Hello to all.
I first want to apologize for my lack of continuing this blog, but also for my lack of communication with everyone. You see, not all of this past year has been a cake walk, and by non-cake walk, I mean, there has been many difficulties and struggles and distractions (and Lord knows, I'm easily distracted), since I have arrived here. And I am not trying to excuse my poor communication here, as much as catch you up on my life in order to allow you to be on the same page as me if you desire that at all. For me at least, when things get difficult, the first things to go out are the things you struggle with in the first place; well, writing and long distance communication (actually any distance) are things that have never come naturally to me, and we some of the first things to go out.

This past year, has honestly been much more gray and monotone, with the constant forecast of being overcast with a chance of rain. It has been full of doubt and questions, like, "GOD, did you really ever want to come here?", or, "Brandon, do you even have the ability to live up to what you are suppose to do here?", "Do you have what it takes?". With the shading and weight of it all looking and feeling more "No" than "Yes".And in the midst of that two of my friends and teammates left. Questions leaving me very curious about my purpose, here, and in life.

But HATING to focus on the negative of any situation, which is very depressing for me, I am going to move on. Also because I believe that no matter how glory, awesome, GOD filled a life may be; it will still end up dull and sad as like an ostrich you have your head stuck in a hole on a sunny day. With that, I want to say that I think it is important to reflect and never to neglect what is negative in your life. I had found myself more focused on the "bleh".

You may ask yourself why I didn't come home. I can honestly tell you it is because, I do believe that GOD desires for me to be here. And through all that not-so-happy, full-of-goodness? times, there were always rays of hope; always enough to remind me that GOD is with me in this. That GOD is stretching me molding me into something more. That GOD still has purpose for me here in Italy; and that He believes, Our all mighty, all awesome GOD in heaven, believes that I will still influence people here in Prato, Italy for the better. Something in the past I had become more and more skeptical of, or at least closed or squinted my eyes at when looking in that direction.

It has also been very refreshing, as recently a new team of AIMer's has come out here
this past month and has been a huge blessing to my life already, and I'm sure will be to anyone who may stumble across their path, as they are all quite stellar in many ways. I look forward to helping them adjust to Italy, with the constant and hopes and prayers that they may learn from the lessons I've already learned, and not repeat it all; and that I may be there to help in whatever fresh challenges await them. I kind of what feel like this is what a parent feels like- weird.

I feel like that is a very abridged version of the life of me right there. Hope you appreciate. If you care for more details or whatever, I try to be an open book; not saying I just come out and say everything, but if you ask. . .Thank you all always for your support, prayer and love. I pray that all is well with you and GOD, and that you also may continue to grow.

"Io ringrazio il mio DIO di tutto il ricordo che ho di voi; e sempre, in ogni mia preghiera per tutti voi, prego con gioia a motivo della vostra partecipazione al vangelo, dal primo giorno fino a ora."

Also thought that scripture fitting and wanted to put some Italian in, being I hadn't done that yet. (Phil. 1:3-5) Totally mean it too. You guys rock.