He is Faithful

Again, it's been long overdue since I last wrote an account of my time here. The reason for this is everything else happening on a daily basis. So I guess you could say I've neglected updating because of all the fun I've been having and the challenges I've been going through. God has been teaching me just how extremely faithful He is and how He is my provider through anything and everything.

Just this last week His providence was proven to me when I lost my wallet on one of the city buses. When we asked the bus driver if he had found anything, he said he hadn't, but we realized that it was another bus driver than the one who had driven the bus earlier. So I went on with my day, praying that when we called the lost and found office they would have it there. Later that day, I had one of my German friends call for me, and my wallet was at the office! The even more amazing thing is that the fifty euros I had been keeping in there for vaccinations was still there, as well as my passport! He is faithful.

Another story of His providence and faithfulness is about my bike, Princess Peach (usually just referred to as Peach). In the first place, having her has been such a blessing considering everywhere we go is so far from everywhere else. Basically our "campus" is the entire city and Langwasser, which is a suburb about a forty minute bike ride from the city. So having a bike is pretty helpful unless you rely on public transit, which is very expensive but sometimes necessary. In general, Germany is a lot more expensive than I was intending and I have to rely on God even more than I'm used to, especially when it comes to funding.

A couple weeks ago, Peach's chain snapped off in the woods while I was riding home from Lecture. I had to get her fixed so I could continue to bike to Lectures and the shower and anywhere else. A couple days later I walked her all the way to Lecture in the hopes of getting her fixed that day. I didn't have very much money on me and I was under a time crunch since our leaders told us we were going into the city that day (completely unknown to all the students until that day). Everyone kept telling me it would cost a lot and take more than an afternoon; that I would have to leave it there at least overnight. Another problem was the fact that none of the German speakers wanted to go with me in case the people at the bike shop didn't speak English. I was so frustrated about the hopelessness of the situation, that while walking to the bike shop after Lecture, I said a very short and gloomy prayer. I asked God that He would make it all better, not believing that He would.

When I got there, the man spoke perfect English. He told me he was bored and could fix Peach in about ten minutes and it would only cost about 24 euros (ironically that is just how much I had in my wallet at the time). So he fixed her, and I was able to ride to the city that afternoon like I was supposed to. Even when I have such a lack of faith and an abundance of frustration, God is faithful.

I will hopefully do another update more focused on Outreach and prayer requests, but for now this is what I feel I need to share. One of the speakers we had a few weeks ago asked if we wanted to see miracles. We all naturally said yes (we're trained to). Then he said that if we want to see miracles, we have to be in situations that require a miracle. For me that goes hand in hand with God's providence for me. I've been seeing so many little and big miracles here and I expect to see more very soon!

Speak to you soon! Blessings to all who read!

Love, Hannah

Outreach + A Day In the Life

This week we found out the Outreach locations we've been assigned to. It turns out I got my first pick, which is Ethiopia! The excitement I felt when I found out was like being accepted to YWAM all over again. All of my options were in Africa, so I probably would have gone there either way, but I had a feeling I would go to Ethiopia even before I knew it was an option. Even before I knew I was going to do YWAM at all! For some reason I've wanted to go to Africa for a while and had a specific feeling towards Ethiopia.

There were three choices in Africa (Kenya, Burkina Faso, and Ethiopia), then one in the Middle East, and two in Asia. I didn't feel drawn to any of the other countries so when we were asked to choose three places in ranking order, my order was Ethiopia, Kenya, and Burkina Faso. The choice was easy, and even if I didn't go to Ethiopia I knew I would go where Papa God wanted me to. I didn't tell people around the house what my choices were (though you can imagine it was a very popular topic of conversation) until it was announced. I didn't tell my family either, but they didn't seem to mind. The reason for this was so people would not put their opinion into my decision or make me second guess what God had told me, not that they would intentionally.

Hannah² in the studio.

On another note, being one of the Music Track 'students' means I now have a band to participate in. There are three Hannah's in it. So basically it's Hannah and the Minority. At first we were apprehensive of the way out leaders set us up, but it's turning into a pretty awesome group. Five female vocalists means that there's a lot of harmony and minimal instruments for the time being, which I'm okay with now. Our track leaders seem pretty okay with it as well. Things are coming together, even though we've only met twice in the last two weeks. Good thing it is coming together because we have to go on a mini tour in two weeks...

I don't think anyone really understands what we do here or what a YWAM life looks like. I cannot speak for all of YWAM attendees, because all bases and DTSs are different, but for interests' sake I will try to take you through a day in my life in Nürnberg.

Typically I wake up at 7 am for breakfast which is mainly all kinds of bread and toppings laid out on the table in the basement. I live on the third and top floor and have to walk down two flights of half-circular stairs whilst still waking up. You can imagine how exciting that can be. Breakfast goes for an hour, but if you don't get there as early as possible there's no guarantee that there will be the items you like to eat, or food at all for that matter. People eat like horses here, and it's completely reasonable considering how much cardio (walking and bike riding) we do.

The thing about breakfast time, is that we also have to make a sack lunch at the same time. We make up sandwiches with yet more bread and toppings and take a fruit or granola bar. The reason we have so much bread is because we get crates of it donated every day from a local cafe called Der Beck (I may have already mentioned this in my last post).

Princess Peach (my bike) and I going to Lecture one morning.

After food is consumed and prepared for the afternoon. I get dressed and hunt down someone that's ready to leave for Lecture. Our Lectures are held in two churches (alternating) that are a fifteen minute bike ride from the DTS House. We ride through the forest, the park, the graffitied tunnels, the city and end up at one of two churches where a three-ish hour lecture is held. They are usually similar to a church sermon, but definitely more active and application based.

Once Lecture is over we usually have a bounty of meetings, that include ministry groups, core groups, worship nights, outreach teams, and work duties. And those can continue for the entire afternoon or will set up times to meet later in the day. Then when we are finished with whatever we need to do, we bike back home. Maybe stop for a shower on the way. Funny story about the showers actually... we didn't have any for the first week we were here. Then we had the miracle of showers but they are a ten minute bike ride away at a public pool, which means it is a communal shower that we share with each other and all sorts of strangers. Yay for showers!

Once home sometimes people take naps, or they do their work duty like they're supposed to. I'm on one of the four dinner crews so I only work every few days, but some people have to clean every other day. After that we do whatever we want, which is usually just socializing or working on something artistic. There's art happening all the time, whether it be harmonizing in the hall, photo editing, knitting, puzzles, or people being tattooed with an ink pen. The house is full of voices and laughter late into the night (long past quiet hours despite all the sshhhhing). It's a very exciting atmosphere to be in.

A walk in Herrnhut last weekend.

Then I journal the days events and sleep like a baby... And I wake up the next day and do the same thing, but not. Because no day is the same as before...

Hope this enlightens your curiosity even more! Blessings to all who read.

Love,
Hannah

Germany, Here I am!

St. Sebaldus Church, in the heart of Nürnberg

Having been here for almost three weeks, I find that I'm being stretched in so many ways. I never imagined being placed in a situation like this. Having
to live in a house with over a hundred people and sharing a room with 15 emotional girls. And it's reasonable to be emotional, because being here is unlike anything you can imagine. But here I am and it is good. 
It's a place like none other, here in the city of Nürnberg. We're living in an old office building with white walls, a bounty of puzzles from the
big orange thrift shop around the corner, and massive amounts of free bread. There's also a bounty of languages and language barriers. Everyone is learning about different cultures and lifestyles. There are people here from Germany, England, Holland, Canada, Malaysia, Columbia, Mexico, USA, and some other countries. Because of that, the variations of how we all live are extensive, but also very interesting to discuss and discover.
I'm surprised at how much I have retained in such a short time. Also, I've never actually been a foreigner, so when they refer to us as such, I feel as though they are talking about another group of people. Being a foreigner is exhausting, but not bad. I think learning the German culture has been interesting, because being an American is pretty different when it comes to human interaction. In general, Germans are fairly reserved with their emotions and affection. I have seen exceptions, especially in the house, but in public places sobriety is expected of you. At first I was surprised to see how little people interact on the streets, U-bahns, buses, and shops. They say as few words as possible and never wave at people they don't know. I have had much experience waving and smiling at people on the street while walking or biking, and receiving nothing in return. I will still continue to smile and wave though. You can blame it on being American,  I guess.

A really big "brezel" and Frauenkirche.

When I left two and a half weeks ago (feels like a lifetime ago), I felt like I didn't know anything about traveling or surviving in another culture. I was apprehensive about how well I would be able to sacrifice my habits but still be comfortable. I imagined myself panicking about things like sleeping (which becomes a very major thing if you are not getting any), eating (also can become a major thing), and what peoples' first impression of me would be. Since I would be meeting a lot of people, I assumed they would make assumptions about me. Ironic, I know. But so far, I've met the most lovely people and connected on a level that I was not expecting so soon. We've become family already and I feel at home.

I also had many fears about the "track" I chose, which is music. I am excited that I got to have a couple conversations with Corey (my track leader) and I think I have a better understanding of where he is coming from and what he has in mind for the track I can now call myself a part of. I seriously considered switching to another track, but I came here specifically for music and to stretch myself in that, so it would not be fair to God or myself to ignore that and choose a possibly less stressful track. When in fact, I won't know what I am capable of until I put myself in a situation that I expect will be difficult for me. 

The place I call home...

I've come to the conclusion that even if being in the music track is what I expect it will be (a hard experience), I am able to make it whatever I want it to be, for me and with God. Having a God encounter and taking my experience to learn how to minister and reach people who need His love, as I did and still do need His love. It's not about me anyway. It's about God reaching people through me. It's about the love of God.
The truth is I don't know what to expect, but I live in Germany for now and am enjoying myself thoroughly, getting to know this way of life and making myself at home for the next three months with the people around me. I even bought a bike for 20 euros and spray painted it a peach color. I pinned my canvas map up over the end of my bed, which is just a mattress, and made a little shelf out of some boxes that were going into the recycling. The little things make this place like home... Like the candles that a girl is burning across the room from me, the vases of flowers that a couple more people put around the house, and the laundry hanging on the line behind me (we have to hand-wash our clothing for the time being, until we get a washer and dryer installed).

Happy to be in Germany!

There's so much to tell, and so many photos to share! I hope this satisfies your curiosity about what my life is all about now, as well as the pictures I've been posting on Instagram and Facebook (though very few). I still love my home in Oregon, but for now this is a wonderful place for me and I'm so happy to be here.
A big thank you to those who supported me in getting here! Please keep me in your prayers and I'll do my best to keep you posted on my current adventure.

Blessings to all who read!

Love, Hannah

P.S. The mailing address you can send letters and packages to me at (if you wish to) is written like this:

Hannah Babcock
Raudtener Straße 9
90475, Nürnberg
Germany

Mission Funding: YWAM Herrnhut

I'm the kind of person who plans everything to the highest extent I am able to, on a daily basis. Because of that, I find it hard to accomplish my previously stated goal of abandoning fear in my life. I feel a great unsettling feeling when I think about the fact that I am leaving in less than a month for Germany and cannot possibly afford the Marriage of the Arts DTS on my own. I have enough for a round trip plane ticket, insurance, perhaps my vaccinations and that is all. The lecture and outreach phase, have not yet been paid for...

If indeed my goal is to abandon fear and put my trust in God's providence, then I need to dwell in a place of calm, trusting, and thanksgiving. In attempting to give up control to Papa God, I realize that I can only do what I can do. Papa God and people will not judge me for that, and most of the time people want to help (if you're brave enough to voice your needs, that is). My responsibility is to trust God's providence and plan for me and to be thankful for the funds He has already provided for me, asking that He will multiply them and having the faith that He will answer that request. I am also working as much as I can to earn money by working for my parents, selling things on eBay and Craigslist, and having garage sales... Time is just running out.

So, even though I feel very self-conscious and undeserving of donations, I'd like to voice my needs right now and ask that if you have any interest in missions or if you feel a pull to donate to my mission and what God is doing through me and through YWAM Herrnhut with art, then give. Give only what you feel is necessary or what you are able to, but give from a prayerful state.

My intention is to keep all of you involved in my journey, and if you'd like to invest into my life then you will have a connection through my blog posts filled with photos, music, and video, having a part in what God is doing in Germany, Africa, and beyond! Your investment will be will be appreciated more than you know and I am very grateful.

I am meant to go to Germany, to learn to serve and give of myself for the greater good. I am merging my stream into the river and letting my life be pulled by the rapids into a place of no control, because God's plan is bigger and better than I could ever ask or imagine. The Bible says so in Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout ALL generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Here's also a passage that I love that states Papa God knows what He's doing in my life, in our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) " 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' " He is all that is needed. He is the Prince of Peace and I am in His favor.

Ask God if you have a part to play in supporting my mission or YWAM in general. Ask in what way you can give. Whether it be your time as a Prayer Warrior or as an Investor for financial needs, whatever you feel led to do. We are all in our own stream, and this is an opportunity to participate in the river.

Peace and love to you all and numerous blessings to all who read! 

Love, Hannah

Mission Funding: Garage Sale Success!

Yesterday was the last day of my garage sale and it was a marvelous success in total! I was able to raise a total of $730.00 in just two days, which is wonderful and amazing. I wouldn't have been able to do it without all the help from four of my best friends. So here's to Haley, Alyssa, Brenna, and Kate! I love you all so much and appreciate your support and sacrifice to help me with this garage sale (which I sort of took over...). I am grateful that you are the kind of friends that I can rely on extensively.

Also, to my father Tony for helping set up, breakdown, and entertain me and my friends when there were lulls in business. Thank you to my sister Bethany, my Mama, my pastor Kristen, Carla and Gene, Kristy and Rich, and Grandma Sherryl for donating items for me to sell as well as Sylvia for letting us use your tables and cash box. It made a world of difference. And to all those who shopped at the garage sale, thank you as well! I'd also like to say one last thank you to my great Aunt Barb and Uncle Loren for the money they donated, I really appreciate it!

I hope to have another garage sale before I leave for Germany, because the last one was such a success and I still have plenty of things I could sell. If you'd like to donate, you can contact me through this blog, or my email which is hannahbab7@yahoo.com. I still need to raise quite a few funds, which you can see on my GoFundMe site (http://www.gofundme.com/Hannahs-Mission).

Blessings to all who read!

Love, Hannah

We Are Amazing & Fear Is A Hologram

Everyday has been purposeful lately. Something amazing has happened everyday in my life these last couple weeks. Even things that would have been overlooked before have a whole new meaning and I'm becoming re-educated on the belief that everything happens for a reason. I can strongly state that God is preparing me to have a life changing experience soon. In fact, I'm in the beginning stages of that process. 


I think one of the tools that Papa God will use and has used to re-educate me is conversation. In the last couple days I have had short and exhaustively long conversations with content that I cannot ignore. Things that I needed to hear have been surfaced or resurfaced, giving me confidence that where I'm going is the correct path for me, both in the physical sense of traveling to Germany and the spiritual sense of taking a risk/leap of faith.

To abandon fear along the way will be my goal and I've been learning and experiencing what that's like everyday. I've learned that we create fear in our head, which affects our hearts, which can eventually kill us. I've learned that no one can make you feel what you don't want to. You make your own feelings and truths and lies within your head. If we are able to recognize the power of our thoughts and words than we can use those to better ourselves and our circumstances with the help of the power of God that is in us. We put up the barriers that our stopping us from achieving all we are capable of (and more considering most people have no idea what they are actually capable of, me included), so we should be able to pull those barriers down with practice.

I've also learned that people are amazing and human interaction is very important to God's ministry for us. It is overwhelming to think of how we "think"; how our minds perceive things based on how we are each programmed to receive data and process it. This is where the root of fear, emotion, bravery, and passion begin (as well as many other things), but they expand within us if we let them. It's interesting to discover other peoples' fears; things that I would never think of as scary or intimidating. It's especially interesting learning what my fears are, as well as my passions, abilities, and thought-process behind those things.

There's a made up statistic that says "99% of the things you worry about never happen." And though is cannot be tested completely, through experience I'd say this statement is pretty close to true. 

As you can see, I've been very thoughtful lately. I hope this encourages you to explore your fears and learn how to retrain your mind to process differently. I'll be re-learning right there with you. 

Today is going to be an incredible day. Blessings to all who read!

Love, Hannah

More Oceans

Here is a video of Hillsong United's song Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) live at Relevant. Still loving this song and singing it everywhere I go!

All credit goes to Hillsong United for writing this song and Relevant for recording this version. 

Blessings to all who listen!

Love, Hannah