Take My Life Back in COSTA RICA
Donation protected
I'm not going to lie to you... this has been a brutal year for me. My fiancé of six years, who I've known since 3rd grade, died in a car crash last October. From that moment on, I forgot what it feels like, among so many other things, to be brave. Unable to imagine what my life would look like without, Phil, I crawled in to an emotional cocoon, stunned, trying to accept and deal.
It was inconceivable to me that only days before his death, I had summoned the courage to zip-line over a mountainous gorge with my mother. It was hard to even remember that in my life as a travel and landscape photographer, I had hiked for a week to reach Macchu Picchu or that I had trekked in the Himalayas. Was it really me who camped in my car off and on for a number of years, to photograph the wonders of dramatic landscapes, and who sat alone all night in various deserts to get long exposure shots that included the movement of stars in the background?
Since last October, I haven't recognized myself much. I am only now beginning to admit to myself I have to push on and not let myself die with Phil.
I was recently given the opportunity through my work to do some volunteering in Costa Rica at the end of July. I am accepting this invitation and am now fundraising for what I call my Take Back My Life Trip. I will be building a roof on a rural school for a week and visiting Earth University to learn more about biodynamic and sustainable farming. When the work trip is over, I've decided to stay two more weeks and travel alone to reacquaint myself with myself. I will photograph the cloud rain forests and am considering a day adventure that involves rappelling down five waterfalls. I feel apprehensive about this whole adventure and that's why I need to go. We grow when we are uncomfortable.
I would so greatly appreciate donations to defray the cost of airfare, a rental car and lodging. Because I am so uncomfortable accepting money from friends and family, I ask that donations be no more than $20. I will post images when I return that will let you all know I took risks and insisted on once again being brave. And for anyone who is unable to donate, please just send your energetic love and support. I am taking back my life.
It was inconceivable to me that only days before his death, I had summoned the courage to zip-line over a mountainous gorge with my mother. It was hard to even remember that in my life as a travel and landscape photographer, I had hiked for a week to reach Macchu Picchu or that I had trekked in the Himalayas. Was it really me who camped in my car off and on for a number of years, to photograph the wonders of dramatic landscapes, and who sat alone all night in various deserts to get long exposure shots that included the movement of stars in the background?
Since last October, I haven't recognized myself much. I am only now beginning to admit to myself I have to push on and not let myself die with Phil.
I was recently given the opportunity through my work to do some volunteering in Costa Rica at the end of July. I am accepting this invitation and am now fundraising for what I call my Take Back My Life Trip. I will be building a roof on a rural school for a week and visiting Earth University to learn more about biodynamic and sustainable farming. When the work trip is over, I've decided to stay two more weeks and travel alone to reacquaint myself with myself. I will photograph the cloud rain forests and am considering a day adventure that involves rappelling down five waterfalls. I feel apprehensive about this whole adventure and that's why I need to go. We grow when we are uncomfortable.
I would so greatly appreciate donations to defray the cost of airfare, a rental car and lodging. Because I am so uncomfortable accepting money from friends and family, I ask that donations be no more than $20. I will post images when I return that will let you all know I took risks and insisted on once again being brave. And for anyone who is unable to donate, please just send your energetic love and support. I am taking back my life.
Organizer
Kim Hammar
Organizer
Moraga, CA
