"Till He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I stand..."

"Till He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I stand..."

Such powerful lyrics. Yesterday at church, we sang this song and it hit me. This is not my home.

Especially in America, I think we can get caught up in the materialism society throws our way. In fact, I think it is a level of spiritual warfare. It's a great distraction for those who don't know Christ as their personal Savior, but also for us as believers to do as Jesus instructed in Matthew 28:18-20:

"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

For non-Christians, Satan wants nothing more than to keep them from a personal relationship with God. For believers, Satan wants nothing more than to keep us from sharing the Gospel with them. Satan wants all of us to believe that earth, this mortal life we are currently living, is home.

Fact is, it's not. In John 14:1-3, Jesus tells us that "there is more than enough room for us in His Father's home." As believers, His children, Heaven is also our home.

Merci in November

Life in the Booth household is always crazy, hectic and fun when all seven of us are back under the same roof. With me living at home for a few more weeks and my sisters back from college, Thanksgiving break was great – we even managed a family photo WITH the dogs!

This is my first time home for Thanksgiving in two years. My first year, I spent it across the ocean, living in France. (Side note: France does not sell Turkeys. We bought rotisserie chicken instead to feed to our 29 guests). My team and I hosted a feast for our new friends and explained the meaning of the American holiday. It was a great foundational event that allowed us to get to know our neighbors and some of the locals, on more of a relational level.

Thanksgiving in France 2010

Last year, I spent Thanksgiving in Orlando. I specifically chose to stay because I had randomly met (God’s divine plan) my UK friend, Meena a couple weeks prior. She and I had talked about many things, including American culture. I thought Hello, what other country celebrates AMERICAN Thanksgiving (Keyword: American… I know Canada has a Canadian thanksgiving – a bit different)? Invite Meena to celebrate with you! Which as we all now know, was somewhat of a pivotal point in Meena’s life as she met Bryn and other Christians during our Thanksgiving party!

This year, I was nice to be back home, celebrating with extended family, playing games, watching movies, and doing some Black Friday shopping with my siblings… (Though, I did feel a bit guilty going to Target at 10 pm on Thanksgiving night….) Traditions are still lots of fun.

Waiting in line at Target

Living at home in Michigan this fall, I’ve realized I have much to be thankful for: being home for Thanksgiving, my growing family, having cool hair and knowing how to do it, my new car, the ability to vote, a nice camera to take family pictures, freedom, watching football, meeting friends like Meena and seeing a change in her life, my support team, the use of all five senses, traveling for my job,  and great friends, among many other things. God is so good and always faithful. #Iamthankful

Home for Christmas!

I just flew in to Michigan for Christmas! I am very excited to be back home, spending time with family and friends and experiencing some cold weather! Hopefully it snows soon - I want to use my parka.

When we pulled in to the drive way, my sister told me there was a surprise waiting inside. I really had no idea, so when Gracie took off the coat from Luke's arms, I saw her: a new puppy! She is very cute, friendly and cuddly. My sister recorded my reaction: I was in disbelief. Mom and dad have been talking about getting another dog for a while, but I didn't realize how serious they were about it!

Open Houses!

I will be hosting an Open House on both Tuesday July 12^th and Wednesday July 13^th from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at my house. There will be a continuous slide show of pictures and videos. I will share some stories and answer any questions about my time on STINT as well as my next assignment in Orlando – working on the PR team and Conference and Event Planning team. I would love for you to come to whichever evening is more convenient. Drinks and deserts will be served.

If you are unable to attend, but would like more information or have questions, please email me.

Thank you again for all your support. You guys have been a great team!

Email me with questions :)

Home... and not a day too soon!

Wow! I am so thankful for God's timing.

Early Wednesday morning, I lugged all my suitcases (5 of them!) - (with the help of Sarah and Beth) into the car and headed to the airport with Beth and Chelsea. Our Paris to Chicago flight went well and we even arrived early. Chelsea and I watched the Justin Beiber movie a couple times :)

Once I landed in Detroit, my parents, sisters and grandma were waiting for me. They even brought my dog, Rocky! It was great to see them all. They had American flags, flowers and a sign saying "Welcome home Hannah!" And, as some of you might know, my sister Olivia was pregnant - so other passengers commented, asking them if they were waiting for a solider to come home for the birth of his child. Haha! Nope, just me.

Instead of going straight home, I went and visited with some family friends I grew up with - the Hatfields. Kelli had just got engaged and Katie had a baby while I was in France! It was my first time to meet little Laedin! He is so cute! I ended up staying up until 1am Michigan time = 7 am France time! It was totally worth it.

THE NEXT DAY, - after we had taken some family pictures since we all knew Addison would be born soon - Olivia, my sister, got a call from the doctors office wanting to see her to check her fluid levels. I went with Olivia to the check up, and they told her she needed to have the baby! We came home, packed some bags, and Olivia went with Mom and Dad to the hospital.

Gracie, Joel, Luke and I were waiting at home for the call to come, when the time was nearer for the delivery. We didn't want to crowd the room too much! Dad called and said he would call again early in the morning. I was so tired and jet legged...

8 a.m. Dad called us - I was already awake since my body was telling me it was 2 p.m. AND I was super excited!!! - time to come in! We picked up Noah, Addison's brother and got to the hospital at 9:30 a.m.

They broke Olivia's water and 10:20 a.m. and the contractions started to increase immediately. Olivia went from 5 cm to 10 cm in under and hour (which is abnormal for first time mothers! Usually it's more like 1 cm per hour!) At 11:45 a.m. Addison Olivia was born! This was the first delivery I have ever seen. The miracle of birth is breath taking. The burst of life, emotion, joy!

Yesterday was a whirlwind of pictures, doctors, laughs, smiles and THE SMELL OF A NEW BABY! Addison is so cute! She looks just like Olivia and is very healthy. I am excited to be able to still be a part of her life as she grows and grows.

I want to take some time to thank God for allowing me to be here for this. It was my prayer since I found out seven months ago. Not only was I able to be here for the birth, but Addison is healthy, beautiful and sweet as can be. I can't wait to show her off to the world! He not only answered my prayer, but allowed me to be apart of this beautiful start of life! Thank you Lord!