Last Sunday I had the privilege of photographing a wonderful family here in Kalamazoo. When I arrived, the kids were watching "The Whiz"! How awesome is that? (Oh, yeah I'm a total musical movies nut!) They were all so full of energy and so much fun to be with that the time flew by & I was very pleased with what I took back with me, not only the images, but also the wonderful feeling that I had made some new friends.
I asked Kamesha (Mrs. Cunningham) to give me a brief background on their family:
"Hello My name is Kamesha Cunningham I am 27 years old. I just moved to Kalamazoo one year ago. I came here in search of a new life.
I had been battling addiction all through my life as a teenager I slowed down on using when I became pregnant with my daughter the oldest one you see in the pictures. I cleaned up my act graduated high school and began to work as a teacher's assistant.
Couple years later I was knee deep in the party scene. I met a handsome thug who is now my husband. When we met we were not what you call a match made in Heaven, we were headed in the other direction.
Well long story short, God had a calling on our lives to be together and raise our children together. Today we have been married for 5 years and we just renewed our vows on Feb. 15 2010, that's 5 years to the date of chaotic love now brought to a place of rest, peace and loving friendship. Now the only ones causing chaos in our household are the little rascals you see in the pictures.
All things are possible to those who have faith in the Almighty God!"
The Cunninghams recently completed the rehabilitation program at The Gospel Mission here in Kalamazoo. It's hard to sum up what The Gospel Mission does in a few short words because they do so much. According to their website, they serve " . . .homeless and abused men, women, and children. . . . and provide for their basic needs as well as their deeper emotional and spiritual needs." The Mission has a mens shelter, a women's shelter, and a family residential center. They're mostly funded through private donations and they run a thrift store.
I was contacted by The Mission's secretary to maybe come take pictures at the Cunningham's vow renewal, but unfortunately I couldn't make it. I was thrilled to be able to do a family session with them instead!
I have a new nickname that the Cunningham children gave me after I left - "The Picture Lady". WHAT AN HONOR! Guys, thank you so much for allowing me spend some time with you . . . I had a great time! ~ HK
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