Letter #6

Dear Family,

I hope this letter finds you well. What an exciting week this must have been! Had I missed Grampy's prayer for any other work it would have been very sad. But to know that while I work here in the missionary field, there is missionary work of another sort going on at home, it makes me very happy and proud of my family.

Well this week was filled with more teaching, the most difficult so far. They talk faster and ask more difficult questions, which we non-lovingly refer to as "bala curvas." Like, "Why doesn't the modern day prophet perform grand miracles like parting the red sea?" ( I wanted to answer that it was a wicked and adulterous generation that seeketh for signs, but refrained.) We got new Brazilian roommates this week and both are fantastic. We lucked out again! And once again we are teaching them to pray in English. Its a very rewarding experience.

This week I requested a musical number and picked out a piano/organ duet of 'O Divine Redeemer'. Can't wait. Its a dream come true just to play this song and I hear an apostle comes every September. . . Maybe I can play for him? Also in the news, next Wednesday, we found out there will be 8 new elders/sisters coming who are serving in Londrina. Needless to say, Elder Cummings and I are excited because we have been the only two here for the last 6 weeks!

Odd food combo of the week: Mint, pinapple flan. Thumbs aren't going up for that one. . .New exercise routine, as both main basketball hoops were de-rimmmed by an entusiastic brazilian elder: skillfull and graceful jump roping. May be the best thing ever.

Thought for this week: I talked to a Bolivian elder this week, 24 years old from La Paz. He left on his mission the only member of the church and unsupported in his decision to serve by his family. They don't have email, and letters take well over a month to get home. Yet, he left his family, whom he loves, knowing that the church was true, and that God wanted him to serve a mission. He left without their blessing or understanding of why he would go, but left willingly nonetheless and is one of the most enthusiastic and kind elders I have met. So, how much are we willing to sacrifice for the gospel? Are we able to make the sort of decisions that this elder made? There is a scripture (I don't have the reference with me, try and find it) that promises that when leave all to serve the Lord, ALL in return will be taken care of concerning our families and homes. The sacrifices will come in different shapes and forms but they will come. And when they do, I pray we are ready to make them. To act in faith in doing what God knows is best for us, and all will be well.

I have located Dad's dream car, a perfect old lime green VW bug. I'd take a picture but no photos outside of the CTM right now, so sorry. Played a game of chess last week in the park with our very own homemade paper chess pieces.Tanner 3, other elders 0. Even pulled out a 4 move win, you know Hunter, my favorite;. I love all of you more than I can say. Look for more letters in the mail from me and more pictures. I figured out how to see pictures on the computer and enjoyed them a lot today. Still haven't received any of your letters though, so hopefully they all come in one big bunch this week! Your loving son,

Com Amor,

Tanner,

(aka Elder Schenewood, Schenniwick, & Schernerk, all true)

p.s.- Elder from Germany here aproached me and told me my name means "beautiful work" if spelled -erk. Guess that solves that question huh?!? : )