At five years old, I got a hint of the plans the Lord had for me. One night God spoke to me, saying, “Trust me and I will lead you all the days of your life.” I had hope for my future.

When I was 11 years old, I began using my earnings from babysitting to purchase one-time-use cameras and get the photographs developed. I had dreams of being a photographer, but didn’t think that dream was even possible. 

There was no way to know when I was young, that God’s plans for my life included joining the SD Army National Guard, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in photography, and serving overseas on two deployments, one of which I was a military photojournalist in combat.

Through life’s ups and downs, I’ve learned firsthand that God’s plans are good and He is faithful to keep all His promises.