Hello!
How are things?
As usual, it's been an unusual week.
First of all, we went to the Brownfield branch on Sunday. They have about 15-20 active members there, in their own building. Our investigator who was going to come disappeared from the face of the earth. Later on in the week, we heard he actually moved back to Dallas. Such is missionary work, I suppose.
On Monday, I bought a ton of pre-shredded cheese for the ton of macaroni we already bought, and I have fallen in love with homemade macaroni and cheese. Mix in some Frank's Red Hot sauce and it's even better.
On the almost opposite note, we got to go to a pig slaughtering! Brother Mortensen trapped six pigs out somewhere not too far from Lubbock. He had been keeping them in a cage on his ranch, just outside of town. He already turned three of them into sausages and on Friday, it was time for the other three. He invited everyone in the singles' branch and about 20 people came (and only one girl among them). I later learnt that Sister Robison was opposed to us even attending. Brother Mortensen wanted everyone who was there to at least try something. Elder Northey really got his hands dirty. I took a hand at skinning one of them. It was kinda tough. It's not like it just peels off; you need a sharp knife and you have to really cut it. As usual, nothing about the whole morning even phased me; I found the whole thing kinda cool, actually. You could never tell from the ugly pictures of me. The weird faces I had on were like that because you really have to pull hard on the skin for it to come off. Appropriately, once all three were gutted, skinned, and washed up, we all went to the Mortensen home for ham sandwiches (store bought, though). Elder Tripp seemed to have a hard time. He even said that the sandwiches smelled like those pigs, which kinda made him lose his appetite. After lunch, everybody went to cutting the meat and passing it through the grinder to make sausages, but we had to leave. We have been busy all week.
Transfer time is coming up. Elder Northey is in charge of keeping track of all the cars and I'm the one who has to update the computer where the assignments of each missionary. So we went to the mission home to get the scoop on the new transfer. There's a transfer board upstairs in the mission home and that's where President and the assistants discuss changes. When we were there, they were still making changes and we got to sit in while they talked about it. It was cool getting a taste of how President works and makes decisions. Every day I learn how hard he really works for the mission. He is very dedicated. Meanwhile, Sister Robison is just as busy as with other stuff and I got to see a lot of that, too. It's really a blessing to have them here.
There's going to be a lot of changes this transfer. For the first time, I got to find out about it all before it actually happens. I'd tell it all, but it hasn't happened yet. Well, I know where I'm going. I'm staying right here. Sometimes, it's nice to know whether you're staying or not. In the past few transfers, there's hardly been any changes. President is always tempted to just say everyone is staying put, but he said with the potential good that will come, he has to make these changes. We're going to get more than a quarter of the mission pass through Lubbock - either going from the south to the north, or vice versa, or moving cars, or whatever; when in the past, it was just a handful. I'm also the one who pays the bus driver/bus tour company. Let's just say a bus+driver for two days and the motel for the night in between costs quite a bit.
We've also been and will be busy with opening and closing apartments. I spent half of Wednesday up in Plainview, Texas, moving furniture and cleaning up for the inspection. We're going to be moving a lot of furniture all over the mission because we're opening a few areas and closing some others.
Oh, and thank you for your package! I loved it, especially the comment on the smudgy pen! I also got a card from the Robisons, a cake from the Hansens, and (as with every missionary) Sister Robison called and sang.
Anyways, we have a ton to do, and the first right now is to eat food. The last couple weeks, we've been having P-day over two days: Saturday morning (for emails, etc) and Monday afternoon (to join the rest of the zone in whatever activity they do). This Monday, we're going to be insanely busy, so we're pretty much doing it all today... I guess.
I'm sure I've forgotten something in this long letter (which I thought would be small), but all is well.
The Church is true.
...and a bird just smacked into our window. (again.)
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: how awesome homemade macaroni and cheese is. (Not that I didn't already know this one.)
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009 - Nuclear Brain
Hey!
Not much has happened this past week. Mainly because I was sick for half-- all of it. On Tuesday morning, I woke up with a killer headache. I had trouble going to the weekly district meeting, and by the end of it, I had to go home and rest. NOTE: NEVER sleep during the day when you're sick! Lie in bed, sit on the couch, just don't sleep! If you do, you won't sleep that night, and you'll go crazy! ... crazy! cra-zee.
Anyways, I was home-bound on Wednesday, too.It wasn't until Thursday night that my headache *kinda* went away. What does a 100+ hour headache mean? I don't know, but that, with some of my other symptoms, suggests to Sister Robison that it's some kind of sinus infection. I'm not completely convinced (I *thought* it was a cold, or the flu), but who am I to argue with the doctor?
Anyways, I'm now able to at least get out of the house, and do stuff. Yesterday, we went to Brownfield and we taught this guy named Richard. He's really cool - anything about religion gets him excited, and he has really long hair. Get a load of THAT combination. He reads everything he can get his hands on. We gave him a tour of the Brownfield chapel and he's going to be coming this Sunday. In fact, we're going to the Brownfield branch this Sunday, too (first time).
Last week, we did go to Sam's club. We used Elder Northey's club card and bought a million dollars' worth of food in bulk. If it doesn't last at least three weeks, I'm going to be really peeved. I also hope I don't get tired of the three liters of spaghetti sauce we got.
Pretty soon here we're going to have a mission office audit. It's done by a local member, chosen by the local stake president, and it's just to see that we're doing things right around here. Apparently, it was supposed to be done last month.
Oh, and we're getting a new assistant! His name is Elder Tripp. He's been in the Roswell zone for... forever, and he's really excited to be here, and so is everyone else. I've heard nothing but good about him. I'm happy about this.
Anyways, that's all I've got for right now. Hope it's going good! Please pray that my head doesn't explode, or melt, or something...
Much love,
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: how to properly shop at a bulk foods store.
Not much has happened this past week. Mainly because I was sick for half-- all of it. On Tuesday morning, I woke up with a killer headache. I had trouble going to the weekly district meeting, and by the end of it, I had to go home and rest. NOTE: NEVER sleep during the day when you're sick! Lie in bed, sit on the couch, just don't sleep! If you do, you won't sleep that night, and you'll go crazy! ... crazy! cra-zee.
Anyways, I was home-bound on Wednesday, too.It wasn't until Thursday night that my headache *kinda* went away. What does a 100+ hour headache mean? I don't know, but that, with some of my other symptoms, suggests to Sister Robison that it's some kind of sinus infection. I'm not completely convinced (I *thought* it was a cold, or the flu), but who am I to argue with the doctor?
Anyways, I'm now able to at least get out of the house, and do stuff. Yesterday, we went to Brownfield and we taught this guy named Richard. He's really cool - anything about religion gets him excited, and he has really long hair. Get a load of THAT combination. He reads everything he can get his hands on. We gave him a tour of the Brownfield chapel and he's going to be coming this Sunday. In fact, we're going to the Brownfield branch this Sunday, too (first time).
Last week, we did go to Sam's club. We used Elder Northey's club card and bought a million dollars' worth of food in bulk. If it doesn't last at least three weeks, I'm going to be really peeved. I also hope I don't get tired of the three liters of spaghetti sauce we got.
Pretty soon here we're going to have a mission office audit. It's done by a local member, chosen by the local stake president, and it's just to see that we're doing things right around here. Apparently, it was supposed to be done last month.
Oh, and we're getting a new assistant! His name is Elder Tripp. He's been in the Roswell zone for... forever, and he's really excited to be here, and so is everyone else. I've heard nothing but good about him. I'm happy about this.
Anyways, that's all I've got for right now. Hope it's going good! Please pray that my head doesn't explode, or melt, or something...
Much love,
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: how to properly shop at a bulk foods store.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009 - Lubbock Dust
Hello!
How are you?
I'm really tired today. There's a couple reasons. First, I'm sick. I had a pretty bad throat for a while; now it's a full-blown sickness. I blame Lubbock dust.
Which leads to my second reason, which is the cool service project we did this morning. The zone leaders have an investigator who is starting a new welding business, and he bought an old, old, OLD liquor store that he's going to convert. They offered to help him clean it up, and they invited everyone else. It's out in the middle of nowhere, and it was dir-ty! It was so dusty, we had to wear masks. Fortunately, we had most of the missionaries in the zone there,...and they cooked us lunch for it.
In other news this week: Elders Craven and King had a baptism. They were teaching a 12-year-old boy who has been wanting to get baptized for so long now. Every week, he had his white shirt all set for church so he could pass the sacrament along with the others. The only problem is, he's a foster child and no one was sure if we were allowed to (as if the state could restrict the whole "freedom of religion" thing...). But last week, they got written permission and so they held a last-minute, yet expected baptismal service on Sunday. The room was so packed that the rest of the missionaries in attendance had to listen from the hall. It was really great.
As for us, we've been doing a lot of work out in outlying towns. Technically, those towns are considered the others' area, but since we don't have to worry about miles, we work there. We've gone to Levelland a few times, and we're still teaching Terry. We've also met with the branch president of Brownfield (who lives in Levelland), and he's been helping us by telling us about some people we can go teach.
Also, Elders Johnson and Rasmussen are officially out of the office and are now full-time proselyting missionaries. Elder Northey and I are pretty much already settled in, and though I'm still training Sis. Hansen, the two of them are pretty comfortable now, too.
Oh, we got new credit cards for all the missionaries whose cards were deactivated the other week due to security issues. This is the second time it's happened. Our card company is really dropping the ball.
Service was fun, but all the dust and exertion may have made my cold worse.
Anyways, I'm glad to hear about the work in Montreal. Doubling baptisms is a big goal here, too. Starting not too long ago, it's all we're talking about around here.
Got to take off here. Elder Northey has a member card to Sam's Club, so we might go today.
The Church is true!
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: that lighters are good for more that just cigarettes.
How are you?
I'm really tired today. There's a couple reasons. First, I'm sick. I had a pretty bad throat for a while; now it's a full-blown sickness. I blame Lubbock dust.
Which leads to my second reason, which is the cool service project we did this morning. The zone leaders have an investigator who is starting a new welding business, and he bought an old, old, OLD liquor store that he's going to convert. They offered to help him clean it up, and they invited everyone else. It's out in the middle of nowhere, and it was dir-ty! It was so dusty, we had to wear masks. Fortunately, we had most of the missionaries in the zone there,...and they cooked us lunch for it.
In other news this week: Elders Craven and King had a baptism. They were teaching a 12-year-old boy who has been wanting to get baptized for so long now. Every week, he had his white shirt all set for church so he could pass the sacrament along with the others. The only problem is, he's a foster child and no one was sure if we were allowed to (as if the state could restrict the whole "freedom of religion" thing...). But last week, they got written permission and so they held a last-minute, yet expected baptismal service on Sunday. The room was so packed that the rest of the missionaries in attendance had to listen from the hall. It was really great.
As for us, we've been doing a lot of work out in outlying towns. Technically, those towns are considered the others' area, but since we don't have to worry about miles, we work there. We've gone to Levelland a few times, and we're still teaching Terry. We've also met with the branch president of Brownfield (who lives in Levelland), and he's been helping us by telling us about some people we can go teach.
Also, Elders Johnson and Rasmussen are officially out of the office and are now full-time proselyting missionaries. Elder Northey and I are pretty much already settled in, and though I'm still training Sis. Hansen, the two of them are pretty comfortable now, too.
Oh, we got new credit cards for all the missionaries whose cards were deactivated the other week due to security issues. This is the second time it's happened. Our card company is really dropping the ball.
Service was fun, but all the dust and exertion may have made my cold worse.
Anyways, I'm glad to hear about the work in Montreal. Doubling baptisms is a big goal here, too. Starting not too long ago, it's all we're talking about around here.
Got to take off here. Elder Northey has a member card to Sam's Club, so we might go today.
The Church is true!
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something I wish I knew before my mission: that lighters are good for more that just cigarettes.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009 - 'Rag on Americans' Day!
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. ;)
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 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...)
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