Oh well, here goes nothing..
My name is Hannah Williams, I am an 18 year old female New Zealander who is passionate about Jesus, adventuring and living a purposeful life. On it goes, I shall document my journey.
Earlier this year I was working full time as an assistant manager at The Body Shop in Hamilton, New Zealand, planning to save as much as I could to then adventure to London and join my oldest brother and his wife.
"A mans heart plans his way but the Lord directs his steps." - Proverbs Sixteen v Nine
But little did I know God was about to redirect my steps. Middle of this year we had some family friends over for dinner where I was able to hear about Jordan's journey and experience with YWAM in Kona, Hawaii. I was inspired, but little did I realise - there was something quietly resinating in my soul. I was hearing about YWAM everywhere it seemed so I took that as a sign and thought why not apply and see what happens. Nevertheless, I applied and only a couple weeks later got an email that was about to change my life. I never would have thought reading the words 'Aloha, Congratulations you have been accepted...' would cause so much excitement in my life. I screamed with joy, as loud as I could, with a few cheeky tears making their way down my cheek. In that moment I knew this was right, this was where God is wanting me in the next chapter of my life.
Myself and some of my close friends at my leaving dinner
I handed in my notice at work the day before I flew out to Australia for eleven days for a quick holiday to see one of my big brothers and some friends, having only four weeks left at work when I got back. My stay in Australia - like always - was a blast! Talking to a friend about the next few months I was going to have before I went to Hawaii, he then said "Why not come to Australia for a bit before going to Hawaii?" I didn't have any reason why I shouldn't so when I got back home I put the wheels in motion to getting everything organised for YWAM. After what felt like a long process of booking flights, visa appointments, and packing I finally had everything organised with still two months till I had to be in Hawaii. So off I went to Australia for two months, not planning anything of it. God willing, I managed to get a casual job at The Body Shop in the mall for the short amount of time I was here and made some incredible friends in the process!
Here are some photos from my time in Australia...
A couple of my friends and i went to the city for the day, this is a shot on our way home on the ferry at sunset
I had the opportunity to go the the young adults camp 'The Pursuit' up in the Blue Mountains for two nights and three days
Token tourist shot
Myself and two of my incredible friends after a great day in the city
Fully sick alley way in the city with bird cages hanging
The lake down the road at sunset
So here I lay, the last day of the year about to post my first post on my first blog with only three days and eleven hours till I arrive in Kona, Hawaii.
KEEP STEPPING FORWARD
