A little niblet

I went to Riga and Tallin this weekend.
More to come when I've done some editing.

Hurricane, and the clouds are moving so fast

There's a hurricane outside, so the trees are bending beneath the wind, and the rain is scattered amongst the dark clouds and the light. My night will be filled with tea, reading, and writing, not to mention cozy pjs. I think I'll attempt one of mom's recipes for dinner - at least, I'll attempt the main idea. I don't think I've ever had to go grocery shopping in a hurricane before, but alas, there is a first for everything. The clouds move so fast here that it could be drizzling, then pouring, then sunny all in a matter of minutes. The grey clouds + the time of day creates a purple haze in the atmosphere that is really beautiful. This morning, I awoke to an email from a dear friend at Gordon, which I am so thankful for - not only because she has thoughtful and encouraging words to share, but because in writing back, she made me reflect on the past few weeks, reminding me of all the wonderful things God has done therefore my heart is grateful.
Yesterday, I met with the study abroad director for tea because we had watched a documentary in class that moved me to tears, and we wanted to discuss it. "The Singing Revolution" describes the nonviolent revolution in Estonia, and the struggle of the Baltic states to maintain their culture and national identity under the USSR. The weekend prior to this viewing, the class was assigned a journal in which we were to read about Lithuanian culture and history and answer the question "What historical events set Lithuania apart?" So I was already amazed and overwhelmed at the perseverance and unity that is unique to these surrounding cultures by the time we watched the documentary - I was a goner. I hope you, whoever you are reading this silly little blog of mine, will be able to view it yourselves. It depicts something that we in America have never really experienced, something that is difficult to understand, but when you begin to realize what oppression means for these people, and that a government can threaten a thousand years of history and culture, I think you too will be overwhelmed at their love of country and understand why they fought to preserve their culture.
My American Lit class is going through the early periods, so having just finished accounts authored by the early pilgrims, we've moved onto Hawthorne's Scarlett Letter. All of these make it hard not to miss Massachusetts, as I'm reminded of it everyday. However, I am full of anticipation for what the Lord has for me here in the Baltics, in Klaipeda, Lithuania. For now, here is a sunset over the pond and city, and a trailer of the singing revolution.

'Till next time: "He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because He delighted in me." Ps. 18:19


xoxoxo
Hannah V.

The Singing Revolution Trailer

He fed them with fishes & bread

Tonight marked the first Sunday Night Dinner - one in a monthly series throughout this semester.
A couple friends and I thought it would be great to get together with the other SA students
to celebrate the end of our first week of classes, and what better way to do so than with food?
What a success!
We made our own version of pasta prima vera, with fresh veggies from the veggie stand, olive oil,
and some spices, along with a fruit salad. And for dessert: Tea and Cookies of course!
It truly was a wonderful time of fellowship. Hannah brought her ukulele and we all joined in singing some Beatles classics. Being in a place where people are so joyful is so encouraging. Each day is new, and each day things get
better. I'm reminded, day by day, that God truly is constant and unchanging.
'Till next time:
"For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end." Ps. 48:14

For reals sake, and other good things

Two in one day - I know. So crazy, but I felt that I should update the blog on more than a few words and a simple picture. This is from an email I sent to a group of people today, who hopefully didn't mind a random self-imposed update. I think I was lonely. Anyways:

-As of now, I am settled (kind of) into my new dorm room in Klaipeda, Lithuania at LCC International University and into my second day of classes. Lithuania is very different from what I expected, and the transition is very different from what I expected. Now, Lith is no Paris, but it definitely has it's own beauty. Scattered throughout the country are old soviet buildings - some still standing, and abandoned to the elements. Many of the houses are stone grey, with few windows and many doors, which is, I believe, "Soviet" style. That may not sound appealing to most of you because well...in fact, it isn't. It has very little incredibly beautiful architecture that you might find in Rome, nor does it have tourist-drawing sights like London or New York, but what it does have is history, a dark one at that, and re-growth. And there is the beauty: When I walk around the city, or chat with my roommate, I realize that these are a people moving out of that history (though not away from it) and into a more westernized civilization.To see a group of people enjoying their freedom, and rebuilding a nation and an identity, that is beautiful. Re-growth is beautiful. The food is strange and so is the language, but, since we're on the topic of history, many people before me have adjusted to such things. I've come to realize that adapting is a choice rather than a natural progression that just happens over time. Adapting to new situations takes conscious effort on the part of the person dealing with it, and if you can't adapt, can't broaden your perspective from the only, familiar, comfortable one you know, then living becomes much more difficult. Through the help of my mom, I've been learning much about Daniel: about the new situation he found himself in, and the choice he made to glorify God. When interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's vision (an outrageously daunting task) Daniel explained that this ability was given to him not because of some great wisdom he possessed that surpassed any man alive, but so that Neb could have understanding - peace at mind, you could say- concerning what the vision was. After the interpretation, we read that, as the vision points to the kingdom of God, the King fell before Daniel, praising God. So in choosing to adapt in a way the was pleasing to God (remember, he chose not to defile himself), Daniel had the opportunity of exposing the king to the glory of the Lord, and God's future plans. So my prayer now is that in choosing to adapt to this new place, in a manner that is most honoring to the Lord, that I too may be used for some great purpose. Knowing that God is good, faithful, and able to do exceedingly beyond what I could ever imagine, I expect great growth as a woman, a human being, a citizen of the world, and, most importantly, a child of God. I would ask that you keep me in your prayers - pray for strength to get through each day and each moment, pray for peace in an uncomfortable situation, pray that my mind would be Christ-centered instead of self-centered, and pray for opportunities to love and serve others. Though there hasn't been a day yet that I haven' fought back tears, I am exceedingly joyful knowing that God is with me and very thankful to have an opportunity and an experience such as this. Please feel free to write emails and letters, skype with me during the hours that we are both awake, and follow my blog. I think I've only put up one picture thus far, because I haven't taken too many, but keep checking back and hopefully I will get better at taking and posting pictures. Also, I will try to send email updates here and there, when I get the chance and remember to do so. Thank you all for your tremendous support through this time.-

He will be our guide, even to the end...

-Kretingas-

Chamomile for my throat,
Sister, and Sufjan,
The book of Daniel
To grant me some peace when the weather's grey and I am so far from home.

I just wanna be OK

Dearest friends,

Excuse my long absence. The change has been hard. Klaipeda is hot, and days are long. But God is greatest and good, and I'm learning to trust Him, and to walk with Him day by day, moment by moment. As soon as I've snapped some worthwhile shots, I will be posting them. For now, please know that all is well in Lithuania. Keep this country, its people, and its latest additions from the states in your prayers!

Blessings 'till next time,

Hannah V.

welp....

I'm here.

And terribly homesick.

Cried a bunch already, and I want nothing more than to skype my family. too bad they're all asleep.

It's been a very long day (two days?), and I have nothing to report.

Except: I'm here. and I'm homesick.