Glacier National Park

I don't wanna grow up...

So, most of my days are highlighted by the time I get to spend with my little friend who lives here. Her name is Kierra and she is 21 months. She and I play almost every day. She runs by my room and knocks on my door every time it's locked (meaning she can't just open it and walk in). She is absolutely the most fun person around and I wanted to show her off a bit.

She and her mom playing with the bubbles I bought her..

I also got her some fun numbers and letters for the bath!

Our attempt to make a cake. For some reason, Kierra kept eating EVERYTHING: the eggs, the dough, the icing, the cake itself..

And this is my other playmate. He belongs to the Thrift Store manager. His name is Aiden and he is 2. This is when we built a fort in the couches and played in it!

Where's Browndy?

I'm not so sure what's about to come out of this blog but I feel like it's time to update my internet diary. Living in Montana isn't the dream I thought it would be when I moved here. I keep myself busy working 3-4 times a week at a Childcare place called Cuddle Bugs where I wipe snot, change diapers, sing silly songs, and tell kiddos "no" a hundred times a day. Most of my shifts start at 6:45 AM which isn't my favorite time of the day anyways. Then, I work Saturday and Sundays here at the Center of Teen Challenge with the girls. I live with 20 women and usually get up once a week or so in the middle of the night to get someone meds. I watch Auburn football at a bar or in my room all by myself. Actually, due to the lack of community I have, I do most things by myself. Don't get me wrong, I love most of it here. It's getting colder and the views are breathtaking. The children are precious and keep me laughing and going. The ladies here are like sisters and I love seeing them grow and being a part of what the Lord is speaking into their lives on a daily basis. It's just difficult to be somewhere by myself and having the only friends be here or on staff here. For instance, if I wanted to go hang out with one of my friends on staff, another staff would have to take the shift but we don't have that many staff so no one can ever get off together. Most of the evenings I sit in my room and am really lonely and bored because my girls are in their classes so I can't bother them. There is a 21 month old that lives here that has blessed me intently. She and I spend alot of time together playing!! :D

However, it's definitely the hardest thing I've committed to. Many nights are lonely and I question lots of truth. I think boredom is a weakness for me. When I was a child, that's when I would cut my own hair, call Wal Marts, or do something to terrorize my little sister. In high school it was when I would go out and get into things that were entertaining for the moment. Now, it leads to questioning the Lord and trying to figure out things on my own. One of the ways I feel like I'm dealing with it all is every time these moments come, I turn to the Lord in thankfulness. When I feel lonely, I think Him for how many incredible people He has placed in my life. I have so many wonderful friends that I surely don't deserve. I only know what I am missing here friendship-wise because I have experienced real friendships in my life. Not many people experience real Spirit-led friendships. I am so blessed to have know community in college and what community looks like when Jesus is the center of it. Yes, it hurts like crazy because I miss it all but it's beautiful what He has blessed me with. When I am bored, I am thankful for how many things I have gotten to do in my life;trips to Israel, Nicaragua, Mexico, Haiti, Hong Kong, and more that have been used to shape who I am. Sports that taught me so much about team work and loyalty and perseverance. When I feel like I am not equipped to be here I am thankful that I am still learning and He is giving me this opportunity to learn more. I read something today on a friend's blog that rocked my little world. It said:

He gives me grace for what IS, not what IF.

And if one of the what if's happened, then there'd be His supply for that need right then as well.

It's so true. I cannot write down how many what if's I have placed in my head the last few months. He gives me grace for today and promises me good out of every situation and circumstance that occurs. She also said, "He brings about NEW situations so that we can become NEW in character." This is my prayer from the beginning and I am clinging to it today. May I be more like Jesus after every season He takes me through. I am holding tight to this truth today and I hope it encourages others.

Moving to Montana.

These are pictures from last weekend at Rock Creek. Sonja and I went up and spent the day Saturday with Lindsey and her family.

A cool shot of the train coming thru.

Me and Sonja

Me and Linz

Me and Sonja with the Wise Family

Me and the River

So, I wanted to let those of you who don't already know that I am moving to Montana until December. Teen Challenge has asked me to stay on as staff and work the weekend shifts as well as living here with the girls. I am in the process of interviewing for another part time job somewhere maybe in childcare. This means I will be taking the semester off from Auburn but will resume in the Spring. I'm learning so much here so I don't think taking a semester off quite justifies my learning. There are things I learn here that I could never learn in a class room. However, I want to finish school and love the Social Work program at Auburn so I will definitely be heading back to finish up. This decision came with many prayers and many opened and closed doors. I never actually heard the voice of the Lord instruct me here, but I did pray for opened doors that would point me in the right direction. My parents allowed this to be my decision which really was a blessing to have their approval. Of course, I think they really don't like the whole idea since they value school but they trust my judgment and walk with the Lord. At this point, I honestly don't know if I am making a huge mistake or not but I do know that the Lord promises His children that in all things, He works situations out for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Not only do I love Him, but I love the work He is doing in and through the women here in Teen Challenge. I also love the work He is doing in me. There are many places in my life that still need healing and discipline and I find that through the staff and the mentors here. He is stretching me beyond what I knew I could do and the leadership I could hold. Being responsible for 20 + women is no joke. Many days I am frustrated, disappointed, angry, and filled with my flesh but He is really teaching me how to love and serve others each day. I love Montana. It's absolutely beautiful and I always like to be a part of an adventure and this probably is one of the biggest adventures of my life yet. I will be home the 16-21 to get some stuff and see my friends and family. Please let me know if you are available and want to hang out. I am trusting that the Lord has His hand in this whole move even if it seems off the wall. I am just letting Him drive while I enjoy Him in the passenger's seat. I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I walk thru this. Thanks for following my blog.

Things Ahead at Teen Challenge:

August 28-30 Spiritual Emphasis Camp for all students, staff, and alumni- Medical Lake in Washington

September 12- Sarah Palin will be here in Missoula to host a one night event fundraising for us to remodel our house. We will get to meet her and hear about her desire for God, Country, and Family

October 25- Brandy's Birthday :)

learning..

This may sound weird, but one thing I am learning so much about is the enemy. I know learning about Satan doesn't sound encouraging but it actually is. I am learning about who he is and what he is trying to do to steal the testimony of a believer. You know, he can't steal our salvation so the only thing left is our testimonies. The Lord is opening my eyes to how much he torments and lies to believers and in that, hinders our walk of freedom and redemption in Christ. I see it every single day here at Teen Challenge. This group of women are so incredibly bold, passionate and devoted to their Lord Jesus Christ. However, the enemy knew that the Lord created these women that way. For so long Satan has deceived us with lies and false realities because he knows what an impact these women have on the Kingdom of God. The good news is, Satan is stronger than us but not stronger than Jesus-the one who defeated and conquered death and ripped the power away from sin. And, when these beautiful women of God run to Jesus, He breaks these lies and chains that have entrapped them for so long. Obviously, these are the most passionate people I have ever met. They were created to be! Praise God that the enemy has no power over them and in Jesus' name, they have power over him! Praise to the Lord!

Sweet Tea and Indian Taco's

On Friday night one of the staff members, Barb, invited Lindsey and I to her house. She grew up in Virginia and promised me she knew how to make sweet tea. She asked for us to come over and she would cook Indian tacos for us. The tacos were incredible. They are served on an "Indian fried bread," and then you put all your toppings on top. Mine was loaded with sour creme, beans, meat, cheese, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and I think that's it. They were delicious! However, the sweet tea was absolutely incredible. I was close to making a trip to McDonalds just for a large sweet tea before Barb's house. I didn't know I would miss sweet tea as much as I do.

The evening was wonderful. After dinner we went on a 2 1/2 hour hike in the mountains behind her house. Remember, it doesn't get dark here until 11. The hike was beautiful and I loved just being in awe of our Creator. His mountains, trees, and sunsets just reveal His majesty. Montana is surely a beautiful state.

Weekend in Wyoming.

This weekend was a blessing. The Lord worked it out so that I could take off and go to Buffalo, WY with my friend Lindsey. Lindsey is on staff here with me and is from Buffalo. She invited me to go home with her for the weekend to see Wyoming and meet her folks. The drive was a good 7 hours, but it was breathtaking. I don't think I'll ever get used to these incredible mountains. There are mountains, valleys, hills, rivers, cliffs, and deer all along the road from Missoula to Buffalo. We spent the weekend relaxing by eating good food, sleeping late, and watching movies. Her dad didn't know we were coming so it was fun to surprise him. I got to meet her grandparents, cousin, friends from home, etc. Buffalo is such a neat city with a cute little downtown. Lindsey has been an incredible blessing for me since I've been here. She's 25 and has been through the Teen Challenge program here in Missoula. She finished the entire program and stayed here to finish college and work alongside the ministry. She does take-in, requests, and really pretty much everything. She's an awesome role model for the girls and myself and perfect to talk to and receive advice. I'm confident the Lord put her here to challenge and disciple me. It's a unique little community they have going on here and my favorite part is that we have all been in bondage to some kind of addiction or controlling issue. It's cool to finally be able to talk and understand more about myself and searching into what the Lord has for my future.

I've began working on Beth Moore's book When Godly People Do Ungodly Things. It's absolutely fantastic but very challenging. I love how the more we think we've got "it," the more He reveals to us that we never fully will. I just wanted to throw that out there to whoever wants to read it. Actually, I don't know who even reads this thing right now since I'm not out of the country but if you do, I pray that it blesses you and that you would feel welcomed to write or encourage me whenever. By the way, my address here is

Brandy Brendle
3815 South 7th W.
Missoula, MT 59804

Hopefully more pictures to come... stay tuned :)

Missoula, MT

Just a quick update.
I am here in Missoula working at the Teen Challenge Montana Outreach. There are 16 ladies here who are being restored and redeemed with the grace of Jesus Christ. The facility consists of four bedrooms for the ladies (housing 4 each) with one bathroom per bedroom, a classroom, a chapel room, the staff bedroom/bathroom (where I stay), offices, living room, and of course, a kitchen. It's a very nice facility with even nicer people. The staff is absolutely incredible. It consists of about 5 girls close to my age who are extremely devoted in their walks with Jesus, 4 of whom graduated through the Teen Challenge program with incredible testimonies. I love seeing success. No success means more to me than to see people succeed in declaring their freedom and power over the enemy, his lies, and his bondage. This place is full of the Holy Spirit. Many of the women have their own prayer languages, and every morning I feel His presence when we all stand in the living room and worship for 30 minutes before the day begins. He is so faithful to His children. He longs for us to find freedom in Him.

I have horses and mountains for neighbors. Everywhere I turn, mountains.

Things to be prayed for:
-continued easy adjustment for me
-women to open up and allow the Lord to use me to speak truth and love into their lives
-DISCERNMENT and WISDOM!
-fast pace of training
-some kind of transportation for my off days

-GLORY TO HIM FOR WHAT'S BEING DONE HERE.