New Life For Me

Hi! Ok, so I thought this blog thing would be a good idea, and for the most part, I think it is. I just have a hard time keeping up with writing! I know a few of you said you'd like to read my blog so I am trying to keep it up for you. :)Although, it has been about 3 months or so. I'll do my best!

Well, as you know, I graduated in May. My best friend, April came up from FL to see me and we had such a great time. I just told her that I wish we would have taken more pictures because, let's face it, we don't see each other but maybe once every 2-3 years or so. I think we were both tired though. For real, that weekend was the busiest weekend of my life. Well, maybe not my life. But close! Anyway, great weekend with friends and family and I couldn't have asked for a better graduation weekend...except to add a couple more friends who couldn't make it. Here are a couple pics from that weekend:

The best friends! -minus a few

Bea, the sweet 94 yr old I lived with for 10 months. Love her so much!

And this is what happens when your gas tank straps fall off and you're waiting for your amazing uncle to come help. I've got the best family. 

And now to WI. I've lived here about 2 months now. Wow, can it really be that long?! Feels like I just got here. Since I've been here, I've been helping out a lot around the house, job searching, and I started beauty school. The job search went well. I am now a sales floor rep at a clothing store and will also be starting a job at a call center next Monday. As for beauty school, I started July 1st. Three days in I wondered if I was really going for the right reasons and realized I needed to get out soon. I felt like such a flake! I don't want to be a quitter, so maybe someday I will go back. As of now, I'm just excited to start paying off my loans! Is that weird? 

My relaxing 4th of July.

The day I realized I wanted to quit school, I thought music is my real passion. So I went home, played my guitar, threw a temper tantrum that my wrist was hurting, and drove off to Guitar Center to definitely, that day buy a new guitar. When I got there, I asked for help and this guy came to help me. Of course, I cant really buy a guitar at the moment, but it was nice talking to this guy. He later asked if I wanted to play/sing in his band. I just thought, "How perfect". A worship band. God really brings people together at the right time. ...And last night we had our 3rd practice. I don't think I've ever had so much fun jamming with people. Of course I miss jamming with my college friends, but we never had a full band backing us. There is another girl in the band who sings. She and I sound really good together and last night were talking about maybe just jamming sometime on our own. She lives a few cities away, so we'll see how things go. For now, we're having a blast. 

So even though things aren't going exactly how I planned, or thought things might go here, I know God's got a better plan. Its just waiting for Him to lead that's the trick. I'm being reminded that God uses all things for good. "There is no circumstance in life from which we cannot learn if we'll just have the right attitude." -Rick Warren

--Hannah--

Graduation

IT'S HERE! IT"S FINALLY HERE!!!!

I walk across the stage THIS Saturday at 10 AM! I'm very excited....if you can't tell. I can now put on my resume, "BA in Psychology". :)

Its such a bittersweet time. I'm spending my last few days with friends and family these next 2 weeks before I move to WI and am enjoying it so much. My best friend is coming up from FL tomorrow and is staying until  next Tuesday. I wish we had more time because I know these next few days are going to go by soooo fast! Its been about 2 1/2 years since I've seen her so I cannot WAIT to see her! :)

It really means so much to me that so many friends and family are coming to celebrate with me. God has really blessed my life with such amazing people. Thank you for all your prayers and support!

Please continue to pray for God's guidance and just the transition from being in a Christian university for 5 1/2 yrs to a secular college and into the "real world".

Again, thank you for all your prayers and support and I will hopefully be writing soon!

--Hannah--

P.S. I will try to continue writing on a regular basis. I am finding the bigger things in life are when I get the urge to write. :)

The Next Step

Well, first I want to thank you all for your interest in my life and your prayers. I really appreciate it. God has really blessed me with amazing family and friends.

So, I've graduated! Finally, after 5 1/2 long years! Don't get me wrong, I loved the experience. I can't say I've loved every minute of it, because there were definitely times I just wanted to throw my homework out the window and quit, but the mistakes I've made, the things I've learned about who God is and who I am in Christ, the work experience I've gained, and all the relationships that have come along have all played a huge part in making me into the person I am today and I am so thankful. They were crazy, but great times. 

Recently, I have been living with a 94-year-old woman named Berniece (its ok, she likes telling her age :)). She has been such a blessing to me. We have been taking care of each other and she is allowing me to stay with her until I find another place to live. I really appreciate her. I lived with her during my internship with Sandy Egle at Heart To Heart Support Services, which I loved! I have become good friends with Sandy and her family, Bea and her family, and a few people in the church. I feel like family. 

 I have been praying a lot about my future and where God will take me, and I really feel like He is calling me to WI to be with my mom for a while. I am planning on going to Cosmetology school (that's beauty school for those of you who don't know) and that will take at least 1 year. I will most likely start classes in June, right after I move. Here's a timeline of these next few months:

Feb- Finding small jobs to keep me busy and a little money coming in
Feb 27-March 3- Head for short trip to WI with C. Davis!

March 16- Last girls weekend! and last weekend I will be in IL

After March 16th- trip to WI to help mom get things ready for when I move.

May 15-22- Back to IL to pick up the bes fran, April, and show her around my neck of the woods

May 18- GRADUATION CEREMONY!!!

Later May- Move to WI

June-Hopefully start at The Salon Professional Academy

July 20- The Color Run!!!

So, that's my tentative schedule. We'll see what God has in store for me later! 

Again, thank you all for the prayers. I'm trying this new thing where I make a prayer list and pray for those on the list as often as possible, so if there is anything I could be praying for you for, please let me know. Also, I'm trying another new thing where I count my blessings as I lay in bed so that I fall asleep worshiping God (thanks Briski!:)). I challenge you to do the same. Its one of the best things I've done. Just try it! :)

Love,

Han