Category Archives: Transition

the destination, the reward is constant…

Posted on by Hannah

It’s funny to be at a crossroads when you really didn’t expect it.  Don’t get me wrong, my time has been good and I am confident that God is still in control.  I was surprised by the turn of events that led me back to life in the states – He wasn’t. I thought I would be spending my life in Guatemala and to say that it doesn’t still hurt to not be there from time to time would be a lie, but I rest in the fact that God has this.  I know I can cling to that, but it’s just a weird place to be – at a crossroads when you thought your path and direction were certain.  There have been seasons that I expected to be at a turn, planned for a bend, a twist or even to jump over a river and crawl through a ditch.  Each time God has been faithful and good.  I think one of the most influential… or at least memorable things that have been said to me in the last 3.5 months came from an old friend from college.  One evening while I was on the road to an “I-can’t-do-this/why-is-this-happening?” place, he said “You’re stronger than you realize and are on the same path you have been on all along.  It’s scary when there are unexpected turns along the way, but the destination, the reward is constant.”   Looking back I’m not sure if it’s what he said, when he said it or the fact that it came out of his mouth that has caused me to remember those words, but either way I always (and especially at that moment) need a good reminder that in the end is more of Christ and none of this is a surprise to Him – even at an unexpected turn.          

The path still isn’t clear… even my back up plan isn’t going how I would have thought, but pieces are starting to fall into place or at least I’m hopeful that they might be starting to fall into place.  I have a job interview on Tuesday.  It’s my second one since I found out that I would be in the states for however long the Lord tells me to be here. If I were honest I would say that I’m nervous, yet hopeful.  It’s at a hospital.  It’s a position that would not only allow me to use my education, but would more than likely be an open door to unexpected ministry from time to time – something I really didn’t think I would get to be a part of again.  And it’s something that I would say would have to be of the Lord, because I would have never even thought to search for the position.  There’s also a possibility that I might have the opportunity to move back to the area with all my community – nothing certain yet, but like I said I’m hopeful that things are starting to fall into place.  Waiting is always the hardest part for me, but Advent is a good reminder to trust God.  He is always true to His promises.

 

A return to Guatemala… and the ongoing job hunt

Posted on by Hannah

I know it has been awhile since I have sent out an update, but I have had many people ask about my return trip to Guatemala and wanted to let you know how it went.  I returned to Guatemala on September 17 for 2 weeks.  My primary goal in returning was to pack my things at the house to return them to the States and spend time with friends in Guatemala to say good-bye (or in many cases “see you later!”). 

My first morning in Guatemala was a Sunday and I couldn’t wait to hug some of my dearest friends.  After a great morning at church, I spent the afternoon with my second family over a long lunch.  The rest of the week included meeting with some of the kids that I had spent time with while living there, food/resources delivery to children’s homes in the city, visiting the school we use to help serve breakfast at from time to time, packing, and having lunches and dinners with dear friends.  There were hard moments without a doubt, but overall I was able to leave Guatemala feeling like the Lord had allowed me to end well and He used many there to encourage my heart in ways few can.  Guatemala will always be so dear to my heart and Lord willing I will return again in His timing. 

Being back in the States has been a little different since then.  I am at peace that this is where the Lord has me for now, even though I still don’t know why or what I’m doing here.  I trust that He has a plan.  He knows what He is doing and that I will be able to look back and see clearly.  In many ways I still have this “I’m out of place” feeling, but I know that He is faithful and that in time, as I become settled that should fade away.  I’m still convinced that I have some of the most amazing people in my life! God has blessed me richly.  I’m still looking for a job.  I’ve been looking at a lot of options, have applied for a lot and had little response.  I know that in His perfect timing the Lord will provide, but as the days drag on I have to confess there are moments I struggle to remember that.  If you would, please be in prayer for that, not only that a job would be provided but that my heart would be at peace in the waiting. 

Dios los bendiga

Here are a few pictures from my return trip to Guatemala.  They are mostly of sweet friends. 

 

DAR:: Debriefing and Renewal

Posted on by Hannah

Sunday afternoon, I will be heading back to Colorado for part 3 of the Missions Training I started last summer.  This part of the training is called DAR, which stands for Debriefing and Renewal.  I’m not sure exactly what we will be doing or talking about, but I do know that if it is anything like the training that I went to last summer it will be well worth my time.  I’m also very excited because in addition to going with my team, I will also be there with two other families that I know… so some of my closest friends will be there with me!

Here is a rough draft of our schedule:

  • Sunday:
    • Travel to Colorado
    • Dinner and Orientation
  • Monday
    • Time in groups with other missionaries from all over the world.
  • Tuesday-Thursday
    • Mornings with groups
    • Advising in the afternoons
    • Free-time/time for renewal in the late afternoons/evening
  • Friday
    • Groups in the morning
    • Travel back to Texas in the afternoon

Please be praying for:

  • Our time in Colorado and as we debrief from our time in Guatemala.
  • All attendees and Staff of DAR.
    • Some of the attendees from the Village Church:
      • The Smith Family, serving in Ethiopia (Shane and Allyson, kids: Hannah, Mia and Moses)
      • Kevin and Charissa Brimage, served in Huehuetenango, Guatemala
      • John and Alisha Forbis, Alisha was a part of my team in Guatemala City, Guatemala
      • Susan Jones, serving in Guatemala City, Guatemala
      • And myself

Back in the States is a little weird….

Posted on by Hannah

I’ve had several people ask about the things that have been weird or that have taken time to adjust to since I’ve been back in the States.  Overall I feel like the Lord has been very gracious and I haven’t struggled in the transition as much as I thought I would have.  I know that it is the Lord being merciful and for that I am grateful.     

So here are 10 things that have been a little weird (or random thoughts) about being back (in no particular order):

  • I have often compared returning from Guatemala as walking through the closet in Narnia and I still think that is the best way to describe it.  It’s two different world connected by a flight.   
  • The number of choices can be paralyzing at times.
  • When having lunch or coffee with someone, it’s weird to hear someone say that they are ready to go after an hour.  I realize that this is often due to work or other meetings; however, I do love a 3 hour lunch, dinner, or coffee date now.
  • There’s a lot of open space everywhere.
  • I am surprised at how quickly I have come to be impatient with traffic – it’s often just a way of life in Guatemala yet here I’m annoyed by it. 
  • I second-guess my English daily, despite the fact that I used it daily in Guatemala. 
  • I always lock my car doors while driving now. 
  • Chickfila still tastes as good as I remembered
  • Background and White noise are louder than I remembered
  • I have amazing friends both in Texas and in Guatemala. AND My home group and former co-workers are better than most.