The Cline Family, Denver Zoo :: 02.10

Meet Millie, Dazani, and DeAsia Cline. Last month I had the chance to spend the afternoon with the Cline’s at the Denver Zoo. I’ve known Millie for a few years now through Pathways Church. Millie has always been to me a strong and compassionate woman with a big heart unafraid of its convictions. I remember listening to her speak at Pathways. Her understanding of God, love, and relationships were so practical and tangible; her experience has opened me up to new perspectives on living life with God in everyday life.

On April 2nd Millie will adopt her two children Dezani and DeAsia. Spending the afternoon with the family it’s clear the deep love and comfort they have with one another. Isn’t that what makes us a family anyway? The first 10 minutes of our session we spent in the Lion’s Den where there was a lioness perched just outside of the glass where the children were. It was incredible; the lioness began to play with them by putting her face close to them and scratching on the window. Check out a few shots below.

Seeing the lioness interact with the children like that was one of the coolest things I’ve seen. I’m not sure why it affected me so much. In general, I think of lions as wise protectors. Maybe the message to me was that these children are being cared for by someone who shares the same traits.

For the rest of the afternoon we had fun with polar bears, giraffes, ducks, and more. I feel I captured shots full of love and fun; check them out and let me know what you think.