For My Grandbuddy.

The Sunday after my birthday, I went to Montgomery to spend some time with my family. I drove over to see Grandbuddy because it had been awhile since I'd seen him. When I first sat down with him to talk, he was asking about my summer and my time in Hong Kong. These general questions led to talking about my decision of school and the transfer to Auburn. Due to the heartbreak I felt he may have for my unpredicted quitting of volleyball, I was hesitant to this subject. However, he suprised me with his support and his encouragement to continue to do what I feel led by the Lord. Some humor aroused in our conversation when we got onto the subject of politics. For anyone who has spoken to Grandbuddy on this election, you know he is completely against OBama. He asked me how in Auburn, Christian students could vote for the anti-Christ. Even though I knew he was being slightly dramatic on this, we cleared it up with the conclusion in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." I told him that even if Obama is the anti-Christ, then so be it! For those of us who know the Lord, that means our long awaited face to face introduction to our Savior is one day closer!! Keep in mind, this is Grandbuddy I'm talking to, so politics are a bit of an exaggeration.

This political conclusion opened up the next subject. Grandbuddy wanted to ask me about my Jewish family. He is very interested in mine and Blair's hearts for missions, so he rightly questioned the salvation for the Jews. He was only curious to my opinion. My Grandbuddy truly loves my Nana and Pop. Let me stop here and say something. I am so extremely thankful for all four of my grandparents. It is so uplifting to see their relationship as friends and the love they share. In fact, my Nana used to call Grandbuddy her date because he would pick her up and drive her to my athletic events in high school when my Pop had to work! (Nana is my mom's mother and Grandbuddy is my dad's father haha). I honestly value this quality of a genuine heart that all my grandparents display.

Anyways, Grandbuddy goes on to tell me his knowledge of Abraham and the chosen people in the Bible. This furthered our biblical conversation where I want to stop and add another humorous story. You never know what will come out of this man's mouth about the bible. Grandbuddy asks me, "Have you ever heard that Satan is the father of all lies?" With my nod, he continued, "Yea, well I think he's my grandfather!" He goes on to say, "I mean, that fish that I caught that was this big," his hands measure about the width of his shoulders, "was really only this big," and shortens the distance to about a few inches of space between his hands. He also explained to me that when he tells women they look good, thinner, and attractive, "They just aren't really that pretty to me at all." Of course, me and the other cousins that have returned home after a semester in college, didn't even get the privilege of the lie. Grandbuddy told us straight up what he thought about our weights. But, his concern was that he does lie, and by that- he meant a numerous amount. I honestly don't think he realizes how funny he really is. I mean, he really has convinced himself that Satan could be his father! :-)

The next part of our conversation again dealt with his humor, but also some truth. In reference to the spiritual gifts in Romans 12:6-8, Grandbuddy asks me, "You know where in the bible, it talks about gifts?" I gently nod for him to Enlighten me with his wisdom. He tells me,"I don't think I got one!" He said his Sunday school class focused on these gifts earlier that day and he was convinced that, "The Good-Lord just didn't give me none of them gifts!" While he is explaining that he can't preach and is not a teacher, and that "None of them healings or tongues can even happen in today's world," I silently praised the Lord that this man wasn't my preacher. He finished however, by telling me that if he has any gift at all, he thinks he has the gift of giving. He expanded his idea with the realization, "I mean I always have given my money away to the church or that St. Jude's place, so I think I'm a giver." Even in this humorous generalization, I started thinking about this, and I believe Grandbuddy is correct. Buddy Brendle is definitely a giver.

What astounds me most about this, is he doesn't even know the depths of his gift the Lord has sent to him. This man gives so much more than money. I have never known a man to support his grandchildren more than my Grandbuddy. Personally for me, he has shown an extreme deal of support in my athletic career. It would be awkward for the old man in the chair not to scream and holler at my ball games. You all know that only God himself would stop Grandbuddy from missing a game. Even though his words were not always affirming, a silent Grandbuddy would be even more strange. And, he isn't just screaming for/at me! I don't know many of my teammates of families of, for that matter, who don't call this man "Grandbuddy." He provided the support of a loving Grandfather to many of us as we grew up. He gives his time, energy, and support to each one of us. A giver- yes, he is!

To sum up this critical meeting I had with my Grandbuddy, I want to end with our conversation about life. "Well Brandy," he said, "I'm getting older and I'm soon to roll over." I quickly interrupted saying, "In that case Grandbuddy, you've been saying that or you've been near to death for ten whole years now..." Turning the conversation back to serious mode, he went on, "No really, I can't seem to think that it is only right to survey my life. I mean, what was my point on Earth, why was I even here, or what did I do significant?" After hearing his explanation to what he thought he had done to this day on Earth, I was really challenged in my own life. None of us are too young to sit down and meditate on this very question. What have I done with my life? Have I made an impact at all on this Earth? Why did God even put me here? And this, is the Point of it all. Every little bit of each of our lives does have a purpose. In fact, Isaiah 43:7 says, "Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." This verse is describing our identity and our purpose. Our sole purpose is to bring glory to our maker by loving the Lord and loving people. Each day, we are challenged to see Him and know Him more. We are to take that very love, that he displayed while hanging on a cross, which is now in each of us, and share it with every human being on the Earth. Grandbuddy, I think you are doing an amazing job. By the love that Jesus Christ has empowered to you, you are using your gifts of giving to share that very love with many others. From children at St. Jude you have never met, people in foreign countries who have been reached due to your financial support to me, Blair, and FBC, to the very individuals who have been coach, cheered on, or influenced by you on athletic grounds. Many of us feel loved by you today. This valuable lifetime we have each been given, matters! Take comfort in the fact that the creator of the universe, sun, moon, emotions, and life in general-loved us enough to send his son to die for us! There is NO greater act of love that can EVER be established. You are so, so incredibly loved! Use that love to impact the world around you. We all need to be loved. No known gift is required for you to do this. All we really have is Jesus, and he's COMPLETELY and SOLELY all we need to make a change in the world today.

See Grandbuddy, even in your gift of giving, you gave me some inspirational advice. The Lord used you this time to preach, teach, and give me some biblical, meaningful, and life-changing words. This is how the Holy Spirit works. God will take what you think is your gift and use it to fulfill all these other gifts. I am so thankful for you and have been touched by this conversation.

General Update on Grandbuddy: Today, Nov. 5- He had surgery to get a pacemaker put in... Surgery went well. Thanks so much for your prayers. Due to his rather clogged lungs, he is still on a ventilator. I think we are just waiting for his lungs are ready to start doing things on their own. I think the big thing now is just praying for those lungs to keep healing. The progress has been good lately! My prayers are centered around his patience and peace as this whole thing starts to aggravate him. I hate not being able to talk to someone I love and to think He can't talk to anyone like he would want to right now just shows me how frustrating this must be for him. Keep him in your prayers... I believe this will eventually all be better and he will be complaining about the government and Auburn/Alabama football in no time :-)

Thanks!

The Voice of A Savior

The Voice of a Savior by Mandisa - lyrics
Some people try to listen to the bottom of a bottle
Some people try to listen to a needle in their arm
Some people try to listen to the money in their pocket
Some people try to listen to another's arms
You and I are not that different
We got a void and we're just trying to fill it up
With something that'll give just a little peace
All we want is a hand to reach to
Open arms that say I love you
We'd give anything to hear
The voice of a Savior
Some people try to find it with blind ambition
Some people try to find it where no one else has gone
Some people try to find it in the crowns of victory
Some people get defeated and lose the strength to carry on
You and I are not that different
We got a void and we're just trying to fill it up
With something that'll give just a little peace
All we want is a hand to reach to
Open arms that say I love you
We'd give anything to hear
The voice of a Savior
The voice of a Savior
Some people try to find it in the shadow of a steeple
Some people try to find it in the back row pew
Some people try to find it in the arms of Jesus
That's where I found it, how about you?
You and I are not that different
We got a void and we're just trying to fill it up
With something that'll give just a little peace
All we want is a hand to reach to
Open arms that say I love you
We'd give anything to hear
The voice of a Savior
The voice of a Savior
We'd give anything to hear
The voice of a Savior
The voice of a Savior
The voice of a Savior

Bamboo Curtain

Good Works and the Gospel

Just before China was taken over by the communists, one communist officer made a revealing statement to a missionary, John Meadows: "You missionaries have been in China for over a hundred years, but you have not won China to your cause. You lament the fact that there are uncounted millions who have never heard the name of your God. Nor do they know anything of your Christianity. But we communists have been in China less than 10 years, and there is not a Chinese who does not know...has not heard the name of Stalin...or something of communism...We have filled China with our doctrine.
"Now let me tell you why you have failed and we have succeeded," the officer continued. "You have tried to win the attention of masses by building churches, missions, mission hospitals, schools and what not. But we communists have printed our message and spread our literature all over China. Someday we will drive you missionaries out of our country, and we will do it by the means of the printed page."

Today of course, John Meadows is out of China. The communists were true to their word. They won China and drove out the missionaries. Indeed, what missionaries failed to do in 100 years, the communists did in 10. One Christian leader said that if the Church had spent as much time on preaching the Gospel as it did on hospitals, orphanages, schools, and rest homes-needful though they were-the Bamboo Curtain would never have existed.

The tragedy of China is being repeated today in other countries. When we allow a mission activity to focus only on the physical needs of man without the correct spiritual balance, we are participating in a program that ultimately will fail.






Revolution in World Missions by K.P. Yohannan

Reflection.

Reflection.

So lately, I've been in a time of reflection to see where the Lord has led me in the present day. In church the pastor has just finished a series titled, "Remember." He spent some time in the Old Testament, the book of Joshua Ch. 4. This is the time when Moses gives the leadership of the Israelites trip to the Promise Land over to Joshua. As my pastor taught about the crossing of the Jordan (vs. 19-24) and the provision of the manna and quail (Ex. 16), he showed us how the Lord provides for his people. This provision also reminds me of when the Lord provided a ram for Abraham to sacrifice after he was obedient with his son in Genesis 22. This is something I really began to embrace and think about how God is ALWAYS faithful. Looking back on my life it challenges me to think of the times when He has been faithful to me. Looking how far He has brought me today from a life of destruction, darkness, and evil, only begins to describe His faithfulness in my own life.

My pastor went on to teach us about remembering these times when the Lord has been faithful and good. After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River in Joshua 4, Joshua took the 12 stones he had taken from the middle of the river (vs.8-9) and set them up at Gilgal (vs. 20). In verse 21 Joshua tells the Israelites, " In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them, 'Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.' For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over." Later on in the chapter in vs. 24 he continues, "He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God." You see, the Israelites set up markers here to remind them of what the Lord had done for them. One marker, in vs.19, was the specific day the Israelites named to signify the days that God provided a way for the "impossible." The key marker in this story is of course, the stones they set up in Gilgal. These stones were a significant way to remember the Lord stopping the waters for them. These stones would be shown to generations of their families so that they too would be reminded of the Lord's faithfulness.

Another story that was shared in church by Pastor Peter from Uganda was the story of Jacob's dream in Genesis 28. After he woke, he placed the stone which he laid on, up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it, naming this place Bethel, meaning "House of God." This was a way for Jacob to set a marker to remember this place where the Lord came to Him. He named it the house of God because He was amazed and magnified God because of His faithfulness. This story also reminded me of when Abraham named the place where he was to sacrifice his son, Isaac, to the Lord. Since the Lord responded to Abraham's obedience, Abraham called that place, The Lord Will Provide (Gen. 22:14).

These passages influenced me to look at my life and see the times the Lord has been faithful to me. Have I spent time remembering what He has done on my behalf? Do I have markers set to remind me daily that the Lord is faithful?

These thoughts overcame me as I sat at the park on my birthday for some time to reflect on the past year of my life. As I was celebrating the beginning of a new year of life, I was also drawn to look back and see where the Lord has brought me from the previous year. I got out all my devotion notes from the past year and began to see what verses, books, and songs had been inspirational to me. I also saw struggles that I have battled over the year. I remembered the time when the Lord brought me to my knees in total surrender in February, when the Lord showed up to me in writing at Passion in April, when I was baptized by the Holy Spirit at church camp in May, the Lord providing for me to go to Hong Kong in the summer, His provision to settle me in Auburn, and His continuing faithfulness to comfort me in these times in Auburn. Looking back to my studies in the different issues I faced and the trials I have overcome, all I can see is the Lord's hand in it all-good and bad times. It just stirs up a humbleness in me to think that He has done so much for me in this year to remain faithful to me. And to think that He has done greater things such as wash, sanctify, and justify me (1 Cor. 6:11) in the name of Jesus!! How great the Father's love for me! But, I am reminded in Phil. 3:12, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." AH I love this!

Think of it like this, the cross and the empty temple are the two final markers the Lord left us with. He wrote His love on our hearts so now, WE are the Markers. We are living stones in a spiritual house. (1 Peter 2:4-6).

So don't forget his goodness and faithfulness that He has shown you. He loves and cares for us so much. He is providing even now, if we don't even see it. The Lord has been so good to you- He even gave His son to watch be crucified so that we could be made right with God by grace through faith. The crime was committed- We are sinners. There had to be a punishment or God would be unfair or unjust. This punishment was Jesus's death on a cross so that you and I could believe in Him and be free from our transgressions so that we may know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead ( Phil.3:10-11). So, rest in that today! Examine your life. See where the Lord has been faithful and praise Him for that. Praise Him for Who He is! Find markers that will never allow you to forget Him! The nail marks in His hands show that He never forgets us! I hope that this will encourage you today.

Brandy

My Favorites!!

MY FAVORITE THINGS (today) ...

• my puppy dog-- Riley (Poohbear!)
• pumpkin seeds
• carving pumpkins with roomies
• PUMPKINS AND GOURDS!

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  HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
  
  
  
  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Celebrate Life!

*Celebration*

Friday I got to go to lunch with a new sweet friend who is on staff with GCM, Mary Reading. It was so great to get to know each other and hear about some of her trip to HK. Of course, she was probably annoyed by how much I had to say about it. I can't help that HK is a subject that I could talk about all day long :-). Then I went into work where I was greeted by a huge sign on the wall that read "Happy Birthday Miss Brandy," and all my kids had colored all over it! It was the cutest thing!! It was a GREAT afternoon to hang out with my lil angels. After work, my friend from Tuscaloosa, Anna Walker, came into town. Mom also came up so she took us and some friends to dinner. After dinner we ate the cookie cake mom brought me and I got to celebrate with some close friends. It was great to see mom and I'm so thankful for all she is doing for me right now and how daily encouraging she continues to be in this time.



Saturday, we woke up early to go to the city of Loachapoka. This town holds an annual Syrup Sopping Day. It is a really neat "Santuck" type thing. In this huge field, they set up a country-style outdoor festival with shopping booths, food, and activities. In this town, they grow sugar cane and then make homemade syrup right there in front of you by spinning a huge log type thing that crushes up the cane and pours out the syrup. It's hard to explain such an event. You eat biscuits with homemade syrup and sit around listening to some blue grass music while watching crazy folks square dance and clogging (how embarrassing?) Many of my friends were there and some of them actually participated in this dancing! :-) I saw one of my students there with his family, too.

After a couple of hours at the sop, some friends accompanied me to my new favorite place- THE PUMPKIN PATCH! haha! We walked around for a bit and then bought some pumpkins and some gourds! It was so thrilling for me-I'm a nerd! Finally after lunch, I got the chance to take a break and chill out with Anna.

Me and Anna went to the park because it was so dang pretty outside! The Lord could not have given me a prettier day on my birthday! As Anna slept, I just spent some time reading and reflecting on the year... more to come on the next blog. However, it was the most relaxing time just hanging out in God's creation and meditating on Him. After Anna left Auburn, I took a bath! haha, yes- I still love baths! I just soaked up an amazing afternoon. I was then ready to finish up my day with dinner with my roommate Chatty at her friends house. They made taco salads and cupcakes! I even got a cupcake with a candle in it presented by the birthday song! It was fun to meet Chatty's sweet friends and to fellowship for dinner. After dinner, I ended my day with hanging out at my house with some of my favorites! It was so fun to get to see mal, mary r., and my roommates one more time before the day was over.

Sunday was great at Cornerstone! Two of my small group girls rode with me and the roomies to church! I then drove to Montgomery to see my sissy, Blair! She's in town for a few days so I hung out with her. AFter we ate, she and I just chilled and talked about life at a park. It was such a beautiful day, AGAIN! I went and saw my Grandbuddy who was filled with some crazy opinions about life, religion, and politics- I'm sure you can imagine! Dinner with Mom and B + hang out time with Bec, Trip, trio, and Katie and LeRoy pretty much summed up an amazing weekend! Hope yours was great as well!! I will be writing more soon about my thoughts looking back on this year.. it's been a crazy one!

PUMPKIN PARADISE!

That's right!! Today was full of pumpkins!! This morning, my three year old class at school went to the pumpkin patch! It was absolutely adorable! When we got there, they got to run around in the hay bail maze and play in this trough of corn! It was super fun to watch them run free! Then, we went on a hay ride around the fields. When the hay ride was over, they fed our kids snacks and read them a story. Our anxious little buddies then got to run around the fields and pick a little pumpkin to take home!!
AH! I think I was more excited than the kiddos! I also picked out a big pumpkin for the afternoon activities!! I drove to class, which was cancelled and then went to lunch with some of my small group girls. After work, I went to my group home. Through First Baptist Church, I am doing the "home away from home" program where a family at the church sorta adopts us! Me and three other college students went to the house. They have a ten yr. old girl and a eight yr. old boy! They are precious!! We carved pumpkins (which I ended up forgetting mine at home) and made homemade pizza. It was such a blast. The kids are awesome!! It was just such a fun night! The pumpkins were so cool when we put a candle in them and turned out the lights!! So, to say the least.. I am pumpkined out!!! :-)

BE where you ARE

So with a pretty slow weekend coming to a close, another week of life is underway here in Auburn, Alabama. The weekend consisted of fun quality time with Malorie on Friday night, Mom and Me time on Saturday, and just taking it easy on Sunday after church. Being that all three of my roommates were out of town this weekend, I was the only one at the house. So, many thoughts were able to be conveyed without distraction. Being here and kinda soaking in Auburn, the Lord really put some new things into my heart. As you all know I am preparing to go back to Hong Kong, eventually for more missions, but I am in Auburn right now. I tend to easily forget that, and look ahead too far to appreciate or be useful in the present. As I listen to different speakers and talk with different friends, I continue hearing the Lord speak to me about being where I am. Even though that sounds confusing, I am in Auburn, so I need to BE in Auburn: in thoughts, prayers, and service. My daily prayer is for the Lord to break me for the people here. Even though I feel that Auburn is a great environment that has some amazing potential in loving Jesus, greater things are still to be done here. Even though I am called to another country, God has me here in Auburn right now for a reason. I'm doing a self-study in Esther right now and a verse that has really spoken to me is 4:14, "Who can say but that God has brought you into the palace for just such a time as this?" These words were spoken by Mordechai when Esther questioned his thoughts to confront the King. However, what a verse that can really challenge each of us as well? God's timing is more beautiful than anything I can ever imagine, so I know that He has me in every situation and circumstance for a reason, if not to just be a witness for Him. Even though HK is burdened on my heart, I strongly desire to be used in every aspect I can here in Auburn. "Greater things have yet to come and greater things are still to be done in this city..."

A New Creation

The title serves as a motto mentioned in 2 Cor. 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" The new has definitly come for me this year. Adjusting back into the states and into Auburn has been pretty difficult. Much of the difficulty at first was due to missing my students and the culture of Hong Kong. Also, I have just had alot of change go on in my life in the past year so I needed this time to catch up. Needless to say, I am now living in Auburn learning more and more each day. It's been fun to reunite with some of my old friends and to make some new ones as well. School is good at Southern Union, and I will start at Auburn in January. I'm working everyday at a childcare development center where I teach 3 year olds! They are so much fun but definitly a challenge! :-) I'm leading a group of freshman through Grace Campus Ministry. We are studying the book by Francis Chan, Crazy Love. I've really enjoyed this book and it has videos online as well!! It's crazy how often I forget how amazing God is and how much He loves me! The statement by Francis, "Gaining a greater view of God to cause a greater response toward him," summarizes my reaction to this book. I'm also reading an awesome awesome book by K.P. Yohannan called, Revolution in World Missions. In the word I am self-studying the book of Esther! So anyways... the newest thing for me is the future. The Lord has really put Hong Kong in my heart and I feel that He is calling me back there. Knowing this, but not having a for sure route back, has been really an intense time of searching. However, I am comforted in the fact that my life here on Earth is only a vapor that will vanish (James 4:13-17), so the future is nothing I should dwell on. I spent to much time trying to figure out all the answers and I was missing the very essence of knowing the Lord each day. Only He has the answers for tomorrow-Why not get to know Him better and then I will see what He has in store for me. With all that said, I am starting to pursue an opportunity to be in Asia for a year. Please be praying that this is something from the Father and not of my own. I am praying that He provides and reveals His vision for me. Until then, my prayer is that I am used for His glory in every minute here in Auburn. I am really enjoying getting to know people here who love the Lord and have the same vision for the universe. In updating you about Hong Kong, the Passion conference was there this past week. www.268blog.com The Grace Campus staff was also there and many of them got to meet some of my friends from this summer! I am sure that God is moving and I can't wait to hear what the team says about the trip when they return on Monday! I am praying that the movement in HK is only getting stronger and the Father is sending more workers out to the Harvest. I fully believe that BIG things are happening in HK and I can't wait to see how the Lord will place me to shine for Him.

Holy..."I'll love you forever. I will never forget You!"

Saturday morning, these words were a constant. We woke up early and the entire Hong Kong English teachers staff loaded buses for the rally. Since the location and the money of this rally was difficult standards for our students to reach, we imagined only a few would come. We sat down in the gym and watched other teachers unite with their students. After making a few jokes about how many people from our school would show, an entire swamp of Pui Ying middle schoolers flooded through the doors. The everlasting line of kids tied my stomach into a knot. The other teachers and I were filled with joy when roughly 75 of our students greeted us with hugs, cheers, laughter, and love. As I hugged each student that arrived, departure really began to set in. I almost lost it emotionally before the rally even began. These kids got up so early and came to see their American friends one last time. They were all smiling and big eyes as they saw each one of us. Regardless of who their teachers are, they love being around all of us. The rally began with some English songs and we danced with the kids. I will tell you about a couple that I am really close to. A girl we call Crazy who is in Mike's class (Mike and I had classrooms next door to eachother so we did lots of activities together on a daily basis so his kids and mine shared teachers almost), and I are really tight. She is so sweet and has a male teacher so she likes to hang on me some. Her English is okay so it is fun to spend time with her. She and another student, Tracy (a very small little one in Liz's class) are the two that I was really attached to at the rally. Tracy is the most hyper, crazy, disobedient, funny, but loving student! Liz has difficulties getting her to behave and since she is wild all the kids love her. She's like the smallest one but everyone likes her because she's so bad. However, she and I have clicked since day one. I guess I can relate to her :-). She always runs up to me, gives me a hug (she fits so perfectly on my chest because she is so tiny). Anyways, they sat by me at the rally and hung all over me. Tracy made fun of all the students who were crying but when I teared up, she would say, "Don't cry... haha you crying.. haha missy... why you cry! Like Miss Christi, you cry~!" haha! I cant say much about the rally until I see you but it was really great. After the rally, out of nowhere, Tracy runs to me and buries her little head in my chest and I feel a waterfall from her eyes. As she cried and cried I couldn't even get her to look up at me. She wouldn't show her face because she didn't want others to see. Seriously, she probably stood there squeezing me for about 20 minutes. Her and Crazy and some other girls I love just continued crying and hugging me. I wanted to go give others hugs and tell them bye but I guess an attachment can prohibit you from going too far. I loved every minute of it though. Those girls are so precious. i literally thought my organization leader was going to have to pull Tracy off me. These kids just never experience love like this. As the leaders were telling us to finish our goodbyes, I began to tear up big time. As I waved goodbye from the doors, I lost it walking to the bus. The thought of possibly never seeing these kids again breaks my heart. What hurts the most, is knowing that some of them don't know truth and may not ever hear about it again. It almost felt like I didn't do my best here because I wanted them to see the TRUE love that I have found. The love I give them is only an example of the love that has been granted to me. I tell them, that is the reason I am in Hong kong. On the bus, we all sat and sobbed. As hard as this was, it was great to see the kids running down the sidewalks as we pulled away. We laughed at the different students because they are so sweet and fun. Upon arrival to the dorms, we had a Hong Kong group meeting to begin the details of departure. Saturday afternoon, we met some of the last years kids again at the Mall. We ate and hung out with them for a long time. I LOVE this group of kids. They are more like my friends though. They are way more mature and their English astonishes me! At the end of the day, they gave me the sweetest gift. They gave me a photo thing carved with their names on the outside and on the inside it has a picture of me and them on the left and it is hand painted and my cartoon is painted on the right along with a sweet message. They each gave me a card that was like a letter. It was so wonderful! When we left these girls, I was ok because I know these are my friends and my hopes to be back again in Hong Kong are relatively high and the chance that I will see them again is as well. After packing for what seemed like years, I slept about three hours into today, Sunday!

We loaded up the buses this morning and headed to the airport. It truly doesn't feel like I'm leaving. It just is so much to set in that I can't quite grasp what has happened or what is going on. All the other groups have flied out but my team was supposed to depart an hour ago. We have been delayed for two hours. I am in the airport looking through photos and gifts, glorifying Him in all that has taken place in the last month of my life. I love this country, these people, this culture, and this experience. I want to see everyone at home but I honestly hope to be back here soon! I will continue as I can but I may be so tired I won't get another chance to write until I am home. Please lift up all my students because many of our kids have been trying to call and text to see us one more time because, "I not ok. I very sad. You have left yet? I can see you again!?" Their tender hearts can't seem to adjust as quick as we expect but He is the king of peace. Love,

Brandy

Holy Closing

Wai!  (hello in Cantonese pronounced like why),

So... It is time for me to tell you about Friday-the last day of teaching in Hong Kong. I honestly went in thinking it would be difficult and sappy but wait until you hear what happened! Okay, so I go in to my classroom a little late because I was finishing putting my class gifts together, and there was only 5 students in the room. Little by little others showed up to amount to 9 kids out of 21. In confusion, I questioned the other students where I could find my class. In broken English I found out that there was a registration for the Fall that morning. So, I just allowed the other students to play cards and hang out until the others arrived. Well, around 9:45 when the teacher came to collect rolls, I told her I had no students. The problem was this- since our closing ceremony was at 2, many of the students thought that we didn't have class and they could just go home until 2pm. Even though I was very sad, I tried to give the ones who came some fun. We ended up walking to a McDonalds and sat down (their idea). They weren't eating though, and none of this crew can speak much English. BORING! I sat their watching them talk and play games. So, at 11 I paid for each of them to get an icecream and then we headed back to the school. Pretty much, the morning was pitiful. I was really upset because this is the last day and no one came. I worked so hard on the gifts but no students to give them to. After lunch, my class finally showed up. We worked very quickly to get together our program for the Closing Ceremonies at 2. The ceremony was really fun. Each class did their presentation of English class. We had  funny skits, songs, slideshows, and dances. My class did a cheer that made fun of all the other classes so everyone was laughing. After we finished, my class surprised me with the presentation of a rose in a glass bottle. (it will never die just like our friendships).  The students all received a certificate of completion and then we had to say bye to the kids. I am really closer to some students who are not in my class. My class is one of the lowest English speakers so it is HIGHLY difficult to form relationships. However, I am extremely close to alot of the other students. Good bye wasn't that difficult on Friday. I am not sure why, but I stayed strong. The kids were really emotional. Many of them stood at our bus in tears for a long time. Once we got back home, the team departed their own ways for the evening. Me, Mike, and Katie went to a restaurant that is just like an OCharleys. It was good to have some familiar yummy food. Even though the day was over, I still didn't feel like Hong Kong and I were finished. I wasn't really sad and I was just really looking forward to the rally on Saturday!

Holy Rap

Well, sitting here at the dorm full of emotions, I don't know if now is even a good time to write on the blog. However, I want to share with you my feelings and situations that have occurred. Thursday was a very fun day! It was the last day of class (curriculum) but we never even touched the book. We began class just hanging out and playing cards. The entire day was just to talk and spend these last couple moments together! Friday was Closing Ceremonies so each class had to have something prepared to show the whole camp. My students and I came up with a great idea on Thursday that we worked on the remainder of the day. We decided to do the ..."If I were not a Boy Scout, I wonder what I'd be.. If I were not a Boy Scout.. A _____ I'd be..." skit. So... our song was...."If I were not in Top Class I wonder what I'd be, If I were not in Top Class, a _____ I'd be..." The blank was filled in with 5 other class names. Each class has a name and a cheer and it gets quite competitive around here. We are Top Class. So, each group would say the other class' name in the blank and in rythm would do the team's cheer in a sarcastic (make fun of) way. When the first group was finished, the second did their class and then the first and second do it together. This continues all the way until the 5th group says theirs and then they all say them. At the very end, While they were singing the main part... I yelled.. WAIT, We're top class you see. So then they did our Top Class cheer really really loud. They had fun practicing the cheer. For lunch, I got to see my favorite group of kids! Some of Katie's old students met us for lunch! It was so fun to see these friends. When we went back to class, the first 30 minutes, the teachers switched classes and each class wrote their teacher a letter individually. I haven't read my letters yet because I am emotional enough without them right now. Thursday night I went with Mike and Katie to eat dinner with some more older kids from last year. It was so fun to speak conversational English with them because they are VERY superior to the kids at Pui Ying in their communication abilities. After dinner, I stayed up late preparing for my very last day as a teacher at Camp China!

Holy Clean Up

Hey!!
So it's Thursday morning! Last normal class day for Camp China! I am cleaning up my room and taking items off the wall. SAD! Yesterday was fun because we played games in the afternoon. Well we first went to lunch with the lady who is head over us at the school. It's the first Chinese meal I have enjoyed! We played games in the morning in the Hall and something I think incredible happened. We were just playing music throughout the whole morning but when we were on the last game (tag), Katie turned on Take It All by I think Charlie Hall and the teachers started dancing and singing b/c it's a wonderful song that we all sang at Passion and all of the sudden, the students started dancing! Before long, they made us replay it 2 more times and girls were dancing and screaming the words and having a blast. Most of them don't really know the words but it really made an impact on us. It was humbling seeing all our kids just drop their games and start singing..."...We're living for your name, we'll never be ashamed of you.. whaohh ohh. Without praise we know we are in vain... You take take take it all take take take it all away~!" So.. in China where freedom is slightly limited, these kids were actually singing this song in English which they had no idea what they were singing! It was so beautiful! After lunch we decided to show a movie for afternoon. I played a funny game with some of the older girls and really just bonded with them. AFter school, all the teachers and about 40 students BBQ all night long by the beach. It was a magnificant opportunity to share and have quality time! Alot of questions were asked and alot of testimonies were told. I have a short story for you that really encouraged me! One of my girls who is 12 years old and very low amount of English showed up at the BBQ. She doesn't have much money but bought a TON of stuff. I didn't even know about any of this. So, she got there in tears because her mom was on the phone screaming at her. Her friend told me in English what was going on and myheart just broke. I told them I would pay for it and all would be okay. However, two older girls from our camp that didn't even know my student very well jumped in to help with the language barrier for me. We decided we would pay and my student would be fine. Well, the most humbling thing happened next. The two older girls (one of which told me she sings the song I mentioned previously at her church) were giving my student (young, and didn't even know her) money. I asked how much I should give and they would NOT let me pay. They just said, "no no no you go have fun, eat.. it's okay." They wouldn't let me pay! These two beautiful girls stepped in to help a younger classmate and didn't let me help because it was my night to enjoy Hong Kong. This truly touched my heart! I love seeing Him work through others here as well! There is still hope in this city and I honestly believe there is hope for this nation. I need to run go get these crazy kids under control, but just wanted you to know that things are really amazing here~ Love you~
Bran

HOLY last Wednesday

Well it's the last Wednesday which is a fun day for the kiddos! They don't have class. We just do things with the entire camp. Yesterday was pretty fun. Since it was Chinese culture, the students went on stage and taught everyone something from Chinese Culture. My class did a skit to represent why we celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. The kids were funny! The language barrier always sets us in for a treat but overall it was a success! Last night we ate dinner at the Spaghetti House. YUM. We went to the Hong Kong walk of fame which is alot like our Hollywood. You see stars on the ground -Jet Li, Jackie Chan..etc. We took some really cool photos because this place is like across the water where you can literally see the entire city of Hong Kong. IT's called the light show becuase of all the buildings and their crazy lights! VERY PRETTY! After we had our team QT, some people went back. Me and a few friends went to the Night Market to shop. I got all my little people gifts. By the way.. if there's anything specific you need.. tell me ASAP! We crashed pretty late last night so I'm exhausted. Oh, I've lost my camera cord so it is difficult to now find ways to put my pics on but I'll see what I can do! There's a monsoon warning today so... be praying for safety!! love
Bran

Holy Pushing Through

Well, it's the last week here in Hong Kong. Last night in our team time we wrote down our feelings about leaving. I am obviously sad to leave because I truly love it here. I will really miss the simplicity of Hong Kong and the smiles and laughter of these precious students! We didn't BBQ on Sunday because my roommate had to be rushed to the hospital. She ate a peanut and she's highly allergic! She is okay now but it was quite the scare! Monday was rough. We couldn't seem to stay focused in class but they know its my last week so I think they are trying! Last night we had a little team dinner. Today has been crazy. This afternoon is Chinese culture so we have to teach everyone something. It's totallyup to the students. We are doing the Mid Autumn Festival (Moon Festival). We are doing a skit so its crazy in the class. So, I ordered pizza for all of them for lunch and we are stiting watching HighSchool Musical 2 and eating Pizza Hut. (sounds like I'm in America huh?) They love this movie! That's most I've got for now but I'll be in touch. Life up their hearts as we are coming to a close that maybe one will want to know more about me and my life..........
Bran

HOLY PHOTOS~!

Holy relations!

Hey Yall!

I am so sorry I haven't written in forever~! I just realized I haven't written since Tuesday morning. The reason for this catastrophe is I am madly in love with my students, my friends, and now in my opinion, my family! Hong Kong is so amazing. The third week of camp, everything seems to click. Students begin to reach out to their teachers and do things with us ALL the time. I wouldn't change that for the world. However, it is difficult to journal here because I am so exhausted all the time as well. It has been a struggle to stay strong in my QT's but I am working hard. Faith is pushing me through every step of the way! I can honestly say I am in love with this experience!

Well, Tuesday we had a really fun day. After lunch (which is always Chinese with the students ), we had a foil fashion show. One boy and one girl from each class has to model after their class decorates them completely in toilet paper and aluminum foil. I chose one of my sweet girls who is TINY and one of the guys. We decorated them in laughter and fun. It was so funny when all the students went on stage as "foil models."

AFter school this day, Katie and I went and met up with those girls she had at camp last year. I am close to them through other means of communication so they begged me to come as well. I can say it was one of the most fun nights here. The rest of the team went and ate and sang kareokee with some of our students which I am sad I missed, but my night was fantastic! We met the kids and went to eat sushi!

You will never believe what I did~! AFter some convincing on their behalf, I tried octopus, jelly fish, salmon, and very raw shrimp shushis! They were interesting! The octopus.. very chewy but I finished it. The salmon.. good at first but only two of them until it gets nasty. The jellyfish.. absolutely HORRIBLE.. I spit it in my napkin! lol!~ So, I at least ventured out and tried some crazy stuff!!

After what I felt was an amazing dinner, we went to the arcade where you take "ze photos." There's a machine that is Japanese where you go in and it's like a mall photo booth at home except it's like 10 times more fun and eventful~! I can't really explain it but I'll show you the pics when I return! It was so fun~! I giggled like a child and then we played some arcade games! You have to remember this is like a group of 10 of them and they are extremely clsoe so it always serves for a fun night~! One of my girls, Katrina, always jokes on me for being so fat. She says, "no ice cream, you too fat." So, I always joke back about loving icecream even though she tells me I shouldn't eat it~! After games, we went to get icecream at McDanawhs. We took more pictures which I will try to upload, and it was a total blast! I truly love this group of friends!

Wednesday-Always is a fun day! We don't do curriculum on this day. We played volleyball and basketball and games in the morning. We then had a CRAZY afternoon!~ The culture for the afternoon was water fighting! So, we had all the kids take roll and (we told them to bring extra clothes) go down to the bottom floor that is outside. so then, all the teachers went to the fourth floor and got buckets of water and without them knowing, dumped water on them from above. Of course, that started a complete brawl! They were going nuts. We filled like hundreds of water balloons and threw them at eachother! We had an hour of literal water chaos. Kids were using water balloons, trashcans, water bottles, old bags.. anything they could to get water on us and eachother! The crazy event was over at 3:30 so the kids took off. Some of the teachers went to the Stanley Market (nicer market for tourist and lots of pearls). We shopped for a while with some students, and then hit McDonalds for another dinner. Stanley was fun but it has really beautiful beaches. We took pics at the beach and really that's about it!~

Thursday-This day was difficult to get up and get going because I am always so tired! I think I told you that I am totally just doing games in my class now a days. We played a maze game where I blindfolded them and set the desk up in a maze so their team had to tell eachother in English how to get through it. I had them work on their lefts and rights! After this game, we played a game where they had to get things from their bags or purses that started with each letter of the alphabet. I was so impressed with their ability to do this game! I am pretty sure they had fun! For culture this afternoon, we went to the big hall and demonstrated Christmas! This event, I was in charge of, but it went well. We used bed sheets, towels, and props to invent our very own Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus, a shepherd, an angel, and a wiseman. We used a big screen behind the center stage for visuals and pretty much did like a "Your place at the Manger" type thing. As Katie read the story, the characters walked down from the back and up to the stage. After the serious part was over, I knocked on the door and busted in as Santa Clause. I through out candy and toys and then we sang a bunch of songs. It was really fun! I think they enjoyed it! After this, our team went to a dinner that was held for us here at the University. It was a good time and we met alot of students.
Friday-disaster! I couldn't focus so we literally just played games! I realized that we only have one more week so now I just want to spend time with the kids and get to invest in their lives. The afternoon was the same way. Some played outdoor games, some just chilled with us! After the school day was over, we went home to change and get ready for another AMAZING night. We told the whole camp that we would go to Pizza Hut for dinner and told them where and when. We weren't really sure who all would come but we thought we would throw it out there. I was literally shocked by what I saw when I arrived. There was probably at least 35 students waiting on us for dinner! I was so happy because 8 of them were mine~!! It made me feel so special and that our kids like us! I love my kids so much and the return love from them was so needed as I reach crunch time here. After we ate at Pizza Hut (which by the way is like an Olive Garden here!! It's really really nice), we went with all the kids to Times Square and took photos in a photo booth. It was literally halirious! I love this group of students! I had so much fun, I never wanted to leave! Yet, I need sleep. :-)
Saturday- This was another day where we invited the students to an unknown turn out. We invited the camp to go to the Stanley Beach to swim, play volleyball, and shop in the market. When we arrived, there was about 15 students. One of them was mine so I was really happy! Really, they're all mine. I am close to alot of students! However, by the end of the day, 3 of my students were playing in the water and volleyball with me! It was fun! One of the girls came with her family so I got to meet her 5 year old sister.. ADORABLE and her dad and brother! I got a little sunburnt but I needed it !! After we swam, we went to the market for a bit. We then took a bus to a place called SoHo where it's like a very big hill. They have the longest escalator in the world. Yea.. crazy! We ate dinner at a Mexican restaurant! It was very appetizing and nice to chill with just the team! We shopped for a bit after this and now I am FINALLY back at the dorm. I am so tired but I have to wait on my clothes to finish drying! I am having so much fun here! I am so in love with teaching, my students, this city, this culture, and this life! I really miss my peoples at home, but I am not exactly thrilled about leaving! I know He wants me in this area so that is an answer to me! Tomorrow we will have BBQ with some kids so that should be interesting! I will put some pics up when I get a chance but I love you and know I can't wait to see you when I return home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Bran

HOLY Half Way thru...

Hey PEopleS!
So it's Tuesday morning and I'm sitting in my classroom waiting for my students to arrive. I just want to take a minute to tell all of you that even though this is an amazing experience and I could do it forever, I really miss my family and friends. I had a sweet message on facebook from a friend in Alex City and it really touched my heart and I truly miss all of you. Sorry I haven't been able to call alot or write very often, but the time I get is limited and I have to spend it wisely. Things here are going smooth. Monday class was typical- blah blah answers and tired students. Today we visit Kenya and I don't plan to stick to the curriculum. In the students journals, I had them write their favorite and least favorite parts of my class and almost all of them said the English book was their least favorite part. It was fun to see what they thought of English camp. I've been doing lunch daily with the students so that is fun because we go to Chinese restaurants wehre they have to order for me. (you never know what you'll get!). Culture yesterday was sing alongs. At my station, we sang "I don't want to miss a thing," by Aerosmith. They screamed it! It was quite humorous! Well, I'm off to lesson plan but I love you and pray that you are doing well and letting Him shine through you in all that you do as well.
Bran

YUM!! Want some dinner?

Can you see the Chicken Head? :-)

Our group at the movies. Far left on back row is the principal from our school and the student is on the far right!

My desk at the dorm

Me and Liz with some girlies for lunch! They CRAZY

Holy Surrender

Hey Guys!
Well it's the weekend now. School is out for now but it's always on my mind for sure!~ The carnival was sorta crazy but it was fun. The kids apple bobbed, painted faces, ate popcorn, and played BINGO which was the BIGGEST hit. I actually used it in class on Friday. I got sorta lazy this week in class and did more fun things than sticking to curriculum. The relationships with the kids are definitly growing rapidly. Thursday night we went to Hong Kong Park. IT was absolutely gorgeous! It is a very big place with lots of areas to chill. So, my team leader had us split up and have 30 min just in thought. It was good to clear my head and listen to some music. If you go go go as much as we try to do, it can literally drive you to death. Friday was an okay day. Of course me and my students all wanted it to be the weekend so we sorta played around. We actually played baseball with a bat and a beach ball. It was difficult to explain to them all the rules but they seemed to like it. In fact, some of my girls that don't EVER participate, played with us! That afternoon we had "movie culture night." So, we watched Cool Runnings with them! I've been playing ALOT of volleyball with the kids so my skills are definitly tested. I really like just playing now a days. After the movie and the kids left, we hurried home and then got ready to go to the IMAX theatre with another group. We watched Batman with this group and we brought one of our favorite students along. The movie was insane but it takes place in America and Hong Kong. It was so funny because we are in Hong Kong and every time it came on the scream, our little googly selves couldn't contain our excitement so we would be like AHHH we know this building, or what have you. :-) The lady at our school who is like the principle went with us as well. They took us to dinner at a place where the villagers like. I will tell you only this about the restaurant.... we had chicken.. (complete with the head lo0oking at me the entire time), duck ( the beak was pointed at me), shrimp (with the entire body entached.. eyes, and whiskers) and fish balls. Yea, i had some rice. I have tried the chicken and the duck though. Then, one of my teammates ate the chicken head. I'm not even exaggerating. So, I may have it easy in the city but it is still another country! This morning (Saturday) we got to sleep in. We had a major hike today. We hiked up a mountain and then down to the ocean. It took over three hours. It was very very tough and I am in pretty good shape. The views however were OUTSTANDING! Creation reveals the glory! There were other mountains, ocean water, and beautiful clouds engulfing us as we walked/runned/and stumbled. One of the girls from the school who speaks amazing English and we got to church with here, Maxine (15), went with us today so that was fun. We then got in the ocean for a bit. I went shopping tonight with some girls. Sorry Mom, but that credit card was used tonight. I needed some stuff though. I only have one weeks worth of clothing. :-) Love you mommmmmy~! Well, we will get up early for church and I need to go see if my laundry is done. I will try to upload some photos but no promises! I love you!