My trip to Orphanage Emmanuel: August 2015

Well…here we go. Some of you are probably wondering what has taken me so long. I’ve been back from Honduras for over a week, and I am just now blogging about it. To tell you the truth, this is the fourth time I have tried to blog about it. I have tried so hard to find the right words to use to describe my trip. Don’t get too excited, I haven’t found the right words yet. Honestly, I don’t know if I ever will. I think Wade McCollum, one of the directors at Orphanage Emmanuel, said it best: "Emmanuel is not a place that can be adequately described in words. You must come see it for yourself."

Nevertheless, I am going to TRY my best to somehow explain my experience to you.

This was my third trip to Orphanage Emmanuel (OE) in Guaimaca, Honduras. Although, this trip was not like my two previous trips. I guess they aren’t lying when they say third times a charm. My first trip was just “Eh.” I remember being overjoyed when I returned home. One week was MORE than enough for me. That’s why I surprised myself by returning for a second year. When I returned home after my second trip, I remember being sad for about two or three weeks, then I fell back into a normal routine. I didn’t really think about OE very much, that is, until we started talking about going back. I see now, how the Lord was already working in my heart long before my third trip. The closer we got to my third trip, the more I realized how much I missed OE. I recall feeling an actual ache in my heart (much like the one I have right now) when I would look at pictures from my previous trips. Needless to say, when August 1^st, 2015 arrived, I was MORE than ready to be back in Honduras. It was during my short (and I mean SHORT) week at Emmanuel this year, that it occurred to me that MAYBE, just MAYBE, I wasn’t just meant to visit OE for one week every summer. Now, before any of you flip out (looking at you Mom and Dad), you need to understand that I don’t know what more than one week every summer looks like just yet. Nobody has to worry about me jumping on a plane to Honduras next month and never looking back (although, if I am being honest, that wouldn’t hurt my feelings.) What I can tell you right now is that I know for sure that my trips to OE haven’t been random. The Lord is orchestrating an awesome plan for my life, and I have a strong feeling that OE will have a big part in that plan. Every year that I go (whether I have realized it before or not) I have been leaving a little part of my heart in Honduras (cliché, I know). One thing I would like to ask of you is that you be in prayer for me, and all of my other teammates that I know are having similar feelings. Contrary to what it might seem like in this post, spending an extended period of time in a foreign country scares the mess out of me. I am still human, ya know! If you had talked to me three years ago, I would have told you that God was not going to call me to missions. I grew up with the understanding that missions were for missionaries. Missionaries were special people that were fearless, and that God saw fit to carry the Gospel all over the world. Before you misunderstand what point I am trying to make here, let me elaborate. My fear of foreign countries, and mission trips is not what has changed. It’s my understanding of the Gospel, and my understanding of MY duties as a Christian that have changed. You see, I have realized recently that anyone that claims to be a Christian IS a missionary.

2 Corinthians 5:20 reads:

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

If you claim the name of Christ, you are His ambassador. You are His representative. God has given us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18.) It’s YOUR job, and it’s MY job to bring the good news of reconciliation with Christ to ALL people.

Now, does this mean you have to go to Asia, or Africa, or Honduras to share this good news? Of course not. There are people who live in your own neighborhood that need to hear this good news. God calls a lot of people to stay right where they’re at. BUT, if he hasn’t called you to stay right where you’re at, where has He called you? And have you listened?

Am I scared to death about where God will call me in the future? You bet! But once you begin to understand what your purpose is as a Christian, it makes it easier. Suddenly, flying into one of the most dangerous airports in the world isn’t really an issue. Suddenly, going to a country who is mostly known for their high murder and crime rate isn’t such a big deal.

Matthew 10:28 reads:

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

So my challenge to you is to think about missions. What are you actively doing to spread the message of reconciliation where God has placed you? Are you where God has called you to be?

I also challenge you to consider a foreign mission trip. I know a lot of people have their hearts set on doing mission work strictly in the U.S., and that is GREAT.

But doing mission work in a foreign country, specifically a third world country, will change your perspective on a lot of things. It will give you a new take on life that you are unable to get in any developed (“first world”) country.

My favorite line (and by favorite, I mean the line that makes me want to just scream) that I hear when I talk about my trip is “Yeah, I get it!”

Well…not to sound rude, but you really don’t get it.

I seriously don’t mean to sound rude, but it’s virtually impossible for anyone that has not actually experienced it to “get it.” And if you’re offended by that, it’s probably because you’re one of those people that thinks they “get it.” I’m here to tell you, you don’t. How do I know this? Because I was you three years ago. I thought I “got it.” I didn’t.

Please don’t misinterpret what I am saying here. I truly appreciate each person that has taken the time to ask me about my trip. I appreciate the kind and comforting words you all have to offer me. But please, please, PLEASE try to refrain from saying “Yeah, I get it” when you really DON’T get it.

So to not have to avoid those dreaded words, why don’t you consider foreign missions? Then you can actually mean it when you say “Yeah, I get it!”

Anyway, I think I have rambled enough for now. As I look back over this post, I realize I went in a completely different direction than I had originally planned. I really didn’t talk about my actual trip at all. Oops, sorry!

So, this is me extending an invitation to anyone reading this. If you would like to hear more about my actual trip, or you just enjoy hearing me ramble, please let me know!! We can go grab coffee, or a cupcake, or Taco Bell, and we’ll talk about it. Talking about OE and food/coffee dates are two of my favorite things.

Also, if you have any questions or you are interested in knowing more about Orphanage Emmanuel, just shoot me a Facebook message or Twitter DM (hannah_jsu). I will be happy to answer any questions you have! You can also visit the official OE website by going to www.orphanageemmanuel.com

Well, I hope you guys have stuck with me through this whole post, and you weren’t scared away by my “You don’t get it” rant earlier. This post ended up being a lot longer than I intended, but I hope you still enjoyed it!

Until next time,

Hannah ♥

 

Are you a Mary or a Martha?

I’m backkkkkkk! So I have been suffering from MAJOR writer's block this summer, but FINALLY something has hit me that I feel led to write about.

The other day during my quiet time I stumbled across a small passage of scripture that I feel is probably overlooked by many. I had already done my daily devotion, but it just didn’t seem to satisfy me. I felt like I needed to look a little further. I decided to just flip through my Bible and see what I could find. This is the passage that caught my eye:

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

- Luke 10:38-42

I had read this passage of scripture before, but it looked untouched in my Bible, lacking any pen or highlighter marks. Being a mere five verses sitting in between all of the eye-catching parables and miracles told and performed by Jesus, I can see where I had, for the most part, overlooked it.  But on this day, for some reason, it stood out to me.

I read it a couple of times and started to feel a connection with Martha. I saw a lot of myself in her. Lately, I have been struggling with the concept of just “sitting at the Lord’s feet.” I have a tendency to get distracted, like Martha, when it comes to serving the Lord.  You see, Mary and Martha both loved Jesus, and they were both eager to serve Him. But in the midst of her hustle and bustle to clean the house for Jesus, and fix Jesus a good meal, Martha lost sight of what it really means to serve Jesus. You see, Jesus really didn’t care if the house was clean, or if she fixed steak instead of Hamburger Helper. Jesus told Martha that only one thing mattered, and Mary had gotten it right.

How many times do we get so busy doing things FOR Jesus that we forget to spend any time WITH Him?

Jesus wasn’t upset with Martha for being concerned about the household and His comfort, but He was asking her to check her priorities.

This passage was very personal to me. I see so much of myself in Martha, as I try so hard every day to please the Lord. The irony of it all is while I am trying so hard to “please” Him, I am actually denying myself the true peace and wisdom that comes from just sitting at His feet and listening. This really opened my eyes to the fact that I just need to chill out a little bit. While it’s good that I have such a desire in my heart to please the Lord, I can see how I have started putting too much emphasis on the service, instead of on the One I’m supposed to be serving.

 

So who are you? Are you a Mary...or a Martha?

I pray that this has touched your heart in some way. Maybe, like me, you feel a lot like Martha. If so, I just want you to be encouraged. It’s a blessing to have a servant’s heart, but don’t let yourself forget who you are serving. Train yourself to slow down sometimes and take the time to just sit and listen.

Maybe this didn’t specifically touch your heart, but you know someone who might struggle with this. Feel free to share this with them! It’s always comforting to know that you’re not alone in your struggles.

 

It’s good to be back to in the blogging world, and I look forward to posting future blogs. I would like to ask for prayer for me and the 32 other team members of the FBC Ashland Honduras Mission Team as we prepare to leave in 12 days! I plan on posting another blog with more details before we leave, but please go ahead and start praying for that!

Thanks for reading!

Hannah ♥

 

A Message for High School Graduates

For some of you (at least those of you who go to CHS) tonight is the night that you have waited for. Tonight, you will walk across that field and get that special piece of paper that means “YOU MADE IT!” Right now, you’re probably feeling all kinds of emotions. You’re happy, deep down you’re sad, and deep deep down you’re probably scared. You probably won’t admit it to anyone, but there is probably something deep within you that really just wants things to stay the way they are. You might not even realize it right now.

Looking back on my graduation a year ago, I have some things I wish people had told me and my friends. So I figured, before it’s too late, I should share them with you.

 

1.     Hug ALL of your classmates tonight.

 

Why? You may ask. Because there is a good chance you may never see some of them again. And even if you do, it may be a long time. This is one I think my senior class took for granted. We didn’t believe we wouldn’t see each other frequently, or better yet, some of us didn’t care.  You’ll be surprised when even you and some of your closest friends don’t talk for a while. You’re at the point where you’re just ready to be done. You’re tired of school and you’re ready to be in college and have some “freedom.” But take the time to tell your classmates how much you love them. A lot can happen in a year, and there is no guarantee that they’ll still be around. Hug them, tell them you love them, and enjoy the last moments you have as high schoolers together.

 

2.     Hug your family.

 

A lot of you are moving off to go to college. Although you may tell yourself that you’ll make time to go home, that won’t always be the case. You’ll get to college and you’ll make new friends. You’ll have homework and projects. Soon, your weekends that you had planned to go home are filled. You’ll skip out on going home that weekend because ALL of your new friends are going to the movies. Or you have a HUGE presentation Monday, and you know you won’t get any of it done if you go home. Your family has loved you and cared for you for 18-19 years. Hug them tight and thank them for that. And make time to go home. You’re friends in college will poke fun at you, I promise. But don’t let that stop you from going home to visit your family.

 

3.     It’s okay to feel overwhelmed.

 

You are probably too hyped up right now to realize it, but beginning college is kind of overwhelming. Right now you’re probably excited about moving out and being away from your parent’s watchful eyes. But before long you’ll be moving into a dorm or an apartment. Your parents will load up your stuff, help you unload the cardboard boxes, and then they’re gone. Then you’re suddenly left in a sea of unpacked cardboard boxes wondering what’s for supper. You’re left alone to figure out life and what to do next. It’s okay to want to curl up in a ball and cry. Totally normal. But eventually you will become use to your new life, and it won’t be as overwhelming.

 

4.     Don’t be afraid to make new friends.

 

For some reason when I graduated, I think my senior class had the impression that we were all just going to stay together and be bff’s forever. Let me just tell you that that is not how it works. You can’t go into college with the mindset that you don’t want any new friends. Probably the thing I love most about college is that I get to pick who my friends are. Now don’t take that the wrong way! I LOVE my high school friends and I’m still best friends with some of them. BUT the truth is, in high school your friends are basically chosen for you. You have a small pool of kids your age that you get to choose from, so you just gravitate towards the people that are *most* like you (even if they’re really not like you at all.) College is a whole new world! You’re in a world of people of all sizes, shapes, colors, and ages. There are so many people to choose from. So don’t be afraid of hurting your high school best friend’s feelings. You still love him/her, but you’ve got to step out and meet some new people. It will be the best decision you ever make.

 

5.     Study and GO TO CLASS. Professors don’t care if you pass or fail.

 

Unlike in high school, professors don’t always have your best interest at heart. They get their paycheck whether you pass or fail. So make sure you study hard, and actually ATTEND class. Just because the notes are online doesn’t mean you can pass the test without going to class. With the exception of a few awesome professors, you’re basically on your own. So good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

 

6.     Put God first if He isn’t already there.

 

I know you’re probably going to tune me out on this one. But just take the time to think about it. Thankfully, this was not an issue for me, but I know for a lot of college students it is. You get to college, and you’re away from your parents. You think you run the world and that you can do anything. This is a dangerous way of thinking. Here’s something I want you all to know: You don’t have to go to the parties to enjoy college. I know most of you will, but I just want you to know that you don’t have to. It’s not a requirement. When I first got to JSU, my goal was to become heavily involved in some kind of ministry. I did. And it has been the best decision I have ever made. I have made some of my best friends through ministries and they are friends I know I can trust. Because here is the deal, college lasts for 4 to 6 years for most people. Then it’s over. And you’re kicked out into the REAL world (Because just fyi, college isn’t the real, REAL world.) What foundation do you want to have when you’re suddenly jolted into the real world? Because you can sit here and tell me “Well Hannah, I’ll start going to church again once I get out of college. I will get right with God after I’ve had my fun.” And I’m just here to tell you: No, you won’t. If you start off college WITHOUT God, chances are, you will go the rest of your life without Him. Make good friends. Don’t just make friends with people who will act stupid with you. Because when your 4+ years are up, chances are those kind of people won’t hang around in your life. So my advice to you is this: Don’t be stupid. People will give you plenty of opportunities to act stupid. Don’t take them. Decide today whether or not you’re going to make God and church a priority in your college life. Because before you know it, it might be too late.

 

 

Congratulations, Class of 2015. You guys are going to do great things! Enjoy tonight. Get excited about the new adventures ahead of you. And remember, DON’T BE STUPID. Your future self will thank you for it.

 

“You’re off to great places, today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so…get on your way!”  - Dr. Seuss

 

Good Luck, and God Bless!
 

 

Hannah ♥

You ARE Good Enough!

Attention: If you are a guy and you are reading this, please do not tune me out. Yes, this is mostly a girl post, but there are things you can take away from this post, also. Please give it a chance, and see if you can make it to the end.

 

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

-         1 Peter 3:3-4

 Okay, so let me be honest here. I have never been one to have a low self-esteem. I have always been very comfortable with my body, looks, and personality. I’m fully aware that I am not perfect, and I have always had an easy time accepting that. I know that God created me just like He intended to. He didn’t make any mistakes. I am fully aware of this.

It wasn’t until recently that I began to struggle with this.

All throughout high school I was, for the most part, single. I was okay with that. When you grow up in a small town the pickings are slim. I was okay with being single, because there was NO ONE I was interested in. Not knocking my high school or home town, but that was just the way it was.

Then college happened, and I began to realize something.

There are really good guys out there, like REALLY good guys. Guys that love Jesus…A LOT.

How awesome is that?! It was such a relief to see that there are guys out there that are serious about their relationship with Christ. Guys that are serious about dating, marriage, and doing things the right way, can I get a HALLELUJAH?!

Here’s where I began to struggle, though. I look around, and I don’t just see guys that love Jesus, but I see girls that love Jesus. Pretty, smart, funny girls….that love Jesus. Then I continue to look around, and I see all of these pretty, smart, funny girls that love Jesus getting attention from all the cute, sweet, funny guys that love Jesus.

Where is my cute, sweet, funny guy that loves Jesus?

This is where Satan begins to attack me.

I’m not as tan as her, I’m not as athletic as her, my teeth aren’t as white as hers, I’m not as funny as her. 

That must be the problem, right? What can I do to be as pretty as her, as funny as her? Should I try to play basketball to impress that cute athletic guy? Should I crack a corny joke to try to make him laugh?

What can I do to be good enough?

 

That’s when I hear a whisper in my ear:

 

“You ARE good enough!”

 

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

-Ephesians 2:10

 

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.

-Genesis 1:27

 

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

-Psalm 139:13-14

 

I am God’s handiwork, I am created in God’s own image, He knit me together.

I AM GOOD ENOUGH.

Just a side note here: I heard a great take on Psalm 139:13 the other day, and I just have to share. If you’ve ever tried to knit something (which, truthfully, I haven’t) but everyone knows it takes a while to knit something. When you knit something you have a plan in mind, you take your time and put effort into knitting your handiwork. There isn’t some assembly line in heaven spitting out humans. God knits us together. He has a plan before He even creates us, and He spends time on us.

 

Thankfully, I have dear and precious family and friends that will remind me of this when I am feeling down.

But it’s not easy.

Our society puts so much pressure on ladies to look and act a certain way.

You have to be tan enough. Tall enough, but not too tall! Your teeth need to be straight and white, and your hair has to be silky smooth. You have to be funny, but not annoying. Athletic, but not overly athletic. You should play an instrument. You should have a flat stomach, but good boobs and a firm butt. Your thighs shouldn’t touch. You need to be skinny, but not too skinny.

As ladies, this is what society is SCREAMING at us.

And this way of thinking is so prevalent that you can see it beginning to seep its way into the minds of Christian women AND men.

As daughters of the king, we are TREASURED. We are SPECIAL. But we find ourselves feeling anything BUT treasured and special. We look at the covers of magazines and sometimes even at the girl sitting right next to us and we think “I need to look like her, I need to act like her.” Ladies, we are sisters in Christ! We all have our own unique gifts, talents, and abilities. We are ALL special in our own unique way.

Christian men are starting to listen to it, too. They are becoming blinded by the world. They are no longer looking for a girl with a good heart, a quiet and gentle spirit, a girl of noble character. They’re looking for girls who have the clearest skin, the funniest jokes, and the best jump shot.

WE NEED TO STOP LISTENING TO SOCIETY.

Because our identity is not in our weight or our tan skin (or lack thereof lol)

Our identity is in CHRIST.

So ladies, embrace how God has made you. Because He spent time on you. He makes NO mistakes. One day, God willing, we will all find that special guy that sees past our pale skin, our frizzy hair, and our acne breakouts.

Guys, don’t let Satan blind you. The world offers you tan skin, perfect hair, flat stomachs, and thigh gaps. But that isn’t always an indication of a perfect woman. Think about who you want to love and care for your future children, who you want to be by your side to celebrate when you get good news and comfort you when you get bad news, who you want to spend the rest of your life serving the Lord with.

My challenge to you (girls and guys) is to go read Proverbs 31. I know, so cliché, right? It’s in like every girl’s Instagram bio. But seriously, go read it. Guys, ask yourself, “Is this what I am looking for in a girl?” Ladies, ask yourself, “Am I displaying these characteristics?”

DISCLAIMER: I mentioned a lot of characteristics in this post. If you happen to have any of the mentioned characteristics (e.g. tan skin, straight and white teeth, thigh gap, good athletic abilities) PLEASE do not think I am belittling you! It is very possible to have ALL of these characteristics, and still be an amazing woman of God. I just mentioned some I have struggled with, and that I know other girls struggle with. If it helps, go back and replace some of the characteristics with things YOU struggle with.

Thank you to everyone who has stuck with me till the end. This is the first blog I have posted in a while, but I am hoping I am over my bloggers-block. If anyone has any suggestions for new posts, feel free to let me know! I am always open to new topics, and I like knowing that I am writing something that someone wants to read!

I hope this blog has touched you in some way. Maybe you are a girl struggling with this, or you have a friend, daughter, or sister struggling with it. I also hope that if you are a guy, that you made it to the end. I know this post was mostly for girls, but it’s something guys need to be aware of.  A girl with a good heart is worth so much more than a girl with just a pretty face.

Until next time!

                                            

Jesus loves YOU!

Hannah ♥

 

 

 

The Reason For The Cross

Have you ever thought about why Jesus died on the cross? I’m not talking about just recognizing once a year when Easter rolls around that Jesus died on the cross for your sins. I’m saying have you ever REALLY taken the time to think about why Jesus died on the cross?

This week I’ve been trying to spend my daily devotion time reading the different accounts of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. I figured it would be a good way to prepare myself for the upcoming Easter weekend. As I was reading on Thursday, I started to think about something I have never really thought about before. I was reading Luke 23:32-43.

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 38 There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

While reading this passage I began to think about Jesus hanging on the cross. Some of my thoughts were as follows: 

“Imagine how awful that must have been!”

“How dare all those Roman soldiers and bystanders mock Jesus! It’s your sin He’s dying for!!”

Then it hit me…the words echoed in my head. “It’s your sin He’s dying for…”

IT’S MY SIN HE DIED FOR.

I’m the reason Jesus hung on the cross. You’re the reason He hung on the cross.

Let me repeat that: WE ARE THE REASON JESUS HUNG ON THE CROSS.

I feel like sometimes we get caught up in reading the “story” of the crucifixion. And we read it as just that, a story. We forget that Jesus was a real man, who lived a real life, who died a VERY real death, and then REALLY rose from the dead three days later.

Like, that really happened, y’all!

When Jesus said “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” He wasn’t just talking about the Roman soldiers, and the religious leaders, and the bystanders!! HE WAS TALKING ABOUT ME! HE WAS TALKING ABOUT YOU!

Because we’re sinners, we are all the reason Jesus died on the cross.

THE GOOD NEWS: (and I know some of you have heard this a million times, but don’t write me off yet!)

God, the creator of the entire universe, the one who literally spoke (LIKE LITERALLY SPOKE) the universe into existence, He loves you SO much that He sent His son to die in your place.

NEWSFLASH: If you haven’t figured it out by now, IT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE US ON THE CROSS!

But God loved you so much that He sent his only son to take your place.

Jesus was a real man, who lived a pure and blameless life, and died so that you and I may be forgiven.

He came to Earth to pay a debt he did not owe, because we owed a debt we could not pay.

·       John 3:16

·       Romans 5:8

·       2 Corinthians 5:21

 

Maybe you’re reading this today, and you’re thinking “Well, Hannah, I’ve heard all this before. But this Jesus thing just isn’t for me.”

Let me explain something to you: Jesus is for everybody.

When Jesus died on the cross, he didn’t just die for the preachers out there, he didn’t just die for the missionaries, he didn’t just die for the “good people.”

Because none of us are good (Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23)

Jesus died for every single person that has ever and will ever walk on the face of the Earth.

Adolf Hitler? Jesus died for him.

Osama Bin Laden? Jesus died for him.

Hannah Smith? Jesus died for ME.

Jesus died for everyone knowing that some would never love him back.

But for those who do love Him back, the payoff is pretty great! We get to live a life full of joy, as we serve the one who saved us from death. Then, one day, we get to spend eternity in a marvelous place called Heaven. ( I’m secretly hoping God has a pink castle and an eternal supply of Reese’s cups with my name on them up there! Haha!)

But seriously, there are a couple of things I want you to take away from this post:

1.      Your sins are the reason Jesus died on the cross

2.      God’s love for YOU is also why Jesus died on the cross

3.      Jesus is for everybody that is willing to admit they need a savior, turn from sin, and love and follow Jesus eagerly.

 

As Easter approaches quickly, take some time to ponder why we as Christians celebrate Easter. It’s not the chocolate bunnies, and dying Easter eggs. Although these things are fun and they’re great traditions to have with your friends and family, don’t forget the real reason for celebration.

Jesus left his throne to come to Earth, lived a blameless life, and died a death that he did not deserve. He died for YOU! And three days later he rose from the dead, and ascended into Heaven. He is now sitting on his throne at the right hand of God.

Praise HIS holy name!

Remember how much HE loves you!

Hannah  ♥

OE Fever

Hi readers! So this is not what I intended for my next blog to be about but I know several people that have been on mission trips this past week, and needless to say I’m suffering from what I like to call “OE Fever.” So this is what has been on my heart and I figured I would share!

For those of you that know me well, you know that I’m basically obsessed with a little town in Honduras called Guaimaca, and more specifically with a place within that town called Orphanage Emmanuel. I’ve gotten the chance to share this story with a few people over the past couple of years, but I would like all of you to hear it. So here it is.

I can recall very few times in my life that I plainly, I mean PLAINLY, STRAIGHT UP, heard the Lord telling me what to do. I don’t see this as a bad thing. The Lord speaks to everybody in different ways. Most of the time His voice is more of a feeling inside of me that I just have to go along with and trust that it is really Him. But one of the few times that I have been so absolutely sure about what He was saying to me was around July of 2012. The Honduras mission team at my church was preparing to leave for their trip and for some odd reason it just hit me that day. I was supposed to go to Honduras. Whattttt? So any of you that know me well know I have had a “bubble” for most of my life. I like to stay in my bubble and any move outside of the bubble makes me super anxious. Well, this was the day that the Lord began to poke holes in my bubble (FYI, he’s still poking holes today). I remember telling my dad that day that I thought that God was calling me to go to Honduras. He asked me the question that I still get asked when I tell this story today, “Well, how do you know He’s calling you?” My answer was the same that day as it is today, I wouldn’t make that choice on my own. Going to Honduras called for me to step out of my bubble, something that I don’t just willingly do. If you had asked me a year or even a couple of months prior to that day, I would’ve told you that God’s not going to call me to missions. I was convinced missions were not for me. But that day, sitting in my car after church, I knew I was going to go to Honduras. I didn’t know how. I didn’t know how I was going to find the money, or how on Earth I was going to do this without just completely falling apart (P.S. Don’t let me fool you, I did have several meltdowns). But the Lord was faithful, and I can now look back and say that making the choice to go to Honduras was by far one of the best decisions I have ever made. In August, I will make my third trip to Orphanage Emmanuel, and I am BEYOND excited! I just wanted to share this for anybody that feels like they’re stuck in their bubble. I know how you feel. I still currently know how you feel. I have been slowly letting the Lord poke holes in my bubble, but I am nowhere near as adventurous as I desire to be. My advice is take it one “hole” at a time. And trust that if you’re doing something to glorify the Lord, He will not let you face it alone. Be willing to just answer the Lord’s call and be a little adventurous for Him. It’ll probably end up being one of the best decisions you’ve ever made, I promise!

 

Now I just want to share a little about OE and some pictures from my previous trips. Orphanage Emmanuel (OE) is a Christian based orphanage in Guaimaca, Honduras. It was founded in 1989 by David and Lydia Martinez after David received a vision from the Lord. They sold everything they had and moved to Honduras, not knowing what the Lord had in store for them. You can read David and Lydia’s full testimony and find out more about OE on http://orphanageemmanuelhn.weebly.com/. I highly suggest you take some time to check it out!

As for my personal experiences at OE, they have been indescribable. Like literally. There are no words, or pictures that I can use to describe how amazing and life changing my visits to OE have been. But since I know that not everyone will be called to serve at OE, I will try my best to describe it.

As soon as you arrive at Emmanuel, you can tell that there is something different about it.

There is just a happiness that radiates around the whole place.

 

 

 

 

 

The kids just love to be loved, (and play with your phone/camera, if you’ll let them)

 
Selfie!

 

 

They’re also not shy about asking for/taking any water bottles, food, or candy that you may have in your possession.

 

This is an action shot of a knock-down, drag-out over a water bottle.

 

 

 

 

My sweet Maria. I met Maria during my trip last August. We bonded over the week and shared some great broken Spanish/English conversations over cheddar Pringles and Frescas at “la tienda” (the store).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet Banessa

 

 

 

So in case you haven’t figured it out yet, this blog has basically just been a

 

way for me to cope with my “OE Fever.”

 

 

I don’t have any profound end points that I want you to take away from this blog like I normally do. I just wanted to share a little about OE for those of you who have heard me talking about it, but you weren’t really sure what it’s all about.

However, I will give you some things to ponder and pray about:

1. Pray about God poking holes in your own “bubble”

2. Pray for me and my fellow team members as we prepare for our upcoming trip in August.

3. Read Matthew 28:19-20 and pray about what part God has for you to play in missions

 

Not all Christians are called to travel overseas, or even out of their own

home town to spread the Gospel. But EVERY Christian is called to serve

and to play a part in making disciples. Whether your part is moving to a

third world country, or simply praying for missions and helping financially,

we all have a part to play. Discover your part.

 

 

If the opportunity to go on a foreign mission trip ever arises for you, I highly encourage you to take the opportunity. I promise you won’t regret it!

 

Thank you to everyone who took the time to read this blog. I feel like it was kind of random and a little unorganized, but it was on my heart and I felt like I needed to share. Don't forget to check out Orphanage Emmanuel's official website: http://orphanageemmanuelhn.weebly.com/

 

I have a few ideas for my next blog, but I haven't made a decision yet.

Keep an eye out for it!

 

Thanks again!

 

Remember, Jesus loves YOU!

 

Hannah ♥