It's All I Have

*UPDATE* Out of the 175 people that saw this post, 9 of you that went to my link and donated; I'm so grateful for your decision to make a difference.  Because of you 2 kids received life changing operations they desperately needed.  To make it even better, Operation Smile has a donor that will match everything raised so we actually saved 4 kids!!!  We can do better.  You can be one of those people that gives just a little to make a huge difference.  Don't just look and wish you could do something because you can.  Even $20 makes a difference.  The donor will still match what you donate so it's as if you are giving twice the amount.  WE ONLY HAVE UNTIL MIDNIGHT TONIGHT!!!! http://support.operationsmile.org/site/TR?px=1956153&fr_id=1400&pg=personal

My 9 year old daughter overheard me talking about raising money this week for the children in Vietnam and how many are already being turned away because there just isn't enough money.  A few minutes later she walked up to me, held up $3 in her hand and said, 

"Here mommy, it's all I have."

I still get emotional thinking about it.  $3 is a lot to her.  She works hard doing chores to get money.  If she can give everything her little hands have worked so hard to earn why can't we as adults give $20 to save a life?  Skip going out to eat this week and help me save a child's life. Please.  Go to this link and donate, we only have until Sunday: http://support.operationsmile.org/site/TR?px=1956153&fr_id=1400&pg=personal

I just received this email from Max Ryan, Senior Program Coordinator for Operation Smile.  He is in Vietnam right now.

Suzanne, 

I'm in the midst of our medical mission in Vietnam — but I wanted to thank you for your support and send you some quick pictures (above) that were taken yesterday of the children we're trying to help in Quang Ngai. 

First the good news ... 

On Tuesday we provided life-changing surgery for 27 patients and on Wednesday 27 more. Today we completed surgery for another 30 patients. That's 84 lives we've transformed so far this week. Tomorrow will be another busy day!

I'm always excited to report the good news first from our medical missions — it's the second part I always hate. 

You may have seen the report of our first day of the medical mission that our CEO Bill Kliewer sent earlier this week: on Monday our medical team provided comprehensive healthcare evaluations for over 200 patients. Our team was only prepared to treat slightly over 100. 

That leaves another 100 patients in grave danger. And remember, it is estimated that 1 in 10 children born with a cleft will die without surgery.

That night, our staff had to explain to parents and their children why we couldn't help them, why we had to turn them away — simply because of a lack of time and resources. 

I was devastated.

But here's an opportunity. If we can secure enough resources now, we can continue to treat every last child we met today that returns for help. Please, Suzanne — help us reach those children. Donate before 11:59 PM CST Sunday and your gift will DOUBLE in impact. 

Thank you from Operation Smile and all of us here in Vietnam. 

Sincerely,

Max Ryan 
Senior Program Coordinator 
Operation Smile 

Here are photos taken of children saved this week. They are real.  They need us.  They need you.

Ryan

I am so blessed to have a husband that has supported me more than I could have hoped for in every choice I make.  He is the reason I found and am successful in photography, his support is the reason I am able to compete for Mrs. International.  The second I begin to feel week, he steps in and lifts me up and carries me until I am strong enough to go on my own again. Then he sets me back down and walks beside me.  When he needs me to be the strong one, I am there for him.  This is why our marriage works, this is why God sent him to me.

Princess Festival

This past week I was asked to come to the Princess Festival for 2 days to meet all the little princesses and hand out awards to the "Forever Princesses" being recognized for service they do.  I had so much fun and the look on their faces when they touched my crown was priceless!

The second day was the best since I brought my own little princesses (Abby and Louisa, my daughters).

Growing up there were huge honeysuckle bushes in our backyard that we always picked to lick the nectar out of.  At the festival there were honeysuckle bushes and I took the opportunity to show my daughters what I used to do when I was their age.

I taught them how to pick them and then gently pull the stem so it pulled all the sweet nectar out of the bottom.  It made me so happy to see how much they loved it too!

Mini Shoots For Smiles

Osman's Story

Smile Bags

There are more ways to help with Operation Smile other than donating money.  You can donate your time and skills as a seamstress too!  I taught myself how to sew years ago and have always enjoyed making things so finding out about all the items they need volunteers to sew made this organization even more perfect for me!

This weekend at a family reunion, I brought our sewing machines and taught my daughter how to sew Smile Bags which Operation Smile gives to each child after their operation. They are filled with these items:

• small shampoo (.85 to 1.4 oz size, screw-on top only)
• small comb (no rat tails)
• new wash cloth
• bar of soap (small hotel size) 
• sample size toothpaste (check expiration date - not expired)
• child size toothbrush (single package)
• small stuffed animal (Beanie Baby® size)
• 8 pack box of coloring crayons
• thin 8.5” x 11” coloring book
• small square mirror (approximate size 3”x 3”)

(I also have an idea for something else they can add to the bags that I am so excited about but will save that for later.)

Every day since we have been back from the reunion my daughter asks if we can sew more bags.  I love how this is creating a love for serving others in her.  She is only 9 years old and already finds joy in the idea of making something that helps other children.  It makes me realize how well this organization fits with my life as a mother since it is one my children can be involved in too.

More sewing projects to come soon like Smile dolls, hosptial gowns, No-no Arm Bands and blankets.

Waiting

One of my goals in working with Operation Smile is to become one of their photographers and am currently on their waiting list.  If I win Mrs. International 2013, I hope that having that title will help put me at the top of that list so my family and I can go on missions and photograph these children's amazing transformations.  I want to raise more awareness about Operation Smile and nothing captures people's attention like a photograph that says more than a thousand words.

Operation Smile

A little over a year ago I saw Ngan for the first time.  Although she had a facial birth deformity it was her eyes and the sadness in them that captured my heart.

It was then that I was first introduced to Operation Smile, an international children's medical charity that performs life changing cleft lip and cleft palate operations for free.  I had no idea that so many children were dying from a facial deformity that can be fixed with one 45 minute surgery.  I saw story after story of children and how they were shunned and rejected by society.  I saw babies struggling to eat from a tube since they could not suck properly.  Most of these children could not even smile because their deformity.  I saw doctors, amazing doctors, donating their time and talents to perform surgeries on these children.  Then I saw Ngan afterwards and all the joy and beauty inside her that the doctors helped bring to the surface.  I saw her smile.

As a photographer I know I can see beauty in others.  I use my photography to capture that beauty and show them what I see in them.  I love the joy I see in people's eyes when they see the photos I take of them. My love for creating beauty is what drew me to Operation Smile and I knew I had to help.  

I created "Mini Shoots For Smiles" which is a special session clients can sign up for.  The cost is $240, the price of one operation - the price to save one smile.  For more information go to this link or the link at the top of this blog.  I am saving smiles one photo shoot at a time.  Will you join me?

Support From Unexpected Places

This is my oldest child, Michael.  No mother could ever hope for a better son.  Ask anyone who knows him, they will tell you the same.  I wanted to share a quick story about him.  As my husband and I were discussing my choice of becoming Mrs. Utah International, Michael walked into the room.  I asked him what he thought about his mother being Mrs. Utah and competing for the title of Mrs. International 2013 in Chicago.  He immediately said, "I'm coming with you!"  I further explained the sacrifices that would have to be made by all, especially him since I would be gone a lot and he would have to watch his 3 little sisters a lot more to help out.  He paused to think for a moment, looked me straight in the eyes, and with more wisdom than any 16 year old should have said, "Mom, I believe this will change your life for the better and I will do ANYTHING to help make that happen for you."

Needless to say, tears instantly came to my eyes.  He was right, this is going to change me and my life for the better.  It already has.  So grateful for the support of my husband and son.  I can't do this without them.

The Start of a Life-changing Journey

This past weekend I was in Idaho photographing the Mrs. Idaho International pageant.  One of my dearest friends has been competing in the Idaho systems so I've been going up there to support her.  

It was here I met the cutest little red-head who happened to be the director of the Utah International pageants.  We talked throughout the two days and I felt an instant friendship with her.   I guess that is why I immediately said yes when she asked if I would be her Mrs. Utah International!

To make things even better, my friend ended up winning Mrs. Idaho so we will be going to the Mrs. International pageant together in July!  

This blog will be a way to follow along on my journey this year as Mrs. Utah International 2013.

A Special Thank You To All My Sponsors