Hey!
Merry Christmas from Texas, y'all!
Even better, it's snowing here today! Full-on, bona fide snow all over the place! That was totally unexpected.
Other than that, I went to the doctor's the night I sent that email (instead of the following week), who confirmed a small case of bronchitis, and prescribed some antibiotics for it. Meanwhile, Elder Cherrington's got something of his own. All six of the missionaries got sick with something in the last week or two. By the time we went to interviews/district meeting on Tuesday, it was a sad sight to see (except Sweetwater). Fortunately, with Christmas around the corner, it's a "slower" week, which makes all of us staying in to recover... not so bad of a thing.
Anyways, I'm looking forward to your phone call.
Talk to you soon! Bye!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009 - Christmas is approaching!
Hey!
What's up?
With me, I'm sick... again, or still. I don't know. It's been at least a month since I had my cold. Normally, I have a cough that lasts a while and gradually disappears. A couple of days ago, it started to get worse. Sister Robison said it might be bronchitis or pneumonia. She insisted that I see a doctor, and this time, I'm going to listen. I set up an appointment for early next week. This is the best Christmas ever.
Also, sadly, the lady that was preparing to be baptized on Sunday asked us to stop visiting her. She had been making so much progress, and we don't understand. We love her and her testimony, so we took it pretty hard.
On a positive note, thanks for the card, Dad. I love the pictures of your baptism. It's also probably the most powerful testimony you've ever borne to me. I'm keeping it on the cover of my study journal so I can look at it and show it to others.
The Sisters are doing a "12 days of Christmas" thing for one of their investigators, and for the first couple days, they asked Elder Cherrington to dress up as Santa for it. He would drop off a gift on their doorstep, knock, and run. The costume was just in case they opened the door too quick and saw who was there.
The other day, we decided to visit a member of the Church whose name we didn't recognize. When we met him, he informed us that he was born and raised in the Church, but he had since converted to Catholicism. We did a daily mass reading with him, a few prayers, and then he and Elder Cherrington discussed doctrinal points for the next hour. I wasn't quite in the mood. Then Elder Cherrington made the terrible mistake of giving him our phone number, and he has since called several times to discuss scriptures. He explained that when we are ready to make the change from Mormonism, he will be ready and willing to help us make the transition.
I wondered how someone could lose all the light and truth they once had. Then I remembered a passage of scripture in D&C 93:36-42. It is interesting: we could remember every detail discussed in Primary, every verse in the Bible and Book of Mormon, but without light and truth, none of it makes sense, and the doctrines of the world suddenly become appealing. Light and truth come by living the Gospel more and more everyday. I hope all of us will change every day for the better. If you've lived two days in a row that went exactly the same, you've done something wrong.
I don't know when the next P-day will be. Just be on the lookout for my email (as well as a phone call!).
Anyways, Merry Christmas!
I hope everything goes well, and that you get your wish.
The Church is true!
I love you
-Elder Brandon Wong
What's up?
With me, I'm sick... again, or still. I don't know. It's been at least a month since I had my cold. Normally, I have a cough that lasts a while and gradually disappears. A couple of days ago, it started to get worse. Sister Robison said it might be bronchitis or pneumonia. She insisted that I see a doctor, and this time, I'm going to listen. I set up an appointment for early next week. This is the best Christmas ever.
Also, sadly, the lady that was preparing to be baptized on Sunday asked us to stop visiting her. She had been making so much progress, and we don't understand. We love her and her testimony, so we took it pretty hard.
On a positive note, thanks for the card, Dad. I love the pictures of your baptism. It's also probably the most powerful testimony you've ever borne to me. I'm keeping it on the cover of my study journal so I can look at it and show it to others.
The Sisters are doing a "12 days of Christmas" thing for one of their investigators, and for the first couple days, they asked Elder Cherrington to dress up as Santa for it. He would drop off a gift on their doorstep, knock, and run. The costume was just in case they opened the door too quick and saw who was there.
The other day, we decided to visit a member of the Church whose name we didn't recognize. When we met him, he informed us that he was born and raised in the Church, but he had since converted to Catholicism. We did a daily mass reading with him, a few prayers, and then he and Elder Cherrington discussed doctrinal points for the next hour. I wasn't quite in the mood. Then Elder Cherrington made the terrible mistake of giving him our phone number, and he has since called several times to discuss scriptures. He explained that when we are ready to make the change from Mormonism, he will be ready and willing to help us make the transition.
I wondered how someone could lose all the light and truth they once had. Then I remembered a passage of scripture in D&C 93:36-42. It is interesting: we could remember every detail discussed in Primary, every verse in the Bible and Book of Mormon, but without light and truth, none of it makes sense, and the doctrines of the world suddenly become appealing. Light and truth come by living the Gospel more and more everyday. I hope all of us will change every day for the better. If you've lived two days in a row that went exactly the same, you've done something wrong.
I don't know when the next P-day will be. Just be on the lookout for my email (as well as a phone call!).
Anyways, Merry Christmas!
I hope everything goes well, and that you get your wish.
The Church is true!
I love you
-Elder Brandon Wong
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009 - It's December!
Hey!
How are things going?
It's getting pretty cold around here! Some days, it's foggy and never goes above 30, and the following days, it's sunny and goes up to 60 or 70! Sometimes, Texas just can't make up its mind.
I saw the pictures for Nathan's [Olympic] torch run! You looked way good! I also love that poster [coca-cola ad] of you! You're famous! I hope you had fun.
Nothing's been going on here, really.
We did go to the First Presidency Christmas devotional, and it was very good.
My companion had a couple doctor's appointments.
After having (almost completely) recovered from my cold (I still have a light cough), we're trying to catch up to the pace we were working before, and it's tough. I've never felt so useless when sick as when I have important work to do.
Our investigator quit drinking tea and we're all helping her keep a close eye on it. Elder Cherrington offered to quit drinking milk (which he loves) while she quits drinking tea. We also fasted with her for the Lord's help. So far, she's still going strong.
This Friday (tomorrow) we're having our Christmas zone conference. It's a combined one, so we're driving to Midland tonight.
Thanks for the pretzels, by the way! We're putting them to good use.
All is well here. Oh, except that I lost my tuque. Still looking for it. Worse comes to worst, Elder Cherrington will crochet me a new one.
Make the most out of this Christmas season.
The Church is true. Work on your testimony (that's what I'm doing). Christmastime is the best time for that! As the "Church of Jesus Christ", we should know the story of Jesus Christ the best, including His birth.
I love you!
Talk to you next week.
-Elder Brandon Wong
How are things going?
It's getting pretty cold around here! Some days, it's foggy and never goes above 30, and the following days, it's sunny and goes up to 60 or 70! Sometimes, Texas just can't make up its mind.
I saw the pictures for Nathan's [Olympic] torch run! You looked way good! I also love that poster [coca-cola ad] of you! You're famous! I hope you had fun.
Nothing's been going on here, really.
We did go to the First Presidency Christmas devotional, and it was very good.
My companion had a couple doctor's appointments.
After having (almost completely) recovered from my cold (I still have a light cough), we're trying to catch up to the pace we were working before, and it's tough. I've never felt so useless when sick as when I have important work to do.
Our investigator quit drinking tea and we're all helping her keep a close eye on it. Elder Cherrington offered to quit drinking milk (which he loves) while she quits drinking tea. We also fasted with her for the Lord's help. So far, she's still going strong.
This Friday (tomorrow) we're having our Christmas zone conference. It's a combined one, so we're driving to Midland tonight.
Thanks for the pretzels, by the way! We're putting them to good use.
All is well here. Oh, except that I lost my tuque. Still looking for it. Worse comes to worst, Elder Cherrington will crochet me a new one.
Make the most out of this Christmas season.
The Church is true. Work on your testimony (that's what I'm doing). Christmastime is the best time for that! As the "Church of Jesus Christ", we should know the story of Jesus Christ the best, including His birth.
I love you!
Talk to you next week.
-Elder Brandon Wong
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009 - Another one into the fold
Howdy!
There's an expression that people use: " *such and such will happen* when hell freezes over!" We just had snow in Abilene, Texas. Does that count?
The last couple days, we've been getting rain and cold weather. At night, the two would combine and the result is that the following morning... there's snow randomly in patches on the ground. I've met residents here who have never seen snow in their life. I guess this is their chance.
We had a baptism on Sunday for a nine-year-old boy. They asked me to perform it. It was the first time I had ever done a baptism myself. It went a lot quicker than I expected. I'm just glad I got it right the first time. Right after coming out of the water, he commented that he was glad that no part of his body floated to the top.
We were also going to have a baptism this coming Sunday, but she is still drinking tea. We thought it would be the easiest thing to get rid of, but I figured, if it's part of the Word of Wisdom, obviously God didn't think it was so easy. We are still confident that she can be baptized. She has a great testimony and a great spirit.
I'm still sick. My cold is in its final stages, the last being a lingering dry cough. Exactly a year ago (in Midland), around Halloween time, I got a cold. As I was getting over it, I got some kind of stomach virus from something I ate. Now, a year later, I got a cold around Halloween time, and, as I was getting over it, I got some kind of stomach virus from something I ate. Last time, it was a Mexican buffet. This time, I don't know what it was, but it sure tasted great coming back up. First time I threw up in many years. It felt awful, but afterwards, it felt much better. Funny how those things are. (I guess it's like repentance - it doesn't feel good while you're doing it, but you'll feel much better after.)
We also had transfers this week. A lot of changes happened. Elder Cherrington and I are still serving together, but Elder Allred, Sister Wallwork, Sister Westover, and Elders Rasmussen and Wakefield left. Elder Allred is training in Midland. Sister Wallwork is training in Amarillo. Elder Lowe is training here in Abilene. Sweetwater got whitewashed. Now, our district is all of Abilene and Sweetwater, and Eastland is now part of the Brownwood district. The ones who came in are Sis Ficken, Elder Clove (a greenie), and Elders Rackley and Hansen for Sweetwater. It was pretty crazy. After the transfer bus left, we all went to New York Pizza for supper and got to know each other.
It's going to be an exciting transfer.
I know the Church is true.
I love you! take care.
-Elder Brandon Wong
P.S.: Isn't it interesting how it's always cold and rainy in Abilene at transfer time?
There's an expression that people use: " *such and such will happen* when hell freezes over!" We just had snow in Abilene, Texas. Does that count?
The last couple days, we've been getting rain and cold weather. At night, the two would combine and the result is that the following morning... there's snow randomly in patches on the ground. I've met residents here who have never seen snow in their life. I guess this is their chance.
We had a baptism on Sunday for a nine-year-old boy. They asked me to perform it. It was the first time I had ever done a baptism myself. It went a lot quicker than I expected. I'm just glad I got it right the first time. Right after coming out of the water, he commented that he was glad that no part of his body floated to the top.
We were also going to have a baptism this coming Sunday, but she is still drinking tea. We thought it would be the easiest thing to get rid of, but I figured, if it's part of the Word of Wisdom, obviously God didn't think it was so easy. We are still confident that she can be baptized. She has a great testimony and a great spirit.
I'm still sick. My cold is in its final stages, the last being a lingering dry cough. Exactly a year ago (in Midland), around Halloween time, I got a cold. As I was getting over it, I got some kind of stomach virus from something I ate. Now, a year later, I got a cold around Halloween time, and, as I was getting over it, I got some kind of stomach virus from something I ate. Last time, it was a Mexican buffet. This time, I don't know what it was, but it sure tasted great coming back up. First time I threw up in many years. It felt awful, but afterwards, it felt much better. Funny how those things are. (I guess it's like repentance - it doesn't feel good while you're doing it, but you'll feel much better after.)
We also had transfers this week. A lot of changes happened. Elder Cherrington and I are still serving together, but Elder Allred, Sister Wallwork, Sister Westover, and Elders Rasmussen and Wakefield left. Elder Allred is training in Midland. Sister Wallwork is training in Amarillo. Elder Lowe is training here in Abilene. Sweetwater got whitewashed. Now, our district is all of Abilene and Sweetwater, and Eastland is now part of the Brownwood district. The ones who came in are Sis Ficken, Elder Clove (a greenie), and Elders Rackley and Hansen for Sweetwater. It was pretty crazy. After the transfer bus left, we all went to New York Pizza for supper and got to know each other.
It's going to be an exciting transfer.
I know the Church is true.
I love you! take care.
-Elder Brandon Wong
P.S.: Isn't it interesting how it's always cold and rainy in Abilene at transfer time?
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 - Happy American Thanksgiving!
Hello, everyone!
Happy American Thanksgiving!
It's an exciting time of year, and, like last year at this time, I'm still sick. A year ago, I was in Midland, and the day before Halloween, I got a cold. This year, I got it a little later. I'm taking vitamin-C, Theraflu, and I got a priesthood blessing. Now, a week after it started, I'm well enough to go out and teach and do things.
A family in the ward invited us to their home for Thanksgiving, and we're excited. Because of some doctor's appointments for the Sisters, we're also having District meeting Thursday morning. Other than that, we don't have much planned for the day. We've been asked to work, but not go tracting.
Elder Allred's MRI came back, and he's got tendonitis, whatever that is.
By the way, I loved the Line of Authority cards and "Remember This" cards that you sent - they're great. Could you send more of the "Remember This" ones? I'm going to hand them out to missionaries.
A new rule came out for this mission: we're only allowed to listen to hymns from our hymnbook for music. This doesn't really affect me, because I don't really listen to much music anyways, or mind one way or the other.
I was reading the latest issue of the Ensign (the blue one with the St. George temple on it), and there was an article about sharing the Gospel online. Elder Christensen said it'll never replace missionaries (for a million-and-one reasons - mainly the personal witness of the Holy Ghost), but it can greatly help in spreading the word. It got me thinking about anything I can do. I have a blog online now, but it's mostly stories and things that happen. I got thinking, took a blank sheet of paper and started scribbling and sketching on it. I designed a website that simply outlines the beliefs of our church, in a way that'll make people want to read more. One day, I'll make it.
On Sunday, I'm going to baptize a boy that we've been teaching. He and his older brother have such a great spirit about them and they love coming to church. They're really excited and he's been waiting for a long time. The following Sunday, we're having another baptism. We're all really excited.
It's a great time to be alive. It's a great time to be a member of the Church. I know the Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Happy American Thanksgiving!
It's an exciting time of year, and, like last year at this time, I'm still sick. A year ago, I was in Midland, and the day before Halloween, I got a cold. This year, I got it a little later. I'm taking vitamin-C, Theraflu, and I got a priesthood blessing. Now, a week after it started, I'm well enough to go out and teach and do things.
A family in the ward invited us to their home for Thanksgiving, and we're excited. Because of some doctor's appointments for the Sisters, we're also having District meeting Thursday morning. Other than that, we don't have much planned for the day. We've been asked to work, but not go tracting.
Elder Allred's MRI came back, and he's got tendonitis, whatever that is.
By the way, I loved the Line of Authority cards and "Remember This" cards that you sent - they're great. Could you send more of the "Remember This" ones? I'm going to hand them out to missionaries.
A new rule came out for this mission: we're only allowed to listen to hymns from our hymnbook for music. This doesn't really affect me, because I don't really listen to much music anyways, or mind one way or the other.
I was reading the latest issue of the Ensign (the blue one with the St. George temple on it), and there was an article about sharing the Gospel online. Elder Christensen said it'll never replace missionaries (for a million-and-one reasons - mainly the personal witness of the Holy Ghost), but it can greatly help in spreading the word. It got me thinking about anything I can do. I have a blog online now, but it's mostly stories and things that happen. I got thinking, took a blank sheet of paper and started scribbling and sketching on it. I designed a website that simply outlines the beliefs of our church, in a way that'll make people want to read more. One day, I'll make it.
On Sunday, I'm going to baptize a boy that we've been teaching. He and his older brother have such a great spirit about them and they love coming to church. They're really excited and he's been waiting for a long time. The following Sunday, we're having another baptism. We're all really excited.
It's a great time to be alive. It's a great time to be a member of the Church. I know the Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - OD'd on Vitamin-C
Hey!
I don't have too much time (it seems like I have less and less every week) - today, we're going fishing / having a picnic on a member's property.
Oh, and I'm sick. I started with the usual dry throat and now it's a full-on sickness. It seems I've successfully averted it at least twice in the past. I had a dry throat, but I OD'd on vitamin-C and hard work, and pushed it off. I thought I could get rid of it forever, but I guess not.
I went on exchanges to Eastland with Elder Hanks. So, I had a dry throat, and we were biking around Eastland in 30-40 degree weather. It was miserable.
Speaking of biking, Elder Allred woke up one morning with a foot that was purple and swollen. The doctors had no idea what caused it. They put it in a brace and said to come back later. In the meantime, they're using the minivan, so we've been on our bikes.
By the way, to answer Elder Kaufman, I did know Elder Olson. I was never his companion, but we served around each other and I got to know him a little bit.
This week, our most progressing investigator accepted a baptismal date. It was tough. The lesson took three hours. Most of those hours, I was distracting the kids so Elder Cherrington could teach uninterrupted. She was reluctant at first, but she knows that this is what she needs. Now, we all speak in terms of "when it happens", rather than "if".
It's wonderful to see someone go through the conversion process. Since I grew up in the Church, I myself took it gradually - over many years - and hardly noticed it happen, so I'm not used to seeing it happen so quickly (comparatively). It is a true testimony that true conversion does happen. Whether slow or fast, it is as sure as the sun rising, and as strong as a summer Texan heat.
I know that this church is true. It is not based on the opinions or interpretations of men, but on knowledge from God.
I love you! Have a good week. Don't get sick.
-Elder Brandon Wong
I don't have too much time (it seems like I have less and less every week) - today, we're going fishing / having a picnic on a member's property.
Oh, and I'm sick. I started with the usual dry throat and now it's a full-on sickness. It seems I've successfully averted it at least twice in the past. I had a dry throat, but I OD'd on vitamin-C and hard work, and pushed it off. I thought I could get rid of it forever, but I guess not.
I went on exchanges to Eastland with Elder Hanks. So, I had a dry throat, and we were biking around Eastland in 30-40 degree weather. It was miserable.
Speaking of biking, Elder Allred woke up one morning with a foot that was purple and swollen. The doctors had no idea what caused it. They put it in a brace and said to come back later. In the meantime, they're using the minivan, so we've been on our bikes.
By the way, to answer Elder Kaufman, I did know Elder Olson. I was never his companion, but we served around each other and I got to know him a little bit.
This week, our most progressing investigator accepted a baptismal date. It was tough. The lesson took three hours. Most of those hours, I was distracting the kids so Elder Cherrington could teach uninterrupted. She was reluctant at first, but she knows that this is what she needs. Now, we all speak in terms of "when it happens", rather than "if".
It's wonderful to see someone go through the conversion process. Since I grew up in the Church, I myself took it gradually - over many years - and hardly noticed it happen, so I'm not used to seeing it happen so quickly (comparatively). It is a true testimony that true conversion does happen. Whether slow or fast, it is as sure as the sun rising, and as strong as a summer Texan heat.
I know that this church is true. It is not based on the opinions or interpretations of men, but on knowledge from God.
I love you! Have a good week. Don't get sick.
-Elder Brandon Wong
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009 - Temple and Beef Jerky
Hey!
I was afraid I wouldn't have time to write a letter (because someone was on the computer earlier), so I recorded a lot of it on the sound recorder of my camera. Turns out there was enough time to spare anyway.
[The rest of letter was dictated from his sound clip.]
First of all, Happy Remembrance Day! Here in America, they called it Veterans’ Day. I think it’s always on the 11th, just like ours is always on the 11th.
It was just another average week, except we went to San Angelo on Tuesday for interviews. Plus, Elder Cherrington and I went to Lubbock on Wednesday evening to go to the temple!
Ace Green had been baptized for a year now. He had invited me to come over and to go through the temple with him. And so, we’ve asked Brother Bryan if he could come and drive us to Lubbock. I think he’s pretty awesome. Brother Bryan drove us all the way up there and all the way back, and he didn’t even go through with us.
It was a very good experience. I got to see pretty much everyone from the ward that I served in Lubbock. There were a lot of people at the temple; the place was packed. Even President Robison and Brother Sybrowsky were there. I got to see Ace go through the temple. It was very nice. Also, I haven’t been to the temple for a long time. This was good.
Also, I got the printouts that I’ve asked for. Thanks a lot! I’ve already laminated them and I’ll put them into good use.
And, I got those beef jerky from SendOutCards. That was awesome! I love beef jerky! It’s probably my favourite thing in the world. Probably the only thing that’s better is bacon, …and [potato] chips, …and maybe poutine. But I love beef jerky! That was really awesome. And, Dr. Pepper beef jerky, too…I’ve never even heard of that. That sounds kinda cool, too. I haven’t had it yet, but I’m excited for it.
Anyways, have a good week!
The Church is true.
I love you
-Elder Brandon Wong
I was afraid I wouldn't have time to write a letter (because someone was on the computer earlier), so I recorded a lot of it on the sound recorder of my camera. Turns out there was enough time to spare anyway.
[The rest of letter was dictated from his sound clip.]
First of all, Happy Remembrance Day! Here in America, they called it Veterans’ Day. I think it’s always on the 11th, just like ours is always on the 11th.
It was just another average week, except we went to San Angelo on Tuesday for interviews. Plus, Elder Cherrington and I went to Lubbock on Wednesday evening to go to the temple!
Ace Green had been baptized for a year now. He had invited me to come over and to go through the temple with him. And so, we’ve asked Brother Bryan if he could come and drive us to Lubbock. I think he’s pretty awesome. Brother Bryan drove us all the way up there and all the way back, and he didn’t even go through with us.
It was a very good experience. I got to see pretty much everyone from the ward that I served in Lubbock. There were a lot of people at the temple; the place was packed. Even President Robison and Brother Sybrowsky were there. I got to see Ace go through the temple. It was very nice. Also, I haven’t been to the temple for a long time. This was good.
Also, I got the printouts that I’ve asked for. Thanks a lot! I’ve already laminated them and I’ll put them into good use.
And, I got those beef jerky from SendOutCards. That was awesome! I love beef jerky! It’s probably my favourite thing in the world. Probably the only thing that’s better is bacon, …and [potato] chips, …and maybe poutine. But I love beef jerky! That was really awesome. And, Dr. Pepper beef jerky, too…I’ve never even heard of that. That sounds kinda cool, too. I haven’t had it yet, but I’m excited for it.
Anyways, have a good week!
The Church is true.
I love you
-Elder Brandon Wong
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009 - Spiritually fed
Howdy, y'all!
What's up?
It's been a pretty unusual week. All the district and zone leaders drove up to Lubbock to have leadership training from Elder Christensen (of the first quorum of the Seventy). It was weird, since the district leaders only had one hour with him, and I thought, "we came all this way for one hour?" In the end, though, I had more notes than I had ever written from one meeting in my life!
During this and the zone conference the next day in Midland, we were truly spiritually fed. I love the way he thinks - very logically and practically. He has a good understanding of how God works, and how He wants us to work. He gave us a lot to think about and tips to improve our missionary work.
So, what happened is, the leaders from San Angelo and Brownwood drove to Abilene, we all hopped in the minivan (yay, carpooling in the minivan...), and drove to Lubbock. They gave us lunch there (McAllister's catering) and we drove back. Almost immediately after arriving in Abilene, we got all the others together and drove up to Midland. Around halfway there, we discovered a leak in one of our tires, but it wasn't bad enough to stop and change it. Upon arriving, we dropped the Sisters off at President Jones' house and we went to the Bushmans' for the night. We got to take a look at Brother Bushman's museum in his back yard (yes, museum). The next morning, they gave breakfast to all 16 missionaries who were staying there.
The zone conference itself was really short - it ended right after lunch. Afterwards, though, we had to stop at Discount Tire and wait for them to replace three tires (only one was leaking, but two others were so worn down that it was dangerous to drive). So we ended up having a lot of driving to do, but I think it was well worth it.
To answer your question, it seems that every church in Abilene had a Trunk-r-Treat.
Another thing, we are having our Family History public open house this evening. That reminds me: how much of our family history has been done? I know we have a book of remembrance and there's one line going back four generations on new.familysearch.org, but I don't know anything beyond that.
Alright, well, I hope y'all are doing well, and will have a good week!
The Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
What's up?
It's been a pretty unusual week. All the district and zone leaders drove up to Lubbock to have leadership training from Elder Christensen (of the first quorum of the Seventy). It was weird, since the district leaders only had one hour with him, and I thought, "we came all this way for one hour?" In the end, though, I had more notes than I had ever written from one meeting in my life!
During this and the zone conference the next day in Midland, we were truly spiritually fed. I love the way he thinks - very logically and practically. He has a good understanding of how God works, and how He wants us to work. He gave us a lot to think about and tips to improve our missionary work.
So, what happened is, the leaders from San Angelo and Brownwood drove to Abilene, we all hopped in the minivan (yay, carpooling in the minivan...), and drove to Lubbock. They gave us lunch there (McAllister's catering) and we drove back. Almost immediately after arriving in Abilene, we got all the others together and drove up to Midland. Around halfway there, we discovered a leak in one of our tires, but it wasn't bad enough to stop and change it. Upon arriving, we dropped the Sisters off at President Jones' house and we went to the Bushmans' for the night. We got to take a look at Brother Bushman's museum in his back yard (yes, museum). The next morning, they gave breakfast to all 16 missionaries who were staying there.
The zone conference itself was really short - it ended right after lunch. Afterwards, though, we had to stop at Discount Tire and wait for them to replace three tires (only one was leaking, but two others were so worn down that it was dangerous to drive). So we ended up having a lot of driving to do, but I think it was well worth it.
To answer your question, it seems that every church in Abilene had a Trunk-r-Treat.
Another thing, we are having our Family History public open house this evening. That reminds me: how much of our family history has been done? I know we have a book of remembrance and there's one line going back four generations on new.familysearch.org, but I don't know anything beyond that.
Alright, well, I hope y'all are doing well, and will have a good week!
The Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 - Testimony building
Hey!
What's up?
This week, Elder Christensen of the Seventy is coming to visit. All the district leaders are driving up to Lubbock for leadership training. All the district leaders in this zone will be driving up in the van with Elder Allred and I. On Thursday, we'll be having a combined zone conference in Midland. That's why we're doing P-day today on Tuesday. we're all excited to have him come and speak to us.
This past week went very well. We had a tri-ward Trunk-r-Treat, which was way fun. Gigi (one of our investigators) donated tons of candy, apples, and popcorn. We decorated the back of the van and gave out everything we got. Afterwards there was a carnival inside the church building.
On Sunday, we had the Family History Center member fireside. There was a great turnout. They had a couple talks, then they split everyone into three groups, and we rotated into different classes. We invited everyone to invite non-members to come to the public open house on Nov 5th. We hope the turnout for that will be good also.
We also introduced a program called "The Gift of Family History". It consists of giving out cards for people to fill out information about their family - names, birth dates, death dates, etc. - then submit them to the Family History Center. There, the consultants research their family. They then make a packet containing "The Family: A Proclamation to the World", "The Living Christ", more information about the FHC, whatever they have found about that specific family, and tips on how to continue researching. The missionaries deliver the packets in person, and hopefully get the chance to deliver the message of the Restoration. It was adapted from an idea that one man in California had and developed. he had a lot of time on his hands.
Speaking of Gigi, we were at her house one day and we were asking her about baptism. She had already said that she wants to be baptized, but she pushed off setting a specific date. We asked if she prayed to ask if this church was true. She said the most wonderful thing I ever heard anyone say: "No, but I don't think I need to, because I pretty much already- ..." and she didn't finish her sentence. It was really comforting to know that people truly do find out of the truthfulness of our message.
My testimony has grown so much over the last few months. I'm so thankful that I took this chance to be a missionary. I've spoken with some people who didn't take it. They are convinced, as I am, that it's not the worst thing to happen to someone, but at the same time, they regret not going. It is life-changing and testimony-building, and I have no idea what I would've done if I had not gotten up and left.
I know this Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
What's up?
This week, Elder Christensen of the Seventy is coming to visit. All the district leaders are driving up to Lubbock for leadership training. All the district leaders in this zone will be driving up in the van with Elder Allred and I. On Thursday, we'll be having a combined zone conference in Midland. That's why we're doing P-day today on Tuesday. we're all excited to have him come and speak to us.
This past week went very well. We had a tri-ward Trunk-r-Treat, which was way fun. Gigi (one of our investigators) donated tons of candy, apples, and popcorn. We decorated the back of the van and gave out everything we got. Afterwards there was a carnival inside the church building.
On Sunday, we had the Family History Center member fireside. There was a great turnout. They had a couple talks, then they split everyone into three groups, and we rotated into different classes. We invited everyone to invite non-members to come to the public open house on Nov 5th. We hope the turnout for that will be good also.
We also introduced a program called "The Gift of Family History". It consists of giving out cards for people to fill out information about their family - names, birth dates, death dates, etc. - then submit them to the Family History Center. There, the consultants research their family. They then make a packet containing "The Family: A Proclamation to the World", "The Living Christ", more information about the FHC, whatever they have found about that specific family, and tips on how to continue researching. The missionaries deliver the packets in person, and hopefully get the chance to deliver the message of the Restoration. It was adapted from an idea that one man in California had and developed. he had a lot of time on his hands.
Speaking of Gigi, we were at her house one day and we were asking her about baptism. She had already said that she wants to be baptized, but she pushed off setting a specific date. We asked if she prayed to ask if this church was true. She said the most wonderful thing I ever heard anyone say: "No, but I don't think I need to, because I pretty much already- ..." and she didn't finish her sentence. It was really comforting to know that people truly do find out of the truthfulness of our message.
My testimony has grown so much over the last few months. I'm so thankful that I took this chance to be a missionary. I've spoken with some people who didn't take it. They are convinced, as I am, that it's not the worst thing to happen to someone, but at the same time, they regret not going. It is life-changing and testimony-building, and I have no idea what I would've done if I had not gotten up and left.
I know this Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009 - Transfer time again
Hello!
Hope things are going well!
Here, things are cold! We had rain yesterday, pushed in by a cold front that we're now experiencing.
Also, this is our first Thursday Preparation Day. It is so weird.
This week was transfers. Elder Tuttle left Abilene after spending 11 months in the city. We're all trying to figure out what to do without him. He has been transferred to Plainview, TX. My new companion is Elder Cherrington ("ch" as in "cherry"). He's been out about 7 months, and has served in Amarillo and in Hobbs. He came to the mission when I was in the office. Back then, he was quieter than anyone I had met. Now, he's chilled out and we can't get him to shut up.
Also transferred was Elder Reed from Eastland. He was there over 9 months. He went to my greenie area, Brownwood. It will be his third area. Elder Cole came down to take his place with Elder Hanks.
The Sisters also got a new (and third) companion, Sister Westover, who's a greenie.
This is the first time I've ever taught an area to someone, which is rare for someone who's been out as long as I have. That is, it's the first time I've stayed in an area and my companion left. At the same time, this probably the first time I feel ready to teach an area.
As for the mission pictures from the Lubbock trip, we each got one copy and there is a website where we can get more.
Speaking of Lubbock trips, this coming zone conference there will be a General Authority, Elder Craig Christensen, coming to visit. Traditionally, the (annual?) visiting General Authority meets with all the zone leaders and district leaders. This time, though, President is getting everyone to meet him up in Lubbock before the zone conference, rather than an hour before zone conference. So Elder Allred and I will at some point be going up to Lubbock. After that, we will have a combined zone conference - ours in Midland and the other in Lubbock.
I did two baptismal interviews for the Sisters' investigators: two young children. They love coming to church but their dad is less active. It was interesting interviewing children.
Having P-day on Thursdays is so weird that I accidentally scheduled an appointment today. So I have to go.
Anyways, talk to you later!
The Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Hope things are going well!
Here, things are cold! We had rain yesterday, pushed in by a cold front that we're now experiencing.
Also, this is our first Thursday Preparation Day. It is so weird.
This week was transfers. Elder Tuttle left Abilene after spending 11 months in the city. We're all trying to figure out what to do without him. He has been transferred to Plainview, TX. My new companion is Elder Cherrington ("ch" as in "cherry"). He's been out about 7 months, and has served in Amarillo and in Hobbs. He came to the mission when I was in the office. Back then, he was quieter than anyone I had met. Now, he's chilled out and we can't get him to shut up.
Also transferred was Elder Reed from Eastland. He was there over 9 months. He went to my greenie area, Brownwood. It will be his third area. Elder Cole came down to take his place with Elder Hanks.
The Sisters also got a new (and third) companion, Sister Westover, who's a greenie.
This is the first time I've ever taught an area to someone, which is rare for someone who's been out as long as I have. That is, it's the first time I've stayed in an area and my companion left. At the same time, this probably the first time I feel ready to teach an area.
As for the mission pictures from the Lubbock trip, we each got one copy and there is a website where we can get more.
Speaking of Lubbock trips, this coming zone conference there will be a General Authority, Elder Craig Christensen, coming to visit. Traditionally, the (annual?) visiting General Authority meets with all the zone leaders and district leaders. This time, though, President is getting everyone to meet him up in Lubbock before the zone conference, rather than an hour before zone conference. So Elder Allred and I will at some point be going up to Lubbock. After that, we will have a combined zone conference - ours in Midland and the other in Lubbock.
I did two baptismal interviews for the Sisters' investigators: two young children. They love coming to church but their dad is less active. It was interesting interviewing children.
Having P-day on Thursdays is so weird that I accidentally scheduled an appointment today. So I have to go.
Anyways, talk to you later!
The Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, October 12, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Hey!
I don't have much to talk about today.
We took a little field trip to Potosi today. There weren't as many homes as we had hoped, but it was still a good experience. We had Josh, one of the priests in the ward to take us and drive us around. We didn't know this when we asked, but he was up late the night before playing at a football game for his school team in Brownwood. It's wonderful to see how willing people are to help out, if we just ask. I hope after my mission, I can be just as cool.
I got the card (I think on Thursday) for President, thanks! We're going to sign it, etc., and give it to him.
It's been wonderfully cold the last little while. I love it. I hope I don't get sick.
Speaking of which, we all got an email from President Robison about getting flu/swine flu shots.
Also, P-day is officially being changed to Thursday. Coincidentally, I was wondering about this not too long ago, actually. Monday is a great day to follow-up on church visits. Also, the transition from Sunday to Monday is one of "the week is over, let's relax". Anyways, it'll be weird, but interesting.
A while ago, knowing that our Nepali investigators can read Hindi (Nepali being a variant of Hindi), we asked for copies of the Book of Mormon in Hindi, since the Nepali version still doesn't exist. We were told that the Hindi version doesn't exist either, but we discovered that it does, so we're going to order some copies.
Anyways, I think that's it. I told you it'll be short.
I know that the Church is true. I know that Jesus Christ is my Saviour.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong :)
P.S.: being out for 18 months is a WEIRD thought!
I don't have much to talk about today.
We took a little field trip to Potosi today. There weren't as many homes as we had hoped, but it was still a good experience. We had Josh, one of the priests in the ward to take us and drive us around. We didn't know this when we asked, but he was up late the night before playing at a football game for his school team in Brownwood. It's wonderful to see how willing people are to help out, if we just ask. I hope after my mission, I can be just as cool.
I got the card (I think on Thursday) for President, thanks! We're going to sign it, etc., and give it to him.
It's been wonderfully cold the last little while. I love it. I hope I don't get sick.
Speaking of which, we all got an email from President Robison about getting flu/swine flu shots.
Also, P-day is officially being changed to Thursday. Coincidentally, I was wondering about this not too long ago, actually. Monday is a great day to follow-up on church visits. Also, the transition from Sunday to Monday is one of "the week is over, let's relax". Anyways, it'll be weird, but interesting.
A while ago, knowing that our Nepali investigators can read Hindi (Nepali being a variant of Hindi), we asked for copies of the Book of Mormon in Hindi, since the Nepali version still doesn't exist. We were told that the Hindi version doesn't exist either, but we discovered that it does, so we're going to order some copies.
Anyways, I think that's it. I told you it'll be short.
I know that the Church is true. I know that Jesus Christ is my Saviour.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong :)
P.S.: being out for 18 months is a WEIRD thought!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009 - General Conference
Hey y'all!
What's up?
First of all, Nathan, how can it be mid-term already? Didn't you just start school a few days ago??? Just joking; time really does go by fast!
Anyways, General Conference was amazing! I keep thinking that Conferences are getting better because I'm growing and learning more, etc. ..and I think that's part of it, but I also think they truly are getting better by themselves. My sensitivity to the Spirit is stronger than it's ever been. I've never been so excited to be a missionary.
I also noticed there was a theme this time. One of love, and also one of standing for what's right. This is the time that all the prophets - old and new - have been talking about. The world has moved from black and white to many shades of grey; but we are slowly (yet quickly) returning to a clear separation. The line between true believers and followers of Christ and unbelievers is getting wider and wider. Elder Christofferson's talk clearly explained how we have moved from individuals having internal self-control, to governments applying external control, because we are losing our moral footings. When a civilization decides that "freedom" means everyone can choose and live by their own view of what's Right and what's Wrong, then that civilization is doomed to fall. At the same time, this and other talks have shown that while all this is happening, it is possible to find out what God thinks is right, and to protect that in our family and society. Bishop Burton talked about the "-ity virtues", especially integrity. Part of all this is getting, having, and strengthening your testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus is the Christ; and when that testimony is tested, I hope I will have the strength to uphold it.
Joseph Smith plainly taught that you can't know anything spiritual except by the Spirit - that you can't know about God, unless it's from God. Therefore, it is also important to have a testimony of the sources of this revelation from God. Elder Holland gave one of the most powerful testimonies of the Book of Mormon that I ever heard. With all that was happening to them, their families, and their friends, did Joseph and Hyrum Smith find solace from a book that they made up and wrote? Did they give their lives and more for a cause they knew was fake? No; they found comfort in true scripture, including the Book of Mormon. Peter, Paul, and Joseph Smith alike gave everything, not for a work that they thought was really good, not one that had been revealed to them by flesh and blood, but by a marvellous work that had been revealed by our Father which is in Heaven.
Like Sister Catudal mentioned, I also like Elder Callister's talk and testimony on the Prophet Joseph Smith. I loved the example he used, which I like to use quite often: Peter denied Christ, Moses was a "murderer", Jeremiah was a child... anyone who attacks "Mormonism" attacks Christianity; because, in reality, they are the same. As a side note, Elder Callister sounded very familiar. I think was the keynote speaker for our Youth Conference one year. Can anyone confirm that?
There were other talks that I loved. Elder Bednar taught that sometimes, the best Family Home Evening lesson is the fact that it is being done every week. Sometimes, it's consistency that daily family prayer and scripture study teach more than anything. The best lesson a parent can teach about life and the Gospel is not any one idea or concept, but how they can find it on their own. That's why Jesus taught that if you give a man a fish, he'll eat only for a day, whereas if you teach him to fish, he'll eat forever.
I also loved Elder Renlund (I think it's him; I don't have my conference notes with me)'s talk with the analogy of a heart transplant. Just as it is the body's tendency to reject a new heart, it is the natural man's tendency to reject a "mighty change of heart", and we must monitor it every day and every week (take biopsies, etc) and work to make sure that we keep it healthy.
All in all, I loved the whole thing. It's always been hard to sit in the chapel and stay there all day, but it was a breeze this time. (Before priesthood, they had a "Burger Burn", and we got the leftovers.)
Speaking of which, when we got to the chapel, nothing was set up. We called around and found the projector. Then, the satellite sound wasn't working. We had to "break into" an office, then into a key box, then use one of those keys to break into the satellite control box in the library. I had no idea what to do, so I just turned it off, then back on. We got it working literally thirty seconds before conference started. Good thing we came early. We also managed to bring three people to come watch.
And I agree with the stake presidency [of Montreal Quebec Mont-Royal Stake] that we should watch conference in the chapel (at the very least, one session). Most people say that they're watching at home, but how many of those do you think are honestly doing that? Unity is another good reason. Also, the chapel is a dedicated building and made especially for this purpose. If we had the technology and the means to efficiently and cost-effectively take the sacrament to everyone's home every week (and in some parts of Utah, that's possible) and then have talks and lessons over teleconference, would we do it? Can anyone say that they feel the Spirit more strongly at home in their PJs with the TV on the side and with a snack going in the microwave, rather than wearing their Sunday best in the "house of prayer"? Can listening straight from the Prophets and Apostles of our time be treated as the special opportunity that it is if it is treated equal to any other show you would find on TV, or even worse, on YouTube? I believe that Conference by public satellite and Internet was intended for those who don't otherwise have access to Conference, and for no other purpose. Sure, it is easier to do it at home, and if you prepare yourself enough, you could have a very spiritual experience, but I think there is something about "keep the Sabbath day holy" that involves going to the church at least once on Sunday.
Anyways, I have truly come out of this conference spiritually (and physically) fed. It is an exciting time to be alive.
I hope y'all will have a good week. I'm looking forward to the predicted moisture that we're supposed to get for the whole week. Too bad President Monson doesn't have time to do weather forecasts.
The Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
What's up?
First of all, Nathan, how can it be mid-term already? Didn't you just start school a few days ago??? Just joking; time really does go by fast!
Anyways, General Conference was amazing! I keep thinking that Conferences are getting better because I'm growing and learning more, etc. ..and I think that's part of it, but I also think they truly are getting better by themselves. My sensitivity to the Spirit is stronger than it's ever been. I've never been so excited to be a missionary.
I also noticed there was a theme this time. One of love, and also one of standing for what's right. This is the time that all the prophets - old and new - have been talking about. The world has moved from black and white to many shades of grey; but we are slowly (yet quickly) returning to a clear separation. The line between true believers and followers of Christ and unbelievers is getting wider and wider. Elder Christofferson's talk clearly explained how we have moved from individuals having internal self-control, to governments applying external control, because we are losing our moral footings. When a civilization decides that "freedom" means everyone can choose and live by their own view of what's Right and what's Wrong, then that civilization is doomed to fall. At the same time, this and other talks have shown that while all this is happening, it is possible to find out what God thinks is right, and to protect that in our family and society. Bishop Burton talked about the "-ity virtues", especially integrity. Part of all this is getting, having, and strengthening your testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus is the Christ; and when that testimony is tested, I hope I will have the strength to uphold it.
Joseph Smith plainly taught that you can't know anything spiritual except by the Spirit - that you can't know about God, unless it's from God. Therefore, it is also important to have a testimony of the sources of this revelation from God. Elder Holland gave one of the most powerful testimonies of the Book of Mormon that I ever heard. With all that was happening to them, their families, and their friends, did Joseph and Hyrum Smith find solace from a book that they made up and wrote? Did they give their lives and more for a cause they knew was fake? No; they found comfort in true scripture, including the Book of Mormon. Peter, Paul, and Joseph Smith alike gave everything, not for a work that they thought was really good, not one that had been revealed to them by flesh and blood, but by a marvellous work that had been revealed by our Father which is in Heaven.
Like Sister Catudal mentioned, I also like Elder Callister's talk and testimony on the Prophet Joseph Smith. I loved the example he used, which I like to use quite often: Peter denied Christ, Moses was a "murderer", Jeremiah was a child... anyone who attacks "Mormonism" attacks Christianity; because, in reality, they are the same. As a side note, Elder Callister sounded very familiar. I think was the keynote speaker for our Youth Conference one year. Can anyone confirm that?
There were other talks that I loved. Elder Bednar taught that sometimes, the best Family Home Evening lesson is the fact that it is being done every week. Sometimes, it's consistency that daily family prayer and scripture study teach more than anything. The best lesson a parent can teach about life and the Gospel is not any one idea or concept, but how they can find it on their own. That's why Jesus taught that if you give a man a fish, he'll eat only for a day, whereas if you teach him to fish, he'll eat forever.
I also loved Elder Renlund (I think it's him; I don't have my conference notes with me)'s talk with the analogy of a heart transplant. Just as it is the body's tendency to reject a new heart, it is the natural man's tendency to reject a "mighty change of heart", and we must monitor it every day and every week (take biopsies, etc) and work to make sure that we keep it healthy.
All in all, I loved the whole thing. It's always been hard to sit in the chapel and stay there all day, but it was a breeze this time. (Before priesthood, they had a "Burger Burn", and we got the leftovers.)
Speaking of which, when we got to the chapel, nothing was set up. We called around and found the projector. Then, the satellite sound wasn't working. We had to "break into" an office, then into a key box, then use one of those keys to break into the satellite control box in the library. I had no idea what to do, so I just turned it off, then back on. We got it working literally thirty seconds before conference started. Good thing we came early. We also managed to bring three people to come watch.
And I agree with the stake presidency [of Montreal Quebec Mont-Royal Stake] that we should watch conference in the chapel (at the very least, one session). Most people say that they're watching at home, but how many of those do you think are honestly doing that? Unity is another good reason. Also, the chapel is a dedicated building and made especially for this purpose. If we had the technology and the means to efficiently and cost-effectively take the sacrament to everyone's home every week (and in some parts of Utah, that's possible) and then have talks and lessons over teleconference, would we do it? Can anyone say that they feel the Spirit more strongly at home in their PJs with the TV on the side and with a snack going in the microwave, rather than wearing their Sunday best in the "house of prayer"? Can listening straight from the Prophets and Apostles of our time be treated as the special opportunity that it is if it is treated equal to any other show you would find on TV, or even worse, on YouTube? I believe that Conference by public satellite and Internet was intended for those who don't otherwise have access to Conference, and for no other purpose. Sure, it is easier to do it at home, and if you prepare yourself enough, you could have a very spiritual experience, but I think there is something about "keep the Sabbath day holy" that involves going to the church at least once on Sunday.
Anyways, I have truly come out of this conference spiritually (and physically) fed. It is an exciting time to be alive.
I hope y'all will have a good week. I'm looking forward to the predicted moisture that we're supposed to get for the whole week. Too bad President Monson doesn't have time to do weather forecasts.
The Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009 - Baird & Clyde, TX
Hey!
What's up?
Over here, it seems to be the temperature. It's slowly climbing, but fall is coming on, so it's struggling. It's still nice out, except for the bright sun. Dang sun.
Anyways, we had a pretty good week. We finally got to go to Baird, TX, and Clyde, TX and worked. Brother Swartz runs a carpet cleaning business and had offered to drive us there and back. So we loaded up our bikes into his company van, he took us there and dropped us off in Baird.
We got to visit many people and taught them. The Beckam family drove us from one town to the other and brought us turkey sandwiches for lunch. Between two appointments, Elder Tuttle and I were biking on this open road with a field on one side, and a field and horses on the other side. I thought it must have been funny for cars driving by to see - two guys in white shirts and ties, riding bicycles on the side of a road in the middle of nowhere. They probably wondered how we got there. At times, I wondered the same thing.
We also got to go to a hot air balloon carnival. I was surprised that Abilene actually had an event with things to do for the residents here. It was going on for a few days - we saw some balloons go by and we wondered where they were coming from. The carnival had stands, a concert, the police and everything. There was even this one place where you could pay $10 to ride in a balloon but it was tethered to one place and you only went a few feet off the ground (lame).
We went to Zone Conference on Tuesday. There I said goodbye to Elder Sosi, since he's leaving at the end of this transfer. He gave everyone in the mission a lava lava (wraparound) and a little post card with pictures of him on it and his contact info. He knows how to go out in style. We also got from Sister Robison a copy of the picture that we took in front of the temple. I think my eyes were closed because of the sun.
As for your question about dinner appointments, with the exception of one family, we have been getting almost none. It seems most people mistakenly believe that they have to have a non-member there to have us over. It's sad, because unless we go to their house (for a meal or not), it is very difficult to get to know the local members, let alone work with them. One day, things will change. In the meantime, I'm getting better at making homemade chicken quesadillas, and we'll just keep knocking on doors and encouraging members from a distance.
Which reminds me - for the past couple weeks, we've been doing a "missionary moment" every sacrament meeting. It's a minute or less right after the announcements and before the opening hymn for a missionary (or someone else) to get up and say something encouraging member missionary work. It's Brother Bryan's idea. It's very interesting and I'm anxious to see how it'll work in the long run.
Anyways, that's pretty much it for this week.
The Church is true.
I love you!
Have a good week.
-Elder Brandon Wong
What's up?
Over here, it seems to be the temperature. It's slowly climbing, but fall is coming on, so it's struggling. It's still nice out, except for the bright sun. Dang sun.
Anyways, we had a pretty good week. We finally got to go to Baird, TX, and Clyde, TX and worked. Brother Swartz runs a carpet cleaning business and had offered to drive us there and back. So we loaded up our bikes into his company van, he took us there and dropped us off in Baird.
We got to visit many people and taught them. The Beckam family drove us from one town to the other and brought us turkey sandwiches for lunch. Between two appointments, Elder Tuttle and I were biking on this open road with a field on one side, and a field and horses on the other side. I thought it must have been funny for cars driving by to see - two guys in white shirts and ties, riding bicycles on the side of a road in the middle of nowhere. They probably wondered how we got there. At times, I wondered the same thing.
We also got to go to a hot air balloon carnival. I was surprised that Abilene actually had an event with things to do for the residents here. It was going on for a few days - we saw some balloons go by and we wondered where they were coming from. The carnival had stands, a concert, the police and everything. There was even this one place where you could pay $10 to ride in a balloon but it was tethered to one place and you only went a few feet off the ground (lame).
We went to Zone Conference on Tuesday. There I said goodbye to Elder Sosi, since he's leaving at the end of this transfer. He gave everyone in the mission a lava lava (wraparound) and a little post card with pictures of him on it and his contact info. He knows how to go out in style. We also got from Sister Robison a copy of the picture that we took in front of the temple. I think my eyes were closed because of the sun.
As for your question about dinner appointments, with the exception of one family, we have been getting almost none. It seems most people mistakenly believe that they have to have a non-member there to have us over. It's sad, because unless we go to their house (for a meal or not), it is very difficult to get to know the local members, let alone work with them. One day, things will change. In the meantime, I'm getting better at making homemade chicken quesadillas, and we'll just keep knocking on doors and encouraging members from a distance.
Which reminds me - for the past couple weeks, we've been doing a "missionary moment" every sacrament meeting. It's a minute or less right after the announcements and before the opening hymn for a missionary (or someone else) to get up and say something encouraging member missionary work. It's Brother Bryan's idea. It's very interesting and I'm anxious to see how it'll work in the long run.
Anyways, that's pretty much it for this week.
The Church is true.
I love you!
Have a good week.
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, September 21, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009 - Cool summer days in Texas?
Howdy!
Things are going well here in Abilene, especially the weather. On Tuesday, we had to take in the van (that got rear-ended) into the shop for repairs. Annoyingly, the dent smaller than my fist was supposed to take up to a week to fix. Anyways, we were stuck on our bikes for most of the week.
Fortunately, of all the weeks to be stuck on bikes, this was it. It was cold and cloudy all week. I have never seen so much good weather, for so many days in a row. All I can say is, I'm glad I'm not in a bike area. If it was hot and we didn't have a vehicle to fall back on, I would not have been able to work.
By law, all bikes need, at minimum, a headlight when riding at night. I don't have $23+ to buy a headlight, so Elder Tuttle and I decided to buy el-cheap-o flashlights and strap them to the handlebars. It's West Texas; it'll blend right in, right? Anyways, we went to Wal-Mart and we were trying to decide between the fat $1 flashlights or the smaller $3 LED flashlights, when who shows up? Bishop Hill. He just so happened to have two extra flashlights that were bought for scout camp, but never used. We were also having dinner with Brother Eldridge the same day, so he said he can give them to him to give to us that evening. So not only was he at Wal-Mart at the same time as us, in the same section as us, but he had exactly what he needed and a way to get it to us. I thought that was pretty cool.
Also, that old pedometer that I got out of the box of Special K before my mission, which has been on my belt every day of my mission, has finally begun to show its age. The screen is weak and it's only counting every other step, or every fourth step. I was trying to find another box of cereal that has one inside, but to no avail. I went to Sports Academy, but they were like $9 - $24! Finally, I found one at Wal-Mart for $5. It's a gay shape, but it's black, so it's less noticeable. Also, I think it's *too* sensitive - instead of daily averages around 4000 steps, now the average is 20000 steps! I haven't really changed my daily routine, or anything. Anyways, it's just for fun, right?
Also, what would be the possibilities of me shipping anything home? It's a lot more expensive since it's leaving the country.
I also drove through Texico! I was only there for a moment. I'm sad I didn't take a picture of the sign.
In my planner, I wrote a list of things I wanted to include in my letter home, and one of the items was "Christmas", but at the moment, I can't remember why I wrote that...
This week has felt rather long.
Anyways, I hope the rain/clouds keep up. Yesterday, it was hot for the first time that week. People say one more week of heat, then it'll start to cool off, rain or no rain.
The Church is true.
I love you all!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something weird about being a missionary: having that "mantle" on you, blessing people just by being there and others feeling the Spirit when you're around. I'm not looking forward to losing that.
Things are going well here in Abilene, especially the weather. On Tuesday, we had to take in the van (that got rear-ended) into the shop for repairs. Annoyingly, the dent smaller than my fist was supposed to take up to a week to fix. Anyways, we were stuck on our bikes for most of the week.
Fortunately, of all the weeks to be stuck on bikes, this was it. It was cold and cloudy all week. I have never seen so much good weather, for so many days in a row. All I can say is, I'm glad I'm not in a bike area. If it was hot and we didn't have a vehicle to fall back on, I would not have been able to work.
By law, all bikes need, at minimum, a headlight when riding at night. I don't have $23+ to buy a headlight, so Elder Tuttle and I decided to buy el-cheap-o flashlights and strap them to the handlebars. It's West Texas; it'll blend right in, right? Anyways, we went to Wal-Mart and we were trying to decide between the fat $1 flashlights or the smaller $3 LED flashlights, when who shows up? Bishop Hill. He just so happened to have two extra flashlights that were bought for scout camp, but never used. We were also having dinner with Brother Eldridge the same day, so he said he can give them to him to give to us that evening. So not only was he at Wal-Mart at the same time as us, in the same section as us, but he had exactly what he needed and a way to get it to us. I thought that was pretty cool.
Also, that old pedometer that I got out of the box of Special K before my mission, which has been on my belt every day of my mission, has finally begun to show its age. The screen is weak and it's only counting every other step, or every fourth step. I was trying to find another box of cereal that has one inside, but to no avail. I went to Sports Academy, but they were like $9 - $24! Finally, I found one at Wal-Mart for $5. It's a gay shape, but it's black, so it's less noticeable. Also, I think it's *too* sensitive - instead of daily averages around 4000 steps, now the average is 20000 steps! I haven't really changed my daily routine, or anything. Anyways, it's just for fun, right?
Also, what would be the possibilities of me shipping anything home? It's a lot more expensive since it's leaving the country.
I also drove through Texico! I was only there for a moment. I'm sad I didn't take a picture of the sign.
In my planner, I wrote a list of things I wanted to include in my letter home, and one of the items was "Christmas", but at the moment, I can't remember why I wrote that...
This week has felt rather long.
Anyways, I hope the rain/clouds keep up. Yesterday, it was hot for the first time that week. People say one more week of heat, then it'll start to cool off, rain or no rain.
The Church is true.
I love you all!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something weird about being a missionary: having that "mantle" on you, blessing people just by being there and others feeling the Spirit when you're around. I'm not looking forward to losing that.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009 - Cool weather
Hey!
I have to keep it short today - I think.
Things are going well here in Abilene. In fact, better than well, it's been raining! Not only has it been raining, but instead of raining for five to seven minutes, it's been raining for the last few days!
We've also been averaging a high of 80! It is glorious. Biking in the rain is so fun. It's wonderful when the moisture all over you is humidity and rain rather than your own sweat.
Anyways, I was trying to load more pictures onto the computer, when the battery on the camera ran out of juice. My camera card reader works, except it doesn't fit into the tiny crevice where the port is. Luckily, there is another port on the back, and once I disconnected the keyboard, there was enough space to fit.
Transfer time has come and gone. The only changes around here is that Sweetwater has been whitewashed and Elders Rasmussen and Wakefield are now serving there. Oh, and Elder Allred is a district leader and his area and Sweetwater are in his district.
On Monday, the assistants called and said that the computers in the office weren't working, and have asked if I could come to Lubbock and fix them. I wasn't sure if that was the right thing to do, but I agreed. Elder Tuttle had to go up to Lubbock anyways. So on Tuesday, we took the transfer bus up to Lubbock, spent the evening and night there, then took the bus back down on Wednesday. It was fun seeing lots of the missionaries again. Recently, the bus has been allowed to go into New Mexico, so we stopped in Hobbs and I entered New Mexico for the second time ever. We also watched a whole bunch of church movies on the bus' DVD player. Long story short, I fixed the problem that was on the computers.
Speaking of Lubbock, there have been some changes in the office. Elder Mortensen is taking Elder Sosi's place in the office as finance secretary, making him my step-grandson. Also, Elder Vance is the new AP.
There is something I need: could you resend my line of authority? It is actually a good teaching tool, to show that the priesthood authority that we hold can be traced straight back to Christ himself.
Another good teaching tool which I was able to make is a map of the world. It's good for children, or those whose English is not very good. I printed one out and laminated it.
Also, I plan to make a Nepali quick reference guide, so that we can understand what is being said in the Nepali Gospel Principles book.
I was thinking of making a voice clip on my camera to send to you, but like I said, the batteries ran out.
Anyways, I should go. I'm going to ENJOY being outdoors in Texas for a change.
I know the Church is true. It's the only place where one can make covenants with God.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
I have to keep it short today - I think.
Things are going well here in Abilene. In fact, better than well, it's been raining! Not only has it been raining, but instead of raining for five to seven minutes, it's been raining for the last few days!
We've also been averaging a high of 80! It is glorious. Biking in the rain is so fun. It's wonderful when the moisture all over you is humidity and rain rather than your own sweat.
Anyways, I was trying to load more pictures onto the computer, when the battery on the camera ran out of juice. My camera card reader works, except it doesn't fit into the tiny crevice where the port is. Luckily, there is another port on the back, and once I disconnected the keyboard, there was enough space to fit.
Transfer time has come and gone. The only changes around here is that Sweetwater has been whitewashed and Elders Rasmussen and Wakefield are now serving there. Oh, and Elder Allred is a district leader and his area and Sweetwater are in his district.
On Monday, the assistants called and said that the computers in the office weren't working, and have asked if I could come to Lubbock and fix them. I wasn't sure if that was the right thing to do, but I agreed. Elder Tuttle had to go up to Lubbock anyways. So on Tuesday, we took the transfer bus up to Lubbock, spent the evening and night there, then took the bus back down on Wednesday. It was fun seeing lots of the missionaries again. Recently, the bus has been allowed to go into New Mexico, so we stopped in Hobbs and I entered New Mexico for the second time ever. We also watched a whole bunch of church movies on the bus' DVD player. Long story short, I fixed the problem that was on the computers.
Speaking of Lubbock, there have been some changes in the office. Elder Mortensen is taking Elder Sosi's place in the office as finance secretary, making him my step-grandson. Also, Elder Vance is the new AP.
There is something I need: could you resend my line of authority? It is actually a good teaching tool, to show that the priesthood authority that we hold can be traced straight back to Christ himself.
Another good teaching tool which I was able to make is a map of the world. It's good for children, or those whose English is not very good. I printed one out and laminated it.
Also, I plan to make a Nepali quick reference guide, so that we can understand what is being said in the Nepali Gospel Principles book.
I was thinking of making a voice clip on my camera to send to you, but like I said, the batteries ran out.
Anyways, I should go. I'm going to ENJOY being outdoors in Texas for a change.
I know the Church is true. It's the only place where one can make covenants with God.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, September 7, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Hello!
I don't have time to write much; I'm sending pictures and getting pictures, etc.
Anyways, it's transfer time. I knew for sure that I was staying. During interviews, President suggested that Elder Tuttle would be leaving and that I would be getting a new companion. Well, things change and we're both staying. I'm kinda relieved; I'm not a big fan of not knowing who I'm serving with. This means that Elder Tuttle is spending yet another transfer in Abilene, the end of which will bring him 15 days short of a whole year. With the exception of three weeks in Lubbock, he's been in Abilene his whole mission. Also, Elder Allred is a district leader now, and 2nd ward and Sweetwater are now their own district again.
We finally got supplies in Nepali - namely one book: Gospel Principles. They don't have the Book of Mormon in Nepali, but they have Gospel Principles. Anyways, we used it on Saturday. We had our friends read it and then translate it back to us as best they can. That way, we can still follow along, and know that they are paying attention and understanding what is being taught. It's a good thing there are pictures in there, or we'd be totally lost.
Speaking of getting lost in translation, I translated Fast and Testimony meeting for the Sisters' investigators. It was horrible. I knew over ten years ago that translation was not for me and this proved it. Not only that, some of the stories that people tell in testimony meeting are ridiculous. Seriously, you're only supposed to bear testimony of the Saviour, the Church, the Prophet... share uplifting experiences, etc. This one lady talked about "diabetes shoes", which I had no idea what it was, let alone how to interpret it. We need a member who knows French to move to Abilene; that's all there is to it. All in all, it was a good meeting, though.
Did I tell you that our van got rear-ended? It did. We were sitting at a stop sign and this college student came up and bumped us in the behind. So on Friday we had to get an estimate on the repairs.
Speaking of vehicles, I got an email from Elder Northey. He was telling me all the crazy things that have been going on since he went home.
Oh, and we did a lot of service. We helped demolish an addition to an old house, and this week we helped with the cleanup. Rather, we did the cleanup. The lady got this big dumpster and we filled it three times.
Okay, I have to go. I'm trying to send videos, but it's slow going.
The Church is true!
I love you.
-Elder Brandon Wong
I don't have time to write much; I'm sending pictures and getting pictures, etc.
Anyways, it's transfer time. I knew for sure that I was staying. During interviews, President suggested that Elder Tuttle would be leaving and that I would be getting a new companion. Well, things change and we're both staying. I'm kinda relieved; I'm not a big fan of not knowing who I'm serving with. This means that Elder Tuttle is spending yet another transfer in Abilene, the end of which will bring him 15 days short of a whole year. With the exception of three weeks in Lubbock, he's been in Abilene his whole mission. Also, Elder Allred is a district leader now, and 2nd ward and Sweetwater are now their own district again.
We finally got supplies in Nepali - namely one book: Gospel Principles. They don't have the Book of Mormon in Nepali, but they have Gospel Principles. Anyways, we used it on Saturday. We had our friends read it and then translate it back to us as best they can. That way, we can still follow along, and know that they are paying attention and understanding what is being taught. It's a good thing there are pictures in there, or we'd be totally lost.
Speaking of getting lost in translation, I translated Fast and Testimony meeting for the Sisters' investigators. It was horrible. I knew over ten years ago that translation was not for me and this proved it. Not only that, some of the stories that people tell in testimony meeting are ridiculous. Seriously, you're only supposed to bear testimony of the Saviour, the Church, the Prophet... share uplifting experiences, etc. This one lady talked about "diabetes shoes", which I had no idea what it was, let alone how to interpret it. We need a member who knows French to move to Abilene; that's all there is to it. All in all, it was a good meeting, though.
Did I tell you that our van got rear-ended? It did. We were sitting at a stop sign and this college student came up and bumped us in the behind. So on Friday we had to get an estimate on the repairs.
Speaking of vehicles, I got an email from Elder Northey. He was telling me all the crazy things that have been going on since he went home.
Oh, and we did a lot of service. We helped demolish an addition to an old house, and this week we helped with the cleanup. Rather, we did the cleanup. The lady got this big dumpster and we filled it three times.
Okay, I have to go. I'm trying to send videos, but it's slow going.
The Church is true!
I love you.
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, August 31, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009 - Message from Abilene, Texas
Hey!
What's up?
Not much here except another exciting week in Abilene, Texas!
(I'm not completely joking, either.)
First of all, interviews was this past Tuesday. The High Council room was locked, the AC in the Relief Society room doesn't work and I felt that the chapel was too big for a district of just ten people, so we held our meeting in the overflow. It was great seeing President and Sister Robison again. We took a district picture with them and they judged the other missionaries' colouring contest. Elder Tuttle won.
Also, we've been doing a ton of service. Probably more than we should be. Definitely more than my poor out-of-shape body should be doing. First, we went to a member's house in First ward (and out in the middle of nowhere - it was a nice drive, though) to help put up some fencing. Long story short, I probably won't be doing that for a living. I got to ride a tractor though, so that was fun.
The next day, we went to one of Elder Allred's investigators' house. There was an add-on to their 100+ year-old house that caved in, making the whole thing structurally unsound. The city was going to condemn it unless the add-on was removed. Long story short, Elder Allred volunteered us all. That was more fun though. It came down pretty easily. The clean up was the tough part.
Also, we had stake conference this weekend. During the leadership meeting, President Webb (the stake president) said, "Now for my talk; two sentences: If you care, you'll find a way. If you don't care, you'll find an excuse. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
Oh, and I can't forget that incident where this college student rear-ended us. As we stopped at a stop sign, this guy came up behind us and *bump*. There wasn't much damage, but we had to call the cops anyway. More paperwork than it was worth, if you ask me.
In terms of missionary work, things are kinda slow. Most of our investigators have either moved away or asked us not to come teach them anymore. In "Preach My Gospel", it says nothing happens until we have someone to teach and it's really showing here. So Elder Tuttle and I have decided to focus on finding this week.
Nevertheless, the work is still moving forward. This weekend, there were two baptisms and I did another two interviews for two more next week.
It really is an exciting time to be alive. There is probably no better time to be around in the history of the Church.
I know that the Church is true. It's the same one that Adam had, Noah, Moses, and Isaiah. It is Christ's church.
I love you!
Have a great week
-Elder Brandon Wong
P.S.: Oh, and our toilet is leaking again. Thank you, Abilene.
What's up?
Not much here except another exciting week in Abilene, Texas!
(I'm not completely joking, either.)
First of all, interviews was this past Tuesday. The High Council room was locked, the AC in the Relief Society room doesn't work and I felt that the chapel was too big for a district of just ten people, so we held our meeting in the overflow. It was great seeing President and Sister Robison again. We took a district picture with them and they judged the other missionaries' colouring contest. Elder Tuttle won.
Also, we've been doing a ton of service. Probably more than we should be. Definitely more than my poor out-of-shape body should be doing. First, we went to a member's house in First ward (and out in the middle of nowhere - it was a nice drive, though) to help put up some fencing. Long story short, I probably won't be doing that for a living. I got to ride a tractor though, so that was fun.
The next day, we went to one of Elder Allred's investigators' house. There was an add-on to their 100+ year-old house that caved in, making the whole thing structurally unsound. The city was going to condemn it unless the add-on was removed. Long story short, Elder Allred volunteered us all. That was more fun though. It came down pretty easily. The clean up was the tough part.
Also, we had stake conference this weekend. During the leadership meeting, President Webb (the stake president) said, "Now for my talk; two sentences: If you care, you'll find a way. If you don't care, you'll find an excuse. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
Oh, and I can't forget that incident where this college student rear-ended us. As we stopped at a stop sign, this guy came up behind us and *bump*. There wasn't much damage, but we had to call the cops anyway. More paperwork than it was worth, if you ask me.
In terms of missionary work, things are kinda slow. Most of our investigators have either moved away or asked us not to come teach them anymore. In "Preach My Gospel", it says nothing happens until we have someone to teach and it's really showing here. So Elder Tuttle and I have decided to focus on finding this week.
Nevertheless, the work is still moving forward. This weekend, there were two baptisms and I did another two interviews for two more next week.
It really is an exciting time to be alive. There is probably no better time to be around in the history of the Church.
I know that the Church is true. It's the same one that Adam had, Noah, Moses, and Isaiah. It is Christ's church.
I love you!
Have a great week
-Elder Brandon Wong
P.S.: Oh, and our toilet is leaking again. Thank you, Abilene.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009 - Lots of driving, lots of burning
Hey,
How's it going?
Things ain't too bad here.
Last week (and I forgot to mention this last time), I woke up to Sisters Wallwork and Smith calling on the phone, saying that they have a flat tire. How their car got a flat tire just by sitting parked all night, I don't know, but they were pretty worried about it. I tried to explain how to change it over the phone, but it didn't quite work. I am actually thankful that you showed me how to change a tire, Dad. One would think that it is simple enough to figure out on your own, but I guess not.
Sadly, everyone was so surprised that I can change a tire. I had to do district leader follow-ups while showing these two clowns how to use a car jack and everybody on the phone kept asking "wait, you know how to change a car tire?" Thanks a lot, guys. Don't act too surprised.
Now, one thing I DON'T know how to do is bake. We've been experimenting with baking cookies for our investigators. It's cheap, "easy", makes people happy and we get to have the leftover cookies. Win-win. The first batch, though, we burnt. It was still edible, but certainly not worthy to give to others. We're getting better at it, though. Maybe one day, we'll upgrade from the store-bought cookie dough powder to from scratch. ... or maybe not.
Also - the best news of the day - we went to Lubbock to celebrate! We were gathered together as a mission for the first time in the history of the mission - seven years. It is probably also the first time in the history of the past missions that covered this region. It was so fun seeing everyone again. I kinda miss that from being in the office.
But anyways, they set up risers in front of the temple and we took a picture as a mission. We also had lunch and a special fireside (I guess you could call it that). Before we knew it, we were driving home. That day went by way too fast. It seems we were on the road longer than in Lubbock. Whatever; it was fun, and we should do it more often.
Other than that, we've been trying to visit a lot of less-active people in our ward. As Brother Bilodeau explained a long time ago, a ward is like a baby-sitter. If a baby-sitter has a reputation or a habit of losing children, no parent would trust her with more of their children. Similarly, if a ward cannot retain God's children, then He won't trust that ward with any more of His children and He will lead them to the truth in other ways (usually by having them move away).
It's interesting to think about and study cause and effect in Heavenly Father's eyes. Does your situation affect your happiness, or vice versa? Is it usually the wealthier members who stay stronger in the Church, or the more active members who end up more prosperous? Would an invitation to be baptized be strengthened if the investigator came to church, or would they be more likely to come to Church if they were looking forward to being baptized? Those are just a few to start with. People have ideas set in their minds so strongly, that nothing else makes sense. All it takes to make sure your basics, or your anchors, are correct and in the right place.
It rained a tiny bit on Saturday.
I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know that this is His Church.
I love you.
-Elder Brandon Wong
How's it going?
Things ain't too bad here.
Last week (and I forgot to mention this last time), I woke up to Sisters Wallwork and Smith calling on the phone, saying that they have a flat tire. How their car got a flat tire just by sitting parked all night, I don't know, but they were pretty worried about it. I tried to explain how to change it over the phone, but it didn't quite work. I am actually thankful that you showed me how to change a tire, Dad. One would think that it is simple enough to figure out on your own, but I guess not.
Sadly, everyone was so surprised that I can change a tire. I had to do district leader follow-ups while showing these two clowns how to use a car jack and everybody on the phone kept asking "wait, you know how to change a car tire?" Thanks a lot, guys. Don't act too surprised.
Now, one thing I DON'T know how to do is bake. We've been experimenting with baking cookies for our investigators. It's cheap, "easy", makes people happy and we get to have the leftover cookies. Win-win. The first batch, though, we burnt. It was still edible, but certainly not worthy to give to others. We're getting better at it, though. Maybe one day, we'll upgrade from the store-bought cookie dough powder to from scratch. ... or maybe not.
Also - the best news of the day - we went to Lubbock to celebrate! We were gathered together as a mission for the first time in the history of the mission - seven years. It is probably also the first time in the history of the past missions that covered this region. It was so fun seeing everyone again. I kinda miss that from being in the office.
But anyways, they set up risers in front of the temple and we took a picture as a mission. We also had lunch and a special fireside (I guess you could call it that). Before we knew it, we were driving home. That day went by way too fast. It seems we were on the road longer than in Lubbock. Whatever; it was fun, and we should do it more often.
Other than that, we've been trying to visit a lot of less-active people in our ward. As Brother Bilodeau explained a long time ago, a ward is like a baby-sitter. If a baby-sitter has a reputation or a habit of losing children, no parent would trust her with more of their children. Similarly, if a ward cannot retain God's children, then He won't trust that ward with any more of His children and He will lead them to the truth in other ways (usually by having them move away).
It's interesting to think about and study cause and effect in Heavenly Father's eyes. Does your situation affect your happiness, or vice versa? Is it usually the wealthier members who stay stronger in the Church, or the more active members who end up more prosperous? Would an invitation to be baptized be strengthened if the investigator came to church, or would they be more likely to come to Church if they were looking forward to being baptized? Those are just a few to start with. People have ideas set in their minds so strongly, that nothing else makes sense. All it takes to make sure your basics, or your anchors, are correct and in the right place.
It rained a tiny bit on Saturday.
I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know that this is His Church.
I love you.
-Elder Brandon Wong
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009 - Crocodiles in the Savannah
Hey y'all!
It's been a slow week. It seems everyone decided to be unavailable at the same time - for the whole week. So we've been doing a lot of door-to-door. We have a new ward mission leader, Brother Bryan. He was just released from the high council (assigned to the missionary work). He is very gung-ho and very passionate about everything he puts his mind to. His big thing is getting members to do missionary work. He gets very upset and worked up just at the thought of people in the ward not sharing the Gospel. He's one of the friendliest people around, yet he can get very loud and very angry if he wants to. It's going to be exciting to work with him. He has a lot of good ideas.
We had zone conference this Tuesday. It was very good.
Since zone conference is in San Angelo, we always have a road trip to get there - thank you, soccer daddy van.
Yesterday evening, one of the Sisters' French-speaking investigators invited all of us to his 60th birthday party. The small apartment was filled with French-speaking Africans from Congo (not to be confused with the Belgian Congo). They had some good African food. We all had a good time. Ironically, as we were leaving, they were watching a nature program on TV about crocodiles in the Savannah. So these people leave Africa, come to America, and what do they do in their free time? They gather together and watch TV shows about Africa.
This coming Friday, we're going to Lubbock! They decided against renting buses, so we're having another road trip. Yay. Pray for good picture-taking weather.
Speaking of pictures, I'll send them next week. I also plan on getting the digital copy of the picture(s) we'll be taking in front of the temple.
Hope you have fun [on your vacation]! We'll talk more later.
The Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
It's been a slow week. It seems everyone decided to be unavailable at the same time - for the whole week. So we've been doing a lot of door-to-door. We have a new ward mission leader, Brother Bryan. He was just released from the high council (assigned to the missionary work). He is very gung-ho and very passionate about everything he puts his mind to. His big thing is getting members to do missionary work. He gets very upset and worked up just at the thought of people in the ward not sharing the Gospel. He's one of the friendliest people around, yet he can get very loud and very angry if he wants to. It's going to be exciting to work with him. He has a lot of good ideas.
We had zone conference this Tuesday. It was very good.
Since zone conference is in San Angelo, we always have a road trip to get there - thank you, soccer daddy van.
Yesterday evening, one of the Sisters' French-speaking investigators invited all of us to his 60th birthday party. The small apartment was filled with French-speaking Africans from Congo (not to be confused with the Belgian Congo). They had some good African food. We all had a good time. Ironically, as we were leaving, they were watching a nature program on TV about crocodiles in the Savannah. So these people leave Africa, come to America, and what do they do in their free time? They gather together and watch TV shows about Africa.
This coming Friday, we're going to Lubbock! They decided against renting buses, so we're having another road trip. Yay. Pray for good picture-taking weather.
Speaking of pictures, I'll send them next week. I also plan on getting the digital copy of the picture(s) we'll be taking in front of the temple.
Hope you have fun [on your vacation]! We'll talk more later.
The Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, August 10, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009 - Time passes by fast!
Hey,
There's a lot of things I want to talk about, but there doesn't ever seem to be enough time! ...and technically, we can only write letters on P-day, and so I don't have enough time to write letters by hand!
Anyways, first of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATHAN! I was going to say that you're legal now, but you're already 19! (?!?!?!?????) That's ridiculous. Time to start thinking about a mission.
It's so nutty how all these kids from primary and YM/YW are already in college! (?!?!?!?????) What is going on?!?
Also, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MOM AND DAD!! Has it really been 100 years that you two have been married? Man, time really does go by fast!
And I got the message from Helen. She said you talked to her on Facebook.
We went to the Family History Center this week, and I signed up for the new.FamilySearch.org site. Nathan should sign up for it too, that way, all of the information is in. The one day we finally got to go is the one day I forgot to bring my four-generation pedigree chart. Go figure. In any case, it least I found out why they made us get one before going to the MTC...
It has been a rather slow week. On Monday, our toilet essentially exploded. The intake pipe, bringing water into the tank, had a loose connection. It was spewing water all over the bathroom floor and seeping into the carpets in the other rooms before dripping into the downstairs neighbours' bathroom. Long story short, we didn't go work that evening.
In other news, we've been doing more knocking on doors than the whole time we've been in Abilene. It's not fun. We did meet this one nice lady who let us teach her. We spoke for an hour during the evening on her front porch - while the mosquitoes were out. I thought I got a lot of bites on my arms... then I saw my ankles. They went through my socks to get to my juicy ankles about ten times for each leg. It was really itchy for several days. Meanwhile, Elder Tuttle just walks around and those dang bugs totally ignore him.
In a couple weeks, we're all driving up to Lubbock to celebrate doubling baptisms. We won't be taking rental buses as was the original plan. We're all trying to save miles and plan out transportation/carpooling. Since we've got the minivan, we are all but guaranteed to be using our vehicle. But we're all going to go up and have a professional photographer take a picture of the whole mission for the first time in the history of the mission. Then we're going to have a lunch and a little meeting as a mission (not quite so little, actually).
Also, just as a little side note: Monday morning follow-ups are not fun. Every week, the district leader is supposed to have an official chat with each companionship and see how things in their area are, then report to the zone leaders. For some reason, I always take forever.
Language is still going well. Maybe I should ask for a hour of language study every morning, like the Spanish-speaking Elders. Also, there's a member in our ward who's from Hong Kong and speaks very little English. I have spoken with her. She said she was going to invite us over to chat, but then she found out that I don't speak Chinese, so she changed her mind. I wish I knew how to speak and write it.
Anyways, things are going well here. I hope school and the school year start off right.
The Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
There's a lot of things I want to talk about, but there doesn't ever seem to be enough time! ...and technically, we can only write letters on P-day, and so I don't have enough time to write letters by hand!
Anyways, first of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATHAN! I was going to say that you're legal now, but you're already 19! (?!?!?!?????) That's ridiculous. Time to start thinking about a mission.
It's so nutty how all these kids from primary and YM/YW are already in college! (?!?!?!?????) What is going on?!?
Also, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MOM AND DAD!! Has it really been 100 years that you two have been married? Man, time really does go by fast!
And I got the message from Helen. She said you talked to her on Facebook.
We went to the Family History Center this week, and I signed up for the new.FamilySearch.org site. Nathan should sign up for it too, that way, all of the information is in. The one day we finally got to go is the one day I forgot to bring my four-generation pedigree chart. Go figure. In any case, it least I found out why they made us get one before going to the MTC...
It has been a rather slow week. On Monday, our toilet essentially exploded. The intake pipe, bringing water into the tank, had a loose connection. It was spewing water all over the bathroom floor and seeping into the carpets in the other rooms before dripping into the downstairs neighbours' bathroom. Long story short, we didn't go work that evening.
In other news, we've been doing more knocking on doors than the whole time we've been in Abilene. It's not fun. We did meet this one nice lady who let us teach her. We spoke for an hour during the evening on her front porch - while the mosquitoes were out. I thought I got a lot of bites on my arms... then I saw my ankles. They went through my socks to get to my juicy ankles about ten times for each leg. It was really itchy for several days. Meanwhile, Elder Tuttle just walks around and those dang bugs totally ignore him.
In a couple weeks, we're all driving up to Lubbock to celebrate doubling baptisms. We won't be taking rental buses as was the original plan. We're all trying to save miles and plan out transportation/carpooling. Since we've got the minivan, we are all but guaranteed to be using our vehicle. But we're all going to go up and have a professional photographer take a picture of the whole mission for the first time in the history of the mission. Then we're going to have a lunch and a little meeting as a mission (not quite so little, actually).
Also, just as a little side note: Monday morning follow-ups are not fun. Every week, the district leader is supposed to have an official chat with each companionship and see how things in their area are, then report to the zone leaders. For some reason, I always take forever.
Language is still going well. Maybe I should ask for a hour of language study every morning, like the Spanish-speaking Elders. Also, there's a member in our ward who's from Hong Kong and speaks very little English. I have spoken with her. She said she was going to invite us over to chat, but then she found out that I don't speak Chinese, so she changed her mind. I wish I knew how to speak and write it.
Anyways, things are going well here. I hope school and the school year start off right.
The Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, August 3, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009 - Prophecy Fulfilled
Howdy, y'all!
It's weird serving in what's probably the most bland place in the world - namely Abilene, Texas - and yet be involved in so many different languages. I'm still teaching in French. It's tough, since I'm pretty rusty. I just got a French "Preach My Gospel", so that'll help with common church phrases, such as "libre arbitre". It's funny: before my mission, I wanted a list of church terms and phrases in French, and now I have the whole manual.
Also, the Sisters have been working with other African refugees who don't know French, but speak Swahili. Elder Tuttle and I are going to get a copy of it (that's more just for fun than anything). It's cool being able to read it and sound like you have an African accent. "Holy Spirit" is "Roho Mtakatifu".
We're still teaching our Nepali friends. I'll tell you, the Nepali written language is cool, but rather difficult. There's 36 consonants and the vowels are made by adding symbols around the consonants (I believe they're called diacritics, but I'm not sure). On top of that, there's a line that goes through every word. But again, it's really cool to be able to write it and look incredibly Asian. Maybe we'll use it as our secret written language.
And speaking of secret languages, Elder Allred has started teaching me ASL. He learned it in Big Spring, where that big deaf college is (and where he helped baptize a deaf man). He loves sign language; he even got a name tag that says "American Sign Language" under his name. He's taught me about a dozen words so far.
Oh, and the most exciting news of the year: we doubled baptisms! For six years, this mission has been averaging 20 baptisms per month. In 1999, President Hinckley told the whole world to double what we're doing now. Between November and now, that's all we've been thinking about. Now, we've finally hit it. The fortieth person was baptized this month on the 31st, at 6:00 pm - just in the nick of time. Now, President Robison is arranging to have every single missionary in the mission to come up to Lubbock, where they're going to have a professional photographer take a picture of the whole mission in front of the temple. We've been talking about this day for a long time and we're all so happy that it's finally come.
I forgot to mention last time that Elder Trost is the new assistant to the President, to replace Elder Newman who just went home (along with Elder Northey). He was a zone leader here in the Abilene zone (in San Angelo, actually). I was on exchanges with him here in Abilene, so I got to be with him in the van when he got the call. I think he could've guessed that he would be the next one, but when President called, he had no clue. It really took him by surprise.
Yesterday, someone that we've been trying to teach invited us over for dinner and he had put "about $80 worth of meat" into his BBQ pit. Those ribs were so tender. We had a real feast.
We visited Brother Campbell, who's the stake executive secretary. He was explaining how a lot of things work behind the scenes in the stake. It's a lot more complicated than I thought. It's just like the mission: it wasn't until I served in the office that I found out just how complex running a mission is. It's also really cool. For example, in a company, the more people you have going behind the scenes, in most cases, you'll have more people lose respect for that company because they find out the secrets and skeletons in the closet. In the Church, however, you not only have many people working behind the scenes, but you rotate them out every seven years, or sometimes less! And 99.99% of these people don't lose respect for the work, but their testimony is strengthened. Yet another evidence that the Church, especially its organization, is truly inspired.
Transfers went well and smoothly. After it was all done, we went to have supper at the Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, which is right next to the chapel. It's good food.
Anyways, I have to go. I know that the Church is true and is run by God Himself.
I love y'all! Have a good week.
-Elder Brandon Wong
It's weird serving in what's probably the most bland place in the world - namely Abilene, Texas - and yet be involved in so many different languages. I'm still teaching in French. It's tough, since I'm pretty rusty. I just got a French "Preach My Gospel", so that'll help with common church phrases, such as "libre arbitre". It's funny: before my mission, I wanted a list of church terms and phrases in French, and now I have the whole manual.
Also, the Sisters have been working with other African refugees who don't know French, but speak Swahili. Elder Tuttle and I are going to get a copy of it (that's more just for fun than anything). It's cool being able to read it and sound like you have an African accent. "Holy Spirit" is "Roho Mtakatifu".
We're still teaching our Nepali friends. I'll tell you, the Nepali written language is cool, but rather difficult. There's 36 consonants and the vowels are made by adding symbols around the consonants (I believe they're called diacritics, but I'm not sure). On top of that, there's a line that goes through every word. But again, it's really cool to be able to write it and look incredibly Asian. Maybe we'll use it as our secret written language.
And speaking of secret languages, Elder Allred has started teaching me ASL. He learned it in Big Spring, where that big deaf college is (and where he helped baptize a deaf man). He loves sign language; he even got a name tag that says "American Sign Language" under his name. He's taught me about a dozen words so far.
Oh, and the most exciting news of the year: we doubled baptisms! For six years, this mission has been averaging 20 baptisms per month. In 1999, President Hinckley told the whole world to double what we're doing now. Between November and now, that's all we've been thinking about. Now, we've finally hit it. The fortieth person was baptized this month on the 31st, at 6:00 pm - just in the nick of time. Now, President Robison is arranging to have every single missionary in the mission to come up to Lubbock, where they're going to have a professional photographer take a picture of the whole mission in front of the temple. We've been talking about this day for a long time and we're all so happy that it's finally come.
I forgot to mention last time that Elder Trost is the new assistant to the President, to replace Elder Newman who just went home (along with Elder Northey). He was a zone leader here in the Abilene zone (in San Angelo, actually). I was on exchanges with him here in Abilene, so I got to be with him in the van when he got the call. I think he could've guessed that he would be the next one, but when President called, he had no clue. It really took him by surprise.
Yesterday, someone that we've been trying to teach invited us over for dinner and he had put "about $80 worth of meat" into his BBQ pit. Those ribs were so tender. We had a real feast.
We visited Brother Campbell, who's the stake executive secretary. He was explaining how a lot of things work behind the scenes in the stake. It's a lot more complicated than I thought. It's just like the mission: it wasn't until I served in the office that I found out just how complex running a mission is. It's also really cool. For example, in a company, the more people you have going behind the scenes, in most cases, you'll have more people lose respect for that company because they find out the secrets and skeletons in the closet. In the Church, however, you not only have many people working behind the scenes, but you rotate them out every seven years, or sometimes less! And 99.99% of these people don't lose respect for the work, but their testimony is strengthened. Yet another evidence that the Church, especially its organization, is truly inspired.
Transfers went well and smoothly. After it was all done, we went to have supper at the Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, which is right next to the chapel. It's good food.
Anyways, I have to go. I know that the Church is true and is run by God Himself.
I love y'all! Have a good week.
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, July 27, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009 - From Abilene
Hey!
How's it going?
It wasn't fun hearing about Nathan's wisdom teeth removals... it just reminds me that I may have to do mine one day. I don't remember what the dentist said, do I have to get mine removed or not?
A couple days ago, we went over to the Abilene Family History Center and asked about how to include it in our missionary efforts. In Preach My Gospel, the section on Family History in chapter 9 (which is about finding people to teach) is just as long as "Importance of Members", which got our attention. So we're going to find ways to incorporate it and invite people to try it out. One of the workers there suggested that we try it ourselves before we invite others. I'm thinking I could do that. We're going to go there and sign up onto new.familysearch.org. That's the one for members, which includes temple work, etc. Maybe I'll find something interesting.
We also had a baptism this Saturday. Polly is a nice old lady who's been taught by the missionaries for quite some time and she's finally decided to be baptized. She's in a wheelchair and can't support herself for long periods of time. So there were the three of us in the font: Elder Tuttle, who was doing the actual baptism, Elder Allred, who was the first to meet with her along with Elder Sosi, and myself. It took some doing, but we managed to do it right on the first try! It was a great experience. After attending another baptism (for 2nd ward), Helen made us brisket, cabbage, and rice. It was a good evening.
Also, it's transfer week. Elder Tuttle and I are staying. Elder Lofgran is being transferred, making me the only district leader in Abilene. Elder Allred is now a senior, and he'll be follow-up training this transfer. Sister Carbajal is leaving Abilene after being here for over 10 months (it's only her second area!). Sister Wallwork is training a new missionary. Elder Droge is leaving Eastland after being there for a total of 9 months (this is his second time in Eastland); his companion, Elder Reed, (they've been together for 6 months) is now a senior and will also be getting a missionary that's only been out six weeks. There's a lot of "new" missionaries and the missionaries are doing new things - myself being one of them. It's going to be an exciting transfer.
Anyways, I spent most of my time sending the pictures and getting the thing to work.
We'll talk more next week. I love you! The Church is true.
-Elder Brandon Wong
How's it going?
It wasn't fun hearing about Nathan's wisdom teeth removals... it just reminds me that I may have to do mine one day. I don't remember what the dentist said, do I have to get mine removed or not?
A couple days ago, we went over to the Abilene Family History Center and asked about how to include it in our missionary efforts. In Preach My Gospel, the section on Family History in chapter 9 (which is about finding people to teach) is just as long as "Importance of Members", which got our attention. So we're going to find ways to incorporate it and invite people to try it out. One of the workers there suggested that we try it ourselves before we invite others. I'm thinking I could do that. We're going to go there and sign up onto new.familysearch.org. That's the one for members, which includes temple work, etc. Maybe I'll find something interesting.
We also had a baptism this Saturday. Polly is a nice old lady who's been taught by the missionaries for quite some time and she's finally decided to be baptized. She's in a wheelchair and can't support herself for long periods of time. So there were the three of us in the font: Elder Tuttle, who was doing the actual baptism, Elder Allred, who was the first to meet with her along with Elder Sosi, and myself. It took some doing, but we managed to do it right on the first try! It was a great experience. After attending another baptism (for 2nd ward), Helen made us brisket, cabbage, and rice. It was a good evening.
Also, it's transfer week. Elder Tuttle and I are staying. Elder Lofgran is being transferred, making me the only district leader in Abilene. Elder Allred is now a senior, and he'll be follow-up training this transfer. Sister Carbajal is leaving Abilene after being here for over 10 months (it's only her second area!). Sister Wallwork is training a new missionary. Elder Droge is leaving Eastland after being there for a total of 9 months (this is his second time in Eastland); his companion, Elder Reed, (they've been together for 6 months) is now a senior and will also be getting a missionary that's only been out six weeks. There's a lot of "new" missionaries and the missionaries are doing new things - myself being one of them. It's going to be an exciting transfer.
Anyways, I spent most of my time sending the pictures and getting the thing to work.
We'll talk more next week. I love you! The Church is true.
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, July 20, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009 - Yes, you can take some of this heat
Hey!
How's it going?
I'm very jealous of the beautifully cold summer temperatures you're getting. It's been consistently over 100 for the past couple weeks. even in the evenings, it's over 90 as we go to bed. Today, we've been getting some clouds and dribble, but it's still hot. It wasn't this bad last year, that's for sure. Still, it could be worse. I'm glad I'm not in a bike area, like Elders Lofgran and Allred. Plus, we have the miracle of AC. Thank you, state-side mission.
It is so weird that I've been teaching some people in French. Ever since the Sisters introduced me to some of those African refugees, it almost seems I've been teaching more in French than in English! When I served in San Angelo, I joked with the ward during a speaking assignment that I also knew French, "which, you know, has been really useful here in West Texas". Now, I'm using it every other day or more. I guess Heavenly Father wants me to keep my French abilities and develop them. Maybe I'm meant to use them a lot more later on. But in any case, I got my hands on a French triple [combination scriptures] and I've been studying out of it everyday. Soon, I should be getting a French "Preach My Gospel" in order to better teach the lessons. For the time being, I'm just using the pamphlets and translating what little I can into French.
We also went on exchanges with President Robison on Tuesday. He was passing through town that day and decided to go with several missionaries to whatever appointments we had. He does that as often as occasion would permit, to get a feel for the work and what it's like. The Robisons have been out for a little over a year, now. It's really cool seeing them as they work at improving their own mission, not just everyone else's. We set up an appointment, but it got cancelled at the last minute, so we knocked on some doors with him. Only one guy answered and he angrily told us to get lost. Then President suggested that we visit someone that he knew lived in town and that we also knew. So it ended up being a good experience.
Also, could you send me the addresses of all the missionaries out that I know? I've been terrible at writing letters. I guess I'm just not used to having that many friends that live elsewhere than here.
Oh, and we went with Dalia to the Family History Center at the chapel, to help her start her family history work. She has been excited about this for some time and is eager to do temple work. It's probably one of the things about the Church that she loves the best.
That reminds me: have you gone on the new FamilySearch? All the work is being centralized, so there are no duplicates (especially in temple work), and so that other members of your extended family can find the work you've done. I'm not sure of the exact website, but it's something like new.familysearch.org. You should check it out and put whatever we have on it.
Anyways, I'm glad you enjoyed your Church history trip, and I hope you have a great week.
I know that Heavenly Father lives and loves us, and that His Son, Jesus Christ is real. (I've just been reading Alma 34 lately, and it's really cool) I also know that the Church is true. These two facts reinforce each other. Without one, the other is not true.
I love you! Take care.
-Elder Brandon Wong
How's it going?
I'm very jealous of the beautifully cold summer temperatures you're getting. It's been consistently over 100 for the past couple weeks. even in the evenings, it's over 90 as we go to bed. Today, we've been getting some clouds and dribble, but it's still hot. It wasn't this bad last year, that's for sure. Still, it could be worse. I'm glad I'm not in a bike area, like Elders Lofgran and Allred. Plus, we have the miracle of AC. Thank you, state-side mission.
It is so weird that I've been teaching some people in French. Ever since the Sisters introduced me to some of those African refugees, it almost seems I've been teaching more in French than in English! When I served in San Angelo, I joked with the ward during a speaking assignment that I also knew French, "which, you know, has been really useful here in West Texas". Now, I'm using it every other day or more. I guess Heavenly Father wants me to keep my French abilities and develop them. Maybe I'm meant to use them a lot more later on. But in any case, I got my hands on a French triple [combination scriptures] and I've been studying out of it everyday. Soon, I should be getting a French "Preach My Gospel" in order to better teach the lessons. For the time being, I'm just using the pamphlets and translating what little I can into French.
We also went on exchanges with President Robison on Tuesday. He was passing through town that day and decided to go with several missionaries to whatever appointments we had. He does that as often as occasion would permit, to get a feel for the work and what it's like. The Robisons have been out for a little over a year, now. It's really cool seeing them as they work at improving their own mission, not just everyone else's. We set up an appointment, but it got cancelled at the last minute, so we knocked on some doors with him. Only one guy answered and he angrily told us to get lost. Then President suggested that we visit someone that he knew lived in town and that we also knew. So it ended up being a good experience.
Also, could you send me the addresses of all the missionaries out that I know? I've been terrible at writing letters. I guess I'm just not used to having that many friends that live elsewhere than here.
Oh, and we went with Dalia to the Family History Center at the chapel, to help her start her family history work. She has been excited about this for some time and is eager to do temple work. It's probably one of the things about the Church that she loves the best.
That reminds me: have you gone on the new FamilySearch? All the work is being centralized, so there are no duplicates (especially in temple work), and so that other members of your extended family can find the work you've done. I'm not sure of the exact website, but it's something like new.familysearch.org. You should check it out and put whatever we have on it.
Anyways, I'm glad you enjoyed your Church history trip, and I hope you have a great week.
I know that Heavenly Father lives and loves us, and that His Son, Jesus Christ is real. (I've just been reading Alma 34 lately, and it's really cool) I also know that the Church is true. These two facts reinforce each other. Without one, the other is not true.
I love you! Take care.
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, July 13, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009 - Doubling Baptisms
Hey!
How's it going?
It's been a crazy week.
First off, on Monday, it was Sister Carbajal's birthday, so we had an activity. Helen put together a Wal-Mart photo scavenger hunt. You have to do certain things and get a picture of it. Unfortunately, we're not allowed taking pictures in Wal-Mart. We didn't know that, one of the security asked us to stop. (They're dressed as normal shoppers and just walk around - it's pretty cool.) Anyways, Elder Lofgran (who's actually pretty good at cooking) made what is called a "death cake": it's two entire cakes stacked on top of each other, with ice cream and caramel in between and a layer of icing as thick as my finger around the whole thing. If I have no teeth by the end of my mission, you'll know why.
Monday night, we went to the Bryan family's place and introduced the Family Mission Plan. Basically, the family writes a list of every non-member they know, regardless of whether they think they're ready for the missionaries or not. Then, they kneel as a family and pray to know who to focus on. Naturally, we should be talking about the Gospel to everyone, but we can't focus on everyone. After they pray, they choose a few names that stand out to them, as guided by the Spirit. Then, they rate those chosen people according to how well they know them, etc. They then make plans to get to know them better, be better friends and warm them up to introducing the Church. So, it's a much more long-term plan, but it works wonders. It's great because not only does it help people have an idea of where to start in sharing the Gospel, but it gets people excited about missionary work and relying on Heavenly Father.
Anyways, we shared it with the Bryan family and they chose a couple names. It didn't make any sense to them because they had already tried to talk to them about the Church and it didn't go well. still, Their names stood out and they chose them. They made some plans to visit them. The next day, we continued tracting along a street we were working on the week before. The first person that we spoke with was the first person that the Bryans chose. It's amazing what happens when we put our trust in Heavenly Father.
As you know, we've been working on doubling baptisms. For six years, we've had an average of 20 baptisms per month. Then we reached 30 and President Robison set a goal to hit 35. At the end of June, we hit an average of 35, so he decided that we should celebrate. So on Thursday, the southern zones (Midland, Odessa, and Abilene) met in Midland for a fun day. We just chilled, played games, etc. At the end of the day, we had an obstacle course. Afterwards, we sat down and he announced that our goal is now 40 baptisms per month. We need to average that for three months for it to count. President Hinckley told the whole Church that we can double baptisms and we're going to do it. We are so close. It's really cool.
On Sunday, Elder Tuttle and I spoke in Sacrament meeting. His topic was the blessings of missionary work and mine was how to do member missionary work. Hopefully, when the family mission plan comes in full force to the ward, people will be excited about it.
Nathan's idea of writing a "day in the life" thing is interesting. I think I want to do that, if I have time.
And thanks for the package and cards. (The Canadian Ketchup chips are so much better than the American sorry imitation.)
I know that God is real, and that He's our father. He's aware of all our problems and progress. To help with both, He has established a church for His children to learn about Him and help each other. There's only one to which He talks directly and directs. That's The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you don't believe that, get to know Him and then ask Him. He will tell you.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
How's it going?
It's been a crazy week.
First off, on Monday, it was Sister Carbajal's birthday, so we had an activity. Helen put together a Wal-Mart photo scavenger hunt. You have to do certain things and get a picture of it. Unfortunately, we're not allowed taking pictures in Wal-Mart. We didn't know that, one of the security asked us to stop. (They're dressed as normal shoppers and just walk around - it's pretty cool.) Anyways, Elder Lofgran (who's actually pretty good at cooking) made what is called a "death cake": it's two entire cakes stacked on top of each other, with ice cream and caramel in between and a layer of icing as thick as my finger around the whole thing. If I have no teeth by the end of my mission, you'll know why.
Monday night, we went to the Bryan family's place and introduced the Family Mission Plan. Basically, the family writes a list of every non-member they know, regardless of whether they think they're ready for the missionaries or not. Then, they kneel as a family and pray to know who to focus on. Naturally, we should be talking about the Gospel to everyone, but we can't focus on everyone. After they pray, they choose a few names that stand out to them, as guided by the Spirit. Then, they rate those chosen people according to how well they know them, etc. They then make plans to get to know them better, be better friends and warm them up to introducing the Church. So, it's a much more long-term plan, but it works wonders. It's great because not only does it help people have an idea of where to start in sharing the Gospel, but it gets people excited about missionary work and relying on Heavenly Father.
Anyways, we shared it with the Bryan family and they chose a couple names. It didn't make any sense to them because they had already tried to talk to them about the Church and it didn't go well. still, Their names stood out and they chose them. They made some plans to visit them. The next day, we continued tracting along a street we were working on the week before. The first person that we spoke with was the first person that the Bryans chose. It's amazing what happens when we put our trust in Heavenly Father.
As you know, we've been working on doubling baptisms. For six years, we've had an average of 20 baptisms per month. Then we reached 30 and President Robison set a goal to hit 35. At the end of June, we hit an average of 35, so he decided that we should celebrate. So on Thursday, the southern zones (Midland, Odessa, and Abilene) met in Midland for a fun day. We just chilled, played games, etc. At the end of the day, we had an obstacle course. Afterwards, we sat down and he announced that our goal is now 40 baptisms per month. We need to average that for three months for it to count. President Hinckley told the whole Church that we can double baptisms and we're going to do it. We are so close. It's really cool.
On Sunday, Elder Tuttle and I spoke in Sacrament meeting. His topic was the blessings of missionary work and mine was how to do member missionary work. Hopefully, when the family mission plan comes in full force to the ward, people will be excited about it.
Nathan's idea of writing a "day in the life" thing is interesting. I think I want to do that, if I have time.
And thanks for the package and cards. (The Canadian Ketchup chips are so much better than the American sorry imitation.)
I know that God is real, and that He's our father. He's aware of all our problems and progress. To help with both, He has established a church for His children to learn about Him and help each other. There's only one to which He talks directly and directs. That's The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you don't believe that, get to know Him and then ask Him. He will tell you.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, July 6, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009 - En français, s'il vous plait!
Hey!
How are things going?
It was nice to hear that you had a good holiday.
For the 4th of July, we went with the other Elders to Helen's place and played cards/games. She made us Hawaiian haystacks, too. Helen is Elder Sosi's cousin who lives in Abilene. In fact, they only discovered each other a couple of months ago. Ever since then, she has been one of the best member-missionaries there are and she has helped the full-time missionaries over and over.
Speaking of Independence Day, how's this for American: I taught a lesson in French this week! The Sisters have been working with a few people from Africa (some are refugees), most of which speak Swahili, French and very little English. For example, they have been visiting a man named Noe (Noah, in English) and they would communicate as best as they could, but not very well. There are quite a few people who could be taught, if it weren't for the language barrier. They got some French materials, but they prayed that someone who knows Swahili or French would move to Abilene to help them. Surprise, surprise.
Anyways, they were concerned because people from other churches were coming and speaking French. Long story short, I got transferred here and we've gone over to talk with him. It was refreshing for him to actually understand more than 30% of what the missionaries were saying, but it was tough for me. Now I know for sure I wasn't meant to go to a foreign-speaking mission. Anyhow, most of the lesson was just me and him talking. He wanted to know what was the point of another book (The Book of Mormon) and how it can help. He was studying to be a preacher when he was in Africa. All I got out of it was that we were welcome back, so I'd say it went well.
We also got to teach a lesson in a hotel. We were meeting with Ann, who's the mother of someone who joined the Church a short while ago. It's kinda far to drive out there, so we decided to meet at a restaurant. When we got there, it was too crowded and too loud. So she suggested a nearby hotel. It's called the Elegante Suites - high class. She took us to eat at the restaurant inside. Then, we had a great lesson with her. After we were done, she left and we took a look at the rest of the hotel. It was spacious and beautiful. Like I said before, I just have to be rich. Can't be any other way.
On the flip side, we finally got our bikes together and in working order, and we did some riding. Because of this, we've actually saved a lot of miles on our little van. Unfortunately, not long after riding for the first time, Elder Tuttle got a flat tire. I'm okay with driving through the heat, though.
I also got your package - thanks! The postmaster dropped it off at the apartment office, which closed before we got there for three days; so I just got it this morning. Now I'll have enough soup to last me for months! And, it's true, they did try ketchup chips in America (it was sold at Wal-Mart), but they were terrible. Too sweet and not strong enough. Just like Lipton's soup, the Canadian stuff is better. I did find a decent bag of salt and pepper, which is becoming more and more popular here. I'm happy about that. By the way, what's with all the Canadian rubber magnets?
We also had zone conference in San Angelo, which was fun. It's been a while since I've been to a zone conference not as an Office Elder.
It's been raining here and there for a couple weeks. Naturally, it got hot in between the showers.
Also, as a mission, we had a goal to have 35 baptisms in June and maintain that as an average. In June, we got 38. So President has arranged a celebration. On Thursday, we're going to Midland (the three southern zones) and having... pretty much a game/activity day (from what I understand). When we hit an average of 40 per month, and thereby succeed in doubling baptisms in this mission, everyone is coming to Lubbock (Greyhound buses and all) and we're taking a picture in front of the temple as a mission. I can only imagine the celebration then.
Well, I'm going to go. I sent all the pictures I have so far. We're also going to have a little celebration for Sister Carbajal's birthday.
The Church is true, and the Gospel is Truth.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
How are things going?
It was nice to hear that you had a good holiday.
For the 4th of July, we went with the other Elders to Helen's place and played cards/games. She made us Hawaiian haystacks, too. Helen is Elder Sosi's cousin who lives in Abilene. In fact, they only discovered each other a couple of months ago. Ever since then, she has been one of the best member-missionaries there are and she has helped the full-time missionaries over and over.
Speaking of Independence Day, how's this for American: I taught a lesson in French this week! The Sisters have been working with a few people from Africa (some are refugees), most of which speak Swahili, French and very little English. For example, they have been visiting a man named Noe (Noah, in English) and they would communicate as best as they could, but not very well. There are quite a few people who could be taught, if it weren't for the language barrier. They got some French materials, but they prayed that someone who knows Swahili or French would move to Abilene to help them. Surprise, surprise.
Anyways, they were concerned because people from other churches were coming and speaking French. Long story short, I got transferred here and we've gone over to talk with him. It was refreshing for him to actually understand more than 30% of what the missionaries were saying, but it was tough for me. Now I know for sure I wasn't meant to go to a foreign-speaking mission. Anyhow, most of the lesson was just me and him talking. He wanted to know what was the point of another book (The Book of Mormon) and how it can help. He was studying to be a preacher when he was in Africa. All I got out of it was that we were welcome back, so I'd say it went well.
We also got to teach a lesson in a hotel. We were meeting with Ann, who's the mother of someone who joined the Church a short while ago. It's kinda far to drive out there, so we decided to meet at a restaurant. When we got there, it was too crowded and too loud. So she suggested a nearby hotel. It's called the Elegante Suites - high class. She took us to eat at the restaurant inside. Then, we had a great lesson with her. After we were done, she left and we took a look at the rest of the hotel. It was spacious and beautiful. Like I said before, I just have to be rich. Can't be any other way.
On the flip side, we finally got our bikes together and in working order, and we did some riding. Because of this, we've actually saved a lot of miles on our little van. Unfortunately, not long after riding for the first time, Elder Tuttle got a flat tire. I'm okay with driving through the heat, though.
I also got your package - thanks! The postmaster dropped it off at the apartment office, which closed before we got there for three days; so I just got it this morning. Now I'll have enough soup to last me for months! And, it's true, they did try ketchup chips in America (it was sold at Wal-Mart), but they were terrible. Too sweet and not strong enough. Just like Lipton's soup, the Canadian stuff is better. I did find a decent bag of salt and pepper, which is becoming more and more popular here. I'm happy about that. By the way, what's with all the Canadian rubber magnets?
We also had zone conference in San Angelo, which was fun. It's been a while since I've been to a zone conference not as an Office Elder.
It's been raining here and there for a couple weeks. Naturally, it got hot in between the showers.
Also, as a mission, we had a goal to have 35 baptisms in June and maintain that as an average. In June, we got 38. So President has arranged a celebration. On Thursday, we're going to Midland (the three southern zones) and having... pretty much a game/activity day (from what I understand). When we hit an average of 40 per month, and thereby succeed in doubling baptisms in this mission, everyone is coming to Lubbock (Greyhound buses and all) and we're taking a picture in front of the temple as a mission. I can only imagine the celebration then.
Well, I'm going to go. I sent all the pictures I have so far. We're also going to have a little celebration for Sister Carbajal's birthday.
The Church is true, and the Gospel is Truth.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Changing of the Guard
Elder Wong was recently transferred out of the office and back into the field as District Leader in the Abilene Texas area. In the TLM (Texas Lubbock Mission) newsletter, there is a little article mentioning his good work in the office.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009 - Ants in My Pants
Hi!
How are things in hot Canada?
We're averaging about 103 here, with the nighttime low being about 78+. Yesterday and today, it's been cloudy, making it a quite nice. Even the heat wouldn't be so bad if the sun wasn't there, I've discovered.
Well, first things first, we had a baptism on Saturday! A lady named Dalia has been investigating the church for several months now. She's been living all the commandments of God (including tithing) and coming to church every Sunday. Whenever the missionaries would ask her if she would like to be baptized, she would say no. Then on Monday, we had a lesson with her and brought a recent convert. We talked about baptisms for the dead and the member shared part of her conversion story. By the end of the lesson, she said she needed to be baptized. We had the service on Saturday. Since it was last-minute, there weren't that many people that attended. Also, the plug to the font was cracked or warped. So by the time the actual baptism came, there was less than a foot of water in the font. So she sat down in it and Elder Tuttle knelt down, and they still managed to do it. (I suppose symbolically, it represents death better when lying down.) None of that mattered, though, since she was really happy.
The next day (Sunday), she didn't show up to church, even as the meeting was starting. We were afraid that she forgot, or something. so we left sacrament meeting, said a prayer and drove off to remind her. Fortunately, we saw her car, as we were driving to her house, driving up to the church. She was confirmed by the bishop.
We also got a short visit by Elder Bogenschutz, an RM, who was one of the Assistants when I came to the mission. He brought us Sonic Blasts and we chatted for a while.
We also heard about Michael Jackson (and Farrah whats-her-name) from a member that we were visiting. Elder Tuttle said that the world without him is like nightmares without the boogie man. It is a weird thought, in any case.
While in a member's house, I saw a version of Monopoly called "Here and Now", or something like that. So it looks like Montreal won the #1 spot, huh? That's cool.
Now for the fun stuff. On Wednesday night, as I was going to sleep, I found a colony of ants crawling on my bed. I vacuumed and washed the sheets, but the next night, there were still more. So I've been sleeping on the couch all week, and all my mattresses are standing upright in the bedroom, completely covered in RAID ant-killer. That ought to do it.
The high council speaker on Sunday was Brother Cale from San Angelo. His son, Jeffrey, is serving his mission in Ogden, so he probably knows Jonathan.
By the way, my mailing address is correct. I also got your Canada Day card.
Not including the cloudy weather we've been getting, it's hotter than the proverbial Hades, but things are otherwise going well.
I can't send pictures on this library computer, but hopefully, I'll be able to send them using the computers at Elder Lofgran's apartment complex.
Anyways, I hope you had a Happy Birthday, Mom, and a Happy Canada Day.
I know that the Church is true, and I know that our Heavenly Father answers prayers.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
How are things in hot Canada?
We're averaging about 103 here, with the nighttime low being about 78+. Yesterday and today, it's been cloudy, making it a quite nice. Even the heat wouldn't be so bad if the sun wasn't there, I've discovered.
Well, first things first, we had a baptism on Saturday! A lady named Dalia has been investigating the church for several months now. She's been living all the commandments of God (including tithing) and coming to church every Sunday. Whenever the missionaries would ask her if she would like to be baptized, she would say no. Then on Monday, we had a lesson with her and brought a recent convert. We talked about baptisms for the dead and the member shared part of her conversion story. By the end of the lesson, she said she needed to be baptized. We had the service on Saturday. Since it was last-minute, there weren't that many people that attended. Also, the plug to the font was cracked or warped. So by the time the actual baptism came, there was less than a foot of water in the font. So she sat down in it and Elder Tuttle knelt down, and they still managed to do it. (I suppose symbolically, it represents death better when lying down.) None of that mattered, though, since she was really happy.
The next day (Sunday), she didn't show up to church, even as the meeting was starting. We were afraid that she forgot, or something. so we left sacrament meeting, said a prayer and drove off to remind her. Fortunately, we saw her car, as we were driving to her house, driving up to the church. She was confirmed by the bishop.
We also got a short visit by Elder Bogenschutz, an RM, who was one of the Assistants when I came to the mission. He brought us Sonic Blasts and we chatted for a while.
We also heard about Michael Jackson (and Farrah whats-her-name) from a member that we were visiting. Elder Tuttle said that the world without him is like nightmares without the boogie man. It is a weird thought, in any case.
While in a member's house, I saw a version of Monopoly called "Here and Now", or something like that. So it looks like Montreal won the #1 spot, huh? That's cool.
Now for the fun stuff. On Wednesday night, as I was going to sleep, I found a colony of ants crawling on my bed. I vacuumed and washed the sheets, but the next night, there were still more. So I've been sleeping on the couch all week, and all my mattresses are standing upright in the bedroom, completely covered in RAID ant-killer. That ought to do it.
The high council speaker on Sunday was Brother Cale from San Angelo. His son, Jeffrey, is serving his mission in Ogden, so he probably knows Jonathan.
By the way, my mailing address is correct. I also got your Canada Day card.
Not including the cloudy weather we've been getting, it's hotter than the proverbial Hades, but things are otherwise going well.
I can't send pictures on this library computer, but hopefully, I'll be able to send them using the computers at Elder Lofgran's apartment complex.
Anyways, I hope you had a Happy Birthday, Mom, and a Happy Canada Day.
I know that the Church is true, and I know that our Heavenly Father answers prayers.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, June 22, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009 - New Beginnings
Hello!
It's great to hear about the cool things going on in Montreal, especially Jason's mission call! There's nothing but hot going on here in Abilene. Actually, it has been slightly cooler than we expected, but cooler than 100 degrees isn't really saying much.
Also, may I say now, that these computers at this library are really awful. All it does is let you on the Internet, and slowly, at that. With that, it may take some time for me to get you my pictures. Just hang tight.
Oh, and - can't forget - Happy Fathers' Day! I hope it went well. Our Fathers' Day was spent getting to know people in Abilene 3rd Ward. There's some really great people here. We didn't get to talk to Bishop Hill much, but he's really friendly. We also got the leftover Fathers' Day cinnamon rolls.
Anyways, transfers went well. I was able to meet the greenies for this transfer. They are a great bunch and have really bonded well in the MTC. I had my last two dinners by Sister Robison. I also got to say goodbye to Elders Griffin, Winterton and Goodfellow. That was a good bunch going home. After all of the transfer stuff was done, I said goodbye to President and Sister Robison, the Hansens, packed all of my stuff, and Elder Tuttle and I loaded the van. With lunch, getting gas at the station, getting a map... it took a while to finally leave Lubbock. But we did, and it took about three hours to arrive in Abilene (or two-and-a-half, with Elder Tuttle's driving). Ironically, we got to Abilene before the transfer bus did, which left at least two hours before us! I'm so glad we didn't take the bus, because of the extra hours and because I had too much stuff.
Ever since then, we've been out working and trying to meet people. It was hard trying to get visits with the members of the ward, since everyone was at Scouts' camp or YW's camp. In fact, the bishop is getting ready for the second one this week!
I'm going to miss Lubbock, but I'm excited to be here. It's tough getting back into the swing of things, though, especially when either of us hardly know the area (Elder Tuttle's been in Abilene his whole mission, but mostly in the 2nd ward area). Even with all that said, I don't think it'll take much for us to get used to things and really make this area work.
Anyways, I'll keep you updated.
The Church is true!
In the past couple days, I've been studying on the Melchizedek Priesthood, and the temples. (check out D&C 84:~18-25 and D&C 107,124, Abr 1, etc. and a talk by (I think) Ezra Taft Benson called "What I Hope You Will Teach Your Children About the Temple" - good stuff.) Yet more things that Joseph Smith could not have invented, even with others to help, in a million years. These things only come from God.
I love you!
Take care.
-Elder Brandon Wong
It's great to hear about the cool things going on in Montreal, especially Jason's mission call! There's nothing but hot going on here in Abilene. Actually, it has been slightly cooler than we expected, but cooler than 100 degrees isn't really saying much.
Also, may I say now, that these computers at this library are really awful. All it does is let you on the Internet, and slowly, at that. With that, it may take some time for me to get you my pictures. Just hang tight.
Oh, and - can't forget - Happy Fathers' Day! I hope it went well. Our Fathers' Day was spent getting to know people in Abilene 3rd Ward. There's some really great people here. We didn't get to talk to Bishop Hill much, but he's really friendly. We also got the leftover Fathers' Day cinnamon rolls.
Anyways, transfers went well. I was able to meet the greenies for this transfer. They are a great bunch and have really bonded well in the MTC. I had my last two dinners by Sister Robison. I also got to say goodbye to Elders Griffin, Winterton and Goodfellow. That was a good bunch going home. After all of the transfer stuff was done, I said goodbye to President and Sister Robison, the Hansens, packed all of my stuff, and Elder Tuttle and I loaded the van. With lunch, getting gas at the station, getting a map... it took a while to finally leave Lubbock. But we did, and it took about three hours to arrive in Abilene (or two-and-a-half, with Elder Tuttle's driving). Ironically, we got to Abilene before the transfer bus did, which left at least two hours before us! I'm so glad we didn't take the bus, because of the extra hours and because I had too much stuff.
Ever since then, we've been out working and trying to meet people. It was hard trying to get visits with the members of the ward, since everyone was at Scouts' camp or YW's camp. In fact, the bishop is getting ready for the second one this week!
I'm going to miss Lubbock, but I'm excited to be here. It's tough getting back into the swing of things, though, especially when either of us hardly know the area (Elder Tuttle's been in Abilene his whole mission, but mostly in the 2nd ward area). Even with all that said, I don't think it'll take much for us to get used to things and really make this area work.
Anyways, I'll keep you updated.
The Church is true!
In the past couple days, I've been studying on the Melchizedek Priesthood, and the temples. (check out D&C 84:~18-25 and D&C 107,124, Abr 1, etc. and a talk by (I think) Ezra Taft Benson called "What I Hope You Will Teach Your Children About the Temple" - good stuff.) Yet more things that Joseph Smith could not have invented, even with others to help, in a million years. These things only come from God.
I love you!
Take care.
-Elder Brandon Wong
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009 - Hotter than Heaven
Hello!
This is my last P-day in Lubbock!
President Robison arranged to meet with Elder Northey, Elder Sosi and I individually the other day. We all thought we were in trouble. But actually, he just spoke with us to tell us about our upcoming assignments. He told me where I'll be serving, etc. I'm just taking over Elder Sosi's old spot (area, companion, position, everything). Everything there is exactly the same as before, except it's me instead of Elder Sosi. No pressure, right?
Yesterday, we had the Robisons' wedding anniversary! A couple months ago, I was wondering when their anniversary was and if we could do something for it. I was going to ask one of their kids, but I decided that if I just asked Sister Robison, she would tell me, then forget that she told me. I found out the date, and sure enough, it never crossed her mind since. So when it got close to June, I told the others, and we started planning something. We finally (at the last minute) decided on a picnic. The Mortensens agreed to let us use their backyard. The Hansens brought fried chicken and organized all the desserts. We called everyone, told them to be early, park somewhere else, and hide in the backyard. Chief (Mortensen) called and invited them [the Robisons] to lunch the next day, "just the four of them".
On Friday, we had our weekly meetings with him, and tried to hurry them up so we could leave early. Everyone arrived before they showed up, and when they came into the backyard, we jumped out. They were so pleasantly surprised. We had a really good time, and the senior couples even put on a little show for us.
Also, President Robison ordered a new car, and has been waiting for it since November. They promised it would come in December, then March, then May. Finally, last Friday, the dealership called saying it was ready. We were all set to call him and inform him, but then Elder Sosi suggested we surprise him at the party with it. So on Thursday, we went there to pick it up and then hid it in the Mortensens' garage. We even had a big ribbon bow made at Michael's. At the end of the party, we had everyone stand behind it, while they [the Robisons] walked up with their eyes closed. It was a lot of fun.
The Robisons really are great people. They are so dedicated and hard-working. They love all the missionaries and know what's best for them. I'm so glad that I've been able to work so closely with them, get to know them better, and love them even more than I did before (which I now know is possible). Funny, they're all talking as if I'm going home. I guess it's more like leaving home; especially in their eyes.
Anyways, to answer some of your questions... the "tall guy" is Brother Miller. The Millers are a young couple who signed up to do the Family Mission Plan. So we went over and had a great lesson with them. They wrote a list of people they know, whether or not they're ready to receive the missionaries yet. Then we got on our knees and prayed to ask which of them are ready and need most to have the Gospel. I didn't even open my eyes before Sis Miller had a few names written. We then made a plan for each one on the list - not on how to invite the missionaries, but to fellowship, get to know them better, and introduce the Gospel. He's 6'7" and she's shorter than me.
The guy playing the piano was Chief Mortensen. He's very good. He knows how to enjoy life. He's very easy-going, happy, friendly, and just a good man. Both he and Sister Mortensen are really great people.
And we do have a deep-fryer in the basement. Elder Pitts felt like spending some money so he went to Wal-Mart and bought a mini-deep-fryer for about $30. We've used it to make fries, hashbrowns, homefries, etc. on more than one evening, We've had meals that consist of hamburgers (with the George Foreman grill), fries, sausages, hashbrown patties... basically anything that has a high potential to kill you.
Living with Elder Sosi is great. Do you remember those giant leis made of candy that he gave to the Roses before they left? Well, he showed me how to make them. It's actually not too hard. He also sings and plays the ukulele when we're bored. He's also taught us several expressions in Samoan. Ironically, he was born in California and raised in Utah. He just has so much love for everyone.
It's exciting to hear about the progress in the Stake. I heard from somewhere that the missionaries doubled baptisms in Montreal - is that true, or is it in the stake, or what? I also heard the opposite - that missionary work was struggling. Could you clarify that for me?
Also, in the middle of writing this, I left to go to the temple. Elder Griffin, who's going home on Wednesday, went to witness the marriage of a member that he helped teach and baptize. He needed a companion while in there, so I got to go. I've never witnessed a sealing before, and it was quite an experience. We also took pictures outside. It was HOT today. I'm not eager to get out into the July heat down south.
Speaking of which, we had about two minutes of marble-sized hail today. We were on our way to the family fun center to use the batting cages, and it started hailing. It wasn't big, but it was really hard. We found a shelter to park under until it passed. There were a whole bunch of other people there, too.
Did I mention I got another haircut from Sis Sybrowsky? If I didn't, I did now.
We also got the chance to go to Carino's for dinner. We got some sort of promotional advertisement in the mail, which included scratch coupons to Carino's. I think it goes from $5 off to $500 off. Also, Sister Mangum, one of the most generous people ever, gave us some money for food. So with the two together, we went to eat out. I got the five-meat bowtie pasta dish, and it was heavenly. Even with a $13 meal (or $10, in my case), five dollars off can make a big difference.
We also went to check out a new apartment for some sister missionaries. We found an okay place, but it wasn't going to be available on time, so we found another place to stay temporarily. We went there and signed papers, and we asked if we could get a tour. He agreed. The whole street is commercial, so we weren't sure where it was. The bottom floor is an abandoned furniture store. There are very steep stairs that lead to the second floor where the offices were converted into apartments. It looks like it was done in the 1920s. The hallway truly reminds you of a mental health hospital. The apartments are very run down. The sinks are older than any five people put together, as are the stoves. The metal "8" on the door frame was upside down. In the bathroom, the toilet and sink are facing each other, and are less than a foot apart. You can literally sit on the toilet and wash your hands. Needless to say, we couldn't do it. Fortunately, another place called totally out of the blue and offered a place; proving that God does answer prayers.
Also, we had the chance to see a lot of nice, big houses while driving and... long story short, I've just decided that I'm going to be rich.
Speaking of answering prayers, I know that any father that loves His children will not ignore them. likewise, our Heavenly Father does not ignore us. He hears and answers every call that we send Him. He has all power, all wisdom, and does everything in our best interests. With someone like that on our side, how can you reject Him, or turn away from Him? I'm not perfect, but I have turned to Him. Turn to Him, follow His Son Jesus Christ, and you will not be lead astray.
I probably won't be able to write really long emails anymore, but things are going great here. It's really hot in Texas (over 100 today), but that doesn't change the fact that I know that the Church is true.
I love you! Have a great week.
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: how to think fast.
This is my last P-day in Lubbock!
President Robison arranged to meet with Elder Northey, Elder Sosi and I individually the other day. We all thought we were in trouble. But actually, he just spoke with us to tell us about our upcoming assignments. He told me where I'll be serving, etc. I'm just taking over Elder Sosi's old spot (area, companion, position, everything). Everything there is exactly the same as before, except it's me instead of Elder Sosi. No pressure, right?
Yesterday, we had the Robisons' wedding anniversary! A couple months ago, I was wondering when their anniversary was and if we could do something for it. I was going to ask one of their kids, but I decided that if I just asked Sister Robison, she would tell me, then forget that she told me. I found out the date, and sure enough, it never crossed her mind since. So when it got close to June, I told the others, and we started planning something. We finally (at the last minute) decided on a picnic. The Mortensens agreed to let us use their backyard. The Hansens brought fried chicken and organized all the desserts. We called everyone, told them to be early, park somewhere else, and hide in the backyard. Chief (Mortensen) called and invited them [the Robisons] to lunch the next day, "just the four of them".
On Friday, we had our weekly meetings with him, and tried to hurry them up so we could leave early. Everyone arrived before they showed up, and when they came into the backyard, we jumped out. They were so pleasantly surprised. We had a really good time, and the senior couples even put on a little show for us.
Also, President Robison ordered a new car, and has been waiting for it since November. They promised it would come in December, then March, then May. Finally, last Friday, the dealership called saying it was ready. We were all set to call him and inform him, but then Elder Sosi suggested we surprise him at the party with it. So on Thursday, we went there to pick it up and then hid it in the Mortensens' garage. We even had a big ribbon bow made at Michael's. At the end of the party, we had everyone stand behind it, while they [the Robisons] walked up with their eyes closed. It was a lot of fun.
The Robisons really are great people. They are so dedicated and hard-working. They love all the missionaries and know what's best for them. I'm so glad that I've been able to work so closely with them, get to know them better, and love them even more than I did before (which I now know is possible). Funny, they're all talking as if I'm going home. I guess it's more like leaving home; especially in their eyes.
Anyways, to answer some of your questions... the "tall guy" is Brother Miller. The Millers are a young couple who signed up to do the Family Mission Plan. So we went over and had a great lesson with them. They wrote a list of people they know, whether or not they're ready to receive the missionaries yet. Then we got on our knees and prayed to ask which of them are ready and need most to have the Gospel. I didn't even open my eyes before Sis Miller had a few names written. We then made a plan for each one on the list - not on how to invite the missionaries, but to fellowship, get to know them better, and introduce the Gospel. He's 6'7" and she's shorter than me.
The guy playing the piano was Chief Mortensen. He's very good. He knows how to enjoy life. He's very easy-going, happy, friendly, and just a good man. Both he and Sister Mortensen are really great people.
And we do have a deep-fryer in the basement. Elder Pitts felt like spending some money so he went to Wal-Mart and bought a mini-deep-fryer for about $30. We've used it to make fries, hashbrowns, homefries, etc. on more than one evening, We've had meals that consist of hamburgers (with the George Foreman grill), fries, sausages, hashbrown patties... basically anything that has a high potential to kill you.
Living with Elder Sosi is great. Do you remember those giant leis made of candy that he gave to the Roses before they left? Well, he showed me how to make them. It's actually not too hard. He also sings and plays the ukulele when we're bored. He's also taught us several expressions in Samoan. Ironically, he was born in California and raised in Utah. He just has so much love for everyone.
It's exciting to hear about the progress in the Stake. I heard from somewhere that the missionaries doubled baptisms in Montreal - is that true, or is it in the stake, or what? I also heard the opposite - that missionary work was struggling. Could you clarify that for me?
Also, in the middle of writing this, I left to go to the temple. Elder Griffin, who's going home on Wednesday, went to witness the marriage of a member that he helped teach and baptize. He needed a companion while in there, so I got to go. I've never witnessed a sealing before, and it was quite an experience. We also took pictures outside. It was HOT today. I'm not eager to get out into the July heat down south.
Speaking of which, we had about two minutes of marble-sized hail today. We were on our way to the family fun center to use the batting cages, and it started hailing. It wasn't big, but it was really hard. We found a shelter to park under until it passed. There were a whole bunch of other people there, too.
Did I mention I got another haircut from Sis Sybrowsky? If I didn't, I did now.
We also got the chance to go to Carino's for dinner. We got some sort of promotional advertisement in the mail, which included scratch coupons to Carino's. I think it goes from $5 off to $500 off. Also, Sister Mangum, one of the most generous people ever, gave us some money for food. So with the two together, we went to eat out. I got the five-meat bowtie pasta dish, and it was heavenly. Even with a $13 meal (or $10, in my case), five dollars off can make a big difference.
We also went to check out a new apartment for some sister missionaries. We found an okay place, but it wasn't going to be available on time, so we found another place to stay temporarily. We went there and signed papers, and we asked if we could get a tour. He agreed. The whole street is commercial, so we weren't sure where it was. The bottom floor is an abandoned furniture store. There are very steep stairs that lead to the second floor where the offices were converted into apartments. It looks like it was done in the 1920s. The hallway truly reminds you of a mental health hospital. The apartments are very run down. The sinks are older than any five people put together, as are the stoves. The metal "8" on the door frame was upside down. In the bathroom, the toilet and sink are facing each other, and are less than a foot apart. You can literally sit on the toilet and wash your hands. Needless to say, we couldn't do it. Fortunately, another place called totally out of the blue and offered a place; proving that God does answer prayers.
Also, we had the chance to see a lot of nice, big houses while driving and... long story short, I've just decided that I'm going to be rich.
Speaking of answering prayers, I know that any father that loves His children will not ignore them. likewise, our Heavenly Father does not ignore us. He hears and answers every call that we send Him. He has all power, all wisdom, and does everything in our best interests. With someone like that on our side, how can you reject Him, or turn away from Him? I'm not perfect, but I have turned to Him. Turn to Him, follow His Son Jesus Christ, and you will not be lead astray.
I probably won't be able to write really long emails anymore, but things are going great here. It's really hot in Texas (over 100 today), but that doesn't change the fact that I know that the Church is true.
I love you! Have a great week.
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: how to think fast.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Hello!
How are things going?
It's interesting that you brought up the temple in your letter, since I just got back from there this morning! There is a member in Fort Sumner, New Mexico who was baptized over a year ago and had gone to the temple to get his endowment but hasn't been back since. Elder Sosi knew him very well after serving there, so he invited him to come. After setting up the appointment and everything, his car broke down, so he couldn't come. We decided to go anyway. There also happened to be a member from Roswell going for the first time, and the missionaries that taught him (some of whom have since gone home) came to go with him. (I never met most of them.) It's so great to have a temple within walking distance of where you live. I just wish I would've gone more often while serving in Lubbock.
To answer some of your other questions: we helped the Peterson family move their stuff. They're moving to a house and they had a lot of stuff. They rented a 24' U-Haul and it was full by the end. Brother Peterson served a mission in Mexico, which is where that sombrero came from. Not too long after that, we got a call from a member of the stake presidency (who's also moving) saying that the people who bought the old house don't want the shed in the backyard, so he needed help moving out. Unfortunately, it just so happened that on that particular day, we got the first rain in several months and the ground was all muddy. The pickup truck got stuck in the mud; every time we tried to slide the shed, it would dig into the ground, and on top of all that, we were still in our white shirts and ties. It was fun. We were cleaning our shoes for quite a while after that. But, hey, they promised us a homemade spaghetti dinner on Sunday, so it all worked out well.
Also, Elder Johnson (the one from Canada) at one point had two typewriters - one electric and one completely mechanical - that he used to write letters. He still has the mechanical one, and it's really cool. It's small, comparatively light and very convenient. I was hoping to find some sort of digital text processor - nothing but a keyboard and a tiny screen - so I can type stuff during the day, hook it up to the computer in the library and email it off. I guess that was a rather dumb idea.
And, I actually understood the Chinese expression that Rachel [Simkovits] quoted! That made me feel kinda better.
Oh, I got your cards, thanks! And I love Nutribars for some strange reason. It must be an acquired taste.
On Sunday, I got to give a talk. The Assistants came to give the 5th Sunday lesson introducing the "Family Mission Plan". It's actually pretty interesting and has great potential. The bishop decided to have the sacrament talks missionary-themed so as to get everyone excited about it. So they got a priest (who's going to go on a mission), a full-time missionary (me)(who's on a mission) and Brother Sybrowsky the ward mission leader (who served a mission). So we spoke on missionary work. The Assistants gave their presentation in each ward and handed out index cards for those who are interested in learning more to give their name and phone number. Apparently, we got the most out of any other ward in the stake. Not only did our talks set the right tone for their presentation, but I think this ward is very (at least more and more than in the past) missionary-minded, but they just don't know how to go about sharing the gospel. This "Family Mission Plan" actually helps out with that.
Anyways, I have to go. We'll talk more later.
I know that the Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: how to take each moment slowly.
How are things going?
It's interesting that you brought up the temple in your letter, since I just got back from there this morning! There is a member in Fort Sumner, New Mexico who was baptized over a year ago and had gone to the temple to get his endowment but hasn't been back since. Elder Sosi knew him very well after serving there, so he invited him to come. After setting up the appointment and everything, his car broke down, so he couldn't come. We decided to go anyway. There also happened to be a member from Roswell going for the first time, and the missionaries that taught him (some of whom have since gone home) came to go with him. (I never met most of them.) It's so great to have a temple within walking distance of where you live. I just wish I would've gone more often while serving in Lubbock.
To answer some of your other questions: we helped the Peterson family move their stuff. They're moving to a house and they had a lot of stuff. They rented a 24' U-Haul and it was full by the end. Brother Peterson served a mission in Mexico, which is where that sombrero came from. Not too long after that, we got a call from a member of the stake presidency (who's also moving) saying that the people who bought the old house don't want the shed in the backyard, so he needed help moving out. Unfortunately, it just so happened that on that particular day, we got the first rain in several months and the ground was all muddy. The pickup truck got stuck in the mud; every time we tried to slide the shed, it would dig into the ground, and on top of all that, we were still in our white shirts and ties. It was fun. We were cleaning our shoes for quite a while after that. But, hey, they promised us a homemade spaghetti dinner on Sunday, so it all worked out well.
Also, Elder Johnson (the one from Canada) at one point had two typewriters - one electric and one completely mechanical - that he used to write letters. He still has the mechanical one, and it's really cool. It's small, comparatively light and very convenient. I was hoping to find some sort of digital text processor - nothing but a keyboard and a tiny screen - so I can type stuff during the day, hook it up to the computer in the library and email it off. I guess that was a rather dumb idea.
And, I actually understood the Chinese expression that Rachel [Simkovits] quoted! That made me feel kinda better.
Oh, I got your cards, thanks! And I love Nutribars for some strange reason. It must be an acquired taste.
On Sunday, I got to give a talk. The Assistants came to give the 5th Sunday lesson introducing the "Family Mission Plan". It's actually pretty interesting and has great potential. The bishop decided to have the sacrament talks missionary-themed so as to get everyone excited about it. So they got a priest (who's going to go on a mission), a full-time missionary (me)(who's on a mission) and Brother Sybrowsky the ward mission leader (who served a mission). So we spoke on missionary work. The Assistants gave their presentation in each ward and handed out index cards for those who are interested in learning more to give their name and phone number. Apparently, we got the most out of any other ward in the stake. Not only did our talks set the right tone for their presentation, but I think this ward is very (at least more and more than in the past) missionary-minded, but they just don't know how to go about sharing the gospel. This "Family Mission Plan" actually helps out with that.
Anyways, I have to go. We'll talk more later.
I know that the Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: how to take each moment slowly.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009 - Every Day of the Week
Howdy, y'all!
What's up?
The big news of the week is that I'm getting released from the office. At the end of the transfer, I'll be going back into the field. I have some mixed feelings about that, but I've come to realize that whenever the Lord asks me to do something, it never turns out as bad as it seems. So I've been turning to getting excited to be truly back out there. It's like getting a mission call all over again.
My replacement is Elder Sosi. I met him on the second day of my mission and he's been serving in Abilene for many months. He has been in the Abilene zone for over a year! I would hate to get "stuck" in one place for so long, but he didn't seem to mind that much. He's already been in Lubbock for a few days and the training is underway.
To welcome him to the office, the Robisons took all of us to Smoothie King and got each of us a smoothie. That place is pretty good. We also drove around at the Texas Tech campus. His companion, Elder Tuttle, came with him to Lubbock and he's just going to serve with Elders Craven and Pitts until the end of the transfer. Their old area is temporarily split between the other Abilene missionaries. (There's only four in the whole city now!)
On Monday, I got to meet my Missionary Granddad! There were a couple of RMs touring the mission and visiting people. One of them was Elder Webb, who trained Elder Jenkins, my trainer! He told us of some things that happened on his mission and afterwards, too. The other was Elder Grider, who was actually one of Elder Northey's old companions, so it was a cool day for all of us. Elder Webb's a big guy, Elder Jenkins was a little smaller than him and I'm smaller than both of them - I highly doubt this trend will continue, though (if there's anything to continue). We also went to the Lubbock 4th ward's Memorial Day picnic. There was a great turn out and the weather was perfect. ... and we had burgers.
Oh, and this Sunday, I'm giving another talk. At the picnic, Bishop McCauley and Brother Sybrowsky came up to ask if I could speak. During the 5th Sunday third-hour lesson, the assistants are coming over to introduce to the ward the "Family Mission Plan", which is actually very exciting - it has great potential to accomplish a lot. So they want the speakers during sacrament meeting to set it up and get everyone excited about doing missionary work. With about 300 active members, I would have thought that I would not get the chance again to speak, but here I go - and just before I leave, too. (Incidentally, both the bishop and Brother Sybrowsky were absent when I spoke the first time around. And, sadly (or "fortunately"), President and Sister Robison will be out of town in another ward.)
On Tuesday, we took Elders Blackmer and Olsen to the airport. Elder Blackmer is from Alberta and his visa was going to expire about a week early; so he just decided to go home rather than go through all the trouble to even find the possibility of getting a week's extention. Elder Olsen had a job opportunity back home that would not be available if he waited, so they both went home (only about four weeks before they were supposed to). It was tough to see them go; it seems like this is every time. I can only imagine what it's like for the Robisons.
On Wednesday, Elder Newman's back was really hurting. So we went over to their place and Elder Sosi gave him a deep tissue massage. He used oil and everything. He's pretty talented.
On Thursday, we went to the mission home and I re-imaged the computer (backed up files, wiped everything and reinstalled the programs) there. We also went to the old apartment, cleaned the place up and did the final inspection. I'm going to miss that place.
On Friday, we had interviews. In mine, President Robison and I mostly talked about getting back into the field. We also helped the Petersons move. They got a big U-Haul and we loaded it up. Then they gave us pizza.
Maybe that's one thing I'm going to miss about the office. I don't remember this many different and crazy things happening in just one week before coming to Lubbock. I don't know.
Anyways, I'm sending some pictures; let me know if you didn't get them.
There's something I get to do often, but I still don't do often enough, and that's bear my testimony. I know that the Church is true. Only here do we have God's official messenger and Christ's true and complete gospel.If it's not here, it's not anywhere. That gospel is not just a message, it's the power of God unto salvation. Isn't that amazing? Power - the difference between night and day; between ignorance and joy; between eternal stagnation and chaos and exaltation. The power to change yourself and get rid of anything unwanted about yourself is in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I love you! Have a good week!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: that no matter what the outlook, things never turn out so bad.
What's up?
The big news of the week is that I'm getting released from the office. At the end of the transfer, I'll be going back into the field. I have some mixed feelings about that, but I've come to realize that whenever the Lord asks me to do something, it never turns out as bad as it seems. So I've been turning to getting excited to be truly back out there. It's like getting a mission call all over again.
My replacement is Elder Sosi. I met him on the second day of my mission and he's been serving in Abilene for many months. He has been in the Abilene zone for over a year! I would hate to get "stuck" in one place for so long, but he didn't seem to mind that much. He's already been in Lubbock for a few days and the training is underway.
To welcome him to the office, the Robisons took all of us to Smoothie King and got each of us a smoothie. That place is pretty good. We also drove around at the Texas Tech campus. His companion, Elder Tuttle, came with him to Lubbock and he's just going to serve with Elders Craven and Pitts until the end of the transfer. Their old area is temporarily split between the other Abilene missionaries. (There's only four in the whole city now!)
On Monday, I got to meet my Missionary Granddad! There were a couple of RMs touring the mission and visiting people. One of them was Elder Webb, who trained Elder Jenkins, my trainer! He told us of some things that happened on his mission and afterwards, too. The other was Elder Grider, who was actually one of Elder Northey's old companions, so it was a cool day for all of us. Elder Webb's a big guy, Elder Jenkins was a little smaller than him and I'm smaller than both of them - I highly doubt this trend will continue, though (if there's anything to continue). We also went to the Lubbock 4th ward's Memorial Day picnic. There was a great turn out and the weather was perfect. ... and we had burgers.
Oh, and this Sunday, I'm giving another talk. At the picnic, Bishop McCauley and Brother Sybrowsky came up to ask if I could speak. During the 5th Sunday third-hour lesson, the assistants are coming over to introduce to the ward the "Family Mission Plan", which is actually very exciting - it has great potential to accomplish a lot. So they want the speakers during sacrament meeting to set it up and get everyone excited about doing missionary work. With about 300 active members, I would have thought that I would not get the chance again to speak, but here I go - and just before I leave, too. (Incidentally, both the bishop and Brother Sybrowsky were absent when I spoke the first time around. And, sadly (or "fortunately"), President and Sister Robison will be out of town in another ward.)
On Tuesday, we took Elders Blackmer and Olsen to the airport. Elder Blackmer is from Alberta and his visa was going to expire about a week early; so he just decided to go home rather than go through all the trouble to even find the possibility of getting a week's extention. Elder Olsen had a job opportunity back home that would not be available if he waited, so they both went home (only about four weeks before they were supposed to). It was tough to see them go; it seems like this is every time. I can only imagine what it's like for the Robisons.
On Wednesday, Elder Newman's back was really hurting. So we went over to their place and Elder Sosi gave him a deep tissue massage. He used oil and everything. He's pretty talented.
On Thursday, we went to the mission home and I re-imaged the computer (backed up files, wiped everything and reinstalled the programs) there. We also went to the old apartment, cleaned the place up and did the final inspection. I'm going to miss that place.
On Friday, we had interviews. In mine, President Robison and I mostly talked about getting back into the field. We also helped the Petersons move. They got a big U-Haul and we loaded it up. Then they gave us pizza.
Maybe that's one thing I'm going to miss about the office. I don't remember this many different and crazy things happening in just one week before coming to Lubbock. I don't know.
Anyways, I'm sending some pictures; let me know if you didn't get them.
There's something I get to do often, but I still don't do often enough, and that's bear my testimony. I know that the Church is true. Only here do we have God's official messenger and Christ's true and complete gospel.If it's not here, it's not anywhere. That gospel is not just a message, it's the power of God unto salvation. Isn't that amazing? Power - the difference between night and day; between ignorance and joy; between eternal stagnation and chaos and exaltation. The power to change yourself and get rid of anything unwanted about yourself is in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I love you! Have a good week!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: that no matter what the outlook, things never turn out so bad.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009 - The Rich Life
Hello!
How are things going?
It's been a good week here. Elder Northey baked for the first time in his life and made a cake. Elder Newman made it for Sister Robison on Mothers' day and we got to try some, so we had him show us how it was made. We gave some to investigators, some to the Sisters (because Sister Bingham was going home and Sister Jarrett is always making snacks for us), some to the Hansens, some to Elders Newman and Tripp, and still had enough to eat more than we should have and the rest to go bad in the fridge.
Also, we got to meet all five of the Robison kids. They were here for the weekend and we got to see them at church. President and Sister Robison called it a "day off", but they've never had so little sleep their whole mission. They were running around doing everything.
We also met a really crazy lady at a nursing home. We've been visiting a member there who's been sick for a while. His roommate has a girlfriend that was paranoid to death of demons and being possessed, etc. I guess it didn't help that she was wearing a shirt with a demonic pattern on it, or that she had black piercings up and down. So we taught her about prayer and how we have more power than Satan, and so on. It was more for fun and to satisfy her than anything else. I thought it was funny.
In other news, I've really begun to appreciate soups sold in microwaveable bowls. Several companies, including Chunky, have these bowls that you just pull off the metal top and it goes right into the microwave. It's really cool.
On Tuesday, we were at the Sybrowskys' having a delicious homemade spaghetti meal and Brother Sybrowsky asked if we could help move a family after dinner. So we went with him and the other Elders to the new house to unload. It is a big house. Absolutely gi-normous. There's a built-in aquarium in the front lobby, a library, a crafts room, a secret food storage, a sun room attached to the master bedroom, and (get this) a full-sized regulation racquetball court connected in the back. (Didn't I say I wanted one in my dream house? I've never actually seen it done.)
They had P.O.D.S. (Portable On-Demand Storage units that you rent) out in the front and, needless to say, it took a while to unload all their boxes and furniture.
The other day, as we were at the mission home fixing their computer, the zone leaders were bringing someone who's getting baptized over for dinner, and so the Robisons invited us to stay too. They made steak on the grill. It was good.
On the way to the bank to make a deposit, I had over $1000 in my hands. That's a weird feeling. Big houses, steak, large deposits... I guess that's a theme for this week - just... lots of money.
Anyways, I'm off. That's my life this week.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: how to better expect the unexpected.
How are things going?
It's been a good week here. Elder Northey baked for the first time in his life and made a cake. Elder Newman made it for Sister Robison on Mothers' day and we got to try some, so we had him show us how it was made. We gave some to investigators, some to the Sisters (because Sister Bingham was going home and Sister Jarrett is always making snacks for us), some to the Hansens, some to Elders Newman and Tripp, and still had enough to eat more than we should have and the rest to go bad in the fridge.
Also, we got to meet all five of the Robison kids. They were here for the weekend and we got to see them at church. President and Sister Robison called it a "day off", but they've never had so little sleep their whole mission. They were running around doing everything.
We also met a really crazy lady at a nursing home. We've been visiting a member there who's been sick for a while. His roommate has a girlfriend that was paranoid to death of demons and being possessed, etc. I guess it didn't help that she was wearing a shirt with a demonic pattern on it, or that she had black piercings up and down. So we taught her about prayer and how we have more power than Satan, and so on. It was more for fun and to satisfy her than anything else. I thought it was funny.
In other news, I've really begun to appreciate soups sold in microwaveable bowls. Several companies, including Chunky, have these bowls that you just pull off the metal top and it goes right into the microwave. It's really cool.
On Tuesday, we were at the Sybrowskys' having a delicious homemade spaghetti meal and Brother Sybrowsky asked if we could help move a family after dinner. So we went with him and the other Elders to the new house to unload. It is a big house. Absolutely gi-normous. There's a built-in aquarium in the front lobby, a library, a crafts room, a secret food storage, a sun room attached to the master bedroom, and (get this) a full-sized regulation racquetball court connected in the back. (Didn't I say I wanted one in my dream house? I've never actually seen it done.)
They had P.O.D.S. (Portable On-Demand Storage units that you rent) out in the front and, needless to say, it took a while to unload all their boxes and furniture.
The other day, as we were at the mission home fixing their computer, the zone leaders were bringing someone who's getting baptized over for dinner, and so the Robisons invited us to stay too. They made steak on the grill. It was good.
On the way to the bank to make a deposit, I had over $1000 in my hands. That's a weird feeling. Big houses, steak, large deposits... I guess that's a theme for this week - just... lots of money.
Anyways, I'm off. That's my life this week.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: how to better expect the unexpected.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009 - The Usual Unusual
Hey,
It was great to hear from you on Sunday! Even if it was only an hour. I got the pictures you sent, and I saw that you pulled out that stupid Harry Potter toy again...
But I also didn't have time to write last time, so now I'm a week behind.
Which reminds me, I've lost my journal-writing habit. The last day in my journal I think is January 4th. I've still been writing down what happens every day, including what I ate and how many steps I took, but it's all in my planner, or on different bits of paper, which is kinda sad. Hopefully, I'll be able to catch up one day.
But anyways, we had transfers. It was fun as usual. This time though, we had an incoming group of nine - my largest one yet. When Elder Hewitt was first made the mission secretary, his first group was twelve - my group. I'm not quite there yet and I'm not sure I ever will be, but we are getting more big groups. The next one is supposed to be eight, and after that, ten. Also, President commented that that group (the one coming in July) will be the first group where the missionaries will go home after they (the Robisons) will go home. That's a weird thought. It also means that President and Sister Robison have almost been out a year.
Speaking of the Robisons, right now, and for the rest of the weekend, the whole family is here! All five kids (no grandkids, though) are in Lubbock. One of the sons is living in Africa, helping kids with AIDS, came to visit. So he called the rest of the family and told them to come too. So they're all in town. They went to stock up on diapers and other American commodities, they went golfing, out to eat, more golfing... It's funny; even when they "take a day off", they're still super-busy. I told President not to wait another year before having another P-day.
On Wednesday, Elder Northey and I were really hungry because we (as usual) were late in having lunch. So we stopped at a fast food place called Taco Villa. As we were walking in, someone who was walking out saw us and said "hey Elders". Turns out he was a member from a different ward. We spoke for a moment (and he was surprised that missionaries had a pick-up truck), then walked inside. While we were looking at the menu, a lady walks up to us and gives us each a five. Turns out she was a member too (ironically, of the same ward as that other guy). Not only did she pay for our lunch, she gave us each a chocolate bar before walking off. We were really touched by that. We thought something like that only happens in Utah.
Also, the other day we were speaking with Brother Peterson, who is the one who runs all the Quick Quack car washes in West Texas. He told us of his mission and about the technical details about car washes. It's a lot more complex than meets the eye. But he also told us of his love for pure cane sugar Coca-Cola. So Elder Northey decided we should get him some to thank him for the car wash passes, etc. (They're only sold as imported from the Mexican supermarket.) He really loved it.
On Saturday, the Sisters in Snyder put on a mini-EFY for the youth in their branch. They asked us and the assistants to help out. So we went out there to present a workshop. Ours was "the whole armour of God". Elder Northey made one out of cardboard and aluminum foil. There was a good turnout, too. For a tiny branch as Snyder is, there were quite a few people. They really put a lot of work into it and did a good job.
At Chief's house, Elder Northey and I had the whole place to ourselves for a while since Elders Rasmussen and Philpot moved out. After a week, though, we now have Elder Craven and his greenie, Elder Pitts. Elder Pitts is from Nevada and very big. He also doesn't act as "green" as most new missionaries. In any case, things are back to normal in the basement. Well, as normal as normal is. (Which reminds me, did I tell you that the rat problem in the ceiling is pretty much gone now?)
On Sunday, we got to deliver the Mothers' Day scrapbook to Sister Robison. Elder Sosi (in Abilene) had the idea of getting everyone to make a special scrapbook page with their own picture(s), their testimony and a short message thanking her for being their missionary mother. A lot of missionaries made one and mailed it in. I was surprised at how many submitted something. Sister Hansen put it all together in page protectors in a binder. On Sunday afternoon, we went over to the Hansens' and Sister Hansen was just finishing her own page off, we wrapped it up and went to the mission home. Sister Robison loved it so much, she cried. She read every page by the next day. Anyone who was late but still wanted to give something are planning to bring it to zone conference (or already did).
The weather has been its usual unusual. It's been really hot most of the week; now it's humid and getting ready to rain.
I would also like to take this opportunity to once again express my love for vanilla soft serve ice cream. There's nothing better (ice cream wise).
Also, we got new cars! Actually, we got two and neither are cars. The first was the new Colorado. We went to the dealership to get the new license plates for the new Silverado. The rep said that our new Colorado was ready that afternoon, so we went and drove home with it. ...and, it's maroon. We were both weirded out by that. I never expected to see a maroon mission vehicle.
About an hour later, we went to pick up the new passenger van at the Ford dealership. We got about six miles away from it before it overheated. They sent a mechanic to look at it and the tank of coolant was empty. He topped it off and we got another mile before it was gone again. So we had it towed back to the dealership. The next day they found that it was a faulty temperature sensor, causing it to use up all the coolant. It's fine now. We had to walk home, but we needed the exercise (and it wasn't far).
Speaking of vehicles, Elder Northey just got a new DVD in the mail from the Church. It's the new vehicle safety training video. We just watched a bit of it and they're really modernized. They're still kinda cheesy (I don't think any training video can't be), but nowhere near that of ten years ago. The AV department went all out on these. There's live action scenes, demonstrations, even jokes. It'll keep missionaries paying attention and from falling asleep, that's for sure.
Lastly, I finished memorizing 2 Nephi 2. The whole while, I've learnt a lot. That chapter is a treasure trove of knowledge about the Plan of Salvation. Now I'm looking for the next thing to work on.
Anyways, hope y'all will have a great week!
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: that memorizing scriptures is actually fun! Who invented TV, anyway?
It was great to hear from you on Sunday! Even if it was only an hour. I got the pictures you sent, and I saw that you pulled out that stupid Harry Potter toy again...
But I also didn't have time to write last time, so now I'm a week behind.
Which reminds me, I've lost my journal-writing habit. The last day in my journal I think is January 4th. I've still been writing down what happens every day, including what I ate and how many steps I took, but it's all in my planner, or on different bits of paper, which is kinda sad. Hopefully, I'll be able to catch up one day.
But anyways, we had transfers. It was fun as usual. This time though, we had an incoming group of nine - my largest one yet. When Elder Hewitt was first made the mission secretary, his first group was twelve - my group. I'm not quite there yet and I'm not sure I ever will be, but we are getting more big groups. The next one is supposed to be eight, and after that, ten. Also, President commented that that group (the one coming in July) will be the first group where the missionaries will go home after they (the Robisons) will go home. That's a weird thought. It also means that President and Sister Robison have almost been out a year.
Speaking of the Robisons, right now, and for the rest of the weekend, the whole family is here! All five kids (no grandkids, though) are in Lubbock. One of the sons is living in Africa, helping kids with AIDS, came to visit. So he called the rest of the family and told them to come too. So they're all in town. They went to stock up on diapers and other American commodities, they went golfing, out to eat, more golfing... It's funny; even when they "take a day off", they're still super-busy. I told President not to wait another year before having another P-day.
On Wednesday, Elder Northey and I were really hungry because we (as usual) were late in having lunch. So we stopped at a fast food place called Taco Villa. As we were walking in, someone who was walking out saw us and said "hey Elders". Turns out he was a member from a different ward. We spoke for a moment (and he was surprised that missionaries had a pick-up truck), then walked inside. While we were looking at the menu, a lady walks up to us and gives us each a five. Turns out she was a member too (ironically, of the same ward as that other guy). Not only did she pay for our lunch, she gave us each a chocolate bar before walking off. We were really touched by that. We thought something like that only happens in Utah.
Also, the other day we were speaking with Brother Peterson, who is the one who runs all the Quick Quack car washes in West Texas. He told us of his mission and about the technical details about car washes. It's a lot more complex than meets the eye. But he also told us of his love for pure cane sugar Coca-Cola. So Elder Northey decided we should get him some to thank him for the car wash passes, etc. (They're only sold as imported from the Mexican supermarket.) He really loved it.
On Saturday, the Sisters in Snyder put on a mini-EFY for the youth in their branch. They asked us and the assistants to help out. So we went out there to present a workshop. Ours was "the whole armour of God". Elder Northey made one out of cardboard and aluminum foil. There was a good turnout, too. For a tiny branch as Snyder is, there were quite a few people. They really put a lot of work into it and did a good job.
At Chief's house, Elder Northey and I had the whole place to ourselves for a while since Elders Rasmussen and Philpot moved out. After a week, though, we now have Elder Craven and his greenie, Elder Pitts. Elder Pitts is from Nevada and very big. He also doesn't act as "green" as most new missionaries. In any case, things are back to normal in the basement. Well, as normal as normal is. (Which reminds me, did I tell you that the rat problem in the ceiling is pretty much gone now?)
On Sunday, we got to deliver the Mothers' Day scrapbook to Sister Robison. Elder Sosi (in Abilene) had the idea of getting everyone to make a special scrapbook page with their own picture(s), their testimony and a short message thanking her for being their missionary mother. A lot of missionaries made one and mailed it in. I was surprised at how many submitted something. Sister Hansen put it all together in page protectors in a binder. On Sunday afternoon, we went over to the Hansens' and Sister Hansen was just finishing her own page off, we wrapped it up and went to the mission home. Sister Robison loved it so much, she cried. She read every page by the next day. Anyone who was late but still wanted to give something are planning to bring it to zone conference (or already did).
The weather has been its usual unusual. It's been really hot most of the week; now it's humid and getting ready to rain.
I would also like to take this opportunity to once again express my love for vanilla soft serve ice cream. There's nothing better (ice cream wise).
Also, we got new cars! Actually, we got two and neither are cars. The first was the new Colorado. We went to the dealership to get the new license plates for the new Silverado. The rep said that our new Colorado was ready that afternoon, so we went and drove home with it. ...and, it's maroon. We were both weirded out by that. I never expected to see a maroon mission vehicle.
About an hour later, we went to pick up the new passenger van at the Ford dealership. We got about six miles away from it before it overheated. They sent a mechanic to look at it and the tank of coolant was empty. He topped it off and we got another mile before it was gone again. So we had it towed back to the dealership. The next day they found that it was a faulty temperature sensor, causing it to use up all the coolant. It's fine now. We had to walk home, but we needed the exercise (and it wasn't far).
Speaking of vehicles, Elder Northey just got a new DVD in the mail from the Church. It's the new vehicle safety training video. We just watched a bit of it and they're really modernized. They're still kinda cheesy (I don't think any training video can't be), but nowhere near that of ten years ago. The AV department went all out on these. There's live action scenes, demonstrations, even jokes. It'll keep missionaries paying attention and from falling asleep, that's for sure.
Lastly, I finished memorizing 2 Nephi 2. The whole while, I've learnt a lot. That chapter is a treasure trove of knowledge about the Plan of Salvation. Now I'm looking for the next thing to work on.
Anyways, hope y'all will have a great week!
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: that memorizing scriptures is actually fun! Who invented TV, anyway?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
