including yellow, blue, pink or green “chicks”, trains for boys, purses for girls, and soccer balls, as well as holiday themed soaps like bunnies and Easter eggs – just to name a few. The family will also try to accommodate any custom orders they receive.
If you are interested in purchasing CircleSoapTM, you can call 6 Little Hands directly, at 515.276.7744 or email them at 6littlehands@gmail.com. Please include “order soap” in the subject heading. CircleSoapTM may also be found at these participating retailers: Simply for Giggles (W. Glen and East Village stores), Anna Jo’s in Grimes and Iowa Favorites at Jordan Creek Mall.

Confession

2009-03-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

Ok, so here's the deal. I was sitting in a cute little Internet cafe in Nashville typing my cupcake blog. I was waiting on my husband who was in a meeting. Our plan was for him to pick me up once the meeting was over and we were going to go back to Gigi's to take pics of the cupcakes and get a to-go box to bring home to the children. Well....we got to chit-chatting as I was packing up my computer, we got into the car, and about 30 mi. down the highway discovered that we had forgotten to go back to Gigi's! BIG BUMMER! I wanted to turn around and go back! I really had been there, and eaten (I'm ashamed to say) 4 cupcakes in 4 days! The goal was to return for more cupcakes for the trip home and take photos and it didn't happen. Lesson learned...Do Not Blog about it until AFTER you have the photos...so my confession is the photos you see are from Gigi's website....

Cute Cupcakes!!

Another confession...in response to one of my comments...I did not bring my big camera gear on the trip, just a little point and shoot. Nevertheless, I still only took like 3 pics.....terrible! I'll do better next time. Believe me, my husband was disappointed the entire trip that I did not have my gear!

Cupcakes, anyone?

2009-03-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

All I can say is HOLLA! What is up with Nashville's cupcake addiction? There are tons of cupcake boutiques! Yes, I said boutiques! CRAZY! Don't get me wrong, I love a good cupcake. Gourmet cupcake's that taste like heaven and look like they are from a "Fine Living" magazine...even better! They were all talking to me... Miss Scarlet Velvet, The Pink Princess, Southern Comfort, Snowball, Wedding Cake, The Black Tie....just to name a few. They were saying "bring me home"! So what's a girl suppose to do? Gigi, your my hero! When the line inside your "cupcake boutique" looks like your serving lunch, you must be doing something right! Apparently, Nashville knows something that us Iowans don't. So I'm putting it out there... to some amazing baker in Iowa....Cupcake Boutique! Tell me when it is open and I will be there! Heck, I'll take all your pics for free! I hope I made a few mouths water...just wait til I post the pics.

Cheers to Cupcakes! LOL

Fun in Nashville

2009-03-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

My husband and I took a road-trip to Nashville for spring break! We are having a ton of FUN! First of all, can I just say FOOD! Nashville has some of the best bbq and soul food I have ever had. When you top that off with great music all around you, it is a cool place to visit! My husband is a singer/songwriter and has been blessed with several connections to hopefully get some of his music out there! We were at this great club last night and there was this amazing band playing, we happened to notice that the bass guitarist was probably in his 70's and was jamming like a 20 year old!! It turns out he used to be the base player for Jimmy Hendricks and many other large successful bands. He told us "its kind of hard to change career paths when your my age"! I agree; and when you are that amazing at what you do, why should you! What an inspiration! It's been awesome meeting so many great writers of songs we all know and love!

I'm a huge fan of the Food Network! I love the show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives! In this show they travel all over the country finding some of the best locally-owned places to eat! Last year they featured a cafe in Nashville called "The Loveless Cafe". It is famous here! Brett and I asked immediately where we could find this beloved cafe! All I can say is, WOW! I definitely know why this place is famous!! I had biscuits that were better than anybodies mama or grand-mama!!! Topped off with the best homemade blackberry, strawberry, and apricot preserves I have ever put in my mouth! The rest of the food was delicious as well. If I could just bring Miss Carol Faye "the biscuit maker" back to Iowa with me we would all be happier people! Speaking of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives! Our very own Joe's Cafe in Des Moines is going to be featured on the show this summer! Congratulations Joe! If you have not ever been to Joe's Cafe it is located a block north of the Historical Building downtown.

So if you love music and soul food, take a trip to Nashville!

See you all soon!

Congratulations Mike and Rebekah

2009-03-09T09:19:00.001-07:00

Mike and Rebekah, Madelyn is a such a beautiful baby. I love all that gorgeous red hair!

What a wonderful blessing to celebrate the birth of your first child. Enjoy every moment and thank you for allowing me to take part in this special celebration!

I'm anxious to see how she grows and changes!

You're a beautiful family inside and out!

Jennifer

Congratulations Denise and Andrew

2009-02-23T19:23:00.000-08:00

I had the privilege of meeting baby Claire this week. Claire is a 5lb 14oz beautiful sweetie!

It is always a privilege to photograph each and every child but now that I have a blog I wanted to congratulate Denise and Andrew on their first child. Thank you for letting me take part in this special moment. I look forward to watching her grow.

I have attached a couple of my favorite photos for everyone to see!

Reaching Beyond Ourselves!

2009-02-16T17:32:00.000-08:00

This year I would like to give back in a little different way than before!

We have donated to many of your charity events in the past and will continue to do so! However, it is my desire that no family would go without pictures of their precious little ones. In our changing economy people are continuing to make unforeseen sacrifices. I would never want this sacrifice to include photos of their families. Over the next few months I will be accepting your nominations for a deserving family to receive a complimentary session and $250.00 photography package from Black Photography.

The family that you nominate needs to have either never had a family photo, or it has been a very long time. Please include the ages of the children in the household and the families story as to why they deserve this photo package.

Email your nominations in 150 words or less to jennifer@blackphotography.net.

The winning family will be photographed at a location of their choice within Des Monies or a 25mile radius.

I look forward to reading your submissions.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Black

Recipes

2009-02-16T17:30:00.000-08:00

Thanks for emailing me those great recipes!!! However, keep them coming! You have one more week for your submissions!

The Perfect Recipe!!!

2009-02-11T11:20:00.000-08:00

I'm looking for the perfect recipe! Instead of sending out my spring letter, I will be sending a newsletter!!! I would love to feature something from you! I will be including a section called "Hey Good Lookin', Whatcha Got Cookin"! Share with me that special recipe that all your friends and family begg for you too make! I will come to your house and take a photo of you cooking your recipe and we will include it in the newsletter! So FUN!

So, all you great cooks out there...or great "wanna be" cooks email me those recipes!! You have 2 weeks, the deadline is March 1st...

Can't wait to see your emails!

jennifer@blackphotography.net

Referrals!

2009-02-09T17:36:00.000-08:00

Almost daily I receive emails or phone calls from someone you have recommended to Black Photography!! I would like to thank you all for your kindness and enthusiasm! I love my job and I love watching your families grow! Thank you for letting me have a look in the windows of your life every year and even more thank you for passing the word.

I do my best to keep track of your referrals, so if you have referred someone please let me know. As always, I want to ensure that you receive your complimentary 8x10!!

I hope your 2009 is off to a great start!!

Jennifer

Calling All Ladies!

2009-02-04T12:53:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to have to have beautiful intimate photos taken of yourself? I have! Every women wants feel gorgeous and sexy.

I would like to introduce to you "Intimately You Sessions" these sessions are photographed in the privacy of your home offering comfort and ease while expressing the best part of you.

These make great Valentine, Anniversary, and Birthday gifts for your hard to buy for husband!

He already knows your're beautiful, now show yourself!

To receive more information or book your session call me at 778-2361.

New Website

2009-02-04T09:05:00.000-08:00

Hello! As you can see the Black Photography website is in the midst of a makeover. We have also created a blog!!! I am working to get all the galleries loaded and working correctly.

To view your images please refer to http://www.jblack.photoreflect.com/

Thank you for your patience while we are in transition.

Please stay posted to my blog to hear about new things yet to come.

Talk to you soon!

Jennifer