Q Photography

07/16/2018

“S”

By many people's standards, "S" had it all. She had a husband, a child, a well paying job that she enjoyed, and a nice house in a nice neighborhood. Then a domestic dispute and the court siding with her husband. Then losing it ALL.

Her hope is in Christ and her future in heaven. However, in the present, living on the streets has been very difficult for her. She states that she is at a disadvantage to gain admittance into many long term shelters. This is attributed to donors wanting to see results: those that are admitted get clean and find a job. She is not a drug user nor an alcoholic so long term shelters cannot claim that they are helping her get clean (though a counselor did suggest that she take drugs in order to get admitted). Also, long term shelters prefer those that are younger than 40 years because they find jobs faster.

I truly hope that homeless programs look past age and instead, at a willingness to receive help at becoming job ready and ultimately getting off of the streets.

Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the LORD.
-Leviticus 19:32

07/14/2018

“Dan”

"Please pray for my health. I injured my back and leg while while working construction 7 years ago."

Please take a few seconds and pray for Dan. Thanks.

07/12/2018

“Moises”

I met Moises, his wife, and two dogs living out of their van on a 100 degree day. Moises was making soup from a pot and camping burner. His wife passed on taking a photo, but Moises and one of his dogs, Doris, kindly obliged.

07/10/2018

There are places I'll remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all
-The Beatles, In My Life

Mary Ann was born in Kentucky and used to travel the country while in a folk band.

"What's your favorite song?" I asked.
"In My Life, by The Beatles."

Then she sang some of the song to me. I wished my wife was there because that's her favorite song also. Along with the Beatles, she likes Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. She particularly doesn't like heavy metal music.

She has a large growth under her neck that doctors don't know the cause of. She also suffers from cataracts. She wears the lensless glasses to protect her eyes from being inadvertently touched. Regardless, she faithfully plays her auto harp and sings at a local church every Sunday except for one Sunday. "It just seemed like there was something missing from the church service when Mary Ann wasn't here", said one of the pastors of the church.

Mary Ann, though in a temporary body, sings to her eternal Lord.

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.
-2 Corinthians 4:16

But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.
-Isaiah 40:31

06/22/2018

"Vivian"

Vivian used to work for the local newspaper placing ads in them.

06/19/2018

"Pat"

I met Vietnam War Veteran, Pat, coincidentally on Flag Day. After talking to him, I find out that he is also an ordained Catholic priest.

When I asked him if I could pray for him, Pat put his arm around me and said, "No, let me pray for you." He prayed, "Lord, remember my new friend in all that he does. Amen."

His friend, Steve, who was helping him get his social security check then told me, "Sometimes the streets just get you."

10/13/2015

Warped Tour 1998? No, it was the Its Not Dead Festival 2015. I had a blast watching some of my favorite punk and ska bands perform again all at one venue.

October 10, 2015 So I had the chance to relive

04/19/2015

Steel Wool with Sebastien.
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04/17/2015

Langlitz Leathers Craftsmen
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04/17/2015

If you are ever in Portland, even if you don't ride a motorcycle, hit up Langlitz Leathers. They make sweet leather products from motorcycle jackets, wallets, and hats. I even picked up a keychain. Even more, they are some of the coolest people I've met. Scott the office manager made us feel right at at home; he gave us bottled water, showed us around the place, and hooked us up with stickers and calendars. Customer service at its finest.
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04/15/2015

"Don't go chasin' waterfalls..." -T-Boz, Left-Eye, Chilli
Volcano Lands Fujifilm Cameras FUJIFILM X WORLD One Shoot One Raw Popular Photography American Photo Fujifilm MX

04/15/2015

Mother and child at the falls.
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