Hi!
What's new in Montreal?
I don't even know what's new in Lubbock, but I'm probably better off not knowing, right?
That's pretty cool what's going on at school and at church...
Is "flushed out" really the term that missionaries in Montreal use? Here, we say "white-washed" for when two elders (or sisters) come into an area at the same time, brand new. The exception is when two sisters come in to replace two elders; then it's called pink-washing. I told you that the missionary lingo is very developed. That's *kinda* what Elder Northey and I did to our area, since I was only here 2 weeks before Elder Northey came in. But it's true; it is hard when both of you are brand new to the area. I've also taken a while to remember my phone number before. Not this time, since everyone in the mission knows this [mission office] phone number. Same thing with driving directions. The best way for me to learn it is to be the one driving around, even if someone is telling me where to go. Otherwise, I just don't pay attention.
Also, I have met Elder Willson, though I don't really know him very well. He's in my old area, in San Angelo.
Oh, and, uh... my companion and I went to a branch once, and we increased the attendance by 20%, just by being there. Does that count for anything?
It's awesome to hear about our elders, finally in the MTC. I was able to see Elder Bilodeau there, but only once or twice the whole time (especially since we were in different language programs).
And that lightsaber trick is really cool. Someone tried to do that for me, but the flash didn't go off and I never bothered to delete the picture. There's also another classic MTC picture with missionaries walking on the walls, matrix-style.
I've also had American missionary critics. For example, so many people ask if I say "eh?", yet they say it more than I do! Things we have to put up with, right?
Obesity is a problem here, but it's not so much "overweight LDS members", as it is, "overweight everybody". Actually, in our ward, it's less of a problem. We actually have a lot of young couples with little kids, so they haven't had time to get fat. We even have one family of vegetarians - something I never thought I'd see in Texas. There is one sister missionary in our mission that *was* vegetarian. Anyways, dinner at their place was very unusual. We had chips and salsa, a plate of carrots and celery, and potato wedges. I can now claim (if I couldn't before) that I've had chips and salsa for each meal of the day.
Speaking of which, our mission has a new rule. All of our meal appointments have to be "centered around a missionary opportunity". Ideally, we have to have an investigator there. There are also other situations that are acceptable. Like, if a family feels like they need to be more missionary-minded or they have a friend that they want to introduce, they can invite the missionaries to help teach them how, and have dinner too. Also, if a ward or stake leader wants to follow-up with the missionaries, or get an update, they can make an evening of it. People tell us that we've had this rule before, but it didn't last long. I'm not sure about it myself, but it's definitely based on good principles. In other news, we're stocking up on ramen.
We've also been doing quite a lot of work in the outlying towns. We met the branch president of the Brownfield branch and he's going to arrange a ride for our investigator who lives in Levelland!
He also referred a few people to teach. Also, this coming Sunday is Stake Conference. this one is a broadcast.
We're also changing out two of our three land lines in the office for cell phones. E. Rasmussen did a few additions, and he estimates we can save about $250 a month that way. Not only are cell-to-cell calls free, but we're going to get unlimited long distance on our remaining line.
The Hansens are pretty much all settled in now. We helped them move in and they had us over for an amazing pot roast. Sister Hansen is a really good cook.
Anyways, stay happy!
The Church is true.
I love you.
(That kinda rhymes.)
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: how prejudiced some Americans can be. ;)
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009 - Animal tagging... wax parties... step-daughters... what's next?
Hello!
How's it going?
Just a couple hours ago, Elder Northey and I got back from Brother Mortensen's ranch. He asked if we would like to help him out on our P-day, and we thought it might be cool. It actually turned out to be very cold, being below freezing the whole time we were there (the wind didn't help, either). Other than that, it was actually pretty interesting and fun. We checked on some of his cattle, and we tagged a new calf. You know the white tag that's stuck to their ears? Yeah, we put that on. I had to hold him down. Afterwards, we helped put up some fencing on a corral that he had. Don't get to say that I did that everyday, huh?
Training in the office continues. I'm learning how to make receipts, deposit slips, electronic transfers, reimbursements, and lots and lots of cheques; all while explaining how to send off flight itineraries, make board cards, and update missionary information. I can honestly say that I never expected this when planning to go on a mission.
One cool thing about this is, whenever a missionary trains another missionary, the latter is considered by missionary lingo to be the former's "son". So, Elder Jenkins is my "dad", and I am his "son". Now, I am the only Elder in the mission that can claim to have a "daughter". I thought that was neat. Ironically, she [Sister Hansen] is old enough to be my grandmother.
If I get time, I'd like to do a "mission info" page, explaining all sorts of things about missions in general and about this mission in particular. You should remind me if I forget.
On a somewhat sad note, our most progressing investigator has apparently moved away. She lived here with her family, but the last time we called, the family member said she moved. We had a hard time hearing over the phone (because the grandmother's English is pretty bad), but it seems to be true. I was pretty disappointed.
Elders Northey and Johnson were travelling with the assistants to the zone conferences up north. I hope I'll get to go next time, because, so far, I have not set foot in Roswell, or in Amarillo. I've been to every other major city (and zone) in the mission. They were going to each zone conference to inspect the vehicles of the missionaries. We had our conference in Lubbock on Thursday, so we had a big "car wax party" earlier in the week, where we all got together and waxed all the cars, followed by some activities.
Sorry about all of these items and ideas are so out of order; these are the ones that come to mind towards the end of each paragraph.
Another cool thing about being the financial secretary is that I have a special office credit card that I can buy things with, tax-exempt. They might give it to the Hansens (since Elder Northey has another one for cars), but for now, I'm carrying it.
We also helped the Hansens move into their new apartment. They're in the same apartment complex as we were in before we moved.
I also get to see how much money comes through the office. It's a lot. Missionary monthly allotments, medical expenses, telephone bills, rent, utilities... it gives you a better appreciation for being careful with Church money.
Anyways, hope all is well.
The Church is true. Complex, but true.
Unlike the Gospel, which is simple and true.
Anyways, talk to you later.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: what a "general ledger" is.
How's it going?
Just a couple hours ago, Elder Northey and I got back from Brother Mortensen's ranch. He asked if we would like to help him out on our P-day, and we thought it might be cool. It actually turned out to be very cold, being below freezing the whole time we were there (the wind didn't help, either). Other than that, it was actually pretty interesting and fun. We checked on some of his cattle, and we tagged a new calf. You know the white tag that's stuck to their ears? Yeah, we put that on. I had to hold him down. Afterwards, we helped put up some fencing on a corral that he had. Don't get to say that I did that everyday, huh?
Training in the office continues. I'm learning how to make receipts, deposit slips, electronic transfers, reimbursements, and lots and lots of cheques; all while explaining how to send off flight itineraries, make board cards, and update missionary information. I can honestly say that I never expected this when planning to go on a mission.
One cool thing about this is, whenever a missionary trains another missionary, the latter is considered by missionary lingo to be the former's "son". So, Elder Jenkins is my "dad", and I am his "son". Now, I am the only Elder in the mission that can claim to have a "daughter". I thought that was neat. Ironically, she [Sister Hansen] is old enough to be my grandmother.
If I get time, I'd like to do a "mission info" page, explaining all sorts of things about missions in general and about this mission in particular. You should remind me if I forget.
On a somewhat sad note, our most progressing investigator has apparently moved away. She lived here with her family, but the last time we called, the family member said she moved. We had a hard time hearing over the phone (because the grandmother's English is pretty bad), but it seems to be true. I was pretty disappointed.
Elders Northey and Johnson were travelling with the assistants to the zone conferences up north. I hope I'll get to go next time, because, so far, I have not set foot in Roswell, or in Amarillo. I've been to every other major city (and zone) in the mission. They were going to each zone conference to inspect the vehicles of the missionaries. We had our conference in Lubbock on Thursday, so we had a big "car wax party" earlier in the week, where we all got together and waxed all the cars, followed by some activities.
Sorry about all of these items and ideas are so out of order; these are the ones that come to mind towards the end of each paragraph.
Another cool thing about being the financial secretary is that I have a special office credit card that I can buy things with, tax-exempt. They might give it to the Hansens (since Elder Northey has another one for cars), but for now, I'm carrying it.
We also helped the Hansens move into their new apartment. They're in the same apartment complex as we were in before we moved.
I also get to see how much money comes through the office. It's a lot. Missionary monthly allotments, medical expenses, telephone bills, rent, utilities... it gives you a better appreciation for being careful with Church money.
Anyways, hope all is well.
The Church is true. Complex, but true.
Unlike the Gospel, which is simple and true.
Anyways, talk to you later.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: what a "general ledger" is.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009 - Chocolate, chinese food, and peanut butter sandwiches
Hello, One and All,
Happy Valentine's Day!
Especially to, yes, you.
Lubbock is producing yet more beautiful and lovely weather. You probably can't tell just by reading this, but there's a lot of sarcasm to my tone of thought. All that aside, we are having some very nice temperatures, and I'm going to miss them when the summer comes.
On Monday, we finally moved into the Mortensens' home. We stay in their basement, and it's HUGE! The main living room in the basement is honestly comparable in size to our whole house. It also houses the (currently unused) home theater system. Before we saw the place, President Robison warned us that "there are more toys there than Toys 'R' Us", and it's true. For example, there's a ping-pong table and an air hockey table. We haven't used either one, but one of these P-days we just might. There's also a fridge, sink, bathroom, and they bought us a hot plate, and built a shelf for our microwave.
Elder Northey is sleeping on a king-sized bed and Elder Rasmussen on a queen-sized. They've also let use their washing machine on P-days. Brother Mortensen can usually be found in the evenings on his recliner upstairs, watching westerns on TV. Sometimes, he falls asleep, and we walk by unnoticed. They're [the Mortensens] in the singles' branch presidency, and you can see why. They're really friendly and they love the missionaries.
Now, Elder Craven and his new companion, Elder King (who was just trained by the zone leaders last transfer) are living in our apartment. Until now, that companionship has been living far outside the ward (and their area) boundaries, so this will help save them a lot of miles. A new sister companionship (they cover the singles' branch) is now staying at Elders Johnson's and Rasmussen's old place.
Also, the Hansens arrived from the MTC. They had some car troubles in northern Utah, but they finally made it here safe and sound. They're really nice people and are excited to get to work. They've already served a humanitarian mission as employment specialists in the Philippines, and now they're serving another mission.
Elder Hansen is taking over Elder Johnson's job and will be in charge of referrals, supplies, and cell phones. Sister Hansen is taking my spot and will be the mission secretary. I'm going to be the financial secretary and Elder Rasmussen will have the record for the shortest time in the office. This process of musical chairs won't be immediate, though, since we have to train each other. It's obvious Sister Hansen hasn't had much experience with computers, but she can pick things up really quick, and she can use the mouse. If you have those two skills, you can get the rest, no problem.
Monday through Wednesday was also transfers. We got to meet the four new missionaries: two Sisters, one English Elder, and one Spanish Elder. We got to have dinner at the mission home (twice), and we ate lunch with the greenies at Lin's Chinese buffet. (That's the tradition for every transfer - when I came here, it was Golden Corral buffet, but President Robison apparently hates that place ;). ) Like last transfer, we were going back and forth, running errands all over the place. It's fun, but tiring.
Oh, and I did get my new card, and it does work. All the money I didn't spend has made me a very rich missionary (by missionary standards). I think I'm in second place, actually. Once I'm settled in the finances desk, I'll be able to check it every day, if I want.
I'm still kinda nervous about it - switching jobs, that is. I don't know anything about money, or banking, or chequing... and if I make a mistake, it's a lot more expensive... but, whatever. We each have our own little role in the world, and if mine is to make sure that the thousands upon thousands of dollars that pass through this mission is not utterly lost, then so be it. I'll take it.
I love being on a mission. It's tough - in many ways, ways that I never thought it would - but I wouldn't trade it for the best job offer, the best school, or any amount of riches in the world. Well, maybe a ten-digit figure - I don't know.
If ever you find yourself questioning your testimony, question the source of your doubt first. If you find half a leaf on a tree amongst the thousands of whole ones, it's more likely that an animal came by and nibbled on it, rather than the tree being dead.
The same is with the Church. It is true.
I love you! Have a Happy Valentine's day!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: how to cook quick and delicious meals. (Can anyone help me on that?)
Happy Valentine's Day!
Especially to, yes, you.
Lubbock is producing yet more beautiful and lovely weather. You probably can't tell just by reading this, but there's a lot of sarcasm to my tone of thought. All that aside, we are having some very nice temperatures, and I'm going to miss them when the summer comes.
On Monday, we finally moved into the Mortensens' home. We stay in their basement, and it's HUGE! The main living room in the basement is honestly comparable in size to our whole house. It also houses the (currently unused) home theater system. Before we saw the place, President Robison warned us that "there are more toys there than Toys 'R' Us", and it's true. For example, there's a ping-pong table and an air hockey table. We haven't used either one, but one of these P-days we just might. There's also a fridge, sink, bathroom, and they bought us a hot plate, and built a shelf for our microwave.
Elder Northey is sleeping on a king-sized bed and Elder Rasmussen on a queen-sized. They've also let use their washing machine on P-days. Brother Mortensen can usually be found in the evenings on his recliner upstairs, watching westerns on TV. Sometimes, he falls asleep, and we walk by unnoticed. They're [the Mortensens] in the singles' branch presidency, and you can see why. They're really friendly and they love the missionaries.
Now, Elder Craven and his new companion, Elder King (who was just trained by the zone leaders last transfer) are living in our apartment. Until now, that companionship has been living far outside the ward (and their area) boundaries, so this will help save them a lot of miles. A new sister companionship (they cover the singles' branch) is now staying at Elders Johnson's and Rasmussen's old place.
Also, the Hansens arrived from the MTC. They had some car troubles in northern Utah, but they finally made it here safe and sound. They're really nice people and are excited to get to work. They've already served a humanitarian mission as employment specialists in the Philippines, and now they're serving another mission.
Elder Hansen is taking over Elder Johnson's job and will be in charge of referrals, supplies, and cell phones. Sister Hansen is taking my spot and will be the mission secretary. I'm going to be the financial secretary and Elder Rasmussen will have the record for the shortest time in the office. This process of musical chairs won't be immediate, though, since we have to train each other. It's obvious Sister Hansen hasn't had much experience with computers, but she can pick things up really quick, and she can use the mouse. If you have those two skills, you can get the rest, no problem.
Monday through Wednesday was also transfers. We got to meet the four new missionaries: two Sisters, one English Elder, and one Spanish Elder. We got to have dinner at the mission home (twice), and we ate lunch with the greenies at Lin's Chinese buffet. (That's the tradition for every transfer - when I came here, it was Golden Corral buffet, but President Robison apparently hates that place ;). ) Like last transfer, we were going back and forth, running errands all over the place. It's fun, but tiring.
Oh, and I did get my new card, and it does work. All the money I didn't spend has made me a very rich missionary (by missionary standards). I think I'm in second place, actually. Once I'm settled in the finances desk, I'll be able to check it every day, if I want.
I'm still kinda nervous about it - switching jobs, that is. I don't know anything about money, or banking, or chequing... and if I make a mistake, it's a lot more expensive... but, whatever. We each have our own little role in the world, and if mine is to make sure that the thousands upon thousands of dollars that pass through this mission is not utterly lost, then so be it. I'll take it.
I love being on a mission. It's tough - in many ways, ways that I never thought it would - but I wouldn't trade it for the best job offer, the best school, or any amount of riches in the world. Well, maybe a ten-digit figure - I don't know.
If ever you find yourself questioning your testimony, question the source of your doubt first. If you find half a leaf on a tree amongst the thousands of whole ones, it's more likely that an animal came by and nibbled on it, rather than the tree being dead.
The same is with the Church. It is true.
I love you! Have a Happy Valentine's day!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: how to cook quick and delicious meals. (Can anyone help me on that?)
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Hey, what's up?
We've been moving furniture here and there, and the office looks pretty different now. My room is now just me and my stuff. The useless one next door is now not so useless, with Elder Johnson's stuff there, and the other room now looks just as different as the others. Also, we're getting ready to move into a member's house, Brother Mortensen. He's one of the counselors in the Singles' Branch presidency. President Robison says it's a really nice house. So we've been packing our stuff as well.
Yes, Texas weather is going up and down all the time. It's probably the only place where it can snow, be 100 degrees, and rain, all in the same day. If you don't like how it is outside, just wait half an hour. It's also really dry here. For some reason, and I don't know if this is related, my nose has been almost completely plugged up for the last week or so. I don't know if dry air does that, but I hope it doesn't stay like that much longer.
By the way, I haven't gotten any post card yet. That reminds me: some time in December, Elder Goodfellow got some mail for me at the apartment in Midland. He forgot to bring it to the zone conference, and the second time he tried to bring it, he accidentally forgot it on the transfer bus. It's probably long gone by now. Too bad.
And, to my knowledge, I am not gaining weight. I weighed myself once in Midland and I was 135 lbs. Not too long ago, I tried again, and it was 130 lbs. It has since stayed that way for a while, so either I gained five pounds, and lost it again, or the scale was wrong.
Also, my missionary credit card isn't working. There were about a dozen cards that were deactivated the other day. Elder Rasmussen thinks it's because the company accidentally leaked the card numbers. Whatever the reason, I'm going to have to borrow or not spend until I get a new one.
Anyways, we're off to do some more moving. I love you! Talk again soon.
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: how to properly budget
(which I seem to be doing rather well lately...)
We've been moving furniture here and there, and the office looks pretty different now. My room is now just me and my stuff. The useless one next door is now not so useless, with Elder Johnson's stuff there, and the other room now looks just as different as the others. Also, we're getting ready to move into a member's house, Brother Mortensen. He's one of the counselors in the Singles' Branch presidency. President Robison says it's a really nice house. So we've been packing our stuff as well.
Yes, Texas weather is going up and down all the time. It's probably the only place where it can snow, be 100 degrees, and rain, all in the same day. If you don't like how it is outside, just wait half an hour. It's also really dry here. For some reason, and I don't know if this is related, my nose has been almost completely plugged up for the last week or so. I don't know if dry air does that, but I hope it doesn't stay like that much longer.
By the way, I haven't gotten any post card yet. That reminds me: some time in December, Elder Goodfellow got some mail for me at the apartment in Midland. He forgot to bring it to the zone conference, and the second time he tried to bring it, he accidentally forgot it on the transfer bus. It's probably long gone by now. Too bad.
And, to my knowledge, I am not gaining weight. I weighed myself once in Midland and I was 135 lbs. Not too long ago, I tried again, and it was 130 lbs. It has since stayed that way for a while, so either I gained five pounds, and lost it again, or the scale was wrong.
Also, my missionary credit card isn't working. There were about a dozen cards that were deactivated the other day. Elder Rasmussen thinks it's because the company accidentally leaked the card numbers. Whatever the reason, I'm going to have to borrow or not spend until I get a new one.
Anyways, we're off to do some more moving. I love you! Talk again soon.
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: how to properly budget
(which I seem to be doing rather well lately...)
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009 - Snow & Ice in Lubbock
Hi! How's it going?
Things are going well here.
Tuesday, we woke up, and we were getting ready to leave. Elder Northey walks out to the car to put something inside, and when he comes back, he said, "you might want to bring your camera". I wasn't sure what he meant until I walked outside, and everything was covered with snow and ice! Tiny ice pellets were falling from the sky at that point. It stayed all day, and halfway into the next.
Tuesday afternoon, we got a phone call that our large passenger van rolled over. Elder Johnson was driving with Elders King and McKeen to an outlying town called Post for a baptismal interview, and it [the van] slipped on the ice. His Canadian driving skills didn't help this time, and it did a full barrel roll before landing on its side. They were banged up and had to make a stop at the hospital just get checked up. They're still sore, but they're all fine. Always wear your seat belt. Right after this, they parked all the cars in the Lubbock zone for the day.
Also on Tuesday, President Rose [previous mission president who completed his mission last June] called. He wanted the address of a departed missionary. He's gone back to being a lawyer, but he misses being on a mission. We were all happy to hear from him.
Elder Gibb has been wanting to switch to a service mission, but Salt Lake is being rather slow on this process. So in the meantime, a member here in Lubbock, who owns a large cotton farm, has offered to let him work there. So we've been ferrying him back and forth to the farm to work, and on two days a week, he works at the temple, cleaning inside, or on the grounds.
Anyways, never a dull moment.
Also, that's awful to hear about Patrick and Hamish. What's worse is that I heard about this [new rule in applying for a visa] a few weeks ago! I guess mentioning it wouldn't have made any difference. Apparently, the new rule says that it takes six months to get an R-1 visa. That's really dumb, and this country is really going to feel the consequences of it. Hopefully, it won't be long before they fix that. In the meantime, working a lot with the missionaries will do wonders for them, and for the mission.
Anyways, I hope all is well.
Get missionary work sparked in Montreal. Do it by example.
I love you
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: the meaning of independent identity.
Things are going well here.
Tuesday, we woke up, and we were getting ready to leave. Elder Northey walks out to the car to put something inside, and when he comes back, he said, "you might want to bring your camera". I wasn't sure what he meant until I walked outside, and everything was covered with snow and ice! Tiny ice pellets were falling from the sky at that point. It stayed all day, and halfway into the next.
Tuesday afternoon, we got a phone call that our large passenger van rolled over. Elder Johnson was driving with Elders King and McKeen to an outlying town called Post for a baptismal interview, and it [the van] slipped on the ice. His Canadian driving skills didn't help this time, and it did a full barrel roll before landing on its side. They were banged up and had to make a stop at the hospital just get checked up. They're still sore, but they're all fine. Always wear your seat belt. Right after this, they parked all the cars in the Lubbock zone for the day.
Also on Tuesday, President Rose [previous mission president who completed his mission last June] called. He wanted the address of a departed missionary. He's gone back to being a lawyer, but he misses being on a mission. We were all happy to hear from him.
Elder Gibb has been wanting to switch to a service mission, but Salt Lake is being rather slow on this process. So in the meantime, a member here in Lubbock, who owns a large cotton farm, has offered to let him work there. So we've been ferrying him back and forth to the farm to work, and on two days a week, he works at the temple, cleaning inside, or on the grounds.
Anyways, never a dull moment.
Also, that's awful to hear about Patrick and Hamish. What's worse is that I heard about this [new rule in applying for a visa] a few weeks ago! I guess mentioning it wouldn't have made any difference. Apparently, the new rule says that it takes six months to get an R-1 visa. That's really dumb, and this country is really going to feel the consequences of it. Hopefully, it won't be long before they fix that. In the meantime, working a lot with the missionaries will do wonders for them, and for the mission.
Anyways, I hope all is well.
Get missionary work sparked in Montreal. Do it by example.
I love you
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: the meaning of independent identity.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Hello,
What's new in Montreal?
There's a few things going on here in Lubbock.
One thing I forgot to mention last time: Elder Gibb, who has been serving in Abilene, came up here, and he's been hanging out with us. He's been a little sick lately, and has been needing to rest quite a bit. It's kinda unusual being three, but it isn't exactly a normal circumstance anyway. Sick or not, Elder Gibb is really cool to hang out with.
Also, I finally returned that garbage photo frame that I bought. It was refreshingly easy to give it back. We just walked into Best Buy (like, two or three months after buying it - ONLINE), put it on the counter, and, after presenting the original order number, they recharged my card. They didn't even open the box... it could've been empty.
We've also been going to Levelland and other random, boring-named interesting places like that.
Oh, and a lot of the Sisters in the mission have been getting bikes (to save miles), and we helped the ones in Lubbock get theirs. That was fun.
Anyways, I have to go. Elder Northey hasn't played basketball, pretty much since he got here - or since new year's, and he's going crazy.
Talk again later!
I love you
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: good negotiating skills
What's new in Montreal?
There's a few things going on here in Lubbock.
One thing I forgot to mention last time: Elder Gibb, who has been serving in Abilene, came up here, and he's been hanging out with us. He's been a little sick lately, and has been needing to rest quite a bit. It's kinda unusual being three, but it isn't exactly a normal circumstance anyway. Sick or not, Elder Gibb is really cool to hang out with.
Also, I finally returned that garbage photo frame that I bought. It was refreshingly easy to give it back. We just walked into Best Buy (like, two or three months after buying it - ONLINE), put it on the counter, and, after presenting the original order number, they recharged my card. They didn't even open the box... it could've been empty.
We've also been going to Levelland and other random, boring-named interesting places like that.
Oh, and a lot of the Sisters in the mission have been getting bikes (to save miles), and we helped the ones in Lubbock get theirs. That was fun.
Anyways, I have to go. Elder Northey hasn't played basketball, pretty much since he got here - or since new year's, and he's going crazy.
Talk again later!
I love you
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: good negotiating skills
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2008 - Another week in Lubbock, Texas
Hi!
It's been another interesting week here in the TLM (Texas Lubbock Mission). This week, I was able to travel with Elder Northey to the two zone conferences down south. (I've sent some pictures of it.)
Last week, Elder Northey had to go with the three APs to the three zone conferences. This time, we got to go on our own and take our truck. So we would go to the zone conference, let Elder Northey give his presentation first thing in the morning, then we can drive off and visit people we knew in the area, and drive to the next location while the others were finishing (zone conference is almost an all-day affair). The first one was in San Angelo, and we got to visit some people. The second one was in Midland. Homer and Cruz (the one who got baptized last month) came by and visited us at the chapel. It was so great to see them; they're really cool people. We also had to run some errands for missionaries whose cars weren't working right. In those two days, we were on the road for about 15 hours, and covered about 1000 miles.
The day after getting back, Sister Sybrowsky, the Ward Mission Leader's wife, gave me a haircut. It was probably the first time I had clippers used in a long, long time.
Anyways, lots of fun, all over the place. Hope all is going well.
I love you
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: how to sew on a button
It's been another interesting week here in the TLM (Texas Lubbock Mission). This week, I was able to travel with Elder Northey to the two zone conferences down south. (I've sent some pictures of it.)
Last week, Elder Northey had to go with the three APs to the three zone conferences. This time, we got to go on our own and take our truck. So we would go to the zone conference, let Elder Northey give his presentation first thing in the morning, then we can drive off and visit people we knew in the area, and drive to the next location while the others were finishing (zone conference is almost an all-day affair). The first one was in San Angelo, and we got to visit some people. The second one was in Midland. Homer and Cruz (the one who got baptized last month) came by and visited us at the chapel. It was so great to see them; they're really cool people. We also had to run some errands for missionaries whose cars weren't working right. In those two days, we were on the road for about 15 hours, and covered about 1000 miles.
The day after getting back, Sister Sybrowsky, the Ward Mission Leader's wife, gave me a haircut. It was probably the first time I had clippers used in a long, long time.
Anyways, lots of fun, all over the place. Hope all is going well.
I love you
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: how to sew on a button
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