Reflecting upon twenty.ten

Now that we are speedily falling into the new year, I must take into account the path I just took in the last year. Hmmm....

I graduated Bible College.

Turned 23.

Bought a MacBook.

Had my first "kindasorta" relationship.

Ended that "kindsorta" relationship.

Moved home to Wisconsin.

Became a barista.

Did a medical study.

Did a week long lecture for YWAM.

Went to France.

Flew to Madrid.

Explored Dublin.

Had my first real kiss.

Purchased an iPhone.

Painted, knitted, crocheted, and sewed away.

Started an etsy site.

Sold some of my handicrafts.

Biked for endless miles.

Drove to Tulsa, by myself, with 1 hour of sleep in a 2day span.

Began to wear TOMS.

Remained debt free.

Did NOT die.

Although the year had a lot of ups and downs, looking back, I think it was pretty good and eventful. I am satisfied with the year. Looking forward to making the next even better :)

Christmas time

My attitude for the holidays was certainly not "bah humbug" nor "YIPPEEEE!". I find that I was kind of "meh" this holiday season. I didn't actually buy a lot of gifts and didn't do so until the 23rd :/ It was just pretty uneventful. My mom was working on Christmas day, so our festivities went down on the Eve. We dined at the ever classy "Applebee's", which I have dubed over and over again "mediocre". Once again it received that title. And we played wii... which was interesting to say the least. "Family feud" to be exact, and it was just that.

Christmas day was chill and I like that. I got a new pair of Nike's and one-piece jammies.... oh and a gift certificate to Target (My most favorite store). And that's all that I asked for and I was happy. The one-piece jammies were the best! I love them!!!!

The grind.

Making a living with the help of espresso :)

Which Bennet am I?

Jane Austen (whom my heart loves) depicted 5 young sisters in her Novel, Pride and Prejudice. The Bennet girls are all so different... and I like to think about who I would be...

Lydia? No, I am not so giddy and recklessly shallow.

Kitty? Nah, I am not a follower and keen on fits.

Mary? Surely Not, well... perhaps... but I HOPE not.

Jane? I am not so sweet and perfect.

Lizzie? I feel myself bound to her fervor and wit. Yes. I am Elizabeth Bennet not yet found by a Mr. Darcy.

The not so sweet life of a barista.

Yesterday was mild peril in the life of a barista. Me.

Opening shift at a coffeehouse is an early riser. You must be there by 5:30 AM... yes. AM! So I've gots to get meself out of bed at like 4:30ish, give or take a snooze button slap or two.

Yesterday, my papa woke me up at 5:15, asking if I needed to get up. Leaving the house at 5:15 is being late. So I jumped out of bed as fast as I could, threw on some jeans, boots, grabbed a pony-tail holder, and my glasses. I RAN out the door. I didn't wash... anything. Hygiene-challenged Hannah got to work a bit late. Darn it.

During this shift I spilled pipping hot coffee down my arm. I exclaimed, "OW OW OW!!!" The dear lady customer asks, "Is is hot?"... Ummm.... YES. Idiot.

My latte art skills sucked. "I hope you like what looks like an onion atop your latte!" Sheesh.

En suite ("And then" in french) I had to cut onions, actually. My eyes hated me.

My feet hated me for a 9 hour shift on my feet.

But I will endure all of these minor things. Cause I love the life of a barista. I love my job. 4:30 am and all.

Craic culture: Dublin!

I conquered the streets of Dublin all by myself. I wandered the lanes and tasted Dublin. I observed the fine Irish folk. I enjoyed this city.

While Dublin may not be as majestic as other European cities, it has charm and a friendly atmosphere, which is endearing.

Some of my favorite things included (but were not limited to):

The regal Trinity College.

The ancient Book of Kells (an ornate copy of the four gospels written in 800AD, mind you that it was the dark ages.)

Temple Bar and it’s quaint shops and pubs (Including an UrbanOutfitters).

Finding 10 Euro in my jean’s pocket. Yay.

Leo Burdock’s fish and chips (said to be the best in Dublin).

Gazing upon Picasso and VanGogh at the National Gallery.

The irish, singing with plenty of Guinness pumping through their veins.

Accents.

Delightful Scones.

Snow covered Christ Church.

Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse.

Strolling through the Dublin Castle.

Finding the cutest earmuffs for only 2 Euro.

Now, for the sake of balance, my least favorite things:

Too much snow!

Numb appendages.

Loosing 30 Euro somehow.

City bus tours being cancelled.

The snoring of the german woman who slept above me.

Freakin’ freezing hostel room.

Also, this german woman moved so much... shaking the entire bunk.

Dinky breakfast served at the hostel.

The smell of fish and chips seeping through my pores.

Disgusting coffee.

However, the good far outweighs the bad! I would definitely want to come back and explore more of the country... in fair weather!

I was tempted to go to the Leprechaun Museum, however, I remembered that I am terrified of the little guys!

I know that Kilmainham Gaol is a must-see for Dublin visits... but I opted out. I wasn’t too keen on paying to explore a prison. I felt a bit too freaked out for that. Maybe next time.

My Madrid

I spent 3 nights in Madrid, having 2 full days to rome around the city. It was splendid.

I figured Spain would still be a little warm and grace me with some wonderful weather. Wrong. The first day was COLD and the second day it snowed. Despite the weather letdowns, I still enjoyed Madrid. It is a really cool city! And it is actually pretty clean (compared to NYC, Paris, and Rome) and the architecture is stunning! Fully decked out for the Christmas

season, the city shined! I bought a pair of comfy slippers at a Christmas Market, ate a Calamares (Calamari sandwich) at the Plaza Mayor, and EXPLORED!

You could say that I have a little crush on Madrid :) He's a winner! But he was a little "cold" to me... so I had to move on.

(The Crystal Palace: I want to be married here!!!)

A tale of 45 minutes in an Irish Pub.

First off: Christians, don't judge me. I still love Jesus. Mom, if you are reading this, no need to worry.

Secondly: I went to a pub. In Dublin. (foolish as it may, I went alone.) You see, there was an Irish man singing his heart out and Irish folk dancing and laughing... I had to go in. So I did and I sat myself at the bar (and yea, ordered a drink).

The atmosphere was really cool, or as they say here in Ireland, CRAIC! And it wasn't long before a buzzed Irishman came to talk to me... he asked me questions, in fact, he asked me my name 3 times and if I had a boyfriend 5 times. Hahaha! John, which was his name, brought a drink over for me. For fear of roofies, I refrained from drinking it. He continued to hit on me and invited me to the next bar, I kindly declined. He asked me for a kiss on the cheek, I kindly declined. I am very sorry John for rejecting you. As he departed he shook my hand for way too long. He was really good at making me feel awkward and his accent was so thick I could hardly understand the guy. The poor guy. OH! He also sang Elvis' blue Christmas to me :)

The next guy to come along was probably 45-50 yrs. old... just a nice chat with the man.

Next, a man trying to avoid a "Swedish Chick" came and asked if he could hang around me to deter her. I said, "Sure."

Next, A few Irish folk, Johnny, Greg, and Suzy asked if I would like to join them. I thought why not... introductions were made and a little bit of chit-chat conducted. Johnny says, "I like your coat." and Greg says, "Well, I like your scarf." Soon enough, Greg grabs my hand and starts a harmless dance with me ... as I am thinking, "I don't really have a choice do I?" Quite honestly, these guys were too old, not "dashing" enough, and a wee bit smashed.

After a little bit of awkward dancing, I felt it was time for this girl to pack up and head back to the hostel. After all, it was late and I was alone. I am trying to play it safe.

The night was absolutely HILARIOUS. The Irish crack me up (especially while drinking in the pub).

There's a place in France...

Bonjour!

I am in France at the moment... conducting some lectures with YWAM in Le Gault-la-Foret. We are talking about our "Identity in Christ" these week, going over such things as being His Child, Bride, Friend, and more awesome things! I only have one more lesson tomorrow and that will conclude these week's course! Things are going great (all of the worries I had on the prev. blog never happened!!!) I don't feel nervous when I am teaching, but my armpits tell me otherwise! hahaha... gross.

(Church in Le Gault-la-Foret)

I am just so blessed when I feel like the students are getting it, or when they share about what they are learning. :D It really rocks my world and I feel so honored that I can have this opportunity to teach about the SON of GOD!

(The village... a school house, town hall, and YWAM... that's it.)

(Maison Neuve: Part of the YWAM Base)

I really miss this YWAM base... when I came back it didn't feel like it had been 3 years since I left! It is really old and charming... in the middle of nowhere... but I love it. I am definitely considering another return here. I can't see myself here long term, however.

It is really cold and wet, of course... that is how NE France is!!! It was raining la

st night and I woke up, cause I heard water dripping from the ceiling... when I looked over I noticed that it was only dripping on my beautiful, green iPod Nano. Merde!!! :/ It works... but it definitely has some problems.

But... despise Polycarp's injuries (that is the name of my iPod) all is going great! And God is proving himself faithful (AGAIN!!!)

Tomorrow night, the base is making Thanksgiving Dinner, with all the fixings... even though today is Thanksgiving (PS: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!)

(Scene of Le Gault)

Scenes of Paris.

From the top of the Eiffel Tower

Me. At the top.

Paris

That's right friends. I made it to Paris. Safe and smoothly!

I arrived on thursday and promptly hit the streets, doing some touristy things of course. Eiffel tower, Arc de Triumph... chose comme ca (things like that). I can say, having done this before... it wasn't as breath taking... plus I was EXHAUSTED. But of course, as I tried to grasp where I was, Paris' charm rubbed off on me. I could do without all of the steps. My glutes hate me. Today included the Sacre-Coeur, walks to Notre Dame and Pompidou... and hours of explorations the Louvre. Let's just say there were lots of steps. And the way Mona Lisa looked at me, she knew that. That biatch. JK. JK.

While Paris is the most lovely city I've ever known... homeless people are a plenty. At every touristy sight there are people begging or trying to sell you crap. "No sir, I don't want to buy that light up Eiffel Tower. And please do not call me Lady Gaga." I just want to enjoy WHERE I am, not try to run away from you after saying NO 600 times...... BUT... here's the thing: I know that I can't give every homeless person something, I'd be broke. But my heart is wrenching because I want to see these people restored. It has been hard being here, cause I SEE all these people, I really SEE them. And my heart is so burdened because I know that there are SOOOO MANY people here that don't know Jesus as their LORD. I have been praying for people I see on the Metro and all the beggars. And I've been praying for Jesus to just TAKE PARIS!

I have struggled, thinking, "If I really had mercy and compassion, I would do SOMETHING!" But I was reminded of when Jesus healed the cripple at the pool of Bethesda. There were plenty of people that needed healing there (that's where you went to get a chance to get healed). But Jesus only healed the one. And then he left. I know that Jesus is mercy and is compassion. But I don't think that we would call only healing the one mercy and compassion. So, I thought who am I to judge, thinking my prayers wont do much, who am I to doubt my mercy and compassion. God showed me that my heart is full and brimming with compassion and care for people. What a treat to hear that from the almighty.

So God is doing great things in me and in a few days we are going to bring those things to Le Gault!!!!

I am staying in a hostel for a few days. While sleeping last night, I woke up not really knowing where I was. I woke up abruptly, sitting up quickly. Not realizing that I was on a bottom bunk... causing me to hit my head on the metal. Ouchie.

I was so thirsty last night, so I decided to pay freakin' 2euro for a bottle of water in a vending machine. It got stuck. It is still stuck. Grrr.

Some of my favorite things to do in Paris are things that make you feel parisian. Like grocery shopping and cruising through the metro like it's nothing. I know that's weird, but I like to feel like a local and pretend it's where I live. Plus a bought some Nuetella.... gah *drooling* I had some Pain du Chocolat and Crepes Chocolat....

Well, that is about it for now... a bientot!!!

Tonight, I board my flight headed to France. I will land tomorrow via Dublin. I am very excited about everything. Exploring some grand European cities and representing Christ by teaching about Him and our relation to Him to some YWAMers! I know God is going to do some ROCK YOUR FACE OFF things! I feel a little attacked from devil in some areas, but I am more than a conquerer. So, nice try mr. devil, you lose. And while I feel spurts of nervousness/ inferiority come up, overall, I feel at much peace. His WORD is true: "The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name." Psalm 23 Thank you everyone for your prayers!!! And stay tuned for some AWESOME news from France! Thank you God for choosing me!

Veteran's Day

My Grandpa Sebastian. Medic during D-Day in WWII. Hero.

Nine days

AHHHH!

I am leaving for France in 9 days.

I have a billion thoughts going through my head!

Trying not to doubt that the Holy Spirit is going to work through me.

This is intense.

I am trying to reject these thoughts:

"Who would want to listen to me?"

"I am too young."

"What if I freeze?"

"What if I don't make sense?"

"What if I teach wrong things!"

"What if I am dull and boring."

"I could look like a REAL idiot."

"What if I run out of material?"

"What if I contradict myself?"

... I am glad that these are my biggest concerns. Because I know that if I yield to the HOLY SPIRIT > God can speak through me. So... nothing is on my shoulders and I shouldn't have to worry one bit. (I will keep my mind renewed in this reality and not fret!)

Let's do this thing Jesus!

I am not a security threat. And, my middle name is "Kurt", not "Fart."

For the Young Adult Costume Party... I came as Dwight. I like me.

And for some kicks... some Dwight quotes:

If I could menstruate, I wouldn’t have to deal with idiotic calendars anymore. I’d just be able to count down from my previous cycle. Plus, I’d be more in tune with the moon and the tides

Babies are one of my many areas of expertise. Growing up I performed my own circumcision

I keep various weaponry strategically placed around the office. I saved Jim’s life with a can of pepper spray I had velcro’d under my desk. People say, “oh, it’s dangerous to keep weapons in the home or the workplace”. Well I say, “it’s better to be hurt by someone you know accidentally than by a stranger on purpose.

The eyes are the groin of the head.

In two weeks time:

In two weeks I will be on a jet plane headed to the land of Napoleon... oui! FRANCE!

The reason for this trip is to teach "Identity in Christ" at the DTS (Discipleship Training School) with YWAM (Youth with a Mission) in Le Gault, France (1.5 hours east of Paris). The internationally diverse students and I will be plunging the depths of the Word to find out and establish WHO WE ARE in CHRIST! It is going to be flat out awesome! I wish I could bring all my dear friends and family with me!

A few days before the week of teaching: I will be checking out the grand city of Paris. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and tons of other ahhhhhmazing sites! *fit of giddiness* And a few days after the teaching I will be exploring the fair city of Dublin, Ireland.

***Took this picture in 2007, when I was in France***

I am just so happy I could skip around like a jolly ol' lass. ... actually... I already did this morning. hahaha

Nothing beats Jesus and Travel! :D

And for whoever cares, yes. I voted.

Modern-day abolitionist.

Recently, my heart has been struck with a passion. It is the ending of Human trafficking. I always thought that it was too big of an issue to put enough concern into. I mean... 27 million people are slaves. Yes, slaves. That number is too big for me to even grasp. That number is too big to ignore though. And if I know anything about Christ, I know His heart is wrenching. He wants to liberate these children and woman. And I am taking a stance today. I am saying "Yes God. You can use me." That is a dangerous prayer. I am determined that I will be an answer to the cries of the helpless.

If you want to do something about it too... join me:

http://www.thea21campaign.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=150&Itemid=308&lang=en#21things12

I want to live beyond myself, my problems, and even my desires. I want to be CHRIST in this world. I am a light, ready to plunge in and purge darkness from this world!

Ten Ten Ten

Yep. Folks, that's right. Today is 10/10/10.

Wow. God amazes me. He is so GOOD. When I take a look at this world and what big deals it makes, I laugh. But I also feel so sad, because some people have nothing to live for more than what this world has to offer. John 10:10 say that we can have LIFE and have it more abundantly. Jesus is kind of like rain-x in my life, when the dreadful rains of life come, they just roll right off and don't damage me. I am protected from the worries of life because of Christ (Matthew 6).

Now instead of being concerned with the world's pressure to be beautiful, successful, perfect, powerful, and driven in my own power... I am those things, just because I am His child. He is beautiful, successful, perfect, powerful, and driven; and HE is my inheritance. Just because Christ is my daddy. How cool is that?

When I live in this reality, I find myself at an unspeakable peace. I experience true peace. You can too.

*sigh of content*,

Hannah

Reflections of LOVE

Hello WORLD! I can't believe it is October already. I love this month.

I just wanted to share a little tidbit of somethings I have been thinking about lately...

Last year, I was a little Rhema student sitting under the instruction of a Mrs. Karen Jensen. She is ahhhhmazing. Every morning she would have us read 1 Corinthians 13:4 in the amplified... out loud. Every. Morning.

Repeat after me:

"Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.

It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. Love never fails."

Sometimes... we would replace the "Love" with "I".... like "I endure long..."

This passage still rocks my world. It is so opposite of the world perspective of Love. What really hits me it this... Love does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking.

Being a girl in this day and age is a tough thing. Society screams for us to be powerful and take the world by the horns... and it teaches us fight for our rights in relationships. Read any magazine with a pretty girl on the front and the pages will tell you to be selfish and look out for number one- that's how you keep from getting hurt. The Bible tells us the opposite: don't insist on your rights, don't be self-seeking.

Well, I have tested both of these theories. And well, the bible version takes alot of guts, swallowing of pride, and death to self. It is HARD. But it is very worth it. The Glamour girls was easy, but brought more pain to both parties of the relationship.

So... Go with God. He knows what he is doing.

Well, that's my little quip for today.

My heart is bubbling a bit because I bought a ticket to go to the top of Eiffel Tower, visit the Louvre, and booked a hostel in Paris for a couple days before I go to speak in Le Gault, France for YWAM. *Giddy jump and hand clap* haha

Au revoir reader! Remember: GO ALL OUT IN LOVE (TRUE, BIBLICAL LOVE) AND YOU WILL NOT FAIL!!!!

Thoughts...

Hello Reader,

I don't have anything clever to share. I don't have anything monumental to share either. My life has been pretty normal of recent. I think most of my friends have had normal lives recently... at least according to facebook status's... which most of my friends are about the weather. Sometimes life is dull, but I don't think that is a viable reason not to savor it. And life is easier to savor in the autumn for me. Bike rides are slightly healing along paths of color changed verdure.

Speaking of bike rides... my dear bicycle, Berlioz... is broken. His brake/ gear cable busted and the chain came loose. Either I can persuade my bike-fixing-savvy brother to fix him or take him in and pay the bucks to get him going again. Plus, I only have a few more weeks of bike riding season left. Do I wait until spring? :(

Within the next month or two, I will be featuring my art at my work place; Coffee Corner in Kewaskum, WI (Most if not all will be available for purchase). I just finished three 5x7 paintings (done with real espresso) Pretty simple work, but I think it's cute ;)

Be not discouraged; for I am your God.

Isaiah 41:10

My verse for today :)

To Iowa

When one hears about watching three toddlers in Iowa for the weekend, you would not suspect to be thrilled. But I was, and that is exactly what I did. I went with my cuz, Molly (shout out!) and two of her college buds to North-eastern Iowa for 3 days... and they brought Ava, Addie, Josiah, and baby Sophie! Four of the cutest ball of flesh you ever laid eyes on!

A four hour drive (longer actually, since I was the worst navigator, being distracted by conversation... we had to re-calculate numerous times)... and we found ourselves in the hills of Iowa. Yes. Hills. Way to surprise me Iowa, not all flat corn fields (tons of corn fields, just not ALL corn field). Staying in a cabin in Iowa sounds... not appealing. But wow. The cabin was brand new... more like a rustic house (4 bedrooms). And the view was gorgeous, and the weather was sooo temperate. Ahhhhhh.

I didn’t spend the whole time watching the chillins’... I just got to hang out with them a bunch! And that is my element. Josiah and I went down the slide a bazillion times, I did every animal noise I can think of, ran around, read books, and I got to hold 2-month baby Sophie for hours! The mom in me was overjoyed!

One of my favorite parts was when we were about to roast marshmallows and we went to go find sticks! Josiah, being only two found a big one! And with his cute little voice, he said, “I found a big dick!” I understood he meant “stick”... but I still laughed ;D

Well, with the trees starting to change color and babies a plenty to quench my mom desire, I’d say it was a pretty good weekend!

We also went to a Norwegian Heritage Museum. I am part Norwegian, so I thought it was pretty cool... even though I spent half of the time pushing Josiah in the stroller making car noises :)

And speaking of fall... OMIGOSH! I LOVE FALL!!!! The colors are starting to change, it’s so beautiful, my heart is so warm and happy. I wish I could pause the world and have it stay like this (plus I’m not prepared to get any older! haha)

Josiah and Ava swinging.

Iowan driving... cows on gravel roads. haha

Ava and I during a McD's pit stop

Building a fire. Successfully!

A day of productivity.

Hey :)

I must say that yesterday was a day full of productivity. My accomplishments include: sewing the most dainty apron, re-upholstering my computer chair, sewing three custom headband orders, embellishing a cardigan, and sewing some curtains. I also made a delectable omelette for breakfast, stopped at my coffee shop for a bit, and went to church. I am content, I love to create.

Other blogworthy things:

Today I had my first pumpkin spice latte of the season! Mmmmm :)

-My starbucks opinion: It is faux pas for baristas to like starbucks and I am not an avid lover of the bucks but.... I must give them this= they have consistency, convenient locations, some drinks are winners (ie- pumpkin spice latte, peppermint mocha, and eggnog latte). So there.

I have been thinking of this time in my life as a transition. Like moving home, in my father's house, having a part-time job, just being back in Wisconsin. Well I have made a conscience decision that this is not a transition, but a period in my life. I am here, and I must face that, and make the most of it. As I think about it more, I love it. To make a living: I am a barista. My lifestyle: church goer, craftser/ artist. Ministry: short-term missions. I LOVE ALL OF THOSE THINGS. I must say that at this point in my life, as a single lady... this is exactly how I would want my life to be. It took me a little while to realize I am living my dream :)

Barista x2

This thursday I will be interviewing for a second barista position. So I will be a double barista vanilla latte with whip :)May the caffeine course through these veins of mine. Yumskies.

With a "latte" love,

Hannah

PS- my mom always forgets the title "barista" and call me a "mastabista". Golly mother. Golly.

PSS- I miss him.

I can do this.

It is rather hard to write on a blog you intended to be sweet and dainty, while your heart is being rung out. Cause I feel like blah blah blah.

But I am making a point to stay strong. To move my focus to my maker. Take a deep breath and move on.

I'll keep it vague, which is irritating to readers. But safe for me :)

This weekend, I ran into some people I haven't seen for probably four years. A married couple. And it was the hardest thing for me to go up to them and talk to them. Swallowing the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "Do one thing everyday that scares you." I went up to them with a smile and caught up with 'em. Why was it so hard? Because four years ago, I loved that guy (not that I knew much of love at the tender age of 18)... and his now wife was a then friend of mine. No matter how minor or healed a scar is... it's still difficult to deal with. I am proud of myself, not in a tooting my own horn way. But I handled it well :)

This past month has brought many opportunities for me to "handle things well"... it's been a time of triumph and failings. Life, bring it on. Jesus helps the most. Thank you my strength!

Hanging in there,

Hannah

The day I call one.

"This is the first day of my life..."- Bright Eyes.

I took two nature walks today... hoping for peace and escape. Impossible. He is still there.

Somehow, I hope he reads this. I truly wish he takes enough interest to secretly stalk me.

The doll head? I just saw it and it worried me a tad.

The day was splendid indeed