Letter #41

Dearest Family,

I write this week in firm expectation of SEEING you on Sunday : ) To me the idea is rather shocking, I don't know why. But it may be related to the corollary truth that I have difficulty imagining what home is like. Or it may spring from the less cited fact that we only have four calls to our parents during our mission, some only three, and that this is number two! Which is to say, halfway. The next time will be on a downhill slope. " Definitely need to baptize more.

But enough about that. I have of course kept a detailed list this week of highlights to share (otherwise I forget) and so I do so now:

Let me add one more thought to this philosophically toned letter by commenting that it seems that all of my highlights come at or near the end of the week. . .Deep. Endure to the end my friend, for that, it seems, is where the fruit really lies.

The highlight of early weekdays was the reception of 2. . .2!!! packages and many more letters. I mean come on! When Malachi spoke of the windows of heaven opening and us not being able to receive all that is given he surely must have seen the pile for Elder Schenewark at the mission office. Thank you. I do hope that my work merits the reward. I do lament sometimes my lack of suffering, especially when I read about the early missionaries, but I figure I can deal with it : ) I am the most blessed missionary in the world, if not the most handsome ; )

Wednesday was fabled May Day, whose freedom no longer holds any magic for me after dad condemned it to socialism. Still it made an excellent day to work as all the members had nothing to do, which we took advantage and taught with the President of the Young Men, the President of the Elders Quorum, and the President of the Branch. Yes! Good day, much done.

Moving on to Saturday, we organized an activity with all our current investigators and the young men of the branch to play soccer and football (American) with us on Saturday afternoon. We had an excellent, if not perfect, turnout and it was well worth the effort and time. Why? Why?

Because Sunday we had five investigators in church! Yes! More than I think I've ever actually had come from my own efforts. Four rapazes from the activity and one middle-aged man who we are teaching who also came and threw a football with us. It just makes Sunday sweeter.  We did teach him and his wife Sunday night a most glorious lesson. She had never been taught nor yet gone to church. Her doubt was that we didn't use the Bible. We quickly resolved such a doubt and taught the restoration. She committed to read the Book of Mormon, pray and attend church next week. Generally, such a couple as this in such circumstances as theirs, is not married, but they ARE! And Elder Beaudoin and I are extremely excited and humbled to be teaching them:  )

A sweet cherry on top was the visible and audible excitement from the members in testimony meeting Sunday as they bore their testimonies to the investigators simply and clearly. Afterwards they complimented them and welcomed them to church. This is the spirit of the gospel and of the church, one of open arms, love and the spirit that flows from eternal truths spoken in testimony.

Not a part of last week, but equally triumphant was my finishing this morning of the Book of Mormon in Pórtuguese for the first time!!! I'm officially fluent. Also, a small victory when we asked if we could avoid the yearly required flu vaccination. Still don't know for sure, but for now we've been given exception and protection from needles. I mean, we're healthy guys right? Of course we'll go if we're asked to : )

Almost forgot!! Call Sunday, look for me on Skype around 6:00 pm : ) No bringing yummy food into camera´s view during call!!

May you have a wonderful week.  I love you and think of you constantly. When I bear my testimony saying that families can and will be together through the gospel, I mean you. We will be together, forever, and that's what makes me happy every day.

Keep an eye on the mailbox. . .

Love,

Tanner