US Campaign for Burma at the White House

People ask me what I do when I’m not photographing weddings or babies.

When I’m not working with my clients, I’m photographing events that are working to make a difference in the world. [and sometimes I sleep a few hours, too.]

US Campaign for Burma was out in front of the White House this afternoon asking for aid to be brought to Burma after the devastating cyclone. While the US has responded, the aid is sitting on boats along the coast of Burma… just sitting there, because China has blocked the UN vote to send in aid to Burma without the consent of Burma’s junta government.

It’s heartbreaking to think people are waiting for aid and unable to get it… but people are working hard, and I hope that the world comes through on this one.

And just to show you why I care:

This is me with an incredible head nun I met in Burma. I have no idea how old she was, but I’m told she was in her late 90’s. She was so kind and welcoming, and I am grateful that I met her and she was in my life, even if it was only for a few hours. I couldn’t tell you what she said to me (and she said a lot!) but it doesn’t matter. We connected. We shared an experience.

When you meet people like this, you can’t just come home and say, “Wow, great vacation.” You put your heart into action for those people.

And you fight, even on your only free Saturday till August, because you remember those you’ve met. And you realize that their struggle is something that is so hard, so unfair, that you know if you were in their shoes, you would hope someone was out there fighting. (photo by Eric Johnson-Vik)

On a lighter note, I want to thank all my couples and clients who donated to the cyclone victims- just shy of FIFTY PERCENT of my couples took me up on my extra hour of coverage- that’s awesome! Through you guys, we raised over $800 dollars! This means soooooo much to me and US Campaign for Burma- thank you!

I’ll leave you with a few quick photos of the event today- tonight I’ll be taking it easy, but tomorrow it’s full speed ahead with Angie & Lou’s wedding!