Lacamas Lake

Here are some photographs from a hike at Lacamas Lake Park on the last day of my cousin Nina's visit to the Vancouver area. It was nice to meet her and I wish her the best in her educational endeavors back in the state of Virginia. The other people seen in the pictures are my younger brother and sister as well as an uncle from Everett, WA. 

The day was beautiful and I especially enjoyed the warm rays of sunlight beaming their way through the branches of the trees. Oh, how great is our God to have created such breathtaking nature! Hope you can catch at least a little glimpse of it in these photographs.

~ Filipp C.

Downtown Portland

So after hitting Seattle, Nina and I decided to spend half a day exploring the city of Portland. We had some good times :-)

~ Filipp C.

Downtown Seattle

Recently, I got the opportunity to meet Nina, one of my coolest cousins from Rhode Island who had come to Seattle for her Spring brake. We had not seen each other since we moved to America, around the age of three. It was interesting to find out just how much we have in common. On Sunday, the day after the wedding shoot, we decided to spend part of the day exploring Seattle. We walked along the water front and than explored Pikes Market. Seattle is an incredible city and has a lot to offer in regards to sights, smells, and sounds. The pictures that I was able to capture where amazing! To bad I have to limit myself to posting just a few of my favorites.

~ Filipp C.

Goodbye My Friend

It's sad that it takes a death of a young person to fill our church beyond it's maximum capacity. What's worse is that many will soon forget this event and return to their everyday lives, forgetting that eternity may be a breath away. 

Last night, I found the following words of wisdom in the most unexpected place - a Dove chocolate wrapper: Dream as if you are going to live forever. Live as if you are going to die tomorrow. Rest in peace my friend, I will not forget you.

~ Filipp C.

Tragic Death

The news of your death shocked me. How could this be? I saw you last Thursday Rafael. Who would have known that those were your last days? What happened? I can't even imagine how you were feeling out there in the snow.... naked and freezing. What were your last thoughts? What were your last words? What was it like before you entered that cold and peaceful state of oblivion? Was there sadness and humiliation involved in someone taking your clothes or were you thinking about the dreams that would never come true? Were you hoping to see the face of your parents for one last time as you realized that it was your last night?

I have so many questions Rafael and so little answers. I do know however, that your death was within God's will and ultimately for his glory. I pray that Christ's name may be glorified through your death even more than it was in your life. I truly believe that if God has taken you into his presence, you are so much happier there than you were, here on earth. Oh, I can just imagine you praising God with your great voice of tenor, together with the angels and all the saints. If heaven is were your soul found it's rest, I can't wait to join you there my friend. I cannot even picture what it's like to be eternally praising God and bathing in his glory. I remember your love for playing the piano. I don't know if they have pianos in heaven but, I know that you would not be disappointed. I long to be there soon... Together with all the saints, I will praise him forever!!!

~Filipp C.