No such thing as a simple request ...

.
It was a simple request really ... or so I thought.

But I should know better by now.

A few months ago, I designed a t-shirt to use as a fund-raiser for mission trips and special projects at our CarePoints in Ethiopia (where we provide nutritious food, clean water, clothing, medical care, education and Christian discipleship for nearly 300 orphaned and destitute children).  I held a pre-sale on my blog to take orders, and then anxiously awaited the arrival of the shirts - hoping the design would turn out the way I hoped it would.

And it did!  The shirts arrived and have already been mailed out to everyone.

I wanted one quick photo of me with my two daughters, wearing the shirts. (The simple request.)

I am leading a volunteer team of 26 people to Ethiopia to work with the kids at our CarePoints.  We leave in 10 days and my 14 and 13 year old daughters are going with me. 

Emme was part of the team last year and did a great job working with the kids and building relationships.  The last time Maea was in Ethiopia was 3 years ago when we adopted their 2 little brothers, and she is looking forward to being part of the team this year.

So ... back to my simple request.  ONE.QUICK.PICTURE.

My husband already knows the drill.  Click the shutter repeatedly and hope that at least 1 will turn out.  It took 65 pictures to get 3 shots where they are both looking at the camera and not goofing off.

Yep.  That's frustration written on my face. 

"Emme, knock it off and sit still." 
It seems that Maea is clever enough to sit perfectly still with a sweet smile
on her face and only move her eyes instead of making obvious hand gestures.

"Maea, I can see you screwing up your face.  Knock it off!"

Yay!  We got another one! 

Sometimes I can't help but laugh.  It's either that or push them both off the bench. 

I could see this one coming from a mile away in my peripheral vision. 

Yay!  Three decent shots and it only took 65!

Thank you to everyone who ordered a t-shirt. I will let you know what project they funded at our CarePoints in Ethiopia!!