Where the soul leads, magic follows.
I’m Crystal. A mother of three, humanitarian, storyteller, photographer, wanderer, and endlessly curious student of this beautiful, complicated world.
I’ve spent much of my life following curiosity into unfamiliar places. From remote villages in the Congo to communities rebuilding through conflict, from the wild beauty of Africa to the jungles and waves of Costa Rica, these experiences have shaped how I see the world—and what I believe matters most.
“I followed a feeling, and it led me into a life I could never have imagined.”
Somewhere between surrender and courage, the extraordinary happens.
There is something extraordinary that happens when we learn to listen to our hearts.
When we quiet the noise, connect deeply with ourselves, and find the courage to follow the invisible pull toward something greater, life begins to unfold in ways we could never have imagined.
I’ve experienced this magic.
In faraway places, unexpected encounters, extraordinary coincidences, and moments of profound connection, I’ve felt the presence of something beyond what we can see or explain.
Call it the universe. Spirit. God. The One.
“I was never able to accept the status quo. I knew there was a better way. And I would live it.”
Feet grounded while kissing the sky.
I believe there is an intelligence, a connectedness, a beautiful mystery woven through everything.
And when we trust it, when we live authentically, move courageously, and surrender to the unknown, we become part of its unfolding.
Dreams become possibilities. Possibilities become realities. And what once seemed impossible begins to manifest before us.
A journey inward and beyond.
A life lived in alignment with the soul.
An invitation to discover just how extraordinary existence can be.
THIS IS ALL THE MAGIC.
The Magic I’ve Seen
Every place holds a little magic. The countries I’ve explored are highlighted in gold. Click to discover the stories I’ve gathered along the way. More stories are still unfolding.
Stories From the Journey
- Three Pounds of Possibility
When You Love What You Do You will suffer any setback, go for broke, and wait for the right opportunity to come your way. This is where I am now, learning so much about myself and my willingness to make less money to do the things I love, the things that fill my heart. I … - A Cookstove, a Home, and the Air We Breathe
In this photo, a woman sits beside a Durable Solutions cookstove in Congo — a simple piece of household infrastructure that can have a profound impact on daily life. For many families in Congo, cooking is done over open fires or inefficient stoves, often inside small, poorly ventilated homes. The smoke from these fires fills … - Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
Last month we did a ten day camping trip in the Florida Keys with our three sons. The first few days of any family trip is always a little hectic. It takes time for us to settle into a rhythm together. We rented a boat and took it out to the Islamorada sandbar on day … - DIY Instant Oats
This is my go to recipe for DIY instant oats. I use this as base recipe for camping trips or trips to the bush. Ingredients 8 cups organic rolled oats 2 cups dried tart cherries (no sugar added) 1 cup organic ground flaxseeds 1/2 cup organic chia seeds 1 cup organic powdered peanut butter 1 … - Bearing Witness: Documenting Displacement and Resilience in Eastern DRC
The humanitarian crisis unfolding in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is both staggering and deeply personal. As a documentary photographer, I’ve spent over a decade documenting the impact of projects working to provide aid during humanitarian emergencies around the world. While documenting displacement in Eastern DRC, the stories I encounter in and around Goma …Read more “Bearing Witness: Documenting Displacement and Resilience in Eastern DRC”
- Shattered Windows, Unbroken Spirit
Hanna Pavlovna and her husband, Oleksandr, once lived a quiet and fulfilling life with their five children in the peaceful village of Velyka Pysarivka, nestled near Ukraine’s northeastern border. Their days were filled with the rhythm of farm life—raising rabbits, planting grapes, and nurturing the land that had been in their family for generations. Life … - Finding Hope in Lozova: A Ukrainian Mother’s Journey Through War and Healing
From Bombardment to Bravery: Alina’s Story Begins Alina and her daughters are just a few of the many women and children affected by the war in Ukraine. On February 25th, 2022—just one day after the Russian invasion of Ukraine—Alina Kravchenko’s life changed forever. Her husband enlisted to defend their country and was sent to the …Read more “Finding Hope in Lozova: A Ukrainian Mother’s Journey Through War and Healing”
- Seven Minutes
SEVEN MINUTES I was living in a hospital in Kananga in Kasai Central Province in 2012, shortly before the start of ASSP. My church hired me to renovate the hospital, but the funding was sparse. My room was a barren, concrete box with no electricity and no running water. Hopefully I would be able to … - Droning on about it.
I know, I keep talking about my drone. But I love these photos. I love this fresh perspective on a landscape I have known my entire life. This is a photo I captured of Playa Guiones during sunset a couple of weeks ago. This and other similar photos taken on that day are all available …
Step Into the Magic
A life of adventure, unexpected encounters, extraordinary people, and the beautiful mystery of being alive.
Join me for stories from the road less traveled, reflections on the human experience, and little reminders that magic is everywhere—if we choose to see it.