A Letter to My Beautiful Daughter, Hannah
Dear Hannah, I was watching you today and couldn’t help wondering what special plan God has for your life. You were holding a precious little girl in your arms and I could picture so many things in your future. Your compassion, gentleness, and spunk have been unique gifts of yours since you were a baby. You started off life only weighing 2 pounds. Your spunk and determination not only saved 
your life, but it’s now giving the children you love big the same hope to never give up. This little girl probably doesn’t feel she has a future. We visited her home and it was only the size of your walk in closet. It’s hard to wrap our brains around the needs we see. Your gentleness made her feel safe and she fell asleep in your arms. The mission team even gave you the nickname- baby whisperer.
Dad and I know our family mission adventure to Ethiopia has been challenging for you. I’m sure you have a list a mile long of all the things you miss every day. You love alone time to just chill out and that luxury is pretty much non-existent in a 2 room guest house with 5 people living inside. You exchanged your huge closet for 1 shelf. I hope you know we could never do this journey without you … your joy, humor and silly creativity makes us laugh and relieve the stress of the day. I’ve watched your sister, Zoie cling to your confidence and joy as she ventures out trying new things. I heard her tell you today, “I want to do everything my big sister does!”
I’m also watching you with my “mommy” heart … hoping and praying you are growing, learning, stretching, and challenging your walk with the Lord to find 
contentment in any situation God puts in front of you. The greatest of all … sharing the gospel with the bright light inside of you to the people you meet every day.
Thank you for trusting us, your parents and jumping in with both feet to join us in loving and serving in a radical way here in Ethiopia. You will watch our achievements and failures… please give us big grace. I can only hope that our decisions and actions will make an impact in your heart that you will carry with you for the rest of your life… so you can better know Him. As you abide in Christ, listen to His heart. It beats for lost people.
I’m thankful you are my daughter and look forward every single day watching you grow into the woman God designed you to be.
I love you, Hannah
A beautiful letter to a beautiful young lady. The photos tell Hannah’s story well…she clealy loves with a full heart.
Absolutly Fabulous!!!!
Kari, what a beautiful letter to Hannah – it brought tears to my eyes as a Mama of girls too. We didn’t quite move to Africa but when we felt God leading us to Texas in 1994,it meant moving Mandi in the middle of her junior year and Marki her freshman year from the only home & school they could remember. It was a family decision and our girls were real troopers! (Randi & Shane were married by then.) They jumped right in and grew both spiritually and socially. They still say how blessed they were by that time, even though it meant stepping out of their comfort zones. It added a new “life dimension” for all of us. Hannah loves Jesus, I’ve seen that love at work in her life and this picture affirms that love. It is SO exciting to see God working in the lives of our children and I know God has amazing adventures in store for Hannah (and Michael and Zoie). They’ve got such a supportive family who I know prays for them without ceasing! With God, ALL things are possible! I’m so blessed that God caused the paths of the Gibson family and Snyder family to intersect! I love you and pray for your family daily! (Give Hannah a hug from me!) — Linda
Hey Kari!
Wow… That letter was absolutely beautiful! Hannah is definitely a strong gal with a beautiful heart! You all are doing amazing things over there! We love and miss you guys! Hope to see you soon! You’ve gotta make a trip to Arizona when you get back so we can HEAR all about your family’s journey! Love… Love!
Kristal Romero and family
Beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes. Hannah is a wonderful human being. 🙂
*wipes tears*
Beautiful letter–I can’t imagine how much of a blessing it was to your daughter. And I LOVE the last photo (your daughter with the 3 little girls in purple).
Hannah, I can’t wait to meet you and get to know you! See you in a few months!