Making Some Changes

Hi all, Long time no blog...but probably for good reasons

Its been a long time since I wrote anything on my blog....the reason for this is that I have been suffering with bad depression in the last couple of months. I figured it would be better to wait until I felt a bit better before putting thoughts down.
I have now changed my job and am working for Specsavers in Guildford - my sister has taken to calling me an optical pixie!!! So far so good but it has been very up and down in the last couple of months so I'm taking it one step at a time. I found that when I stopped working for a while I realised how run down I was. Now I'm getting back into it with as much energy as I can muster. I'm hoping that the future will be a bit more smooth (ha ha who am I kidding - but you know what I mean) and I can settle down well in the job.
So I just want to thank a lot of people who have been with me on this journey, prayed for me and helped me. Its not an easy thing to deal with depression but I am grateful for the genuine care that people have shown me. And maybe I will be able to help other people in the future.

Sometimes I think you don't realise where you've been until you look back on the journey afterwards

All my love

Hannah

Twenty20 Match

Long time no blog...naughty me.

I thought I'd update my blog with my birthday treat this year which was to watch a Twenty20 match England versus the West Indies at the Oval. I went with my Mum and Dad and Sim a friend from Uni.

Sim + Me before the match

We got really good seats at the back of one of the stands giving us a great view of the field.

It was really exciting to see all the England players in real life. Especially my favourite players such as Monty Panesar (who wasn't playing) Ryan Sidebottom (with the curly hair), Stuart Broad and Kevin Pieterson.

The Weather was quite cold and very windy but we managed to escape the rain. There were some burst of sunshine which were welcome warmth in the cold. I really enjoyed the atmosphere it was fun joining in with the mexican wave around the stadium. It was really exciting when there were big shots and we cheered really loud for England. Unfortunately we didn't win...we lost by a few runs (less than 20) but it was worth it for the event. I would go again any day.

Collingwood was out with a 3rd umpire's decision

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Cricket is certainly not boring I had a great time. Many thanks to my Mum and Dad for the birthday treat. Anyone fancy going to a county match with me some time?

Time with Friends

Hi all,

I'm back. A litle tired, but having spent some good time with my friends Katie and Costel in Romania.

I met some new people and caught up with some old friends. Among my new friends I would like to mention Alexandra and Valentina who live near Katie and Costel and come round to play most days.

As well as being on holiday I took the opportunity to spend a day with Costel (Katie's husband) and Lenus from the Miriam foundation and we visited two families who have teenagers with Aids.

We always take food and clothes with us on every visit and stop to chat and pray with each family. (donations are always welcome write me a comment if you are interested).

Me with Michael + delivery of food and clothes.

Costel , Me, Lenus (with the glasses) and one of the families we visited.

Katie, Costel and I also took a day off to go to the mountains and visit a Romanian castle. The weather was beautiful in Romania while I was there. Which is more than I can say for the weather in England when I got back it was snowing - yikes.

Costel and I in the castle grounds

I really enjoyed staying with Katie and Costel, Costel is very skilled in working with wood and has made their house a beautiful place to be.

I stayed in the house just across from them with Costels mum, who made me feel very welcome and makes the most fantastic pancakes!

It was also good to be able to help out a little in the garden. Romanian families tend to grow most of what the eat in the garden. So we planted lots of onions and some salad seeds. This is the season for putting in your vegetables so it was nice to do some real gardening as I only have a small area for Veg at home.

I was also really pleased to catch up with Katie as she is now approx 6 months pregnant and I am so excited for her and Costel. hopefully I will be able to take a short visit over once the baby is born.

I must introduce you to another member of the family- this is Bobby, the guard dog. He is a fantastic dog who likes to have hugs- once he gets to know you.

Here, There and Everywhere.......

Hi all,

Now that I'm back from Cornwall I've planned another trip away....... 13th - 19th March to Romania.

Some of you will know that I have been visiting Romania and The Bread of Life church in Ploesti for around 6 years. I am very much looking foward to catching up with my friends old and new over there. I will be staying with my very good friend Katie, who went out with me just over 2 years ago for a visit and found her now husband Costel.

Picture taken by Zec Larkin.

I also hope to spend some time visiting families and children who have Aids, through The Miriam Foundation. The Miriam Foundation supports those who have HIV or AIDS and has particularly in the past worked with young children. Typically when I am able to be in Romania we will arrange visits to families where we take food, clothes, vitamins and toys and spend some time talking and praying with them. This kind of trip costs about £10.00 for each family we visit, week by week there is a drop in policy at the Miriam Foundation Office where families can come for a chat when they are in town (this is usually for hospital appointments). The drop in is primarily manned by Costel (Katie's husband) and Lenus (who is a member of Bread of life church) a fantastic lady who I care for very much. Lenus lives in ploesti with her husband and 2 children. There are many great people in Romania who I am looking foward to catching up with.

So 2 weeks of work and I'm off again........

Away for a Holiday

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I am off to Cornwall for a week. I am going to spend a week with my grandparents and with my sister who will also be visiting .

A White Morning

Before I start I must explain. In England (well my part of England anyway) we don't get that much snow. Also we never seem to keep it for long. So you can perhaps imagine my surprise to wake up this morning and find the world outside had a white covering.

Beautiful...Just beautiful.

The unspoiled look of the world before you walk through it and feel the pressure of the snow change under your feet. I just love it.

By the time I got home from work tonight it had all disappeared...but maybe tomorrow......

The Windy City

Before you ask ........Yes it is a windy city

Some of you will know that as part of my new job I took business trip to Chicago for a course. So I thought I might share some of my views of the city with you. The skyline is not like any in England that I have met before.

This is the Hancock Tower it's the second tallest building in Chicago after the Sears tower which was where I was working.









It's a long way down...........but you do get some nice views of the City and Lake Michigan.









The building with the Antennae on is The Sears Tower where I was working.

My favourite place was outside on Navy Pier looking out onto Lake Michigan, the views (I hope you will agree) were beautiful.