Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - Final Entry

Hello!

Well, I'm home now!

Yes, back in the good ol' Montreal.

Does it feel weird?

Well, let me put it this way:
Really, being on a mission was "weird", so coming home was instantly transitioning to "not weird" - so THAT was weird. Otherwise, it feels pretty normal. I'm getting adjusted pretty quickly.

On Wednesday, we (all ~12-14 of us) went to the Lubbock "international" airport, said goodbye, and flew to Dallas. We arrived around 11:30am (central time). From there, Elders Beesley and Allred, who were going to Alabama, and I parted ways from the Utah-Idaho group. Their layover was only a few minutes. Ours was about four hours, so we went and grabbed a pizza for lunch. At around 2:15pm, I said goodbye to the others, and headed for my gate. That was the mental shift for me - not having a companion - which really made the transition pretty quick.

There was a slight delay due to rain, but I arrived in Montreal sometime around 9:00pm (eastern time), after a close to three-and-a-half-hour flight. I went through two customs lines (the second being for "returning citizens"), which felt just as long as the flight (it did turn out to be close to two hours). Finally, after getting all the paperwork done (no thanks to a friendly but slow and talkative border patrol officer), I was reunited with my family, as well as a small greeting party. Seriously. They made a poster with balloons, and recorded the whole thing on video. It was a wonderful experience.

Now, I have a better idea when people talk about "forever families". I have a better appreciation for the Priesthood; for the power that God has given us to be with our family for all eternity, even if we are apart momentarily during mortality.

So now I'm home. Despite what I said about re-adjusting quickly, I still find that I'm a little rusty on some things, and a little disorganized. I haven't driven a car in over a year (I did just get my license renewed, though). I haven't programmed a computer in over two (not counting some little projects in the mission office). I haven't hugged a girl in over five (okay, not seriously, but it feels that way sometimes).
Also, my scripture study feels kinda disjointed. I don't have anyone to study *for* (other than myself), and so I'm going to have to find some good topics to look into.

I plan on keeping away from TV. I quit a little while before my mission, and I don't plan on going back.
I am signed up for school in the fall - studying computer science. I've already started work on my own personal projects, which are keeping me busy, and helping me re-tune my skills.
I should be getting a job really soon. Well... looking for one, anyway.
I hope to start weekly Chinese lessons with my grandmother. I'll learn it, and be fluent in it one day.
Although there are still a lot of unknowns, the future is looking up.

The Lord is merciful to all His children. I am thankful for the opportunities He gives to me to serve, and thereby, grow. They say, "whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies". I need that, and He knows it. In fact, I've already had another calling extended to me. I must *really* need it.

I know the Church is true. A mission didn't tell me that. A childhood in the Church didn't tell me that. It was told to me by the Holy Ghost. He was sent forth to reveal to me many great and important things pertaining to my salvation; the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel being one of the most important.

I love you all. Thank you for your support and prayers. The Lord does answer them.

-Brandon Wong

Thursday, April 1, 2010 - Final Week

Howdy, y'all!

This is my final week in the mission field.

As usual with almost any big event, it hasn't quite hit me yet. That's probably the biggest reason why it hasn't bugged me at all. It's also probably because I'm working harder than ever before on my mission. Each day feels pretty much like I've always been a missionary and always will be.

It is getting hot here; summer is pouncing quick.

I have a lot going through my mind, but when do I not?

I know that Heavenly Father loves us. That is why He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to atone for our sins and to teach us, that we may be perfected in Him. I know that Christ sent us a prophet, that we may know of Him, and that we may not walk in darkness. I know that what we are taught in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not the interpretations or theories or interpolations or opinions or philosophies of men, but the words of Christ. I know that the Church is true. I know that this work is true, and that it is the work of God. He has entrusted it into our hands, and we will be stronger because of it.

I love you.
Take care,

-Elder Brandon Wong