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.