Karmen Meyer 1/16/12 Karmen Meyer 1/16/12

Amathuba Housing Project {AFRICA} | Edmonton & International Photographers

A little refresher; we are visiting a housing project called Amathuba in Embo, South Africa.We have the fantastic Robert Zuma as our generous tour guide. Since Suzi, the founder of this housing project, passed, Robert has taken on most of the leadership. Although he has no 'actual' education, Robert is driven and knows how to work with his hands.He teaches others in the community to work with wood, metal and whatever materials are available. He works hard to find funding so that they can continue working on the communities homes, schools and buildings. He wants homes that are strong and reliable, so that his friends and family can be more healthy, both physically and mentally. He wishes that they will be able to go to work and not worry about coming home to find that the rainfall has seeped through the roof and walls to drench their beds and spoil their food.He really is a remarkable and passionate man. We are so thankful that he took the time to show us around.So... continuing from where we left Lillian. Robert took us to meet some more remarkable people and families.We had to climb down a very steep hill, NOT a good day to wear flip-flops and carry a camera! But, by some sort of miracle both my camera and I made it to the next 'level' of homes.O and I made a new friend! She never did tell me her name, in fact I am not sure if she new much English at all, but we got along just fine.The views were stunning. You look one way to see rolling hills and large rural homes, then turn to see a hillside covered in homes made out of random available materials, their roofs held on by stones and tires. Unfortunately, wealthy communities side by side with large slums is a common sight in South Africa.We met several other families. One, most memorably, welcomed us into their home with a song and dance. There was so much joy and positivity, some times it was hard remember that they were the very same people living in these unfortunate conditions.Sadly, after just a few more introductions and stories and it was time for goodbye.

kmeyerphotography.com….. kmeyerphotography.com/blog….. Twitter.com/KarmenMeyer

Karmen Meyer 1/10/12 Karmen Meyer 1/10/12

Grayson + His Loving Mom + Dad | Edmonton Newborn Photography

Say hello to the handsome Grayson Mark | 1 week old

Karmen Meyer 1/2/12 Karmen Meyer 1/2/12

Lillian and Her Home {AFRICA} | Edmonton & International Photographers

So I have been pretty terrible at sharing photos from Africa. The truth is, there is just so many and I don't even know where to begin or what to do with them!!Right now the CRWRC is using them for a website and educational purposes within universities and churches in North America; but, I want to share my little story with you as well. So here we go.... My first little post about an amazing 6 weeks in the gorgeous continent of Africa.December 8, 2011 | Durban, South AfricaIt was a cool, damp day, the sky was grey and felt the need to occasionally let some rain on us. I had been in Africa for 37 days at this point, and let's just say I did NOT pack enough sweaters or pants. While the weather is so often hot and sunny (some would say to hot!), it just made the cool days that much harder to take. But anyways, the weather was somewhat fitting for our eye-opening trip to Amathuba, a housing project in Embo, South Africa.Since we have been traveling across East and South Africa (over 5,000 kms!), nearly all day has been spent in trucks or at concerts, we have hardly had time to visit with local Africans not participating in the caravan. So, when fellow caravaner and South African friend, Skhumbuzo Myeza, presented us with this fantastic opportunity there was no way we were saying no. O and by the way, 'we' was myself and two other awesome Canadians I met on the trip, Ryan and Leah!! You might have heard about Ryan already, since he is the video part of our little CRWRC media team.We caught a cab and traveled a small ways outside of Durban, arriving to see homes of all shapes, sizes and materials lacing the side of one of SA's rolling hills. Witnessing these types of things is always so overwhelming, it is horrifying and inspiring all at the same time. You suddenly feel very blessed, stupid for not having brought something to help, useless. My mind just cycled through a huge range of emotions, although I like to think I kept a calm and collected exterior. Something that was particularly easy to do when speaking to Lillian. The beautiful 80 something year-old woman below.When we knocked on her door during her devotions, we were welcomed with an enourmous smile and greetings. Leah, Ryan, Skhumbuzo and all crammed into her home; one room, one bed, one fridge, one dresser, one hot plate. It was a bit of a mess, she explained, since now that she is old and has outlived most of her children there are not many around to help her keep the place clean. Lillian told us stories of the past 78 years she has lived here.She told us about her work and her family. She told us about the important photos that hung above her bed, and even introduced us to her (I think, great)grandson!We asked Lillian what would help her, her family and her community. And what things have already happened. She told us of the fantastic women named Suzi from the UK who came here one time and for no particular reason decided to help them. She donated huge amounts of her own money to work with people in the community to help create better homes. She told us of how Suzi later died of a brain tumor, and although there is still a little bit of local funding coming in you can see that work has slowed, there is still so much left to be done.Lillian took us outside for a little tour. She could not take us to far, as the hill is very steep, but this is a little of what we saw.Unfortunately, this is where we had to say goodbye to Lillian and where I will have to leave you for today. But I have so much more to share with you about this remarkable place and the rest of my trip to Africa. Until then, here is one more photo of the lovely Lillian in front of her home.

kmeyerphotography.com….. kmeyerphotography.com/blog….. Twitter.com/KarmenMeyer

Karmen Meyer 10/27/11 Karmen Meyer 10/27/11

Look at What I Got!!! | Edmonton & Red Deer Boudoir Photographers

OK, ok.... they aren't really for me, but I just love getting the new albums in the mail. Here is a couple shots from the latest shipment to come to my door!Truly,KarmenP.S. I hope that EVERYONE has a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend!!!!

...back to blog home page...

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Karmen Meyer 10/24/11 Karmen Meyer 10/24/11

Heather & Ben {a FOREVER sneakpeek} | Edmonton & Red Deer Wedding Photographers

Heather & Ben had initially opted out of their sneakpeek but just couldn't stand the suspense any longer! So here you are, my last sneak peek before leaving for Africa. I hope you LOVE it, Heather and Ben.Truly,Karmenp.s. Thanks to Diane Herron for being an amazing assistant.

OK! Seriously, how absolutely stunning is Heather!?

And, of course, THE PHOTOBOOTH!!

Wanna see it BIGGER and better?! Check out the HD version HERE.

kmeyerphotography.com….. kmeyerphotography.com/blog….. Twitter.com/KarmenMeyer

*if you would like to know more about my products and packages feel free to send an email to karmen@kmeyerphotography.com

Karmen Meyer 10/21/11 Karmen Meyer 10/21/11

CRWRC ‘We Have Faith Caravan’ | Karmen Goes to AFRICA

Hello Everyone. For those of you who do not know me, I am Karmen Meyer. I am a photographer, a traveler, a wife, a daughter, a big sister and a Christian. I love adventure, laughing and the kindness of others. It is all these things that have brought me to where I am today. And, why I have been presented with such a fantastic opportunity, the opportunity to use my passions to help bring attention to a people and a planet that is truly suffering. A little more information on this:-“Over 13 million people are affected by the crisis in the Horn of Africa. That’s six times more than those affected by the Indonesian tsunami in 2004 and four times more than those affected by the Haiti earthquake. Despite this need, attention to this most recent humanitarian crisis has been woefully inadequate.” (CRWRC website, http://hornofafrica.ngoaidmap.org/p/highlights)-“Climate change has been described as one of the biggest threats to development and livelihoods in our time. Consensus has been built among climate scientists … that the current climate crises have been caused by human action, and that urgent action is required to save the planet. The impacts of climate change in Kenya and Africa cannot be underestimated, with the recent cases of devastating droughts and floods in many parts of Africa, as well as increased intensity of tropical diseases like Malaria.” (NewsFromAfrica.org)-The 17th Conference of the Parties (COP 17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) will take place in December in Durban, South Africa.It is against this gloomy backdrop that African youth organizations join with faith communities, faith leaders and networks from all over the world to form the We Have Faith Caravan. “There hasn’t been a similar climate caravan before. It will be challenging, tiring, time-consuming, even strenuous but most significantly, it will be enlightening, impactful and world changing; and just maybe it’s the difference we’ve all been wanting to make...” (newsfromafrica.org) I cannot begin to describe how honored I am to be a part of something so important. To use the gifts God has given me to help His people, His Creation. It is more then I could have ever asked for.Joining me on this amazing mission is Ruth Terry (a journalist) and Ryan Geleynse (a videographer). Together we will represent the CRWRC. We will document the dancing, theatre and music used to teach, to encourage and to remind the world not to let these communities perish. We will document the African Youth meeting with leaders, as well as, signing and collecting petitions to be presented at the COP17. We will introduce you to the participants, tell their stories and share what their goals are for their countries. We will do all this in hopes that you might see it and be called to action.In order to do this we will need your prayers, encouragement, and financial support. If you feel called you can donate by sending a cheque made out to the CRWRC (with my name in the memo) to:Iona Stewart-BuismanGlobal Volunteer & MPP Program Coordinator, CRWRC3475 Mainway PO Box 5070 Stn LCD 1Burlington, ON L7R 3Y8Or donate online at http://www.crwrc.org/pages/crwrc_donate.cfm. Where it asks you to choose a Designee you will need to check the box ‘I would like to make a gift to a person not listed’, then type in my name, the amount you would like to donate, as well as, your information so that they can send you a receipt.Or cash can be donated directly to me. It will be used for the purchasing of visas, extra travel costs and incidentals; any money not used will be put back to the CRWRC.Thank-you and God Bless,Karmen Meyerkarmen@kmeyerphotography.comkmeyerphotography.com780.660.0807 P.S. Here is a downloadable version of this letter --> wehavefaithcaravan. If you could all share this post or e-mail this letter to just one person it would help immensely! THANKS!

Karmen Meyer 10/19/11 Karmen Meyer 10/19/11

A BEAUTIFUL Northern Alberta Family | Edmonton Family Photographers

Rachel, Alex & Ryker! You have such a beautiful family and it was a blessing to get to come hang out and take your picture. I was so happy to come up to your home and your favorite places, it just makes these picture that much more special knowing that you are with the people you love, in the places you love.Here is a little taste of what we captured that day, despite the rain and the cold. I hope that you love your sneakpeek!! ENJOY!!Truly,Karmenp.s.