I met my first “Giving is Awesome” winner on Thursday.  What an amazing family they are!  Two adorable tweens, and a mom and dad so in love with each other it makes my heart happy!

Fayla and her family were nominated by their friend Holly.  Holly wrote about some of the hardships that have plagued this family over the years, but how their unwavering faith is a true testament to the amazing people they are.  In her letter I learned how much Jacen, Fayla’s husband, does to help his family.  I learned that Fayla has cystic fibrosis, and is one of the oldest living patients with her original lungs, that she’s had 36 surgeries in her 34 year of life, and that she is a true woman of God.

From Fayla: “To say it has been an easy journey would not be a true statement, but I can say that God has been with me every step of the way.  I have been so blessed with an amazing, faithful husband and two beautiful children.  I was told that my bearing a child was very slim, but my son is a testimony that “they” don’t have the whole picture.”

Fayla and her family were so much fun to photograph – they were up for anything and the kids even brought an outfit that was “all them.”  I love when a kid’s personality shines through!  And Fayla and Jacen were excited to also get some images of the two of them together – celebrating their love.  I’m excited to share this family with my blog family, and thank you to Holly for nominating such a deserving family.