Holy Catch Up!!

Hey!! Okay so I know I have been slacking but I'm telling you.. I stay so darn busy! I will begin with Monday's activities! So obviously, Monday is a Monday! It was so hard to be excited and crazy when I felt like a sleeping puppy! However, I went in and tried my best. Actually, I don't have very much about the curriculum part because I was the visitor of the day. This means I went to every class room and did a little skit. So our team leader, Katie taught my class while I was gone. So the country of the day was France. They enjoyed my performance though. For lunch I went with 4 or 5 girls to a Sushi place. WOW.. Sushi here is like a dead fish straight from the ocean on a plate! haha!! This place we went you sit down and the choices just run across your table and you just grab which mister fish looks the most appetizing! :-)  However, I had an easier way...I ordered normal fried shrimp sushi and it was DELICIOUS!! I'm telling you what.. they gave Shogun a run for their money. The girls I went to lunch with are so funny. They aren't actually my students but.. They are so sweet and fun!! In the afternoon the culture was American Football! It was very challenging to get the kids to listen however... We did the cheers- It's great to be an Auburn tiger, orange/blue, and sang the chant... WAr Eagle fly down the field. We showed a big video of the pregame video from 07 and then we demonstrated a football game. We had students try to kick a fake football in a human goal post. It was fun! AFter school, a few students stayed around and danced with us for an hour! I was so EXHAUSTED! The day overall was .. a Monday!

So.. today.. Tuesday.. was pretty good! Class started with the normal-journals, turn in homework, and roll call. Then, we started talking about the country of the day, Romania. We spent like 30 minutes on the University Prep because to me that is so important. We went over the Their, There, and They're S and I think it helped them. We played a few games. For lunch, I went with 3 of MY GIRLS ! and some others to MAC DONAWHS. It was so fun to hang out with MY STUDENTS out of class. I love them! They taught me how to count to ten in Cantonese and we had a great time. Today's culture was so Funny!! It was American Romance. So, the only guy on our team and our team leader acted this out. We decorated with balloons, wedding bells, and actually had students dressed as groomsmen and bridesmaids. They did the first meet, the first date, the engagement and the wedding. The students LOVED it! They laughed, ohhed, awwed.. fabulous! After school today, I napped for a while because I was so tired. My throat is a little sore because a girl on my team is sick but I think rest helps! Here is my fun story for you....

So, we are not allowed to go by ourselves anywhere. However, the whole team was gone when I had to go to the store which is at a huge mall. So, thankfully, some other girls were going so I walked and rode the bus with them. When we got to the HUGE mall, they went their own way. So I was in the store by myself. I ran out of money so my chinese clerk was going nuts, the line was too. Then, I walked out and tried to take a taxi. He spoke no English, I spoke no Cantonese so that took a long time! It was CRAZY! Well then I was walking back and saw the Head Hauncho from our organization. YEA.. I ran and hid. Then, as I was walking back I realized i didn't have my room key. To get into our dorms, you scan your room key. Yea, I had to use someone elses and the guard was yelling something in Chinese as well. So, on the elevator.. everything seems okay.. BUT the doors open on my floor.. boom! The head hauncho! IT's okay she didn't say anything but overall it was a crazy experience!! haha!! Well I need rest but love yA!

Holy Monday...

I will write more when I have time, but check out the new pics I added on facebook! love u!

Holy Greatness!!

Hey Everyone!!
First, I would like to start off by thanking everyone for commenting, reading, and keeping in touch on my blog! It's so fun to see comments and know that He is blessing you through my stories of Him working over here! I got on my email this morning and I had 27 emails which were all verifications of people leaving messages/comments on here and facebook. I truly felt loved!
I want to share with you some really good updates! Friday, I felt like I had a completely new class! They did so wonderful! I realized that my students were having an EXTREMELY hard time understanding things so I lesson planned for like two hours Thursday night to try to make vocabulary more fun and to get them to participate. For the first word, amazing, I decided to do an activity. I got those pills from home that when you put them into water, they turn into like a large animal. Haha! So I put one on each groups desk. I said okay, amazing is like... "Wow!" I made them put two W's up to their wide open mouths to make the word WOW. Then, I showed them the experiment and they really liked it. One pill turned into a pig so I started to snort which drew a few laughs. The next word was boot. I googled an image of a boot to show them but.. nah. The definition was.. "a show that covers your leg," so I raised my entire leg onto a desk to demonstrate. For some reason, they thought that was halirious! So, I motioned to my shoe, leg, and they really got that one down! In fact, later in the day.. They told me that Italy (the country of the day) looked like a boot, "a Shoe that covahs yor leg." haha! Um, for the vocab word, broken, I broke a pencil like 3 times so whenever we do broken they put their hands up and act like they are snapping a pencil and do a "knock" noise with their mouths like me! haha! We had like 10 words but I can't remember them all. So, then we discussed Italy and they did really well with their maps and all. We studied people from there and one was Marco Polo! So, we played Marco Polo in the class (out of water). Even though they were running into desks, they really had fun! After lunch, our culture was Halloween. So, me and another girl were witches. All the teachers dressed up! I took each group door to door to "Trick or Trea." haha! So, some deeper things for ya...
One of my students, Tracy, told me her dad was her hero :-) Also, I gave the journal topic "What is religion, what is your religion, and what do you like to do." I got some cool answers, some that broke my heart. The main thing they say is.. I have no religion, I just believe in myself. -no comments please. So.. Well, one girl told me she would really miss me when I left. OH and after school on friday, me and three students played volleyball for an hour! It was soooo fun! They were really good. They talked alot which is different than in class so..
Friday night, we went to the Hong Kong Peak which is where you can look out. It was so foggy we couldn't see much but... o well. It was still fun! Some culture stuff for you.. I obviously don't like to try new things. I have refused to eat ox tongue, lamb, I tried duck though! I usually just eat rice while everyone tries other things. I have eaten McDonalds twice. The malls are HUGE and have everything! The trams and subways.. ridiculous~ I can't imagine our culture this way. I sometimes get a lil sick downtown because I am culture shocked with the buildings and SO MANY DEADGUM PEOPLE! I survive.
Today, we slept in!! YEA! I needed some rest. We went around the city and then met up with Katie (my team leader who was here last year) her girls from last year! One had a guitar show tonight at a church! IT was so neat. They sang songs and I will explain that later! Then, two of the girls, me and katie and Liz all went to dinner. It was fun because it was just the 3 of us Americans with 2 sweet highschool girls! I loved them! I loved the quality time! Their English was very good! They are like at a really good school. They said i was humorous and I need to be on a diet. haha nah, they just play because I went to McDonalds and then wanted icecream! haha! I can't wait to see them again tomorrow for our "pool time!" So, it's like really late but I love you all and misss you!! HAve a great WEekeND!

HOLY "it's like pulling teeth"

okay so don't let the title throw you off...
I love my class and all my students. However, because of the language barrier, it is like pulling teeth to get them to communicate! There is no translator or anything in my class with me-just me and them! Today we started off rotating into other classes for a game. Then, for curriculum we studied Germany. I felt that my students were reading well but they aren't understanding what they are reading. So, I decided to improvise. I made a cardboard moustache, got a whistle, made a sign that said "Short people only! No Glasses! I will Kill." These were the student who was Hitler in our discussion, his costume props. Everytime the book said his name, He would blow the whistle, say "Short people only! No Glasses! I will Kill," and the class would salute and say AH Hitler. In the book it talks about Albert Einstein having to leave Germany because he was a Jew. So, Alber Einstein was a student named "Elliot" who is very tall, wears glasses, and is actually very intelligent. His costume was a sign around his neck that said "Quantum Physics" and a notebook and pencil. When his name was read in the book, he put his finger in the air like a smart scientist and the class would say.. ohhh. When I read the word GERMANY, the class would all stand. So.. it was fun and I think it was a great way to explain Hitler and his discrimination. Once I again, I just ran out of time. Be back.

Holy Patience

Hey!
So I am really loving this new experience. I am thinking there is education in the future! I am sitting here in my class on my lunch break in silence. My twenty students are enjoying an hour and a half. Each day we teach from nine to twelve thirty. Then, when they come back at two oclock, we have camp stuff with all the classes for the rest of the day. Today, we have an olympic assembly in the big hall. Today we handed out the books. It was interesting to hear them pronounce their words like their colors. I showed them a youtube cotton eyed joe cartoon video today and also a Kit Kat bar commercial off youtube because I bought them each a kit kat bar yesterday. :-) My class team name is "Top Class." So today I made them scream outside to the other classes their cheer and then all the classes came outside and we scram back and forth ending in.. We love English yes we do we love english how about you.. It was fun!! Let's see... We had fun doing our dialogue today and had few difficulties with behavior. I had sweat stains though so I tried to make fun of myself but.... they are so scared to laugh at me. haha. I'm used to being the only one laughing at myself anyway... My favorite part of teaching so far is learning my students. I try not to get mad when one isn't participating because I feel like there is something about each student that I need to learn before I get angry. For example, my sweet girl, "Candy," laid her head down alot today. AFter some communication barriers she tells me at her school, she is like on somewhat of a yearbook staff I believe. Like, she says she takes photos for her school and was up late working on that. I love knowing things like this. We had our assembly and after having to be "flexibur" because the Hall was booked when we thought it was open, we had to squeeze everyone in a small room. However, my 8 teammates and I and our 20 kids each got in a class room where we Cheered our class cheer and had yelling competitions. Then my guy in the group dressed as the marathon man and did a fun activity making students the olympic rings and dancing around to music. I led the whole camp in "Brandy says" which was so tiring but I recieved lots of laughter. It was a really fun day! I can't wait to see my students in the morning! Education is definitly a direction I plan to take! I really miss everyone though, but I hope all is well! Also, please lift up my parents. This week, they are moving out my things from my apartment. I am so incredibly thankful for them and the selfless love they show me every day. I love them ad hope that He will bless them for doing such things for me. Miss ya!
Bran
Bran

Holy First Day of Class

Hello!
As I sit in my class room with a few students who stayed extra to work on our "team flag," I am so thankful for this opportunity! Today I met with my 20 students and learned introduction words and our class rules. Our team name is "Top Class." Our team cheer goes as follows:
"We are top class, we are number one. In our top class we have lots and lots of fun!" These were established by my students. The flag is quite the invention so maybe it will get better. Each assembly day the classes do their chant and wave their flag with honor. The first day was so much that I am not sure if my students had fun. Since we only had an hour and a half today, I was rushing so I may have left out some fun! However, the girls sitting with me right now are precious and I think things will get better! I need to run but I will write more when we get back to the dorms! Love and miss everyone!!
Brandy

HOLY TIRED

Hey! okay I am making this very brief because I have never felt so tired in my entire life. We got to Hong Kong safely after 15 hours on a plane. Everyone was very swollen. The city is AMAZING! I've never really been in a city so being in the like #2 city of the world.. WOW. They have the oldest suspension bridge in the world so that was awesome. Anyway.. we went to our school and met the officials and I'll report more about that later. Everything is awesome we just haven't slept in literally 40 hours. I love yall and I promise you more later. Oh, Happy Fourth of July. WE also had a big banquet tonight to celebrate. ok I'm falling asleep. LOve

It's midnight so I'm going to try to pick up and update. I'm so sorry I can't write much. I have met a whole new extreme of exhaustion. Last night was really fun. There was a big party for us at the Yacht Club. All the supporters of ELIC from Hong Kong came and ate dinner/fellowshipped with us. We sang some Chris Tomlin songs and had a wonderful time. Some people swam, but I would have drown because I was so tired. The next morning (today-Saturday), we had breakfast in the school cantine. It's not so good. I am trying really hard to adjust to the food here but McDonalds is really screaming my name. The whole group (80) walked to the Festival Walk. This is a huge mall and bus station. My group got to chill for about 2 hours in a coffee shop and have a quiet time and go over some things. We went grocery shopping which took a while and then came back to the University. From lunch till 7 we lesson planned for classes beginning on Monday. We have ALOT to do still! However, we went downtown tonight to the Hong Kong Square. I am so culture shocked. I never reall ythought of myself as a country girl but.. oh I am! I have actually never been in a "city" before and this is one of the largest in the WORLD. There are so many huge buildings, lights, people, food, and it is SO hott. Also, if you are in a bus's way.. ha see ya! It's CRAZY! I was a little nauseous because of all the panic but it's okay I'll survive. Dinner was different. I stuck with rice, diet cola (Coca-Light or Coke Zero). The rest of my team ate some crazy stuff. I'm not so adventurous with the food. I'm not sure if I will be or not but I'm not much of a variety eater anyhow. It's hott here-many Asians-ridiculous buildings-buses-lights-werid food-strange things but it's an adventure and a new culture. I can't wait to start class on Monday! Tomorrow should be a good day of rest so maybe I'll get some time to put up pics! I am so glad I got a few min. to talk to mom and Ann Morgan today!! I love my cousin~! Other than that, the phone has been difficult to get to so be patient! I love yall and keep up the prayers! Hope everyone had a great July 4th weekend! I wish I could have seen those fireworks! Let me know how it went!! :-)
Seeking Daily...
Brandy

Holy Departure..!

Hey!!

Okay so I'm sitting in the lobby of the dorms because we are checking out!! Our flight isn't until late tonight but we have to have our luggage weighed/checked out. I'm so excited I can't stand it! I want to meet by students TODAY! :)   Today has been so relaxing. We still got up early because two of our team members were on an earlier flight so we had to say bye to them. After breakfast, we got to RELAX! We laid by the pool and got some sun! Oh yes, in our one pieces! However, it was nice because we are one of the last groups to leave. We ate lunch and then took long showers and blowed our hair for the last times! Packing is quite stressful because they are so picky on weight but it's all good! We have a couple more times where I will be able to write so I'll report back from the airport!!! Have an awesome day!! xoxo!

Brandy

Hey Again! So I haven't had the chance to write as much but I'm going to try to update you on the activities here! Sunday was a pretty busy day. We mainly focused on cultural relations and sat in gym bleachers in a classroom atmosphere. They are teaching us the same things we will be teaching or Asian students. However, my favorite part was when we split up into guy/girl rooms and a great speaker talked about friendship and team building and I learned alot about people and their "love languages." Sunday was mainly filled with learning and team building.

Monday was a new experience! After breakfast we worked on curriculum stuff... (boring) and then went to lunch. The meals are so fun because I get to sit and hang out with my group. Let me stop here and tell you a little about us that I have grown to learn. We are NEVER on time. Out of the 8 of us, there are 2 people that are planners and like to be punctual. It has become a camp joke but we honestly are trying harder. We only have one guy but he's awesome! I love him ! He has a great personality but definitely puts up with 7 girls all day every day. Which leads me to this.. We are extremely cliquey but not within our group. Collectively as a whole, we are always together. We are team Pui Ying because that is the name of the school we will be teaching at in Hong Kong.

HOLY busy!!

HEY! 

ok so.. I'll sorta picked up where I left off as I'm sleep typing in my other teammates room! After the classes this afternoon, we went to dinner around 5pm. Dinner was well satisfying and then I actually had thirty minutes which is when I wrote the last post. I was also able to call Mom, one good friend, and well that's about it. Oh, I also FINALLY used the bathroom :-)  lol. So...we went to games and dancing which is where we learned the electric slide, the cotton eyed joe, the grease type dance, and ohh a few more. The dances we learned are the ones we will be teaching our students in Asia. It was fun! If you are familiar with me or the Brendles in general you will know that I sweated BIG time at this point in the evening! I mean.. sweat pits, wet hair, and smelly feet for sure! :-0   SO MUCH FUN THOUGH!! After games concluded, my team went off to have some alone time. We sat for about 2 hours talking and getting to know each other and our backgrounds. I love my team so much!! I can't wait to get to Asia!! All of this is so fun, tiring, but overall an amazing furthering of the kingdom and I cannot wait to see what is in store for the next few days left in training! Please feel free to comment on the blogs! Share the address with others and thanks again for all the support! My support group is AWESOME and I love each and every one of you!! Goodnight!!

Trusting in Him,

Brandy

HOLY fun !!!

Hellooooo!!!!!! 

Even though I only have a few minutes to write because I'm at the craziest training EVER with the busiest schedule...I LOVE CAMP CHINA!!!! So the flight to L.A. was four hours long but due to sleep depravity I slept some!  AND... When I was eating breakfast in the Atl airport.. SHANE B. AND HIS WIFE, BETHANY DILLON were eating next to me so I got to meet them! ( Shane and Shane) When I landed in Cali, I found my fellow teachers at the baggage claim! We rode a bus for about an hour to a city called Riverside, California! I honestly didn't see much scenery because I was laughing so hard at my first fri

end, Christi Wilson (student at Auburn). When we arrived, we were greeted with very friendly leaders. We went to three stations to check in, get our dorm assignments/name tags, and our notebooks. My roommate isn't one of my teammates but oh is she just as CRAZY as me! In fact, today as my team and I were walking back to the dorms I was randomly (imagine that) singing "R.E.S.P.E.C.T." and from about 4 feet in front of me, my roomie joined along loudly which caused a group of ladies singing Aretha Franklin. 

Anyway... yesterday we got to know our teams, the organization history, the leaders, and then had a banquet dinner. Each group had to do a skit. So... we did a communication skit. Our theme was... we know in Hong Kong there will be communication barrier, but we have already developed that in the States. There are about 6 of us from the South East and to our Northern teammates we sound quite interesting! So, as one of the leads, I exaggerated my accent and went along with it. People laughed and told me I did a great job with the accent and I thought it was humorous considering the fact, I was just talking normal! LOL. At camp we represent almost ever state and Canada and Hong Kong. (teachers). Alabama wins with having 17 teachers!! YEA!! Alot of us are Frazer alums. After watching an informative video, we had a big WELCOME party with ice cream, popcorn, karaoke. So team bonding was the theme for the first night. Our team is AMAZING! There's now 8 of us and our leader. We get along so well and literally live in laughter! I love them already!! I was SO tired when we were finished due to the time difference (we are 2 hours behind AL time). So.. to bed I went.

This morning (Sat.), we woke up very early to dine for breakfast from 7am to 7:45. Around

 8:15 we began our day. We did team skill games like untie the not, and a few more games. Then, we sat until noon listening to curriculum instructions etc. Our team is so SOLID. It's so reassuring to know that people my age are in love with the same being that I have grown to love. After lunch, we had the boring stuff. We sat and listened in a classroom for 5 hours! Yes, my page looked like a doodle pad! We learned much about our country, the language.. etc. Well I'm late.. I'll update you in a little bit! Stay TUNED!!!!!!!!! Just wanted to add this pic in of some of my teammates!! From left to right.. Liz, Hannah, Christi, and Emily!

I LOVE THEM! 

* upDATES *

Greetings from Atlanta, GA!
I am sitting here anxiously awaiting the morning so I can FINALLY depart for LA! Today has been quite stressful! I never knew packing 5 weeks of clothes, teaching supplies, gifts, and everything I need in a foreign country in ONE 40 lb. suit case could be SO difficult! Plus the relocation can be quite frustrating as well! However...He is so faithful to me as He swarms me with PEACE and comfort and prepares me to do His will. I am so so excited!! I just can't wait to get going. I have no clue what all training has in store for us! I'm so ready to meet my group though! I am leaving you with some important dates so you can be up to speed as well and can be lifting me up with specification:

* June 27 - Arrive at LAX
* June 28- July 1 - Training at CBU in Riverside, CA
* July 2 - leave for Hong Kong
* July 4 - arrive in Hong Kong
* July 4 - Aug 2 - Camp Hong Kong
* Aug 3 - fly into LAX
* Aug 4 - fly into Atlanta

Thanks so much for all of you who have helped physically, financially, and spiritually! I love y'all and will be in touch!! PEACE!

Bran

Team and Location~!

• Team Members

Katie Bartlett (leader), Brandy Brendle, Hannah Dulaney, Mike Shows, Liz Walker, Rebecca Washburn, and Christi Wilson

MORE COMING SOON DUE TO RELOCATION!