Tabitha Hanson
Share a bit about yourself and family.
My husband Wade and I have been married for 32 years and have 5 children: Noah (25), Gabe (22), and triplets Isaiah, Hannah and Levi (20). I enjoy reading, exercising, traveling to visit my children at their colleges (in California, Maryland, Nebraska and Illinois) and attending Bible study at Dianne Orth’s home on Monday nights.
What are three of your favorite foods?
Three of my favorite foods are Chicago deep dish pizza, perfectly pan seared scallops and ice cold watermelon. The pizza represents how I love to travel and try local dishes in the places I travel to. The scallops represent my love of seafood but also my love of the ocean and the beach. And the watermelon is linked to my love of summer and celebrating my July birthday with extended family at our cabin in northern Minnesota.
What is your favorite bible verse?
My favorite bible verse is: Hebrews 12:1-2 “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” As a teenager, the youth pastor at my church blessed me by sharing this verse with me. As a high school and collegiate athlete this verse truly connected with me. As a wife and mom it continues to encourage me. Life can feel like a race. Sometimes a sprint and sometimes a marathon but without my faith in Jesus Christ it is so much harder than it needs to be. When we do hard things we can fix our eyes on Jesus. He will be our coach, our cheerleader and the light unto our path.
What is your favorite time of the day and my favorite outdoor activity?
The answer to these 2 questions are the same for me. I love watching the sunset. I am not a morning person. I have tried to change that my whole life and even though I can get up early and do get up early for work every day, I treasure the end of the day when the world slows down and I have time to think and reflect on the day behind me and anticipate what the next day will bring. Sunsets are so beautiful and remind me of the amazing God we have and His breathtaking creation.
What was your favorite class in school?
My favorite college course was “Shakespeare 101”. It was taught by a wonderful professor who made Shakespeare come to life. It was not an easy class and I had to work hard at it but the work paid off with an even deeper enjoyment of Shakespeare’s material. The course prepared our class for a month long trip to Europe where we visited the Globe Theatre in London, Stratford-Upon-Avon (Shakespeare’s Birthplace) and Verona, Italy which was the setting for Romeo and Juliet. As a nursing student at the time, all of my classes were science and health care focused so this class was such a fun break from the serious and intense training of nursing.
Cathy Jacque
Share about your younger years.
I grew up in Forest City, Iowa, in a family of five children. We didn’t have much but I remember summers of going barefoot most of the time and using our imaginations to create our fun. A new coloring book was always treasured. We walked across town to go swimming without any fears. Summer activities and celebrations were well attended by the entire town. School activities and sports also attracted large crowds. My mom still lives there so I have plenty of opportunities to visit and walk down memory lane.
I also graduated from Waldorf College in Forest City. It was while at Waldorf that the seeds of faith were planted and the Holy Spirit started to work in my life. For that, I am grateful.
How do you spend your time these days?
Now that I am retired, I am enjoying the flexibility of my time. One of my favorite interests has been supporting New Life Family Services. There is a great need for prayer and support for the wonderful services they provide to women who seek help with an unplanned pregnancy.
I also enjoy spending time with my son Brian, daughter Melissa, son in law Rick and grandson Leon. These are treasured times for us. I also love how we are there for each other at any time.
What is your favorite time of day?
If I can get up early enough, my favorite time of day is at sunrise. I love how the orange and red colors peek over the horizon and welcome the brand new day. One of my favorite verses is “This is the day which the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24.
Do you have a favorite movie?
One of my favorite movies that I remember from when I was young is The Inn of the Sixth Happiness. It is a story about the life of Gladys Aylward, missionary to China. She heroically led 100 orphaned children to safety across enemy held terrain during Japan’s invasion of China. I was moved at how this woman could be so brave. Years later, I found the movie on CD so I can periodically enjoy it again.
What is a smell you love?
My favorite smells are fresh rain, fresh cinnamon rolls right out of the oven, a pot of soup on the stove and Thanksgiving dinner.