About Me

 

I grew up in Central Florida, the oldest of 5, and homeschooled. In college, as I was preparing to graduate and move towards getting a graduate degree in psychology, I felt the Lord calling me towards international missions. Soon after that, I met my future husband while we were on an intercollegiate mission trip to Zimbabwe. When he told me he'd like to continue getting to know me, he also told me "Just so you know, I'm going to be a missionary in Japan." 

 

Long story short, we got married, went to seminary, and in 2012, right after my first daughter turned one and I was pregnant with my second child, we moved to Japan as missionaries.

 

Another long story short- we loved (still love!) Japan, but after serving with the International Mission Board for about 6 years, the Lord called us to resign and move back to Florida.

 

Again, an international move while pregnant - this time with my 5th. Three of my babies were born in Japan.

 

It was after my 5th child was born that I discovered postpartum doulas and began training to become one; I'm now a certified postpartum doula and a certified breastfeeding educator.

 

I also began to feel God's call to serve with Beautiful Feet International again (I had before as a teenager); soon, I was asked to be on the board of directors and to lead a mission trip to Costa Rica.

 

There are so many instances in my life where it is obvious the Lord was leading me. There are times I didn't listen; there are times I did (read my blog on how I ended up on that mission trip to Zimbabwe!). Thankfully, no matter where I've been or what I've been doing, I've always known that He was by my side.

 

How that translates to my everyday life

 

First, I spend most of my time just being a mom. Homeschooling, cooking, cleaning, and doing the even harder but most rewarding work of listening and loving each of my amazing children.

 

In the midst of that, I make sure to set aside time for my other two "missions". I know as my kids get older, I may have more time to spend on postpartum work and missions, but for now - I take one or two postpartum client a month, lead one mission trip a year, and help with one fundraising event a year. 

 

There are always smaller tasks to be done - like most busy moms and entrepreneurs, my to-do list is pretty much never-ending. But, I'm learning every day to do only what falls in line with my priorities and what allows me to stay physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy. It's a learning process and I don't always get it right. But there is so much grace through Jesus. My prayer is always that I will fill up on His grace so much that it is overflowing to all other areas of my life.

 

I pray that for you, today, too.

 

Hannah