Hannah Swayze
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A very vivid childhood memory I have is praying for a horse. God answered that prayer on a cool, crisp, Christmas morning when I was 8 years old. As I watched Sarah, our new horse’s, lips sort through dried fall leaves looking for grass I was fascinated and fell in love.
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At 15 I went to OEI a training program for teens teaching them to share the gospel with kids through Bible stories and object lessons. It changed my life and I have been involved in children’s ministry ever since.
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After I graduated I moved to Alaska for a while where I worked with different native groups and a church children’s program. It was a thrilling time in my life. God grew me, taught me, and stretched me in wonderful ways. I had the opportunity to drive theAlaska Canada highway up to Anchorage, eat smoked salmon in turquoise glacial bays and fall in love with the ocean and it’s ever changing beauty.
After my time there God brought me home. I spent time with my aging grandma and God continued to grow me over the course of the next few years. Looking back each step directed, led me and grew me into who I needed to be for my job at Sky View.
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Our family opened the ranch in September of 2012.
All through high school my parents encouraged me to pursue ministry. Since I was homeschooled it was easy to free my schedule up to help with Bible clubs. I also went to Alaska in the summer to help with Vacation Bible Schools.
I have been on staff since Sky View opened in 2012. It has been an honor to get to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we work with the families that come to the ranch. I am in continual awe of our Savior's goodness especially when I hug my students, watch a 1,000lb horse being guided around the arena by a child and stand in the midst of the laughter found at the ranch. I am constantly amazed by the life God is allowing me to live in service to Him. It truly is a continual adventure as I live my dream and working my dream job!
What are things you like?
Tea with milk and honey. I like oatmeal, warm and sticky and sweet. I like swimming in rivers. I like writing. I like hugs, I like tea, my nieces and nephews and when people smile with their eyes. I like the sound of rain on the roof. I like the northern lights, my Bible’s worn pages and chocolate, I really like chocolate.
What are some cool things that you have done?
I have driven a semi. I got to go fishing in a stream in Alaska and literally had spawning salmon swimming between my legs. I lived far enough north for a month that I did not see the night sky because it never got dark. I have snorkeled and seen a sting ray in real life.