Saturday, December 27, 2008 - Greetings from Lubbock

Hey!

It was nice hearing your voices on Christmas! And I loved your package and cards, and everybody else's too.

Yeah, it's been a crazy week.

Not only was it Christmas week, but it's also the last week of the transfer, which means we've been getting things ready for the incoming and the departing missionaries.

I have packets to put together, agendas to go over, questions to ask President... yeah, it's been a crazy week.

I'm excited, though. Some of the new missionaries are going to be staying at our place for the night, before they head off to wherever they're serving. Also, we get to have lunch and supper with them and with President and Sister Robison, etc. It's going to be fun.

Also, there's going to be a lot of changes this transfer. It's plain to see that President Robison is really on his own, and not just going with what President Rose did. He's making a lot of changes. He's also very open with us. If he tried making a change and it didn't work out, he doesn't hide it, he just fixes it. I've learnt to trust him a lot.

Did I tell you that Elder Northey is going to be my new companion? He and Elder Johnson are switching places.

Hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation!

Love you!

-Elder Brandon Wong

P.S. Something I wish I knew before my mission: to learn to work mail merge.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Hey!

How's it going?
I can't believe Christmas is in less than a week! That's so weird.

And I got your package! Thank you so much! It was way cool. I loved the letters from everybody.

Also, being in the office, we get to see a lot of mail and packages come through. Anything addressed to the office instead of the missionary's actual apartment gets forwarded to them, or delivered the next time we see them (whichever comes first). I discovered that since I'm too busy with other stuff, all the mail goes through Elder Johnson (who's in charge of referrals and supplies). I have, however, been getting a lot of calls from parents who want to double-check the addresses, or are concerned because some mail they've sent have come back to them. So I've been doing a lot of address look-ups for people.

I also got to go to the Christmas zone conference in Midland! Although the program was the same, it was very different because there were different people. Most notably, Elder Sosi convinced his district to put on a Polynesian-style show where they sang "Little Pearls" and "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas". Polynesians speak a lot with their hands, so their hand/arm movements are actually telling the story while they're singing. They were all dressed up, too. Elder Wheeler (the big tall one) said that he's REALLY showing a lot of love for Elder Sosi by agreeing to do this. We also watched "Joy to the World". It's actually one of the DVDs we give out at Christmastime. It's been a while since I've seen it, and I liked it a lot.
We had a lot of fun doing the zone conferences.

Anyways, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas break, and a Merry Christmas!
Remember the true meaning of Christmas. John 3:16-17 - What's the difference between perishing and having eternal life?

The Church is true.

I love you!

-Elder Brandon Wong

Something I wish I knew before my mission: how to work with the Lord to bring changes in me that I've always wanted and needed. That is the true spirit of Christmas.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Hello!
How's it going?

I've been very busy this week.
First of all, preparation day for the office elders is on Saturday, not Monday.

It all started on Friday night around midnight, when a dark truck pulled in, two men in black suits came up, grabbed all my stuff, threw me into the truck, and drove off... to Lubbock. I actually got here around 2:30 AM. I stayed with the APs for the rest of the night before going to meet up with Elder Hewitt and Elder Johnson.

Elder Hewitt was here in part because of a medical condition that doesn't let him walk for as long periods of time. So he was here for almost ten and a half months. If he didn't go home, he may very well have stayed here the rest of his mission, according to him. I don't have anything like that, but the secretary is usually in for a long period of time - possibly as much as six months. Incidentally, the secretary before him (who was here before my mission) also had a medical problem that only let him work for a certain period of time.

I'm not sure how much of an "honour" it is to work here, especially since it means I do less actual missionary work, but I'm sure going to enjoy it while I'm here. This mission also used to have senior couples working in the office, and President Robison wants that to happen again, but apparently there has lately been a worldwide shortage of couples that sign up for missions.

Working here is really cool, though. The APs dropped me off at the apartment, and I asked where the office was. Elder Hewitt pointed out the window. It's pretty much in walking distance. but, since we have a "special" office car, we drive there everyday anyway. Also, any mail or package people want to send to us, they can just send it to the office, and we'll get it here. Also, if anyone wants to go to the temple, I'm the one that calls to reserve the spot.

In the past, President Rose's policy was that missionaries serve the living, not the dead. so we could only go once every six months, and only if you live within two hours of Lubbock. Also, when you go, that day becomes your P-day. The exception is when a newly baptised member is going, and wants their missionaries to go with them. then you can go anytime, as often as it happens. President Robison probably has it the same, but I'm going to ask.

In the meantime, I have a hole to get out of. The last few weeks were pretty hectic, and Elder Hewitt said he's been a little behind. Not only that, he's pretty messy. He was also so good at his job, that he could leave a mess, and still get everything done on time. I'm not quite like that, especially if it's not my mess. Once I get caught up, though, I don't think I'll have that much of a problem.

Other than that, it's been pretty nice here. Lubbock 4th ward is very nice, and we've been fed everyday so far, just like in Midland. I'm really being spoiled so far on my mission. I also got to see the First Presidency's Christmas broadcast. And, on Thursday, we had a Christmas super zone conference here in Lubbock. The Lubbock, Amarillo, and Roswell zones were there. We had a great time. And, next week, I get to travel with the gang down to the other Christmas zone conference with Abilene and Odessa! I really get to meet a lot of missionaries (pretty much everyone in the mission, including all the new ones coming in), and learn how the mission works behind the scenes.

About the MP3 players, I think it's a new rule the world over that they're not allowed, so that's including here. CD players are allowed, though. Also, the rule about getting money is only about getting a regular (monthly) income of money. Just like most adults don't get a regular income other than their job, missionaries shouldn't either. But gifts, especially on special occasions, are fine.

Anyways, I hope things are going well. I have a lot of things I need to do. I should be sending over some more pictures.

Take care

I love you

-Elder Brandon Wong

Something I wish I knew before my mission: how to manage time well (try Preach My Gospel chap. 8).

December 6, 2008 - Secretary to the President

Hello!

How's it going?

Crazy stuff's been going on, and really crazy stuff just happened. Elder Hewitt, the secretary to the president, has been having some medical problems, and now has to go home prematurely. Guess who they called to take his place. You guessed it, sadly.

Elder Goodfellow and I were in the apartment, and I was packing to go on a one-day exchange with Elder Pyle, when President Robison called. He asked if I was willing to serve in the office, and said to expect the Assistants to arrive later on that night to pick me up. So I packed everything else I have, and they arrived around midnight. Elder Memmott, a new missionary, is taking my place (imagine being transferred early, within your first six weeks?) from Big Spring. Events like this are called emergency transfers, or ETs. They happen when missionaries are being bad, or, in this case, have medical issues, and other missionaries have to be moved around. Elder Goodfellow has to take over and finish training an almost brand new missionary; so it's pretty big for him, too. My new companion (for the last half of the transfer, at least) is Elder Johnson. He, along with Elder Hewitt, and Elder Blackmer (the vehicle coordinator) is also from Canada.

Anyways, now I have the three days or so before Elder Hewitt goes home to learn what would ordinarily be trained/instructed in about three weeks. It's pretty crazy. I just spent the last few hours learning how to process paperwork for incoming missionaries and departing missionaries. That is one benefit to be working in the office: I get to meet a lot of other missionaries, whether brand new, or going home. Also, I'm going to be spending a lot of time with Pres. Robison. Maybe I'm too much of a trouble-maker, and he needed me close by to keep an eye on me. :P

In terms of missionary work, we have an area that we cover (the Lubbock 4th ward), and President has been pushing to get the office elders more into the field, and less in the office. We're going to figure out a good schedule that gets the business of running the mission done with quicker, so we can work more.

By the way, now you don't have to worry about sending letters, since we use the mission office address as our mailing address.

Oh, and Elder Goodfellow got the card you sent, and was really happy about that.

Anyways, that's pretty much it, I guess. I'm kinda bummed about leaving Midland, especially in the middle of a transfer, but such is life. Something tells me it won't be bad here.

Hope things are going well.

I love you!

-Elder Brandon Wong

Something I wish I knew before my mission: to learn macros on Microsoft Word.

December 1, 2008

Hi!

How are you doing?

Things are going good here. We had a great Thanksgiving.

In the morning, we played football with members for about three hours. We were all sore for the next couple days. We had Thanksgiving dinner at the Snows' home. The parents, four of their five kids, and their kids were all there. Sister Snow is a great cook, and we had a really fun time. It took a total of three hours for me to down the meal and the slices of three of the five different pies there. It was also the first time I tried pecan pie that day.

By the way, have gas prices dropped where you are, too? Over the last few weeks/months, it's gone from $4 to ~$1.80 or less! Midland is an oil town, by the way, so not only is it a sign that the economy is dying like the wicked witch in water, but it also means less jobs/prosperity for the locals,...so nobody's happy.

We have found a few new people to teach, so we're pretty excited about the work. We have a lot of good things going for us. 2 Kings 6:15-16 (that's one of my new favourites, by the way).

Oh, I forgot to mention that when the transfer started, we got the car back. Elders Pyle and Hardy were actually both happy, because they're eager to lose weight. No complaints here.

What happens when things are sent to the office is that the secretary there (Elder Hewitt - he's from Canada, too (all but one of the current secretaries are, actually)) crosses out the mission office address, puts a sticker with my current address on it, writes "please forward", and in another few days, I get it. I believe that's how it works in any mission.

Anyways, I love being here. An hour of computer time per week is surprisingly still hard to handle, but there has never been a more fulfilling and rewarding time in my life than right now. I highly recommend it for anyone. [read] James 5:19-20

Take care!

I love you!

-Elder Brandon Wong

P.S.: Something I wish I knew before my mission: to buy matching black socks.

November 24, 2008

Hi!

How's it going?

The new transfer has started off right. The new missionaries in our ward are Elders Pyle and Hardy. I already knew both of them. In fact, Elder Hardy came out at the same time as me (we were in different MTC districts).

I may not be raking leaves in freezing cold, but we did get a cold front this week. It dropped to freezing last weekend, and we actually had to turn on the heat. Now, it's, for the most part, a comfortable temperature. Texas is bad with that, though. The weather changes every couple hours or less. I've heard stories of individual days that can be over 100 degrees, have rain, and have snow, all within a few hours of each other.

By the way, every time I change areas, I try to get a "Change of Address" form. If you put on the envelope somewhere, "Forwarding Service Requested", then they will send the mail to the new place. Sending through the office is really slow, and I've heard bad stories of letters and especially packages being opened, stolen, etc. I doubt that happens very often... but still.

Anyways, the work here is great. I'm not sick anymore, nor is Elder Goodfellow, and we have some great people to teach. Also, we might do a Black Friday and holiday season thing where we set up a stand somewhere, hand out hot chocolate and pass-along cards and answer questions. Any (time) where people actually come to you is okay with me. ;)

Anyways, hope you're all doing alright.

I love you!

-Elder Brandon Wong

November 17, 2008

Hello!

How's it going?

Transfer calls came in, I'm staying here in Midland with E. Goodfellow. It looked like most of the other missionaries are staying, too, but some of them just got a phone call with a last-second change. Transfers are always an exciting yet frustrating process.

Other than that, things are rather normal. Sister Hunter, a member here, is a professional seamstress, and she can mend any missionary's clothes. I took my suit jacket to her, and she shortened the arms! They actually fit decently now! That whole family is cool. We are still being well fed, as usual.

After most of my cold was over, I got food poisoning from a mexican buffet. It seemed like a good idea, but now I know why there aren't more mexican buffets. A few days after that, I got a minor stomach flu. I've been sick all this transfer, and it's really frustrating. Maybe that's why the two of us are staying here; to make up for lost time.

Oh, and I have a couple projects for you, should you choose to accept them:
First, I'd like to know what font our scriptures are written in. open up microsoft word, and compare side by side the fonts, and see which one matches up exactly. if it's none of the ones in MS word, than see which one comes closest. also, what are the relative fonts from text, to footnotes, to the word "chapter"?
Second... I totally forgot. don't worry, it'll come to me when we all step outside after this.

Anyways, I want you to know that the Church is true. The only way you're going to know that is if you live it. If you want to know if a pie is good, you'll try it. You don't have to eat the whole thing, just a decent-sized slice. Leaps of faith are what makes the world go forward. Make one for this, and you won't regret it.

I love you!

-Elder Brandon Wong

November 10, 2008

Hi Everybody!

How's it going?

Things are going alright here. I'm excited about a few things but mostly about Hamish's mission call! That's so cool!

Actually, that's probably all that's noteworthy.

Sister LaFrance has been doing an awesome job at making sure the missionaries get fed, so much so that we have not had a single evening without food. So Elder Goodfellow decided that the four of us should bring her brownies; so we did. By the way, I hate the imperial measurement system. Could you send me some sort of fool-proof conversion table, or visual conversion table?

Also, we found out about Obama being elected. Texas is in an uproar. That morning, our power blinked out. We saw American flags at half-mast. People have a lot to say about it. I find it funny.

I was recently reminded of a promise that Bruce R. McConkie said, that if we were to memorize a scripture a day for our whole mission, we'd have a photographic memory by the end. Even if that doesn't work, I'd still have a butt-load of scriptures committed to memory, so it's [a] win-win [situation]. So I decided to do that. I have a small scrap of paper in my shirt pocket with a verse or two on it, and I memorize it over the course of the day. So far, I have eight done.

Elder Winterton bought some new shoes really cheap (because the store is going out of business). But they were too small, so he sold them to me for even cheaper.

And if I were to guess off-hand what I'd want you to send me (I'm having trouble thinking about this), I would have to say... beef jerky. I also used two out of the four boxes of Lipton's.

Oh, and I got my photo frame in the mail. Because it was so cheap, I really got my money's worth. But it still works and that's alright with me.

There's some great people that we're teaching, and the ward is really friendly and helpful. I hope you are to the missionaries there.

Talk to you later!

I love you!

-Elder Brandon Wong

November 3, 2008

Hello everybody!

How's it going?

Things are alright here. We had a great zone conference on Tuesday. It was in our chapel, so we didn't have to go far, but there were missionaries from all over west of Texas. Elder Pearson, newly called to the Seventy, came and taught us a lot of cool things, and motivated us to really work hard. We were all really excited.

Then I got a cold the next day. I've been stuck in the apartment for most of the week. I was still able to go to a few appointments, coughing up a lung, and whatnot, but mostly it's been in-pyjamas-at-home rest for me. I didn't really miss out on Halloween, though. We're not supposed to be working on holiday evenings, so some missionaries came over, and we had some fun.

The next day, suit season started. Everyday, if it's under 70 degrees, we have to wear our suit jackets. After 6 PM, we have to wear it no matter what. Personally, I think it would have been better if I had just black suit jackets so I can just put them on, no matter which black pants I'm wearing. With my pinstripe suit, I have to put on my pinstripe pants, which is rather inconvenient.

Anyways, once my cold is in the down-low, Elder Goodfellow and I are all set to make Midland explode. This Fast Sunday, the whole mission, and many of the members fasted to double baptisms. We're going to make it happen.

I'll talk to you again soon!

I love you!

-Elder Brandon Wong

October 27, 2008

Hello!

Sorry to hear about the pictures. I re-sent them, and they should be alright. Could you rotate all the pictures that should be rotated, and delete the files that didn't work?

Tomorrow, we have a super-zone conference with Odessa, Abilene, San Angelo, and all the nearby outlying towns. A general authority is coming, too! We've all been asked to prepare a talk on becoming better disciples of Christ. some of the things I found are pretty interesting.

We also had a primary program here in 2nd ward, and they also asked the missionaries to help the kids sing "Called to Serve"

We're also teaching some interesting people. One keeps saying he doesn't have time, so he won't invite us in, but he keeps talking to us on his front porch for hours at a time. Just doesn't make sense. Another, however, is a couple, and they're really cool. They're really smart, and are actually doing their reading! That's rare.

Anyways, things are cool. I'm excited about the zone conference.

Talk again later!

I love you!

-Elder Brandon Wong

October 20, 2008

Hi!

I'm going to have to make this quick, because I have a map of Midland to scan in, so I can paste it to the back of my planner.

First of all, I sent a video last time and this time: did you successfully get them? They should be of Elder Goodfellow eating a habenero popper, and of him and Elder Winterton playing checkers in super-speed.

It's been getting slightly colder, especially with last week's rain. In some afternoons, though, the beating sun still gets you. Colder is better, though, because soon, we're going to be giving our car to other missionaries, and going exclusively on bikes.

I got some good practices with that when I went on exchanges with Elder Andersen (again). Elder Winterton, him, and I have all simply moved together from one district in San Angelo to this one here! I need more practice on a bike. I'm pretty uncoordinated.

Oh, and please thank the R.S. for me. I got their package of notes that they sent me. It gave me a nice boost for the next few days. :)

I also got the special ballot request [to vote in the elections] on Friday (almost a month after your note was written). By this time, it was too late, and Nathan told me it's already over. Well, at least I won't have to worry about it anymore on my mission.

Things are kinda slow, since we don't have anybody that we're teaching regularly, but our finding has been more interesting, since we have actually been getting invited back.

Anyways, it's still fun.

The Church is true!

I love you!

-Elder Brandon Wong

Monday, October 13, 2008

Hello!

How's it going?

I'm writing to you from deep in the heart of Midland, Texas! I've been transferred to the Midland 2nd North area. The 2nd ward is pretty big; bigger than I've seen in my mission so far. I've already met a whole bunch of them, and they're really cool. Also, Sis. LaFrance, the meal calendar coordinator, makes sure that every day is filled for the four missionaries; so we get to eat every day!

My new companion is Elder Goodfellow, from SLC. He's pretty tall, kind of a health nut, and when he's wearing his glasses, looks a heck of a lot like AJ Bill - especially from his side profile. Really, it's creepy. He's taken me running every stinkin' night around Midland college (if you look on Google earth, you'll see this big round loop), and I'm about to die each time on account of how out of shape I am.

Also, my address is:
The Fountains at Waterford (not that important to include)
4405 N. Garfield #1106
Midland, TX 79705

It's pretty interesting here. I was hoping to leave the San Angelo/Abilene zone (if I'm going to see something new, I want to see something NEW), and I just barely got out (by one stop on the transfer bus).

The computers here at the so-called "advanced technology center" are very restricted, but I can still send photos.

The other day, we helped the ward do a service project - picking up garbage in a field... It was full of stickers (goat heads and cat's claws), and it took forever to get them all out. I don't know how people can live here.

Anyways, I don't have much to report.

I hope things are going well for you.

The Church is true!
I love you!

-Elder Brandon Wong

October 6, 2008

Hello!

How's it going?

Conference was great, wasn't it?
Elder Maughan and I watched it in the other chapel. (Ours was closed because there weren't enough attending the last time). Nowadays, most people watch the sessions at home, or not at all; they think it's a break from church. That's kinda sad.

From the fishing trip where we actually caught something, Bro. Angel had a fish fry at his house the next day. He deep-fried bite-sized pieces of catfish. It was really good. We didn't have a fishing trip today, because of transfers. I'm being transfered, and Elder Maughan is staying. I love it here, but I'm always ready to see new things. Obviously, this being as far south as you can be, I'll be going north. Elder Maughan and I have been together for two transfers, which is about average. (It rarely goes longer than that).

I did meet some elders going to Montreal shortly after zone conference [in the MTC]. Their French was pretty good. I'm not sure when they were leaving, though.

I hope Grandma is having a good time. She promised to take me there [Hong Kong], too, once I've learnt Chinese. I guess I better get on it, huh?

I liked my study guides, too, but I already found something in it that I can fix. On a related note, I asked one missionary to give me a laminator machine that's been sitting in their apartment for who knows how long. They're going to give it to me at transfers, and I'm going to plastify a whole bunch of stuff, including those study guides. Hopefully, I'll be able to figure out how it works.

Talk [to you] again soon.

The Church is true! If you don't believe it, watch General Conference again.

I love you!

-Elder Brandon Wong

September 29, 2008

Hello!

How's it going?

Things are great here, especially because of Rose's baptism! Now that I think about it, hers is the first one of my mission!
And it was all possible because of the members that introduced us to her, and fellowshipped her, and was there for every lesson, and every step of the way. She works for them, and so when we went over, we'd talk about the Gospel, and she's already heard a lot about it from them.
Anyways, I gave the talk on baptism. Her non-member family was there too and they were impressed - and probably put at ease about her "becoming a Mormon".

That was the real highlight of the week.
Another thing that happened was that fast and testimony meeting yesterday was packed and they even ran out of water for the sacrament.

Also, back at zone conference, the missionary supply secretary presented a "Texas Lubbock Mission" blanket with a logo on it for sale. It looked pretty cool.

Also, I've been spending my free time working on visual scripture study guides. I just finished one on Lehi and family going to the promised land and I've got one on baptism but it needs work.

Never a dull moment.

Every moment I spend here confirms to me that the Church is true. Despite every person that says it's not, I know that that it is. They won't know it until they've learned about it, lived it, and found out for themselves.

I love you!

-Elder Brandon Wong

Hello!

How's it going?

I'm glad you got my package, I was scared there for a bit that it might have gotten lost. I'm also glad you like it :D

I also got your package, thanks for the brownies! They're really good (better than most I've had), even after sitting in that box for who knows how long and Elder Maughan got your card, too :P

This morning, Bro. Angel, our ward mission leader, took us and the zone leaders out fishing at lake Nasworthy. He said that lake isn't the best fishing place (actually, he said it was the worst), but E. Wellington did catch a decent ~5-pounder catfish. Tomorrow we're having a fish-fry.

Also, even better news: one of our investigators is getting baptized! We met her about three months ago and she was golden from the start. She was open-minded about it all and she understood things when we taught her. Her only concern was breaking the news to her very Catholic family. The Kings are the one who introduced us to her and they were there for almost every lesson. Just goes to show what member-missionary work can do...

Anyways, hope things are going well.

Love you!

-Elder Brandon Wong

September 15, 2008

Hi

How's it going?

Yes, someone was telling me all about Ike. They also showed me some pictures of the damage that it did, and even one of the hurricanes from space.
We don't seem to have gotten any of it, but today it was 63F in the morning and 73F by the time we left Institute, so it sure looks like we got that cold front that pushed Ike away from us. It’s really quite amazing what nature can do.

Other things that have been happening here:
we have a new missionary couple, Elder and Sister Schlag, in our area. Their main focus will be on military relations, so they're going to be spending a lot of time in the student/military branch, and working with members that are in the military. We helped them move into their apartment, and they're very nice, and have a strong testimony.
Elder Schlag said he met a member of our ward here that he would like to do family history with, because his mom has the same maiden name. Unfortunately, that member, our high priest group leader died of a heart attack later that day. There are lots of people that really loved him.

Also, this past Sunday, Bishop Bushman did something very unusual: during sacrament meeting, he discoursed on the Sabbath and on the sacrament, and what they mean to us, and how we should treat them. Then we had the sacrament passed to us and then he cancelled the rest of the classes, and asked everybody to go home, and, as families, discuss how they can make their Sabbaths better. It was really interesting (and weird).

Oh, and someone here that we teach is in the air force, and he showed us the way they've been taught to polish shoes, and it's quite simple; so I'm going to be giving it a try, especially since I haven't done much shoe polishing on my mission.

But anyways, it's been an interesting week (oh, and we had zone conference, too) and things are going well.

Talk to you later!

-Elder Brandon Wong

September 8 2008

Hello,

How are things going?

Things aren't too different here.

One thing that is, is that Sis. King asked someone in our ward to speak on her behalf to encourage more people to feed the missionaries. Last night, we found the meal calendar with this week full. I'm not sure how long it will last, but it was pretty cool.

Also, Elder Maughan started driving again, so I've been able to relax a bit when in the car.

By the way, there are two members here whose children have served missions in Montreal. One of them says her son served in Montreal in the mid-80s. He also knew about the Tung Fong branch. It's a long shot, but have you ever met an Elder Hopwood? She just thought she'd try asking.

One member family has been inviting us regularly, and we went over and had BBQ chicken, and it was faaan-tastic. Also, he showed us something called "Insanity Sauce", a hot sauce that just keeps on burning.

I'm sending some pictures over - not too many; hope you like them.

Well, I have to go.
Talk again soon!

Love you,

-Elder Brandon Wong

August 12, 2008

Hello all,
how's it going?

I'm not sure what all this talk of a "tropical storm" is, but it hasn't touched us. We’re pretty far inland, it might not be able to. We did get some rain last night - the first in a long, long time - but that's about it. Other than that, it's been really hot, dry, and boring.

We decided to use our bikes for a day and it's been a while since I have. It was alright, except the part where I fell and bent my derailer, and at the end of the day, I got a flat tire, so I'll have to replace it, and we had to get a ride home. Also, Elder Maughan's been letting me drive more to get to know the area better. My driving's a little rusty for not having driven for who knows how long, but I'm getting used to it, and getting my sense of direction.

Oh, and I went on an exchange with the district leader, Elder Brandon, and I got to attend a stake correlation meeting with Elder Randall, one of the zone leaders. (and stake conference is on the 23rd-24th)

Have a good one.

-Elder Brandon Wong

July 21, 2008

Hi everyone

I'm sitting in the public library in San Angelo right now...
I've been transferred to the San Angelo 2nd ward South area, and my new companion is Elder Maughn. I already met him a couple times at zone conferences, and he's cool. Our district leader is a Spanish-speaking missionary named Elder Brandon, and he's also training a new missionary.

We also have a missionary mom here, named Sister King. We’ve been at her place quite a bit lately because we're helping repaint her room.

Some things here aren't so great. The thing I've been telling everyone is how much I hate the water in San Angelo. It tastes worse than a pool. But there are lots of good things too. There’s a member who owns a Golden Corral buffet, so the missionaries in the city (all ten of them) get to eat for free every Friday.

By the way, before I forget, how's the Canadian dollar doing?

Oh, and something really cool: I got a package from Elder Jenkins' mother! I have no clue how she got my new address so quickly, but she sent me a missionary blanket. it has little cartoon elders on it, with letters and everything! Interestingly enough, her last name is Kirkland.

That reminds me: my new address is:
Sunset Apt II (this line isn't that important)
1645 Sunset Dr. #84
San Angelo, TX 76904

Another thing I don't like about the big city is that the public libraries actually know what they're doing, and put a time limit on the computers.

I'll talk to you soon!

I love you all!

-Elder Wong

July 14, 2008

Hi!

Well, transfer calls came in, and I'm headed south. based on available spots, I'll either go to San Angelo, or Brady (which would be cool, since I can still see Brownwood once in a while). in either case, I'll be in the same zone as before. Elder Jenkins is staying, and will spend his last transfer here.

I won't do much shopping, but everyone who's transferred gets the chance afterwards
which reminds me, tubes of Pringles are going for a dollar each! That’s pretty weird. Are they going out of business, or something?

I'm also getting a new set of scriptures. Mine are too big to lug around all the time. I wish I thought of that at the MTC, because there's a 40% discount there! Instead, it's over $40 to order it here. We have to call the secretary in charge of orders, and place an order; but he doesn't submit the order until he gets the money. I'm probably going to have to mail it to him; so it's going to be a while before I get it.

I'm also considering buying a digital picture frame. I never really liked those dumb things, but because we can't have computers, and I never really print out my pictures, that would be perfect. I'll just shrink down the photos on my usb stick once I get it back from you, and it won't take up much space. (At least, that's the idea)

I met President Robison on Tuesday. He’s really cool. He used to work in schools and as a coach, so he knows how to handle teenagers, etc. during interviews, he emphasized getting some exercise done every morning, so I'm going to be doing that.

Today, we're probably just going to sight-see, and visit members so I can say goodbye. I really wish they would tell us Saturday evening at least, so we can do that at church...

by the way, did you know the world's smallest city block is here in Brownwood?
We saw it - it was a triangle with one tiny building in the middle.
We’re going to get some pictures of it.

Anyways, I'm really sad that I'm not going to be around to see our neighbours get baptized, but seeing a new place can't be all that bad, right?

Talk again soon!

Love you!

-Elder Brandon Wong

July 7, 2008

Hello!

I hope you had a happy Canada day! I sure did. 4th of July, however, was a different story. I guess because everyone was on vacation or something, no one was home. We planned for over 15 people to see (which would, in a perfect world, take 15 hours); we sat down with no one and ended up finding all day (with no return invites).

We recently got a new branch mission leader (we haven't had one since I got here) and he's real excited about the calling. Speaking of which, on Canada day, they invited us over for supper and I got to try buffalo for the first time. (They're also the ones who fed us steak last time.)

We also got our new mission president, President Robison. We’ll get to meet him tomorrow for interviews. (I need to get a haircut before that!)

Transfers are on the week of the 15th and 16th. It would be nice to see other places, but I really want to see the family we've teaching get baptized (possibly on the 20th!...if they can quit smoking on time).

Anyways, if there's anything else to write about, I've forgotten it.

Talk to you later!

Love you,

-Elder Brandon Wong

June 30, 2008

Hello!!!

Did you also get that letter from the first presidency about not asking the congregation to open their scriptures during sacrament meeting when giving a talk? I thought that was unusual, but it makes sense. This reminds me, we gave talks in Comanche Branch on the fourth Sunday. I spoke about faith, and it went well.

We were mowing someone's lawn one day, and I got attacked by ants and chiggers at the same time! The ants pinched, and chiggers burrow in the skin and live there for a while. I think next time I'll just wear my socks over my pants.

I already mentioned about our last zone conference with Pres. Rose, and as of last night, we have a new mission president. We’re going to meet him during our every-transfer interviews next week. That also means we're going to have to drive to San Angelo twice next month, so we'll be using a lot of miles.

Yesterday, we taught the 5th Sunday combined meeting in Brownwood. We talked about member missionary work and how to go about doing it. it was a really good lesson, and we're hoping that it will encourage the members to share the Gospel with others.

In the meantime, we've been teaching some great people. At least three golden investigators. Another guy we were teaching let us in just to hear what we have to say and see if it's as crazy as he thought it was, and the whole time he was just dismissing what we said, but he realized he didn't give us enough of a chance, and started listening. Cool things like that happen all the time.

Anyways, I'm taking too long. I should go. It FINALLY rained in this region, so it's not as boiling hot, but all the humidity will make it worse afterwards. Maybe we'll go mudding today, and make it all worth it.

The Gospel is true!

I love you all!

-Elder Brandon Wong

June 16, 2008

Hello everyone!

Things are great here.

Mostly because of the five investigators we got to church instead of the average none or one!
Those neighbours we were teaching managed to negotiate Sunday mornings off work with their boss, and came with their family!
Also, one man who drives the bus for his old (current) church managed to get a substitute this week!

Also, on Saturday, was Flag Day. The local military camp held a "Day at the Camp" family event to show support for the armed forces. We volunteered for the Red Cross and helped man the booth. We mostly gave out water and Gatorade, but we still got first aid certified for it, and got to see (and get) lots of cool (and free) stuff!

We’ve also been doing a lot of softball because our new investigator loves it and has been coming to the weekly games. (I may have already said this, but) next week, we're playing his old church, so he's excited about that.

Next week, we're going to Comanche again (and we're speaking, since they probably get tired of hearing the same seven people over and over), and the week after, we're giving the 5th Sunday lesson here in Brownwood about better member-missionary work.

-Elder Brandon Wong

May 20, 2008

Hi!
How’s it going?

On Sunday evening, there was a musical fireside at the Stake Center in Abilene, and we got to go to that (Bro. Martinez drove us). It was a series of songs that illustrate the main points of the message of the restoration. It was weird to see the same two elders sing each song, but they were very good.

And since President and Sister Rose were in the area, and since President Rose has to give the missionaries interviews once every transfer, they came to our district meeting yesterday (that's why it wasn't preparation day yesterday). It was my first and last missionary interview with him, since he's leaving in less than six weeks. After the interview, he gave each missionary a blessing. Usually, this is reserved for departing missionaries, but since he's the one who's leaving, he gave everyone one (and probably for every missionary in the mission!)

I got your DearElder.com letter yesterday! It’s great to hear about that family you're helping to teach. (and I did get a letter from Elder Bilodeau just before he left the MTC)

As for things here, they're going well. It’s getting hotter (in the 90-100 range), but that's not too bad, since we have an air-conditioned car, and we usually teach indoors. The bugs are also getting worse, though. I got nine mosquito bites in one evening, and they're still bothering me! I think I'm going to wear long sleeves more often. It’ll slow my tanning, but I'd rather be pale and hot than itchy all the time.

As we were finding the other day, we had one man that really got angry and shouted at us. He threatened to call the cops, and all. The very next district meeting we had, President Rose was there, teaching about opposition. That's not a mere coincidence. He said as missionaries, and as members of the Church, we have opposition: first, for our benefit and so we can progress; second, to show that the Church is true, because Satan would most strongly oppose only his biggest threat; and to stand as a testimony against the oppressor when the time comes.
He also gave us Matthew 5:11-12, and said that after someone rejects us angrily or even physically, we should be happy that we indeed have the truth, and also that we have been deemed worthy to be more strongly tested, and be counted in some way with the prophets of old.

Also, in my readings during whatever free time I have, I've learned that the great apostasy is indeed not a unique event. After the death of the apostles, people started changing the doctrines of the true church, despite having the writings (the Bible). By the time Joseph Smith came, there were different sects, and despite being so different, they unanimously opposed the church that Joseph Smith restored.
In the same way, after the Old Testament prophets (like Malachi), people started changing the doctrines, despite having the law of Moses. By the time Jesus came, there were different sects (Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, etc.), and they had all those little, detailed laws that really had little to do with what the Law of Moses was about. And though they all had different opinions, they all rejected Jesus Christ and His church.
Even today, the only thing that every sect has in common is that we're wrong. We are no more wrong than Jesus Christ is not our Saviour.

Missionary work has probably been the most testimony-building experience I've ever had, and that anyone can have.

Anyways, I hope everything's going well.

I love you all!

-Elder Brandon Wong

June 9, 2008

Hello

How are things going?
Things are great here.

This past Sunday, we were asked to give talks in sacrament meeting in Brownwood so I spoke on humility in learning the Gospel.

On Saturday, we went to a softball practice. I'm going to need a lot of it if I'm ever going to play... and I've been sore all over since. We also practiced some more with Brother Low this morning.

Also that afternoon, we went to the Red Cross and got a quick first aid course (because we're volunteering to man a booth next week), and we got certification, too (and because we're helping out, the course was free). There was a written test, but it wasn't hard at all.

As for missionary work, we've been visiting less-actives, and former investigators. Because we've moved from "quantity" to "quality", we might have to do a lot of finding for the next few weeks.

Other than all this, not much is happening. Compared to what I did at home, though, it's still a lot. ;)

The church is true.
I love you all.

- Elder Brandon Wong

P.S.: a lot more end-of-the-world talk around here. See if you can get a year's supply of food started!
P.P.S.: on 06/06 of this year, I finished my 66th day. Isn’t that weird?
Also, my 74th day out is when Elder Jenkins has 74 days left!

June 2, 2008 - Day 62

Hi everyone!

I'm staying in Brownwood with Elder Jenkins for another six weeks, just as he predicted. I'm glad; I'm just getting used to things, and I really like the people here.

Just the other day, our neighbour (who moved in a couple weeks ago) started chatting with us as we were coming home. He said he recently became dissatisfied with his current church, and that he and his wife were looking for something new. We’ve since started teaching them, and they're really great. Not only are they really friendly, but they don't have any prejudices of our church, so they're very willing to hear more and to come visit! He once read from the Book of Mormon as a teenager, before his dad burned it; and he hasn't had any contact with the church since then. With all the work we've been doing around town, it never occurred to us to just try with our own literal neighbour.

As for serving in Utah, I met one missionary at the MTC who was going to serve in the Utah Provo Mission! So he didn't have to go far when he finished his training. That reminds me; I also got to meet the missionaries going to Montreal! I only spoke with them for a minute or two, but I told them where I'm from, and spoke a little French with them.

This past Sunday, after testimony meeting, the Sunday School president came up to us and asked if we were willing to teach right then and there (since the teacher was missing today). it was the very last minute, but we agreed and taught a hastily-put-together lesson to the adults. That’s why it's always good to know your scripture stories well.

Working here is still great but different. I think we're shifting from quantity to quality, in terms of who we're teaching. Unfortunately, it also means we have less people to visit, and more time on our hands. That means more finding. (and it's pushing 100 degrees around here! and it's not dry like in the rest of west Texas)

As we go finding, some people simply say no, but we also get some pretty funny excuses as to why people won't let us in.
"I was just sleeping ... ... oh, and... I have a baby - I'm babysitting"
"sorry, I-- no hablo ingles"
"no" "yes" "no" "yes" "no" "yes" "no!" "yes!" ... ... "no" "yes"
"I like my beer, and I like my pot!"
But the most interesting one is when we ask, "What if God told you to change churches - would you?" and they, sometimes just to get rid of us, and sometimes because they don't really know what they're saying, answer "no".
Lots of people claim to be Christian, yet when asked if they would listen to God when He spoke to them, they say they wouldn't. Are they clinging to the church of God, or of a man? That’s why I like Moroni's promise:

Moroni 10:3-5 reads “Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”

Because we don't have to trust our local preacher, or any other man. we can go straight to the source. it also shows where our doctrines come from. Revelations, not only interpretations or derivations or interpolations, show us what the scriptures mean and what truth is. This is what makes our church the "only true and living church on the face of the earth".

Anyways, I'll talk to you all later!

Love you!

-Elder Brandon Wong

May 27th, 2008

Hi everyone!

Happy Memorial Day! I'm not 100% sure what it is, and no one around seems to know either, but what it means is that I have to send letters today instead of yesterday.

Alma's gone. :( She went to visit family in Houston, and she'll be away for at least two months. It also means that we have to do our own laundry; but she gave us her house keys and said we can use her machines. She took her leaving us rather hard. Transfers are coming up on June 1st, and we might have to leave and we won't see her again.

Transfers are every six weeks. On June 1st, we get a call from the zone leaders, and they tell us if we're leaving. If we are, then the next day or the day after, we hop on the bus with our bags, and we only find out where we're going when we get there, and someone there tells us that we have to get off!
However, Elder Jenkins suspects neither of us will be transferred this time. That’s probably a good thing, because I'm just barely getting used to things, and the people here are really great.

a perfect example of that is when we went to the Richmonds for supper. They live out of town, so they came to our place and drove us to their home. Then they gave us my first real Texan steak! Oh, and it was good. They also own a flock of chickens, so they gave us eggs.

And if that wasn't enough, Elder Jenkins bought a brisket for $10, and marinade it for three days before cooking it for the weekly district meeting. we had it for lunch today along with scalloped potatoes and the peach cobbler Elder Duffy made, and I'm about ready to burst.

This last Sunday, we went out to Comanche, and we gave talks. I spoke about the Great Apostasy and Elder Jenkins spoke about the Restoration. They had 11 people not including us this time, so it's an improvement. Despite this, there's talk of closing the branch, so they're focusing on missionary work and perhaps reactivation.

We’ve been doing a bit of that ourselves. One of our investigators has been taught everything, but still isn't progressing. Then we mentioned the branch's weekly Thursday-evening softball game, and she jumped on the idea. The Brownwood branch plays softball every week against one of the other churches in the city. I think it's some sort of league. And, because she (an investigator) is going every week, we get to go too (and maybe even the occasional practice!) so not only does she get to bond with the branch but it's also one less night out drinking and something fun we get to do.

The other week, we had a day with not much to do, so we decided to make it a whole day of finding. So from ten in the morning until supper, we knocked doors trying to find someone who's interested. We didn't find that many, but we got three media referrals later on. It’s been pretty humid lately. It was a good experience, but we wouldn't really want to do that again.

Every letter, I always talk about how I always hear or read something that strengthens my testimony. Let me tell you about something else I'm always hearing about lately: the end of the world. Never in my whole life have I met so many people so unanimously pessimistic about the fate of their lives. Whether rich or poor, member or non-member, young or old; it always starts off with the gas prices. It’s just about at $4.00 a gallon now, and there's talk of going up to $5, $7, or even one mention of $10. Then, they move on to how these prices are killing them, and they can't afford anything anymore. Then, it goes into how food prices are increasing, and there are food shortages here and there, and soon there won't be enough to go around, and it won't matter because no one will be able to afford it, and we're all going to die of starvation because of no food, and it'll be at home because we'll have no gas to get anywhere. There’s probably a lot of truth in all of it (by the way, how's the family food storage coming along?), but I've never seen so many different, unrelated people talk about the exact same thing in the exact same tone.

By the way, Paraguay!?!? That’s cool! I'll have to write him...
and Ogden, too? Is that true?

Anyways, things are great.
Except... could you send some Lipton's soup packs? They sell them in boxes of twos here, and they taste different. ;) So does the chocolate milk syrup I bought. Well, I guess I could live with that. :P Don't bother. In any case, you should probably wait to send anything the slow way until after transfers, just in case I am transferred, in which case anything will take at least two weeks to get to me via the forwarding service. I'll tell you the p-day after June 1st.

Anyways, I love you!
Hope you're doing well.

-Elder Brandon Wong

Elder Wong wrote a note to everybody May 20, 2008

Thanks for your letters! I haven't been ignoring you in not responding directly; I just don't have enough time to address everyone individually - which is probably why they recommend we only email family, and write only regular letters to everyone else...
I'll do my best to answer your questions.
In any case, the best place to know what's going on with me is the blog (which was Sister Kaufman's idea - thanks!), asking my family, and the pictures - once I send them home.

Much love,

-Elder Wong

Letter written May 12, 2008

Greetings from the only place in the mission that's green, yet ironically called Brownwood! (and it's the 41st day!)

We were finding the other day, and we met this lady who was playing with her daughter in her front yard. When we came up, she went inside to get her husband, who told her to be on the lookout for "people like us". We thought that he just wanted to speak with us to argue, but he just let us in, and we taught the first lesson. It was great!

It’s kinda hard covering three counties - knowing that while you're trying to work with people in this tiny town, there are lots more (who are your responsibility) who don't get anything.

That’s also why it's really important for the members to do missionary work. Elder Bednar said that members are full-time finders, while missionaries are full-time teachers.
When we're out finding, we're searching for a needle in a haystack, one door at a time - that's at least one minute or two between doors. But if members bring us a small handful of potentials, getting a needle is a lot easier.

This morning, I started reading “Jesus the Christ” (written by James E. Talmage) and it's pretty good so far. I've always thought that it's possible to write so much on something with so little material, but this is proof of that - and it's engaging, too.

In the meantime, find people for the elders to teach, and encourage others to do the same. In the month or so since I've been here, we've only found one person through knocking who might be interested.

Everyday I'm learning more and more that say nothing but that the Church is true. It is.

I love you all!

Talk again soon.

-Elder Brandon Wong

Second Week in Brownwood

Hey all,

Things aren't too bad here.

The other day, we went on the bikes for the first time - I hadn't even ridden mine yet.

We were biking across town to get to the chapel to do a lesson there, and I was running out of steam every minute! I'm going to get more exercise. We got to the chapel, and the investigator cancelled at the last minute so we had to bike back. Just before we left, we found out that the front brake pads were too tight, and were holding the wheel in place. Elder Jenkins loosened them, and it was much easier to ride. I still need more exercise, though, and Fast Sunday is hard when you're out biking all day.

Oh, today is Cinco de Mayo - or fifth of May - which is one of two Mexican independences (one from the French, and one from Spain - the other is in September but I'm not sure which is which). Last Saturday, we went to a Cinco de Mayo cook-off, and we got to eat tamales and briskets, which both were really good.

Did I tell you about the joke that Elder Jenkins played?
We were finding [tracking] along a street and came up to this one door. It opened, and this man with a big, long gun was standing there. We introduced ourselves, and said why we were there. My companion asked what kind of gun that was, and he said "the kind that hurts". I was thinking that this guy is really weird. We kept talking, but then he interrupted and said, "Why don't we play a game? You run as fast as you can and tell me if it really does hurt," motioning to the gun. He didn't really scare me so much as make me think that he's absolutely nutty. Then he put on this big smile and said, "Hi, I'm President Timmons". He turned out to be the branch president. Yesterday, I got to tell that story as part of my testimony during fast and testimony meeting

As for groceries, we haven't had to buy much, since we've been fed quite often. We also have been too busy to do much ‘finding’, but it's slowing down, so we're going to have to start doing more.

Anyways, it's great here. We're working hard, and it's a lot of fun. I don't have time to write everyone individually, but I read every letter. …And it's kind of weird reading letters; I'm so used to hearing you, and the letters don't sound like the way you'd talk.

There's a lot of other stuff, and a lot of stuff coming up, but I have to go now - talk again soon!

The church is true.
I love you all!

-Elder Brandon Wong

Elder Wong's first week in Texas

Hey everyone,

It's my first p-day (they're on Mondays), and I'm sitting in the Brownwood public library
(Editor's Note: P-Day is short for Preparation Day when they have time to do personal things like shopping for food and things, do the apartment cleaning chores, write letters, etc.)

Last week, we got up at 4:15 in the morning to get ready and we flew out at around 8 or 9 in the morning. We (the six in our district) travelled with six other missionaries going to the same place and mission - three in English, three in Spanish. There were two flights totalling about 4-5 hours in the air. it wasn't too bad, but I still felt awful the whole time

We were greeted at the airport by President and Sister Rose. We went to their home and were interviewed and took pictures, etc. He and the other office elders gave us orientation and other information and rules. We also went to get a bike. All the second-hand ones were taken, so I got a new one

I've been assigned to the Brownwood area. It's a tiny town (pop. 20 000) about three hours from Lubbock deep in the heart of Texas. The area also covers two other small towns.

The transfer bus goes up and down Texas bringing missionaries back and forth, and with all the stops it took around 6-8 hours to get here.

My first companion is Elder Jenkins. He's from St-George, Utah, and he's been out here for nearly 20 months.

We have an apartment in Brownwood (and it's across the street from another church) the address is:

Elder Wong
1300 - 13th Street, #221
Southmore Terrace
Brownwood TX 76801

My very first lesson was taught to a man named Daniel, who turned out to be the Preacher for the 4th street Church of Christ. He quoted the New Testament left and right off the top of his head, and didn't quite believe in receiving answers to prayers, but has agreed to read from the Book of Mormon.

We get a limited number of miles on our car, but we're nowhere near that, so far we haven't gone on the bikes. Next month, though, we have zone conference in another city, so we'll have to use miles for that.

Our studies are almost completely focused on the Book of Mormon and the New Testament (in order to suit the needs of the people here) - there's pretty much a church on every city block.

This past Sunday, we went to the Comanche branch for church. we live in the Brownwood branch, but we cover three units, and try to go to the others when we can. including us two, there were nine people in the building (a converted dentist's office). It was raining, so that might have kept some from coming (there's usually 10-15). We gave the talks in sacrament meeting - I actually managed to fill the last 35 minutes with very little preparation!

Even without having gone to the Brownwood branch yet, I was still able to see a lot of the 30+ members. Especially Alma, the "missionary mother", she's very friendly and even does our laundry for us!

The Church is true!

I love you all!

-Elder Brandon Wong

A Photo Album of our Trip to Utah

Check out the photo album by clicking on the link: http://picasaweb.google.com/ronginette

Written April 16th from the MTC

hi everyone!

everything is great here

our classes are just our district, which is pretty small - just 6 people in fact, one district in our zone just left for the Philipines, so our whole zone is pretty small - just 8 missionaries! but we're going to get 8 more today (because it's new missionary day), only to lose 6 more next monday (that's us)

everyone's so excited to leave - they don't like the food too much, or the classes, or the meetings, or anything; I'm not sure what they're talking about - I love the food (I'm trying to eat as much vegetables and fruits as possible, and I eat eggs almost every morning - but this is cancelled out by the fact that I've never had so much soda in my life before! (there are soda machines everywhere)

the Temple Square tour was great - it was all international missionaries, and half of them were from Canada (there was only one sister out of 26 missionaries). we got a minibus, and drove over
we pretty much got to see everything Beehive house (Brigham Young's house and former Church headquarters), Assembly Hall, the Plaza, Joseph Smith Memorial Building - we went to the top (where the restaurants are) and looked out on the view - it's very nice, the Conference Center, current Church Headquarters - we went to the top there, too, and it was so cool (and it was mostly clear out, so we could see pretty far), and the Church History Museum.

everything's cool

we're all thinking about leaving now... there's less than a week now. I wouldn't mind staying here in the least, but even still, I can't wait to go.

we have the best district in the world
we fool around a lot, but we get stuff done, and our testimonies are strong
our expression is "have faith, Elder"
(well, that, and "brown chicken, brown cow" - long story)

the church is true

I love you all!

-Elder Brandon Wong

Elder Wong's First Email Message April 9, 2008

hi all!

it's so busy here; I haven't had time to finish my written letter, so you're going to get this before my *first* letter arrives in the mail...

it's also great here. things are awesome, everything's going very well conference was probably the best one I've ever attended they converted the gym into an auditorium for all 2000 missionaries here (and I bumped into Elder Bilodeau once for a minute) our zone leaders, Elders Correa and Sanbei, are in another district, and have been here for almost 9 weeks, and just before leaving, they've been released. two missionaries from my district, Elder Maybee and Elder Warner, have been called in their place, and I've been asked to take Elder Maybee's place as district leader (which, here, pretty much means I pick up the mail every day)

the other day, I got a ticket in the mail for a tour of Temple Square, and I plan to go this friday! I guess I *am* international enough.

we also went to the RC (Referral Center), where we accept and send out calls. it wasn't as bad as I thought...

because you haven't yet received my first letter, I'll tell you now that my companion is Edler Luebke (loob-kee), and he's great. he's from Orem.

on tuesday, we saw Robert S. Wood of the second Seventy speak to us

if there's anything to take away from this so far, it's that the Church is true.

I love you all!

Elder Brandon Wong