At training camp we met the 57 young adults we are going to travel the world with while sharing the Gospel. Of course, anxious and excited I was SOOOOO ready to meet these humans. Let me tell you something, every single one of them is so great. so so so great. I found community. I found my personal secret keepers. I found my encouragers. I found what i like to call my soul mate friends.
Everyone meet HB Whitaker. This friendship formed in less than 6 seconds and it all started with one very serious question. HB has a heart of gold. She is wise beyond her years. She isn’t always the loudest or first to speak, but when she does speak it is full of love and grace. She speaks truth and loves everyone around her so well. HB is a team leader, but I view her more as a solid example of a servant.
Without further delay I introduce to you HB.
What is your name?
Hannah Bethany Whitaker
Where are you from?
I was born in NC but claim VA as my home
When is your birthday?
May 22
Where did you go to college?
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (Go Blazers!)
What is your degree?
Early Childhood & Elementary Education (I taught 4th grade in Birmingham this past year)
Summer or winter?
Summer
Ice cream or brownie?
Ice cream
Buzz lightyear or woody?
Woody
Cats or dogs?
Dogs for sure
NFL or NBA?
NBA
Beach or mountains?
Beach
Waffles or pancakes?
Waffles
Sweats or jeans?
Sweats
(home for a week) Pirate ship or princess castle.
Princess Castle
favorite snow cone flavor?
Lemon
spend 12 hours at a middle school dance or high school reunion?
High school reunion
Volunteer at a homeless shelter or orphanage?
Orphanage
Read or watch TV?
Watch TV
Did you watch the Brady Bunch growing up?
Yes
What is the first song you remember learning?
Jesus loves me this I know
You’re at the beach for the day do you go deep sea fishing or lay out?
If I had the funds I would go deep sea fishing, but looking at my bank account I’d be laying out??
Did you ever date a guy who wore a pooka shell necklace?
No
Lizzie McGuire or Thats so Raven? (dont lie)
Lizzie McGuire
Whats your last meal going to be before you leave for the Race?
Chick-fil-a
Camping trip or day at the spa?
Camping trip….day at the spa if I’m not paying
Favorite memory from training camp?
Besides stepping into Morgan Pratt’s “office” and discovering that we were long lost soul sisters… I would have to say the insane worship/prayer night that we had around the campfire when we camped out at a different campsite. Our whole squad opened up, everyone was vulnerable, and God moved and touched lives.
What are you going to miss the most about America?
I can’t choose one…. family/friends/puppy/Chick-fil-a
Middle school or high school?
High school
If I got in your car what would be playing?
“Thy Will Be Done” by Hillary Scott
Bacon or sausage?
Sausage
Deans list or life of the party?
Half and half
Chocolate or gummy bears?
Is that a joke? Gummy bears all the way
Tea or lemonade?
Tea
2% or whole milk?
Whole milk
Hot dog or hamburger?
Hamburger
What animal represents you and why?
Dog
couch or recliner?
Couch
sky diving or bungee jumping?
BOTH
Dorm life or living with your parents?
Is your own place a choice? I guess parents ??
Favorite movie to quote?
“Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind”
“Just keep swimming”
What was your first word?
Tessie (our dog at the time)
On a scale from 1-10 how do you feel about fundraising?
8
Why the World Race?
I want to always be living in Gods will for me. I know that God has called me on the race for this season. If I chose to ignore this call then I would be living outside of His will for me. I know this is going to be an incredible experience, but I also know that I will experience some tough times and be stretched thinner than tissue paper. However, I have learned that God equips those who are willing to answer the call. So I have full faith that as I have given Him my ‘yes’, He will protect, provide, and move through me!
Favorite book?
Besides the Bible… “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers
Do you chew gum often?
Yes
Tell me your story in 5 sentences.
I grew up as the children’s pastors daughter in a life-giving church and was mentored and poured into by more people than I can count. I went off to college 12 hours away and made some choices that I’m not so proud of. However, I serve a God that is full of love, grace, mercy and forgiveness and I’ve been able to experience each and every one of those gifts from Him. I started a campus ministry at UAB that changed my life and helped me understand what real, healthy community looks like. I now live in the freedom that Christ so graciously gave me and look forward to serving and living in His will the rest of my life.
If you could have dinner with one disciple who would it be?
John
What are you most nervous for one the Race?
Besides navigating through countries because I have zero since of direction, I know I’m going to miss my fam jam back home
What are you most excited for?
Seeing people give their lives to Christ
What is one thing you always have with you?
Chapstick
Lemon
spend 12 hours at a middle school dance or high school reunion?
High school reunion
Volunteer at a homeless shelter or orphanage?
Orphanage
Read or watch TV?
Watch TV
Did you watch the Brady Bunch growing up?
Yes
What is the first song you remember learning?
Jesus loves me this I know
You’re at the beach for the day do you go deep sea fishing or lay out?
If I had the funds I would go deep sea fishing, but looking at my bank account I’d be laying out??
Did you ever date a guy who wore a pooka shell necklace?
No
Lizzie McGuire or Thats so Raven? (dont lie)
Lizzie McGuire
Whats your last meal going to be before you leave for the Race?
Chick-fil-a
Camping trip or day at the spa?
Camping trip….day at the spa if I’m not paying
Favorite memory from training camp?
Besides stepping into Morgan Pratt’s “office” and discovering that we were long lost soul sisters… I would have to say the insane worship/prayer night that we had around the campfire when we camped out at a different campsite. Our whole squad opened up, everyone was vulnerable, and God moved and touched lives.
What are you going to miss the most about America?
I can’t choose one…. family/friends/puppy/Chick-fil-a
Middle school or high school?
High school
If I got in your car what would be playing?
“Thy Will Be Done” by Hillary Scott
Bacon or sausage?
Sausage
Deans list or life of the party?
Half and half
Chocolate or gummy bears?
Is that a joke? Gummy bears all the way
Tea or lemonade?
Tea
2% or whole milk?
Whole milk
Hot dog or hamburger?
Hamburger
What animal represents you and why?
Dog
couch or recliner?
Couch
sky diving or bungee jumping?
BOTH
Dorm life or living with your parents?
Is your own place a choice? I guess parents ??
Favorite movie to quote?
“Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind”
“Just keep swimming”
What was your first word?
Tessie (our dog at the time)
On a scale from 1-10 how do you feel about fundraising?
8
Why the World Race?
I want to always be living in Gods will for me. I know that God has called me on the race for this season. If I chose to ignore this call then I would be living outside of His will for me. I know this is going to be an incredible experience, but I also know that I will experience some tough times and be stretched thinner than tissue paper. However, I have learned that God equips those who are willing to answer the call. So I have full faith that as I have given Him my ‘yes’, He will protect, provide, and move through me!
Favorite book?
Besides the Bible… “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers
Do you chew gum often?
Yes
Tell me your story in 5 sentences.
I grew up as the children’s pastors daughter in a life-giving church and was mentored and poured into by more people than I can count. I went off to college 12 hours away and made some choices that I’m not so proud of. However, I serve a God that is full of love, grace, mercy and forgiveness and I’ve been able to experience each and every one of those gifts from Him. I started a campus ministry at UAB that changed my life and helped me understand what real, healthy community looks like. I now live in the freedom that Christ so graciously gave me and look forward to serving and living in His will the rest of my life.
If you could have dinner with one disciple who would it be?
John
What are you most nervous for one the Race?
Besides navigating through countries because I have zero since of direction, I know I’m going to miss my fam jam back home
What are you most excited for?
Seeing people give their lives to Christ
What is one thing you always have with you?
Chapstick
