On Vacation with Hannah

I have a lot to share with you today! =) So find a comfortable spot (like the one pictured above, which was also taken at the home we rented in Sunriver, Oregon last summer) and enjoy the scenery!

Yes, I have a new blog design! Thank you to Ashley over at After All....... Tomorrow is Another Day for helping inspire me to really revamp my blog for each new season! Since yesterday was the first official day of summer, it made sense to make the switch now. I'm hoping that the new background, the picture above, and the color scheme all convey a sense of "summer."

I would love to hear your thoughts on the new look for my blog! And I thought I would share my thoughts on it, as well, particularly the picture above. =) In the "Seasons of Humility," summer would be the time when we are humble before God and seeking His will--not our own. We are sinners (and therefore not perfect), so this season in our lives won't be perfect either. But, as much as possible, it will be a time when we let go and truly trust God and His plan for our lives. It's hard to come to the place where we surrender all that we have to Him. But, as paradoxical as this may sound, that is when we reach the mountaintop--for we are seeking to see our lives from God's higher perspective. The more humble we are, the more we are able to see God's powerful working in our lives and the more open we are to following Him. I hope that the picture of the mountain above (along with the tranquil and green, "growing" colors on this blog) will encourage you. May we, through the Lord's grace and strength, be coming ever closer to the summertime of humility!

Now, coming back to "Vacation Week," it is my great pleasure to welcome Hannah from Project Journal as our guest! Little did I know when I asked Hannah if I could interview her that I was talking to a world-traveler! Here's a list of the places Hannah has been:

• Ireland
• Isle of Jersey
• Isle of Guernsey
  
• France
  
• Belgium
• Luxembourg
• Germany
  
• Wales
  
• Canada
• Holland
• Nassau (in the Bahamas)
• Over half of the United States
• And soon . . . London!

That's some list! And I thought I was quite the traveler! ;) So please join me in welcoming world-traveler Hannah!

Amber: What is your favorite vacation destination?

Hannah: I would definitely have to say that my favorite vacation destination so far would have to be Ireland or the Isle of Jersey. My family always travels together (mom, sister, aunt, grandma, grandpa, and myself), so it's always interesting. Ireland was our first international trip together. Hence, one of my favorites, I think. I believe Kav had said that you don't know green until you go to Ireland. Boy is she right! Ireland is beautiful. Plus, they don't have any snakes!! The Isle of Jersey, for those of you who don't know, is in the Channel Islands, which are part way between France and England. It is a beautiful, tiny island where the Jersey cow originated. My grandparents used to be Jersey farmers, so we like that little history about it. It is only 9x15 miles or something like that, but interestingly you could never walk it in one day. The island is full of beaches, castles, and very friendly people. I would recommend that everyone gets there at least once, then you'll probably go back like we do! Lol....

Amber: If you could travel to anywhere in the world you have not been, where would you go and why?

Hannah: I have been many places, but I really would love to go to Italy. My dad's side of the family is very Italian; his grandparents came over from Italy. So, I have some ties. I mean, my last name is Cerasoli! Lol! They have gondolas, lots of history, and good food. Why wouldn't I want to go? I'd love to track down some of my family history also.

Amber: What setting would you choose if you were writing a book?

Hannah: My story would probably take place in a small town. Then, depending on the story, it could be a small town mystery/murder or a small town romance story! It leaves my options open.

Amber: What is one thing you love about your hometown?

Hannah: I live in a relatively small town (especially compared to others), so I love how everyone knows everyone. I know that sounds cliche, but it's always fun when news gets around. *A bit of sarcasm* No, really though, it is fun to have nosy neighbors sometimes and little old church ladies that want to know all your business, because you know they care. It's not like the city where everything passes everyone by. You stop and take the time to listen and tell stories because you all care about each other.

Amber: Thank you, Hannah, for sharing some of your experiences with us and for visiting "Seasons of Humility" today! Here's to many more wonderful travels!