Nostalgia Quatro

WHILE I AM IN CHILE I WILL MISS...

HORRACE

Not actual Horrace, but looks the same

So me and my Honda Civic, who I affectionately call Horrace will have to part for 18 months. Me and this little bad boy have had TOO many good times. I will miss grabbing my keys and taking Horrace for a spin while rolling down the windows and belting out Tay-Tay. I love driving! I could be a truck driver, and going 18 months without driving. I know when I get off the plane from Chile, I will request my father to bring his automobile so I can speed down the 405.

Nostalgia Tres

WHILE I AM IN CHILE I WILL MISS...

MY IPHONE 4

  This might come off as a bit pathetic, But only iphone users will understand what a sacrifice this will be. The iphone and I have been constant companions for almost 5 years now, and I must say it has been a splendid 5 years. I know that when I am in the MTC I will have iphone phantom syndrome, where I will constantly be checking my pocket, because I will have thought I heard my phone vibrate. Oh dear iphone I will miss playing angry birds while waiting in line at the grocery store. I will miss all the times we had getting lost in SLC, but then finding our way with your superior navigation techniques. I miss red-boxing my fav's without having to drive all over the tri-state country for "Never Say Never". I will miss checking Wells Fargo 10 times a day, and  playing words with friends. We've had some good times, and I know Paige will take good care of you.

Nostalgia Dos

WHILE I AM IN CHILE I WILL MISS...

 MIS AMIGOS

My Fav Pic Ever Of Hanns

A+D+A= 3 Amigos

Mormal 07

458 Girls & 224 Girls <3

Leaving them behind will be hard because 18 months is a long time and when I get back who knows what phases of life they will be in. Some may get married, some may have kids, some may graduate and take jobs in different states, and some may go on missions themselves. Either way it will be hard to leave all the people I call my friends because they are apart of me and no amount of time or amount of miles that separate me from them can ever make me forget how much each and every single one of them mean to me.

Nostalgia Uno

Lately I have been SO caught about about leaving for CHILE that I have forgotten what I am really leaving behind. I am SO excited to serve a mission, but until recently I don't think I realized what a sacrifice it will be. So I am going to post 60 thing I will miss while I am Chile, to A) Help the time go by and B). Help me to be more grateful for all the wonderful things I have in my life, that I will miss while I am gone for 18 months.

WHEN I AM IN CHILE I WILL MISS...
MI FAMILIA

18 months is 547.5 days and in those 547.5 days there could be BIG changes in my family. I could miss marriages, new family members, graduations, and big moments with the 7 people I love most. One of my favorite Missionary qoutes is

sis·ter  mis·sion·ar·ynounSomeone who leave their family for 18 months so that other families can be together for eternity

How Did I Know A Mission Was Right?

Lately I've had A LOT of people ask me how I decided that going on a mission was the right thing to do... and you know what... that's a great question. To be honest it was a VERY long process, but in the end I am grateful it took that long and it happened the way it did.

My Orphans, Oh How I Miss You So!

So let me start back in July of 2008. I have just graduated high school and I was in Mozambique, Africa with an organization called Care For Life (best thing EVER!) I loved every minute in Africa! I learned so much about myself and it was SO essential for me to get out of the bubble of Orange County and the bubble of selfishness I'd been living in for the last 18 years. 

One of the coolest things I learned while I was in Africa was that God loved each one of his children. There would be times when I couldn't breath when I would look at the Mozambicans I encountered because as I looked at them I felt God's love for them and that God knew them individually. As I felt this love all I wanted to do was A). Learn Portuguese so I could tell them and B). Teach them of the Plan of Salvation so that they knew they had a loving Father in Heaven who was mindful of them and their needs and wants. As I felt this day in and day out the whole time I was in Africa I thought how cool it would be to actually be able to speak to them and teach them the gospel. This was the first time I ever considered a mission, because I knew that it would be a way for me to come to love a people and to teach them about something I loved so much and something that I knew would make them happy. I also felt that since I had been given so much in life, it was my duty to find a way to help those who didn't have what I had or know what I knew. 

458 <3 ... I Loved My Freshman Year

When I returned home that August, I truly left my heart in Mozambique and missed it every single day. I was the best thing I have done to date. So a few weeks later I started college. I was excited and anxious. Luckily I got FANTASTIC roommates who I came to love and call my best friends very fast. We would talk about everything. I had one roommate, Rachel, who had been apart of a less-active family and on her own decided to leave everything behind and attend a Church school and try to live the gospel. We would have a lot of discussions about the church and she had some very good and tough questions. I remember times that I'd say stuff to her, that if you asked me 5 minutes before, I would have not known the answer to, and I knew it was the Lord telling me what to say, so that Rachel could have an answer. 

Also during my freshmen year, Prop 8 was going on. Although I was in Idaho and not in California during it, Prop 8 is one of the biggest determining points in my life. I can't tell you how many mean and nasty emails, texts, phone calls, and facebook messages I got during this period as I made my stance on traditional marriage. It was UNREAL! It was the first time in my life where I had to take a stance on something that I truly believed in and I had to have a thick skin about it. I am a total people pleaser but Prop 8 taught me that I cannot be afraid to share what I believe, even if people hated me for it. I am SO grateful that Prop 8 occurred, because it was the first time I ever had to stand up and stay firm and unmovable, not matter what. 

At the end of my freshmen year of college I knew that I had a testimony and I loved the gospel, but I had no desire to serve a mission, because I didn't want to not get married... yes that sounds stupid, but at this time in my life I stupid and thought that Sister Missionaries were simply the less attractive girls who went because they had nothing else going on for them and I was too prideful to be one of them. As my sophmore year came, I loved missionary work, even though I didn't think I personally needed to or wanted to serve a mission. I had many good guy friends serving missions and I LOVED hearing all about their experiences. My best friend, Daniel, was serving his mission in Mexico and we wrote frequently and I loved finding mission quotes to send him and hearing him share his stories about his investigators. 

Brazil Night With Our Favorite Brazilian

So my third year of college I moved into an apartment with Brittany, who was in my ward in Utah, her roommate from the previous year, Sarah, and a girl who I vaguely knew from one year of high school when I lived in Utah, Hannah. It worked out that Hannah and I were going to be room-roommates, which I was fine with. Hannah seemed like a cool girl. When I moved in, late august, Hannah told me that she had put in her mission papers, and was expecting to get her call within the next two weeks. This really shocked me because Hannah did not fit the image of sister missionary for me. She was cute, fun, and not socially awkward. I was just very surprised that a girl who had so many things going for her and who was NOT rejected by the XY chromosomes (quite the opposite) was willingly going to go on a mission. Within the next two weeks before Hannah got her call she would talk to me about how how she came to know serving a mission was right and I really admired her for listening to the Lord to serve a mission. So two weeks later, Hannah got her call and all of us roommates drove up to her parents house in Alpine to watch her open it. As she read that she was called to serve in the Brazil, Salvador mission, I don't think I had ever been so happy for someone else in my life. I could not get over the idea that Hannah had just read a single sheet of paper that said she'd spend the next 18 months of her life in Brazil. This was one of the first times that I thought serving a mission would not be so bad. 

The Last Supper With The Best Person I Know

A month later my best friend, Kati, received her mission call to serve in the Paraguay, Asuncion North mission. She was SO thrilled!! Kati had always wanted to serve a mission but before I had never thought too much about it since I didn't have any interest in serving. But over the next few months as I heard and watched both Hannah and Kati prepare to serve their missions, I realized that I wanted to serve. I saw how happy they were to serve the people of Paraguay and Brazil and to preach the gospel. I saw the peace that came into their lives as they aligned themselves with the will of the Lord. I will forever be grateful for MANY reasons, that A). Kati Kristeen Van Dusen is my best friend and has been since I was 5 B). Hannah Jane Davis was my roommate and become one of my best friends C). They both were  selfless enough to drop everything and serve missions D). Kati and Hannah were both two examples of faith and obedience that I needed more then any other time in my life. 

I Miss My Irma

So by November of 2010, I realized that I wanted to serve a mission, but there was something else I wanted more. I had a friend who was on a mission, who I wrote every week and who I wanted to be with when he came home in March. I was not sure if we would get married or anything, but I knew I couldn't decide to go on a mission until I saw how things would play out. So on December 10th, 2010, it was finals week and I was driving to the library to study. On my very short drive to Harold, I got the strongest impression that I needed to start my mission papers. I had never felt anything SO strong! I fought the feeling because I was scared to start them before March. As I was at the library I couldn't study. I could think straight. It felt like 25 knives has just been shoved into my stomach. I left the library and went back to my apartment. As I lied on my bed in pain, my roommate Brittany was sitting in my room. I felt that I had to get this out, so I told Brittany about my prompting. She said, "what about you now who?" With tears streaming down my cheeks, I said,"I don't know, I guess I just have to walk by faith on this one." 

Everyday after that I just kept telling myself that it was myself trying to find a backup plan if what I wanted to happen didn't happen, or because Hannah and Kati were both leaving me in a month, or I was turning 21 in April and I did not have a ring on my finger. I decided when I got back to school after Christmas break that I'd start them just to get ride of the sick feeling I was carrying around with me. At the end of January I went to Hannah's farewell and then the next Sunday I went to Kati's farewell and I remember wanting to know SO bad how they knew it was right, and why the Lord only told me to start my mission papers instead  of actually going. They were both two VERY hard farewells, but I knew the Lord needed them. 

By the beginning of February my papers were done and they stayed that way, until March. I prayed day and night about what the Lord wanted me to do, and I never received an answer. I think February was the hardest month of my whole life with two of my best friend who I'd always talk to this kind of stuff about were gone, March was quickly approaching and I had no idea where I was going to be 6 months from then or what I'd be doing. Still, I prayed everyday hoping and wishing some sign would come.

16 Years And Going Strong!

 March came, and I saw my best friend who I not scene in 24 months and I felt as if he had never left. I was so glad that we wrote so much and he thanked me for supporting him during his mission. I was certain that once March came, I'd forget all about the mission, but it seemed everyday was a century long and I was constantly so torn about what to do and what to decide. 

So on March 27th, 2011, I went to my best friends homecoming and watched him talk about his love for the gospel and his mission. As I sat in the congregation, I had the most overwhelming sense of peace. During his talk I realized that what I wanted more then anything else, was to serve a mission. I felt that if I couldn't do what my friend had done in Mexico for two years, that I might explode! I went home that day and prayed. I told the Lord, that I WANTED to serve a mission, not if it was the right thing. I instantly felt love, happiness, and peace like I had never felt in my almost 21 years of life. I knew then that I wanted to serve a mission, the Lord wanted me to serve a mission, and that I would serve a mission. 

I also read Alma 29:9 which says

I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord had commanded me.; yea and this is my glory that I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy

As I read this I knew that my greatest joy would be to preach the gospel and to be a missionary. There was no turning back at this point. So I called my parents, told my friends, and in less than a week my papers were submitted and on April 18th, 2011 I gathered with my closest friends and open my mission call. When I read that I was called to serve in the Chile, Concepcion mission, the only thing that came into my mind was "DUH?!?!" I KNEW that everything that had happened in my life up until this point was for a purpose. All those nights of crying and praying to know what I was suppose to do with my life, all those times I yearned for a purpose, all those times of doubt, and unsurity, were all so that I could eventually find God's will for me, which also turned into my deepest desire. I got my call a month ago and to be honest it has been the BEST month of my life as I learn more about the gospel as I study and prepare to preach to the Chilean people and because I am no longer at a crossroads in life. 

The Most Important Piece Of Paper Every And My Fav, 6'2 Cardboard Cutout

That's how I came to know. Was it a long road?... YES... but it was worth it to feel that way I do now. 

My happy face with my Chilean Flag in the background

Honored

I've just been having one of those years where everything is going my way... oops did I just curse it? 

This is my "life is going good" face

Oh Well but seriously I am so 100% happy about everything in my life. It's kind of been a crazy few months with two of my best friends leaving, one best friend getting married, one best friend coming home, turning 21,  changing career plans and educations pursuits, oh and deciding to go on a mission and getting my call. 

Can you say happiest day of life!?!?!

I've realized over the past few months when you break it all down, life is all about the relationships you make, not money, not status, not prestige, just relationships. The most important relationship in my life is the one between me and my Father in Heaven and I a HONORED to be a member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to know of its truth, and on August 31st start preaching it. 

The second most important relationships to me are my family relationships. I was born on this earth as a Brennan and I am HONORED to be one and to call Sterling, Annette, Evan, Megan, Nathan, Paige and Haley Brennan--my family! I couldn't ask for 7 better people in my life and I am so HONORED to share etnerity with them. 

The third most important relationships in my life are my friends. I have so many wonderful friends who carry me each and everyday and who I look up to SO much! Some I've been friends with since the womb, some middle school, some high school, and some that I've just met the last few years in college. I am HONORED to have friends that make me smile daily and who are great examples of Christ. 

So if you are in my life I am HONORED to know you

Birthday Boy!

We've Got Ourselves A Birthday Boy!

 Happy Birthday Brother Dearest! 

You Inspire Me Everyday.

Mother's Day

I know everyone thinks they have the best Mom, but seriously, I have have the BEST Mom. Annette Lamb Brennan is her name and loving me and the rest of her kids is her game. Now you are probabley not fully convinced that my Mother trumps the one who's womb you came from but it's FACT so just deal with it and I will provide the following as evidence.

1). My Mom always asks if my "love tank" is empty, and if it is she fills is up with hugs and kiss, and yes I am 21 years old

2). When I was younger my Mom would read to me and my two brothers for three hours a night.

3). My Mom would wake up early every year for our birthdays and bring us breakfest in bed.

4). My Mom has always taught me to be a lady... sorry Mom I am trying. 

5). My Mom was up every single day before I left for school and that includes early morning seminary (4:45 am folks) and there was usually breakfast on the table.

6). On the first day of school my Mom always was home with freshly made chocolate chip cookies for me to devour. 

7). My Mom makes the BEST chocolate chip cookies.. again not biased, but FACT.

8). My Mom looks good without makeup

9). My Mom packed my lunch until the day I graduated high school. 

10). My Mom loves the gospel of Jesus Christ and is a constant and solid rock in the gospel. 

11). My Mom inspires me each and everyday.

12). My Mom is TOO patient and kind with me and to me.

13). My Mom comes into my room every night before I got to bed and gives me a motherly smooch, and tucks me in. 

14). My Mom makes sure we have scripture study and prayer, no matter how late it is

15). My Mom waits up for me to come home because she cannot sleep until all of her chillins are safe and in bed and have been tucked in. 

16). My Mom loves my Dad and my Dad loves my Mom.

17). My Mom loves being a Mom and she should because she is dang good at it!

18). Everything my Mom makes is very very very yummy.

19). My Mom knows how to do everything... I don't google, I call my Mom.

20). My Mom has a green thumb 

21). My Mom has good fashion sense 

22). My Mom likes who she is and is 100% comfortable in her own skin.

23). My Mom is funny

24). My Mom looks in brown and red

 and every other color but especially brown and red.

25). My Mom has a good/cute/contagious laugh

26). When I grow up I want to be just like my Mom.

happy mothers day mommy

My Homeland

I'm Pleased To Introduce To You.....
CONCEPCION, CHILE  

(The place I'll be spending the next 18 months of my life)

Map of Chile

Map with Missions in Chile

Concepcion Skyline

My Mission's Seal

Concepcion Flag

Arch de Medicina outside of the Universidad De Concepcion

More Concepcion skyline

Mouth of the Bio Bio River

After the 8.8 Earthquake in 2010

Markets of Concepcion

Empanadas as VERY popular in Chile

So Come late Octoberish or Early Novemberish I will be In Concepcion, ready to preach the gospel and fall in love with the people and culture.

One Year Older...

REFLECTION TIEMPO

So I have always been one to reflect. My Birthday and the New Year are the two big times that I look back on what has happened to me over the course of the year. Last year, I had just turned 20 years old, was recovering from nose surgery and moved home for Spring and Summer term. I was very determined on my life turning out a certain way and I thought that when my 21st birthday would role around certain things would take place. Well to be honest NOTHING that I wanted or thought would take place, took place, and you know what...GOOD!!!!!! A year ago today I thought I was going to graduate from BYU with my degree in History and begin grad school in the fall. I thought that certain relationships were going to make big changes in my life as well, but now that it has been 365 days later, and none of the things that I wanted took place, I am nothing less then thrilled because I know that what I am doing today is what I want and my Father in Heaven wants, I could not say that a year ago. 

TWENTY

ONLY because I have a healthy self-image

TO

TWENTY-ONE

In the past year I meet/lived with three of my best friends, one who got married in March and one who  left in January to serve an 18 month mission. I put off grad school. I decided to not graduate in August of 2011, but rather August of 2013. My best friend since I was 5 left for her 18 month mission and, my other best friend since I was 13 retuned home after serving his mission for 24 months, and now I am set to leave and do what my three best friends have done or are currently doing, and that is to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. If there is one thing I have learned in my 20th year of life, that is embrace change, ask in prayer for EVERYTHING you do, and then do EXACTLY what the Lord inspires you to do, otherwise you will look back in a years time and regret what you wished, wanted, and maybe even wrongly followed through with.