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
Thursday, October 22, 2009
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
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