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.
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