The show went very well.  I was one very sick puppy that night, but seeing so many friends, coworkers and supporters at the gallery that night was enough to keep my smile permanently frozen on my face.  A special thank you goes out to Rena Church, the gallery director for doing such an amazing job putting the show up and organizing the event.  My friends and families from Washington Middle School for stopping by and showing me some LOVE:), my students and former students (those I missed because you showed up earlier, thank you), my classmates from Waubonsee Community College, my professor Wade Duerkes, Cindy Fisher, Martine Stuckey, Joe Lopresti, my friend Matt Mance for the amazing brochure design, Julie Gervais and Marissa Amoni, thank you so so much for everything!!! 

Thanks to my students....thank you for taking your time to learn the art of photography with me and for allowing me to teach you...I know that most of you would prefer to work and earn what little you can to support your family, but you invested that few hours of yours everyday to  a cause that I pray will give much back to you...a heart felt thank you goes out to my Cambodian friend Chamnab of Indra Devi Association for working so closely with me while I was in Cambodia, my pequena amiga Milagros for being there for me everytime I go to Nicaragua, Lillian Hall of ProNica for believing in me, and John Vaughn of Project Papillon for opening your heart and your home out to me while I was in Haiti. 

Finally, again from the bottom of my heart, my flickr friends and contacts for believing in me and for your generosity!!!  Without your donations and your words of encouragement, I would not be able to get as far as I have with L.O.V.E.  I am forever in your debt. 

Rena Church, gallery director/curator, putting last minute touch to a photo before the big night.

 young aspiring artists critiquing the pieces...