Hi!
How's it going?
The new transfer has started off right. The new missionaries in our ward are Elders Pyle and Hardy. I already knew both of them. In fact, Elder Hardy came out at the same time as me (we were in different MTC districts).
I may not be raking leaves in freezing cold, but we did get a cold front this week. It dropped to freezing last weekend, and we actually had to turn on the heat. Now, it's, for the most part, a comfortable temperature. Texas is bad with that, though. The weather changes every couple hours or less. I've heard stories of individual days that can be over 100 degrees, have rain, and have snow, all within a few hours of each other.
By the way, every time I change areas, I try to get a "Change of Address" form. If you put on the envelope somewhere, "Forwarding Service Requested", then they will send the mail to the new place. Sending through the office is really slow, and I've heard bad stories of letters and especially packages being opened, stolen, etc. I doubt that happens very often... but still.
Anyways, the work here is great. I'm not sick anymore, nor is Elder Goodfellow, and we have some great people to teach. Also, we might do a Black Friday and holiday season thing where we set up a stand somewhere, hand out hot chocolate and pass-along cards and answer questions. Any (time) where people actually come to you is okay with me. ;)
Anyways, hope you're all doing alright.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, November 24, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
November 17, 2008
Hello!
How's it going?
Transfer calls came in, I'm staying here in Midland with E. Goodfellow. It looked like most of the other missionaries are staying, too, but some of them just got a phone call with a last-second change. Transfers are always an exciting yet frustrating process.
Other than that, things are rather normal. Sister Hunter, a member here, is a professional seamstress, and she can mend any missionary's clothes. I took my suit jacket to her, and she shortened the arms! They actually fit decently now! That whole family is cool. We are still being well fed, as usual.
After most of my cold was over, I got food poisoning from a mexican buffet. It seemed like a good idea, but now I know why there aren't more mexican buffets. A few days after that, I got a minor stomach flu. I've been sick all this transfer, and it's really frustrating. Maybe that's why the two of us are staying here; to make up for lost time.
Oh, and I have a couple projects for you, should you choose to accept them:
First, I'd like to know what font our scriptures are written in. open up microsoft word, and compare side by side the fonts, and see which one matches up exactly. if it's none of the ones in MS word, than see which one comes closest. also, what are the relative fonts from text, to footnotes, to the word "chapter"?
Second... I totally forgot. don't worry, it'll come to me when we all step outside after this.
Anyways, I want you to know that the Church is true. The only way you're going to know that is if you live it. If you want to know if a pie is good, you'll try it. You don't have to eat the whole thing, just a decent-sized slice. Leaps of faith are what makes the world go forward. Make one for this, and you won't regret it.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
How's it going?
Transfer calls came in, I'm staying here in Midland with E. Goodfellow. It looked like most of the other missionaries are staying, too, but some of them just got a phone call with a last-second change. Transfers are always an exciting yet frustrating process.
Other than that, things are rather normal. Sister Hunter, a member here, is a professional seamstress, and she can mend any missionary's clothes. I took my suit jacket to her, and she shortened the arms! They actually fit decently now! That whole family is cool. We are still being well fed, as usual.
After most of my cold was over, I got food poisoning from a mexican buffet. It seemed like a good idea, but now I know why there aren't more mexican buffets. A few days after that, I got a minor stomach flu. I've been sick all this transfer, and it's really frustrating. Maybe that's why the two of us are staying here; to make up for lost time.
Oh, and I have a couple projects for you, should you choose to accept them:
First, I'd like to know what font our scriptures are written in. open up microsoft word, and compare side by side the fonts, and see which one matches up exactly. if it's none of the ones in MS word, than see which one comes closest. also, what are the relative fonts from text, to footnotes, to the word "chapter"?
Second... I totally forgot. don't worry, it'll come to me when we all step outside after this.
Anyways, I want you to know that the Church is true. The only way you're going to know that is if you live it. If you want to know if a pie is good, you'll try it. You don't have to eat the whole thing, just a decent-sized slice. Leaps of faith are what makes the world go forward. Make one for this, and you won't regret it.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, November 10, 2008
November 10, 2008
Hi Everybody!
How's it going?
Things are going alright here. I'm excited about a few things but mostly about Hamish's mission call! That's so cool!
Actually, that's probably all that's noteworthy.
Sister LaFrance has been doing an awesome job at making sure the missionaries get fed, so much so that we have not had a single evening without food. So Elder Goodfellow decided that the four of us should bring her brownies; so we did. By the way, I hate the imperial measurement system. Could you send me some sort of fool-proof conversion table, or visual conversion table?
Also, we found out about Obama being elected. Texas is in an uproar. That morning, our power blinked out. We saw American flags at half-mast. People have a lot to say about it. I find it funny.
I was recently reminded of a promise that Bruce R. McConkie said, that if we were to memorize a scripture a day for our whole mission, we'd have a photographic memory by the end. Even if that doesn't work, I'd still have a butt-load of scriptures committed to memory, so it's [a] win-win [situation]. So I decided to do that. I have a small scrap of paper in my shirt pocket with a verse or two on it, and I memorize it over the course of the day. So far, I have eight done.
Elder Winterton bought some new shoes really cheap (because the store is going out of business). But they were too small, so he sold them to me for even cheaper.
And if I were to guess off-hand what I'd want you to send me (I'm having trouble thinking about this), I would have to say... beef jerky. I also used two out of the four boxes of Lipton's.
Oh, and I got my photo frame in the mail. Because it was so cheap, I really got my money's worth. But it still works and that's alright with me.
There's some great people that we're teaching, and the ward is really friendly and helpful. I hope you are to the missionaries there.
Talk to you later!
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
How's it going?
Things are going alright here. I'm excited about a few things but mostly about Hamish's mission call! That's so cool!
Actually, that's probably all that's noteworthy.
Sister LaFrance has been doing an awesome job at making sure the missionaries get fed, so much so that we have not had a single evening without food. So Elder Goodfellow decided that the four of us should bring her brownies; so we did. By the way, I hate the imperial measurement system. Could you send me some sort of fool-proof conversion table, or visual conversion table?
Also, we found out about Obama being elected. Texas is in an uproar. That morning, our power blinked out. We saw American flags at half-mast. People have a lot to say about it. I find it funny.
I was recently reminded of a promise that Bruce R. McConkie said, that if we were to memorize a scripture a day for our whole mission, we'd have a photographic memory by the end. Even if that doesn't work, I'd still have a butt-load of scriptures committed to memory, so it's [a] win-win [situation]. So I decided to do that. I have a small scrap of paper in my shirt pocket with a verse or two on it, and I memorize it over the course of the day. So far, I have eight done.
Elder Winterton bought some new shoes really cheap (because the store is going out of business). But they were too small, so he sold them to me for even cheaper.
And if I were to guess off-hand what I'd want you to send me (I'm having trouble thinking about this), I would have to say... beef jerky. I also used two out of the four boxes of Lipton's.
Oh, and I got my photo frame in the mail. Because it was so cheap, I really got my money's worth. But it still works and that's alright with me.
There's some great people that we're teaching, and the ward is really friendly and helpful. I hope you are to the missionaries there.
Talk to you later!
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, November 3, 2008
November 3, 2008
Hello everybody!
How's it going?
Things are alright here. We had a great zone conference on Tuesday. It was in our chapel, so we didn't have to go far, but there were missionaries from all over west of Texas. Elder Pearson, newly called to the Seventy, came and taught us a lot of cool things, and motivated us to really work hard. We were all really excited.
Then I got a cold the next day. I've been stuck in the apartment for most of the week. I was still able to go to a few appointments, coughing up a lung, and whatnot, but mostly it's been in-pyjamas-at-home rest for me. I didn't really miss out on Halloween, though. We're not supposed to be working on holiday evenings, so some missionaries came over, and we had some fun.
The next day, suit season started. Everyday, if it's under 70 degrees, we have to wear our suit jackets. After 6 PM, we have to wear it no matter what. Personally, I think it would have been better if I had just black suit jackets so I can just put them on, no matter which black pants I'm wearing. With my pinstripe suit, I have to put on my pinstripe pants, which is rather inconvenient.
Anyways, once my cold is in the down-low, Elder Goodfellow and I are all set to make Midland explode. This Fast Sunday, the whole mission, and many of the members fasted to double baptisms. We're going to make it happen.
I'll talk to you again soon!
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
How's it going?
Things are alright here. We had a great zone conference on Tuesday. It was in our chapel, so we didn't have to go far, but there were missionaries from all over west of Texas. Elder Pearson, newly called to the Seventy, came and taught us a lot of cool things, and motivated us to really work hard. We were all really excited.
Then I got a cold the next day. I've been stuck in the apartment for most of the week. I was still able to go to a few appointments, coughing up a lung, and whatnot, but mostly it's been in-pyjamas-at-home rest for me. I didn't really miss out on Halloween, though. We're not supposed to be working on holiday evenings, so some missionaries came over, and we had some fun.
The next day, suit season started. Everyday, if it's under 70 degrees, we have to wear our suit jackets. After 6 PM, we have to wear it no matter what. Personally, I think it would have been better if I had just black suit jackets so I can just put them on, no matter which black pants I'm wearing. With my pinstripe suit, I have to put on my pinstripe pants, which is rather inconvenient.
Anyways, once my cold is in the down-low, Elder Goodfellow and I are all set to make Midland explode. This Fast Sunday, the whole mission, and many of the members fasted to double baptisms. We're going to make it happen.
I'll talk to you again soon!
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, October 27, 2008
October 27, 2008
Hello!
Sorry to hear about the pictures. I re-sent them, and they should be alright. Could you rotate all the pictures that should be rotated, and delete the files that didn't work?
Tomorrow, we have a super-zone conference with Odessa, Abilene, San Angelo, and all the nearby outlying towns. A general authority is coming, too! We've all been asked to prepare a talk on becoming better disciples of Christ. some of the things I found are pretty interesting.
We also had a primary program here in 2nd ward, and they also asked the missionaries to help the kids sing "Called to Serve"
We're also teaching some interesting people. One keeps saying he doesn't have time, so he won't invite us in, but he keeps talking to us on his front porch for hours at a time. Just doesn't make sense. Another, however, is a couple, and they're really cool. They're really smart, and are actually doing their reading! That's rare.
Anyways, things are cool. I'm excited about the zone conference.
Talk again later!
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Sorry to hear about the pictures. I re-sent them, and they should be alright. Could you rotate all the pictures that should be rotated, and delete the files that didn't work?
Tomorrow, we have a super-zone conference with Odessa, Abilene, San Angelo, and all the nearby outlying towns. A general authority is coming, too! We've all been asked to prepare a talk on becoming better disciples of Christ. some of the things I found are pretty interesting.
We also had a primary program here in 2nd ward, and they also asked the missionaries to help the kids sing "Called to Serve"
We're also teaching some interesting people. One keeps saying he doesn't have time, so he won't invite us in, but he keeps talking to us on his front porch for hours at a time. Just doesn't make sense. Another, however, is a couple, and they're really cool. They're really smart, and are actually doing their reading! That's rare.
Anyways, things are cool. I'm excited about the zone conference.
Talk again later!
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, October 20, 2008
October 20, 2008
Hi!
I'm going to have to make this quick, because I have a map of Midland to scan in, so I can paste it to the back of my planner.
First of all, I sent a video last time and this time: did you successfully get them? They should be of Elder Goodfellow eating a habenero popper, and of him and Elder Winterton playing checkers in super-speed.
It's been getting slightly colder, especially with last week's rain. In some afternoons, though, the beating sun still gets you. Colder is better, though, because soon, we're going to be giving our car to other missionaries, and going exclusively on bikes.
I got some good practices with that when I went on exchanges with Elder Andersen (again). Elder Winterton, him, and I have all simply moved together from one district in San Angelo to this one here! I need more practice on a bike. I'm pretty uncoordinated.
Oh, and please thank the R.S. for me. I got their package of notes that they sent me. It gave me a nice boost for the next few days. :)
I also got the special ballot request [to vote in the elections] on Friday (almost a month after your note was written). By this time, it was too late, and Nathan told me it's already over. Well, at least I won't have to worry about it anymore on my mission.
Things are kinda slow, since we don't have anybody that we're teaching regularly, but our finding has been more interesting, since we have actually been getting invited back.
Anyways, it's still fun.
The Church is true!
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
I'm going to have to make this quick, because I have a map of Midland to scan in, so I can paste it to the back of my planner.
First of all, I sent a video last time and this time: did you successfully get them? They should be of Elder Goodfellow eating a habenero popper, and of him and Elder Winterton playing checkers in super-speed.
It's been getting slightly colder, especially with last week's rain. In some afternoons, though, the beating sun still gets you. Colder is better, though, because soon, we're going to be giving our car to other missionaries, and going exclusively on bikes.
I got some good practices with that when I went on exchanges with Elder Andersen (again). Elder Winterton, him, and I have all simply moved together from one district in San Angelo to this one here! I need more practice on a bike. I'm pretty uncoordinated.
Oh, and please thank the R.S. for me. I got their package of notes that they sent me. It gave me a nice boost for the next few days. :)
I also got the special ballot request [to vote in the elections] on Friday (almost a month after your note was written). By this time, it was too late, and Nathan told me it's already over. Well, at least I won't have to worry about it anymore on my mission.
Things are kinda slow, since we don't have anybody that we're teaching regularly, but our finding has been more interesting, since we have actually been getting invited back.
Anyways, it's still fun.
The Church is true!
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Hello!
How's it going?
I'm writing to you from deep in the heart of Midland, Texas! I've been transferred to the Midland 2nd North area. The 2nd ward is pretty big; bigger than I've seen in my mission so far. I've already met a whole bunch of them, and they're really cool. Also, Sis. LaFrance, the meal calendar coordinator, makes sure that every day is filled for the four missionaries; so we get to eat every day!
My new companion is Elder Goodfellow, from SLC. He's pretty tall, kind of a health nut, and when he's wearing his glasses, looks a heck of a lot like AJ Bill - especially from his side profile. Really, it's creepy. He's taken me running every stinkin' night around Midland college (if you look on Google earth, you'll see this big round loop), and I'm about to die each time on account of how out of shape I am.
Also, my address is:
The Fountains at Waterford (not that important to include)
4405 N. Garfield #1106
Midland, TX 79705
It's pretty interesting here. I was hoping to leave the San Angelo/Abilene zone (if I'm going to see something new, I want to see something NEW), and I just barely got out (by one stop on the transfer bus).
The computers here at the so-called "advanced technology center" are very restricted, but I can still send photos.
The other day, we helped the ward do a service project - picking up garbage in a field... It was full of stickers (goat heads and cat's claws), and it took forever to get them all out. I don't know how people can live here.
Anyways, I don't have much to report.
I hope things are going well for you.
The Church is true!
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
How's it going?
I'm writing to you from deep in the heart of Midland, Texas! I've been transferred to the Midland 2nd North area. The 2nd ward is pretty big; bigger than I've seen in my mission so far. I've already met a whole bunch of them, and they're really cool. Also, Sis. LaFrance, the meal calendar coordinator, makes sure that every day is filled for the four missionaries; so we get to eat every day!
My new companion is Elder Goodfellow, from SLC. He's pretty tall, kind of a health nut, and when he's wearing his glasses, looks a heck of a lot like AJ Bill - especially from his side profile. Really, it's creepy. He's taken me running every stinkin' night around Midland college (if you look on Google earth, you'll see this big round loop), and I'm about to die each time on account of how out of shape I am.
Also, my address is:
The Fountains at Waterford (not that important to include)
4405 N. Garfield #1106
Midland, TX 79705
It's pretty interesting here. I was hoping to leave the San Angelo/Abilene zone (if I'm going to see something new, I want to see something NEW), and I just barely got out (by one stop on the transfer bus).
The computers here at the so-called "advanced technology center" are very restricted, but I can still send photos.
The other day, we helped the ward do a service project - picking up garbage in a field... It was full of stickers (goat heads and cat's claws), and it took forever to get them all out. I don't know how people can live here.
Anyways, I don't have much to report.
I hope things are going well for you.
The Church is true!
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
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