They say that storms make trees take deeper roots. That it’s trials in this life that make us stronger and produce in us deeper character, ultimately finding ourselves more firmly rooted in our faith, relying on Christ alone as our strength.

Sweet, beautiful Jacki is a perfect example of this. Her dad passed away from a rare form of Leukemia in late January of this past year, amidst the middle of her Junior year. And yet, despite the incredibly hard times she’s walked through, she shines. Her faith and trust in the Lord is so obvious in the way she lights up a room with her smile and infectious laugh. She radiates love, strength, and joy to everyone around her and it’s just so inspiring and absolutely contagious.

Jacki was just in India on a missions trip for two weeks, so we had a blast trading missions trip stories. In fact, her faded henna tattoo you see in some of the pictures is a little suveniour still reminding her of her experience serving there. ;) I loved getting to know Jacki better and chatting about this exciting year ahead. There’s one thing I walked away from our time together knowing: this girl is going places. It’s not just because of her incredible brains, drop-dead beauty, or determined spirit. It’s Jacki’s authenticity and warm, genuine heart that are going to carry her to amazing places. I just know it.

Jacki, I wish you the very best in your senior year and beyond!! Enjoy this amazing year ahead of you and enjoy a few of my favorites from your senior session!! Xoxo!