Elder Chab's Adventures from the Tokyo South Mission: Hello everyone!

Before I get started, let me introduce myself. My name is Wanchai Chab for those that don't know me. I grew up in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I go to the Park Ward in the Long Beach East Stake. I am half Thai and half Cambodian. I have lived in California all my life but I had the opportunity of visiting Thailand and Cambodia several times. I was in band through out elementary all the way to high school. I play many instruments including clarinet, piano, and I was also in drumline for the last 3 years of high school. I'm also a computer nerd and I love video games. I graduated from Bellflower High School in June 2016. Most importantly, I love the gospel, Jesus Christ, and our Heavenly Father. That's why I have chosen to serve a mission!

I always knew I was going to serve a mission since I was a kid. But I think what helped me truly realize that was my 9th grade Geography teacher, Mr. Thompson. I remember one day in class, we were learning about leaders of different religions. Then I saw a picture of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. I rose my hand before he could talk about them and said "That's Joseph Smith and Brigham Young!" He responded, "Yea, how did you know?" I replied, "I'm Mormon!" And he said, "No way! I am too!" I thought it was so cool to have a Mormon teacher. Every now and then, he would talk to the class about his mission; he went to Japan! It seemed very interesting to me and that's when I started wanting to serve a mission in Japan. Mr.Thompson, if you're reading this, thank you so much!

I sent in my mission papers around late June. I received my call about 3 weeks later, on July 16, 2016. I wanted to open it sooooooo bad, but I decided to wait until the 19th, so the ward could witness it. Although I was hoping for Japan, I was ready for anything because I know it is what the Lord wants. Boy was I surprised when I found out I would be serving in the Japan Tokyo South mission! The fact that I got what I had my mind strengthened my testimony even more. I'm so excited to serve our Heavenly Father! I report to the MTC on Sept. 14; but my flight is on the 13th. I'll be spending some time with my family in Utah before I leave. Anyway, be sure to check once a week on this blog, I'll do my best to update it each week. If I can't that week, just know that I am having fun serving the Lord!

Here are some pictures from my mission call opening!