I just returned back home to Michigan after spending 12 days at training camp in Gainesville, Georgia. As much as I like to think I always have all of my ducks in a line, I am actually a bit of a scatter brain and regularly wait to the last minute to get everything packed and in order (sorry Mom). So of course the day before I left for the airport, I packed my big REI pack for the first time, and realized I had purchased a beach cabana instead of a tent. Honestly, I am not really surprised. Thankfully Dick’s Sporting Goods was still open so I had the opportunity to make that change. With that being said, I defiantly did not know what to expect.
For the majority of the time I slept in my tent, which i actually really grew to enjoy. The weather was HOT, so I liked the breezy evenings. Every day I had to fill up a bucket with cold water to shower, but I eventually ditched that and used a hose and swim suit. We had porta-potties, which will be much better than the options that will be available in some of the remote villages in Africa. In these places I will have to dig a hole to conduct my business… I don’t know if i will ever “get used” to this part but hey, I will surely survive! The most eventful incident was night 10, when I opted to sleep in my hammock. Long story short, I fell out in the dark and got a concussion. Thankfully it was not as severe as my past ones, and I feel fully recovered now.
My days were filled with sessions where I learned the heart of the mission work that I’ll conduct. It was amazing and I feel very rejuvenated with the Holy Spirit! I had a lot of time to reflect and speak with the Lord. I’ve never felt so worthy and loved. I am exceptionally blessed and honored that He called me to reach His children around the world.
I am overjoyed to share that I was chosen to be the co-coordinator of Beauty for Ashes, for my squad. This women’s ministry runs retreats for women all over the heart, with the intent to create a safe place for them to share their stories. Sadly, too many are silenced after dealing with unbearable realities of abuse, assault, death and depression. I am looking forward to sharing my heart and testimony in hopes that they will feel loved and worthy of all this world has to offer. I have felt for a while that the Lord has called me to empower women, and I am so excited to fulfill this passion in such a moving way.
Launch is October 7th! SO SOON! I still have a bit more to fundraise for the trip and I have one more idea that will reach facebook and instagram soon.. Stay tuned 🙂
xo, Hannah
