Two Epic Costa Rica Xpeditions

In 2012 the lives of my family were impacted for the better.  We were contacted by the most amazing non-profit, Ocean Healing Group.  They are actively "Carving the 'Dis' out of Disability," one child at a time!  Our son Christian was born "differently abled."  He has a neuromuscular disease, CMT, that is classed with Muscular Dystrophy.  This in turn caused him to have a joint disorder, AMC, or Arthro-Gryposis, which roughly means "stiff joints."  He was born with severe club feet, his right hip out of socket...missing a ball & socket all together actually,  and various other troublesome issues that evolve out of having fused joints.  The doctors at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children were so unsure what his abilities would be that when I asked "Will he walk?" they danced right around it with the most vague of answers: "He may walk, he may not walk, he may walk, and then not walk!"  ??? Well, walk he did.  After many surgeries, and countless hours of physical therapy, he got up and went.  He used a wheel chair to go any significant distance, but he could walk!  I was absolutely struck with the realization that nothing would hold this kid back.  Nothing.     In 2012 Christian was in middle school, experiencing all the awkwardness that that right of passage has to offer, and perhaps more.  In spite of his tremendously positive attitude, there is no doubt that it is challenging to be an adolescent who is seemingly a little different than his peers.  When Ocean Healing Group reached out to us, and said they would like to take the family to Costa Rica and teach Christian how to Surf, it sounded unbelievable.  Too good to be true, even.  Although it took a sizable leap of faith, our family decided it was a once in a lifetime opportunity that we would be foolish to pass up.  The long and short of it, is that that boy stood up and surfed!  Here are a few of my favorite images from our Epic Xpedition:  

Not a dry eye in the ocean.  One of the most spectacular moments of my life.  Bar none.  At a time when it would be   easy to feel sorry for yourself, or bemoan the unfairness of life, Christian demonstrated a perseverance that would make anyone take notice.  I can't begin to thank Ocean Healing Group enough for being the vessel to put the wind in his sails at maybe the most opportune moment in Christian's life.  They are a group of the most servant minded wonderful human beings a person could be blessed enough to stumble across.  We immediately felt a kinship, and knew we wanted to continue to be a part of their efforts and their lives.  This past summer, 2015, we were granted just such an opportunity.  The Elmore family traveled back to Costa Rica as volunteers this time.  Again, life changing for the better.  It was empowering for Christian to be in the position to be of service to someone else, instead of the one getting all of the attention.  It was joyous to be back at home with our Ocean Healing Family again.  The Camp is called Shaka, located on the southern Nicoya Peninsula; and when OHG is there, the adventures are called JAWS.  (Just Add Water Surfing)  The adventure branch of my company, jenXpeditions, was able to volunteer photo and video services for the week.    Here is my attempt  to capture what great things Ocean Healing Group is doing for families during the JAWS 24 camp:

Why Destination Photography?

So, you've decided to say your "I do's" someplace spectacular.  Here are some compelling reasons why you should take a photographer, and turn your trip into an "Expedition!"

jenXpeditions is Making Moments Legendary.

• Your wedding album is a story book, and you should tell the whole story:

When you contract an on site photographer, not only are they unknown to you, but they are contracted for a very small window of your excursion.  Taking a photographer with you means you have a professional in your entourage to capture the details of the adventure.   Your brunch and your rehearsal are critical portions of the story that needs telling, and there's no better way to tell a story than when you are a part of it.

You've put your heart, soul, and personality in the details...let's capture them.

• It's easier and less expensive than you think... and it's your Legacy:

It's as easy as adding a room and a plane ticket to your entourage.  What is a "plus one," when you are talking about creating heirlooms for your children and grandchildren.  Your legacy wont know what the food tasted like, but you can guarantee that they will want to put their hands on the photographs.

Your wedding photographs are your most prized heirlooms.

• You do not want your memories to stay in your iPhone:

When you hire a professional to come along, you are relieved of the responsibility of worrying about what to do with your images.  If you are like 95% of us, you will likely leave your precious memories to gather cyber dust in your phone, your computer, or your camera.  Let a professional be burdened with bringing your story to life in a tangible way.  Let's face it, shuffling through images is not your priority, but a professional has been paid for it to be theirs.

Just hanging out is worthy of preserving.

• You want an artist to capture your once in a lifetime event:

Someone with a creative eye, and an education in light and composition, can make every day moments feel newsworthy.  Weather you are walking through the hotel, sitting in the airport, on a bus, or sitting down for a bite to eat, it is so very important to capture these fleeting moments.  The actual ceremony is only a part of the story when you are talking destination.  Be aware not to trivialize the rest of the journey.

Even the bus ride is a first rate memory.

I relish the opportunity to preserve people's happiest moments for many lifetimes.  Don't neglect crucial pieces in the puzzle.  Allow jenXpeditions to make your moments legendary!

jenXphotography.com Booking Sensational Destinations Now.