Shivering, I look out the window. As if it's some joke, my thermometer reads 45°. Forty Five Degrees! Is this honestly summer? Well, according to all those I've seen sporting shorts and tank tops, it is, but i'm still sitting here bundled up in my jeans and a sweater... Welcome back to Michigan.
These past two weeks Stateside have been a joy. I feel nothing, but blessed by friends and family. Picking up where we left off with people, three years ago, is a beautiful feeling. However, the cold weather definitely added to my ache for the the tropics of Thailand.
I never realized how much and how soon I would miss the continuous sunshine, beautiful scenery, even the HOT 103° afternoons! I miss walking barefoot down the road to buy a kilo of fresh fruit. I miss the joy of succeeding in communicating a simple question. I miss the smell of fried chili in a favorite restaurant we named "The Shack". I miss my slow paced lifestyle.
Reflecting on these fond memories, I illustrated some of the beauty I used to view on a daily basis. This pencil sketch incorporates some of my favorite things from Thailand, including traditional architecture, sweet ocean breezes, and misty mountain views.
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I laugh looking through some of my earliest drawings, faceless stick figures and smiling suns. Evident as a child, my passion and love for art only grew as I matured. Growing up I attended art lessons, as well as worked at techniques on my own. Being by nature a less talkative person, I often looked to drawing or painting to express my not-so-quiet personality. I discovered a new fulfillment and confidence each time I looked down at a completed piece of art, formed with my own two hands. I often wondered how I could share with others the joy I found in expressing myself through creativity. My international school, CRICS, asks seniors to each complete a project serving our community in Chiang Rai, Thailand. After hours of introspective thought, meditative prayer, and talking with mentors, I decided to use my passion and gifting in art to bless the Thai community. I heard about a local ministry dedicated to rescuing girls from human trafficking and abuse. “Some of the girls here arrive crushed, believing they have no value and should not be alive,” said a volunteer at the home. I so wanted to give these girls the self-confidence I felt after creating something beautiful from nothing. With the help of many friends’ and families’ donations, on March 14, 2015, a group of student volunteers and I led an all-day art camp for the girls at Baan Phak Phing (House of Refuge). Everyone rotated through four stations making paintings, drawings, pottery, and jewelry. Smiling faces filled the room. Laughter and cheers of success could be heard down the street. I loved seeing so many of the girls proudly parading their completed creations across the room. At the end of the camp a volunteer at the home really encouraged me saying, “You were able to help girls, who have had a very difficult past, enjoy a fun and creative day. They all had smiles on their faces while working on their projects. They were also very surprised that they were able to paint and draw beautiful things. You have been able to build their self-esteem while having fun.” Overall, I feel the camp was a success. We not only taught the girls art and gave them a fun day, but we also connected with them in a personal way, hopefully restoring some of their damaged confidence. I often thought I had nothing to contribute to my community. However, using what little I possessed, I was able to deeply bless and encourage so many. You may daily believe the lie, “What I have is not worth giving.” However, today I urge you to bless someone with what you’ve got, you never know how much of an impact a simple act can make. No matter how insignificant it may seem, you have a gift worth giving. Romans 12:6-8 “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us… if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously… Blessings, Hannah Update, June 27, 2015: Today, with some leftover supplies and donations, I put on a similar art camp with teen girls living at Akha Outreach Foundation. They all had a wonderful time drawing and making jewelry! Recently I have been spending some time at this beautiful orphanage. The kids definitely have captured my heart. I will truly miss them this next year. For the protection of the girls, I have not included pictures of the girls at Baan Phak Phing. If you would like to learn more about these beautiful ministries or how to sponsor a child, check out their websites. Baan Phak Phing Akha Outreach Foundation
Here are a few pictures of the girls diligently working on their beautiful art projects.
“Home is where the heart is.” We’ve all seen it cross stitched on a pillow somewhere. This phrase, intended to comfort, always floods me with a sense of confused uneasiness. When too many places hold my heart, where do I call my home? Three years ago I exchanged a familiar home in Michigan for an unfamiliar house in Thailand. In the first few weeks away, my whole being ached each time I thought of the friends, family, and life I left behind. However, as the months passed, Thailand undoubtedly stole my heart. I adored the language, food, landscape, schooling, and culture, but above all, I loved the people I met. Strangers became friends and those friends became family. My new love never replaced the affection I felt for those I left in America, I realize my heart just grew larger. I amazed myself with my own capacity to feel so connected to two places at once, but also confused myself with how disconnected I often felt from both places. Like most third culture kids, I dislike the question, “Where are you from?” When asked this I find myself awkwardly formulating a wordy response, attempting to explain the places I’ve lived. My family moves back to Michigan in a few days. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles in the States, eagerly inquire if I’m excited to come “home,” while friends and teachers across the world ask about my feelings and grief towards leaving “home.” Where is home? Hours I ponder this question, identifying myself with things from both cultures. I consider where I fit in groups of people. I attempt to understand where I belong. Home is where the heart is… right? Wait, but countless friends and family hold bits of my heart. Not just in Thailand and America, but throughout the world. Where is my home then? Do I not belong anywhere? Actually, I don’t… well not in this world at least. Hebrews 13:14 “This world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” A sense of peace overwhelmed me when I realized I don’t need to understand or figure out where I fit on this earth, because, guess what? It’s not my home. Although difficult when belonging seemed a necessity, I rejoice that I left what I thought was home to start someplace new. Without true roots anywhere, I feel third culture kids truly understand not belonging to this world. Although I accept being but a wanderer now, I celebrate in knowing where my true home will one day be. Blessings, Hannah |
Welcome Friends!Hi, I'm Hannah, a college student with a passion for creative expression. I find joy in drawing, painting, writing, and dancing. I'm here to inspire others to discover beauty in the mundane through living an artistic lifestyle. Archives
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