"I am the Captain of my Soul"

Out of the night that covers me
black as the pit from pole to pole
I thank whatever gods may be
for my unconquerable soul

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud
Under the bludgeonings of chance
my head is bloody, but unbowed

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
looms but the horror of the shade
and yet the menace of the years
finds, and shall find me, unafraid

It matters not how strait the gate
how charged with punishments the scroll
I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul

"Invictus,"
by William Earnest Henley

Photo by Jen Price

Holiday Decorations

It was so much fun looking at how Europeans go all out decorating for the Holiday season. In the States, I know we do as well, so maybe it was the old architecture or even the atmosphere, but it all looked so special, almost magical actually.

Probably the atmosphere.

Holiday in Belgium

This New Years, I was able to visit my sister and her husband in Germany before I make my way home to South Africa. We drove the few hours to Brussels for the holiday and I loved walking the streets among the crowds with my cup of sweet, warm wine.

The real thing






























My sister Danielle

Heather B

Heather and I met a lifetime ago when we both worked at Starbucks. To say there was an instant connection would be lying. I thought she was weird and a little 'off', but she was going to beauty school and needed models and since I love free stuff and getting my hair done I volunteered.

Over time our friendship grew until one day we discovered that the guy she was dating was also my little brother's football coach. She started forcing me to go to games with her and has been pushing me around ever since.

A few years ago, she married the football coach and I thought for sure our relationship would change as she settled into married life.

But our friendship has only grown stronger and her husband Adam is like a brother.

My parents treat her like one of the kids and my siblings adore her.

And she keeps all of us lookin' good. Or at least our hair.

I love you, Heather B. Thanks for always loving me.

A World Away

I'm sitting at the San Fransisco airport waiting to catch my flight to Germany. It's odd to find myself literally in the same place I was a mere six weeks ago waiting for a flight to Spokane. It feels like a lifetime ago, but I remember feeling excited to be in the States and among the familiar, desperately struggling to stay awake and downing as much caffeine as possible.

The leaving, the goodbyes never get easier. Sometimes I feel numb in a way I hate, but my heart is learning to protect itself. Leaving my family is the worst. I miss shopping trips with my mom and watching movies on Saturday with my dad. As an older sister, I want to be a vital part of my siblings lives. That unique urge to encourage, protect, and boss around has never faded. I miss birthdays, graduations, vacations, first boyfriend/girlfriend, first drivers license, and all those minute, little details that may seem meaningless, but make all the difference in the world.

My Dad


My Mom


My brother Grant


My sister Natalie


My brother Spencer


My brother Jack [He wouldn't let me take his picture so this is the best I could do]


My brother Zach

I love that my brother Derek works with me in South Africa, but unfortunately, he's now old enough to resent me when I boss him around [doesn't keep me from trying though]. And I'm excited to spend time with my sister and her husband in Germany, but the prospect of more goodbyes loom on the horizon.

I'm mourning the loss of my family. I know God has a perfect plan for my life and He's much, much smarter than me, but I'm grieving and I think that's okay.

Christmas Knits

This year, I had lots of fun making Christmas gifts. I felt much more invested in present-opening time and had more fun watching others receive their presents than opening my own. Here are a few of my handmade knits . . .

Hat and Scarf for my Aunt Rhonda in
her favorite colors, purple and green

Blanket for my parents in
Mead High School colors


Hat and Scarf for Heather B


Hat for my little sister Natalie

A Year in Retrospect

Dear Friends and Family,

I can’t believe the year is coming to a close. As I look back over 2009, I am amazed that God can accomplish so much in such a short amount of time! Let me take you through a few of my highlights this year . . .

1) Staffed my first Discipleship Training School

2) Led a two month outreach into Uganda and Mozambique

3) My family came to visit me in South Africa!

4) My brother, Derek, stayed and is working with me in S.A.

5) Had the chance to visit beautiful Capetown

6) Started to work with ministry communications [website, blog, newsletters, etc]

I’m so grateful for the crazy ride of these past twelve months. I’ve seen God use me in ways I didn’t think were possible and though it hasn’t been easy in anyway whatsoever, I’ve seen more personal growth in my life than any other year I can remember.

I pray that this next year brings adventure and unexpected blessings for you and your families. I pray that you experience God in new ways and you see transformation in your life and the lives of the people you encounter.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Brittany Deniston