So, first off, got a package from Aunt Janel.
Priceless
Another elder was looking for a snack and grabbed a bag of peanut M&M's.
Alright, I'm thinking, these I can get here and it keeps him away from the rest. Then I read the note:
"I'm sharing my caramel M&M's with you...."
I jumped across that room, you don't mess with my caramel M&M's, Aunt Janel knows that, thank you Aunt Janel.
We played some soccer, against the professional team in Itatiba. After the normal game, which we lost, we played some 1v1, goal vs goal. Basically, you can't pass mid-field and you can't use your hands inside the area. Well, four professional players and one missionary who never played soccer in his life, should be pretty easy to guess who didn't win one. PPSSYYCCHH That's right, guess who didn't lose. 12-0 baby.
The best part, not only did I destroy in a sport that I generally get trashed in, but the brother who coaches the team (which explains why we played against them) made a little one sided bet with his team. Whoever loses shows up to church, 9:00 in the morning Sunday.
We had a little back row party yesterday, me and four jersey-ed arena soccer players. Miracles, lemme tell you. I don't play soccer, especially not at the professional level (if we're lucky we can hold our own at the lowest level of intramural sports). THE BEST PART Irmão Cloves, the coach gave a talk on missionary work. Guess who got used as an example of missionary miracles, while sitting next to the four embarrassed, bluching, hiding-their-heads, soccer players. 'Twas I. 'Twas great
Also, got the chance to preach southern baptist style two times this week. The first one, our investigator, the pastor, invited me to give a talk over the Plan of Salvation (because he loved our lesson and said he knows it's the true plan of our Heavenly Father). I was a little unsure whether or not to do it, but our bishop helped me out with some words of encouragement. "You're getting the chance to do what other missionaries dream about. Teach to the congregation of a pastor who is accepting your lessons. Your calling is to teach, not to choose when or how." Alright. 'Twas good
The second one was a little different. We were walking by a 'garage church,' open door, pastor with a microphone yelling while the congregation dances. My companion stopped a little behind me to tie his shoe, so I ended up stopping to wait in the doorway. The pastor saw me and starting calling to me..."Oh preacher, give us some words, share your light in our church" (It had to be bigger because he's using the microphone) Me? "You my brother, come and teach us." (Also, everyone is nodding and yelling amens to all this, just to give you the image). I didn't even hesitate this time. We're here to teach right? But what to teach to a church, on the spot, of people who you've never met? How about teach them what their church doesn't have.
The power of God is on the Earth again today.
(Now I'm using the microphone)
"HALLELUJAH"
The power that was given to man to perform miracles, to heal the sick, to baptize with authority, IS FOUND AMONG THE CHILREN OF MAN ONCE AGAIN.
"AMEN"
It was restored to us through a prophet, after being taken from the Earth for a time!
"AAMMEeenn....."
(At this point I see the pastor getting up, ready to snag the microphone back, so I wrapped it up)
If you'd like to hear how all of this happened and the see the blessings of this power in your life, raise your hand and my companion will grab your adress and number and we'll bring this special message to your home, to share with your family.
We had about seven (out of about twenty) raise their hands. Granted, I'm pretty sure that two or three of them just keep their hands up the whole time they're in the church, but we still grabbed contact information, sooo
"Twas good
But, this really helped me to see something a little clearer. The Church of Jesus Christ isn't just any church with a microphone and people.
It is the literal kingdom of God here on the Earth. As such, it needs the authority and direction that He continually gives us. This is what makes it His church, not my church, Pastor Adauto's church, or just another 'garage church.'
This is the Church of Jesus Christ and it is true. I know this, and this is why I am in another country teaching people in a foreign language. Because it is something undeniable that everybody deserves to hear.
I love you all,
Until next week,
Same time, same channel,
Elder Billy Graham the Cracker ;)
Monday, February 26, 2018
Sunday, February 25, 2018
With All My Love
Dear Elder Schenewark,
This has been the week of rain. As you know, when Texas rains, it rains BIG. And HARD. There are been a few flooding and high water issues, a lot of accidents, but no displacements like other areas we’ve seen. A few areas west and south of Granbury had ice with the rain. Tarleton in Stephenville was closed for two days, as when the rain froze on the tree limbs, they broke and fell on the power lines. Dad got some good shots.
Proctorville has had flooding issues, as Larry attested in our phone call together. He said Route 7 is like an island. He also said our field had sold for $700,000 and lots are selling for $50,000 each. Little lots. He sends a wet but Appalachian drawled “Hello.”
Due to the rain the baseball tryouts for both your brothers were cancelled. The draft is today, and the coaches will be selecting players blind. Your brothers have yet to switch modes. They’re both still in full basketball mode, only throwing one day since last season. Miller played his last prime game yesterday, and Breyer finished up her gymnastics session as well. Her gym as open jump sessions on Friday after school, and three were going to go until we heard from the Welch family. They had come into town for Stephen finishing his mission this week, and flying into Oklahoma City.
After their stop at the temple, they drove down to have dinner with us, arriving in two cars. It was just wonderful to see them! Once you start talking, it’s like you haven’t been apart for more than three years. They’re such a sweet, dear family from our time in Ohio.
Nathan walked in the house, gave me a hug, and asked for you. Several times throughout the night he asked where Porter was. Rebekah works in the purchasing department and kept us entertained with the unusual purchase requests that come across her desk. Wolf urine was our favorite.
Dad spent the whole day Saturday and evening doing church work and looking for his license. Not his favorite way to spend a day but he does good work. The ward is blessed to have him and his wisdom.
Cooper came home Saturday after a tennis tournament that began Thursday after school. He had two out of four wins at College
Hunter is surviving college. His stories make me laugh. This week it was the worst date ever story.
We’re still having our almost weekly face to face chats with Nora. What a sweetie! She is a rolling machine. She lifts her right leg until her knee is bent, and uses it to push herself over, over and over again. She does love to move! Her cheeks are pink from rubbing the carpet!
"Each of us also carries a load. Our individual load is comprised of demands and opportunities, obligations and privileges, afflictions and blessings, and options and constraints. Two guiding questions can be helpful as we periodically and prayerfully assess our load: “Is the load I am carrying producing the spiritual traction that will enable me to press forward with faith in Christ on the strait and narrow path and avoid getting stuck? Is the load I am carrying creating sufficient spiritual traction so I ultimately can return home to Heavenly Father?”Sometimes we mistakenly may believe that happiness is the absence of a load. But bearing a load is a necessary and essential part of the plan of happiness. Because our individual load needs to generate spiritual traction, we should be careful to not haul around in our lives so many nice but unnecessary things that we are distracted and diverted from the things that truly matter most."
Mom
This has been the week of rain. As you know, when Texas rains, it rains BIG. And HARD. There are been a few flooding and high water issues, a lot of accidents, but no displacements like other areas we’ve seen. A few areas west and south of Granbury had ice with the rain. Tarleton in Stephenville was closed for two days, as when the rain froze on the tree limbs, they broke and fell on the power lines. Dad got some good shots.
Proctorville has had flooding issues, as Larry attested in our phone call together. He said Route 7 is like an island. He also said our field had sold for $700,000 and lots are selling for $50,000 each. Little lots. He sends a wet but Appalachian drawled “Hello.”
Due to the rain the baseball tryouts for both your brothers were cancelled. The draft is today, and the coaches will be selecting players blind. Your brothers have yet to switch modes. They’re both still in full basketball mode, only throwing one day since last season. Miller played his last prime game yesterday, and Breyer finished up her gymnastics session as well. Her gym as open jump sessions on Friday after school, and three were going to go until we heard from the Welch family. They had come into town for Stephen finishing his mission this week, and flying into Oklahoma City.
After their stop at the temple, they drove down to have dinner with us, arriving in two cars. It was just wonderful to see them! Once you start talking, it’s like you haven’t been apart for more than three years. They’re such a sweet, dear family from our time in Ohio.
Nathan walked in the house, gave me a hug, and asked for you. Several times throughout the night he asked where Porter was. Rebekah works in the purchasing department and kept us entertained with the unusual purchase requests that come across her desk. Wolf urine was our favorite.
Cooper came home Saturday after a tennis tournament that began Thursday after school. He had two out of four wins at College
Hunter is surviving college. His stories make me laugh. This week it was the worst date ever story.
We’re still having our almost weekly face to face chats with Nora. What a sweetie! She is a rolling machine. She lifts her right leg until her knee is bent, and uses it to push herself over, over and over again. She does love to move! Her cheeks are pink from rubbing the carpet!
Love my family. Love you. I'm going to close with a portion of your Dad's talk he gave in church today.
"Each of us also carries a load. Our individual load is comprised of demands and opportunities, obligations and privileges, afflictions and blessings, and options and constraints. Two guiding questions can be helpful as we periodically and prayerfully assess our load: “Is the load I am carrying producing the spiritual traction that will enable me to press forward with faith in Christ on the strait and narrow path and avoid getting stuck? Is the load I am carrying creating sufficient spiritual traction so I ultimately can return home to Heavenly Father?”Sometimes we mistakenly may believe that happiness is the absence of a load. But bearing a load is a necessary and essential part of the plan of happiness. Because our individual load needs to generate spiritual traction, we should be careful to not haul around in our lives so many nice but unnecessary things that we are distracted and diverted from the things that truly matter most."
Mom
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Mustang Ridge
Bro Bach asked Cooper to create a simple logo’s for a project at his work at Intel. on. It’s a fun contest that involves all the people working on the program early in its development. Right now there are only ~25 folks total working on this one and few participate in the logo contest.
They're just starting a project called Mustang Ridge
If winners place in the top 3 they have nice prizes:
$250 for first place
$100 for second place
$25 for third place
Here are all the pictures Cooper created for the contest. He personally liked the top view of the p-51 and the one over the mountains (those are the Colorado mountains from the state quarter). My favorite is the car, but I really love his moving propeller.
Monday, February 19, 2018
Letter #27
Not really sure what to say in these kinds of letters. BUT, we'll try
First a happy birthday to my princess, my twin, and my partner-in-crime
Surprisingly three different people
Breyer, seven years old, hopefully we move out of that gymnastics phase and into basketball or ping pong or something else
Kevin, a happiest zoo siab hnub yug to you, it's our secret twin language that i actually don't know, 20 yrs old
And Lucas, Caractacus ma boy, happy 20 to you as well, I know our parents are glad for this brief (but to be continued) break from the lovely theatrics and problems we created. #BottemlessFriesMan
Outside of that, great week, I'm constantly reminded how different Brazil is from any other country in the world. I love reading the "we made a record three new investigators this week" or "our new high 30 investigators this transfer, what a transfer" when in some of the missions down here, not mine, you can walk into the streets and make these numbers on the way to lunch. But, also, it's hot. It got pretty toasty this week, and I got a little toasted.
Unfortunately, our phone broke and now we have to go get a new one, but it was good to get in these couple sentences real quick.
Love you all,
Happy Birthdays
zoo siab hnub yug
Elder Hmong Shmong
First a happy birthday to my princess, my twin, and my partner-in-crime
Surprisingly three different people
Breyer, seven years old, hopefully we move out of that gymnastics phase and into basketball or ping pong or something else
Kevin, a happiest zoo siab hnub yug to you, it's our secret twin language that i actually don't know, 20 yrs old
And Lucas, Caractacus ma boy, happy 20 to you as well, I know our parents are glad for this brief (but to be continued) break from the lovely theatrics and problems we created. #BottemlessFriesMan
Outside of that, great week, I'm constantly reminded how different Brazil is from any other country in the world. I love reading the "we made a record three new investigators this week" or "our new high 30 investigators this transfer, what a transfer" when in some of the missions down here, not mine, you can walk into the streets and make these numbers on the way to lunch. But, also, it's hot. It got pretty toasty this week, and I got a little toasted.
Unfortunately, our phone broke and now we have to go get a new one, but it was good to get in these couple sentences real quick.
Love you all,
Happy Birthdays
zoo siab hnub yug
Elder Hmong Shmong
Sunday, February 18, 2018
With All My Love
Elder Schenewark,
I was reading Sis. Durham’s talk on “A Child’s Guiding Gift” today, and came across this quote she used by Elder Wirthlin: “We live in a noisy and busy world. If we are not careful, the things of this world can [drown] out the things of the Spirit.” Sis. Durham poses the question, “How do we…kick off some of the weight of the world we carry, so we can keep our children’s heads and our own worried minds above the water?”
This week your letters to our family became like life jackets. A buoyancy to relieve the weight of the water dragging us down, a much needed lift. Your sweet spirit shines through your words.
Speaking of sweet spirits, your sister turns seven today. She’s been planning her party all year long, including invite lists, party colors, food, games to play, etc. You get the idea. She’s had to be reminded all year long that until Miller has his first party, I won’t be doing her second - up until yesterday! She did get invited for a surprise lunch with Sis. Roberts, and she and I went there yesterday. We swung by Sis. Counts new bakery shop that was built for her by Stumpy’s to manage and picked out a few delicious cupcakes to bring. Small and simple was a good way for us to celebrate her sweetness. We also made her ice cream cake that we enjoyed tonight. She has expressed a desire to wait for her baptism until you’re home, just a month or two, but all the more special with you there.
Sawyer finished his basketball undefeated in his district, second year in a row. I’m so excited to see him play next year at the high school. He wanted you to know he consistently can slap the box on the backboard. He's excited to be thinking about getting to drive.
Miller had a prime team basketball game and a pinewood derby at the same time yesterday. Since his car was made, he chose to play in his game, scoring 9 of their 23 points. We didn’t go but his coach said he had a great game. Usually he plays two quarters but he was left in the whole game.
Cooper won his first match, and lost his second, to the duo who ended up winning the whole tournament. He said they played great, though.
Steven Welch comes home from his mission this week. I’m supposed to meet them at the temple on Friday.
Still enjoying pictures from last weekend. Uncle Ben wrote this about Nora: :Loved being part of Nora’s baby blessing yesterday. I think we might have increased the ward’s sacrament attendance by 40%. Nora was great during the blessing and Tanner did a beautiful job. It was great to see Jared and Hunter - yes Hunter is at BYU but we never see him - and the Bachs." (Mitchell, serving in Pennslyvania, had fire works, street crowds, and mandated inside time because of the SuperBowl, just like you and Carnival.
We try to face time Nora often, usually at night. Tonight she was in adorable baby mode with her fly away hair, her wiggles and coos,and her smiles and gasps. She has all of us wrapped around her little finger, that is now starting to grab her mother's hair. AnneMarie said she enjoys watching any one dance, and listening to singing in church.
Thank you again for your wonderful letters.
Stay safe.
Love,
Mom
I was reading Sis. Durham’s talk on “A Child’s Guiding Gift” today, and came across this quote she used by Elder Wirthlin: “We live in a noisy and busy world. If we are not careful, the things of this world can [drown] out the things of the Spirit.” Sis. Durham poses the question, “How do we…kick off some of the weight of the world we carry, so we can keep our children’s heads and our own worried minds above the water?”
This week your letters to our family became like life jackets. A buoyancy to relieve the weight of the water dragging us down, a much needed lift. Your sweet spirit shines through your words.
Speaking of sweet spirits, your sister turns seven today. She’s been planning her party all year long, including invite lists, party colors, food, games to play, etc. You get the idea. She’s had to be reminded all year long that until Miller has his first party, I won’t be doing her second - up until yesterday! She did get invited for a surprise lunch with Sis. Roberts, and she and I went there yesterday. We swung by Sis. Counts new bakery shop that was built for her by Stumpy’s to manage and picked out a few delicious cupcakes to bring. Small and simple was a good way for us to celebrate her sweetness. We also made her ice cream cake that we enjoyed tonight. She has expressed a desire to wait for her baptism until you’re home, just a month or two, but all the more special with you there.
Sawyer finished his basketball undefeated in his district, second year in a row. I’m so excited to see him play next year at the high school. He wanted you to know he consistently can slap the box on the backboard. He's excited to be thinking about getting to drive.
Miller had a prime team basketball game and a pinewood derby at the same time yesterday. Since his car was made, he chose to play in his game, scoring 9 of their 23 points. We didn’t go but his coach said he had a great game. Usually he plays two quarters but he was left in the whole game.
Cooper won his first match, and lost his second, to the duo who ended up winning the whole tournament. He said they played great, though.
Steven Welch comes home from his mission this week. I’m supposed to meet them at the temple on Friday.
Thank you again for your wonderful letters.
Stay safe.
Love,
Mom
Friday, February 16, 2018
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
College Correspondent
A Sunday letter! To keep to a reasonable length, I will address the happenings of this weekend, in my letter next week.
It began with the beating of the gong. A quiet stillness pervaded the room, making the room filled not with noise, but only with our thoughts.
"Take a moment to arrive, notice the silence, the room, the people around you. Notice the fullness of the moment. Try to do it with appreciation."
Thus began my first official foray into oriental meditation. While always intrigued, I became enamored last semester with my world religions class, and have done it a few times on my own. I heard about an event happening in Provo, with a SLC group called "Lower Lights" a non-profit expanding to Provo. This was their first event, and it was led by Thomas McConkie, grandson of Bruce. He had left the church at 18 to travel the world, and after two walk-arounds the world, ended up in the Far East where he trained as a Buddhist monk for twenty years. Coming down from a mountain after seven days of silence, he knew, to quote Walt Whitman, "Now in a moment, I know what I'm for."
"The goal tonight is not to know more, but to know more of yourself," he continued. And then bells pealed. "Why are you here?" A smattering of answers were whispered in the musky room, musky not with smoke, or scent, but by character, and lit by christmas lights on the walls.
"Community"
"Togetherness"
"Sharing"
"A break from the grind"
And each abstract idea was answered by McConkie, "Gorgeous, beautiful, thank you."
"Loss"
"Wisdom"
"Searching for what feels right"
"Hope"
"Healing"
"Direction"
"Progression"
I had arrived, running to make it on time, dressed in a neon jacket, and paying the suggested donation with presidential dollar coins, thinking I'd fit in better with my imagined crowd. But this wasn't some group of young rebels. It was an eclectic mix of professionals and quiet middle-aged seekers.
"Breathe it in. If someone here is looking to recover from loss, we are all looking for loss, we all are here recovering from loss. Be a community! Create a collective experience..."
"Notice your spirit, your presence, who you are...."
Our personal meditation continued, kneading out the lumps of our soul.
Time passed serenely, unnoticed. "Let's have a one-word check in. How do you feel?" McConkie asked the assembly.
"Peace"
"Love"
"Sleepy"
"Nothing"
"Testimony of doing nothing"
"Contentment"
There was no wrong answer, no judging. We were a community.
We then proceeded with group activity, dividing the 80 or so people into groups of 4-5. "Enlightenment is intimacy with all things. Go around in a circle, and answer this question: Right now I'm aware of...."
(And I encourage you to answer these questions as well.)
My group went around, and around, subcounsciously revealing our innermost thoughts to strangers, stopping only when the gong again sounded, and our time was up.
"The next question is: One thing you don't know about me is...."
Again we shared ourselves.
"Last question: One way I hide in a relationship is...."
We are constantly negotiating our boundaries, deciding what to share with others and what to keep for ourselves. But for now, only space existed.
What did we feel at the end?
"Surprise" "Intrigue" "Love"
"Closeness" "Deepening respect" "Softening"
"Tenderness" "Closeness" "Divine Connection"
"Sameness" "Courage" "Abundance"
It was a memorable night, and I am glad I went. I made friends out of strangers, I examined my inner self, I saw new things, and I left refreshed.
http://www.schenewark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/VID_20180131_201643829.mp4
On the opposite side of the spectrum, BYU had an unusual guest, Bill Martin, Prof. of Philosophy at DePaul University. He came to deliver a speech entitled, "Marxism and the Secular: from Plato to Badiou" I erroneously assumed he had studied communism to show its defects. As part of Fidelio Society, I was invited to a luncheon the day of to meet and talk with him. I'll take free lunch anytime, and it proved quite delicious. They even had Pao de Queijo which I haven't had since leaving Brazil!
Dr. Martin showed up, with long hair, a beard, and a jacket decorated with superhero pins. And nails painted. After making snap judgments, he then mentioned his wife, and the axiom to not judge the book by its cover came to mind. He discussed philosophical theories much beyond my present scope of knowledge, but having had done some prior research, I did engage him on the papers he wrote about chess and philosophy. And, again, lunch was good. And I shared it with a commie.
I found this plaque in an elevator.
Four dates have occurred, with me going for ice cream with Danielle on Saturday and hosting a game night and inviting Aubrey on Sunday. The game night proved successful, having borrowed three board games from Tanner, and keeping the crowd to a total of 8. We had apple pie, conversed, and played games. It was a good night, and as host I graciously lost the games.
Tuesday, I again went out with Danielle, we went to a BYU Choir Concert. Danielle is from Alpine, Utah, studying consumer science education, and served a mission in Orlando, Florida, spanish speaking. Our list of hobbies is amazingly quite similar, and I'm still impressed by the fact she quilts regularly. However, it was mutually agreed by us both that their was simply no spark for either of us, after two dates, despite friends on both sides trying to help. Our favorite song sung was a new piece, written recently by Daniel McDavitt, and commissioned by BYU, entitled "Locus Iste"
The first two lines are "Locus Ister Deo factus ext,/ inaestimabile sacramentum."
This place was made by God, a priceless sacrament.
About the temple, the first part is in latin, but then switches to English, and was the result of a question, "the temple is_______," posed to many LDS women. It was beautiful.
And on Friday night, I went out with Aubrey again. She actually asked me out, and we went to the BYU Philharmonic Symphony. And finally, there were no pieces composed by Russians. I went really wanting to hear "Also Sprach Zarathustra" and it exceeded expectations. Having been arranged somewhat last minute, we had no car, and Aubrey impressively opted to walk the two miles to get there, and the two miles to return. Thankfully the weather cooperated, and we had plenty of time to converse. She is from New Mexico, went to college at New Mexico State, studying Vocal Performance, before transferring to BYU-I, and majoring in History. She served a mission in Russia, and is currently working two jobs, applying to BYU's master program.
Thursday I attended the second leg of the start-up competition. The five finalists for this event presented their companies, and I was quite impressed with the ideas, and the executions. And I was surprised by the hundreds of students who watched the event. Big things are happening here.
I left that, and headed to the Toqueville meeting, arriving late, to which a visiting professor would at the conclusion tell the group assembled, "I thought Ben Affleck was joining us for the night." I mean, I'm missing the Hollywood paycheck, but I'll take that. We discussed the prison system in the US, and the idea of rehabilitation.
As always, its been busy. And life is good. I am thankful for the many opportunities that I have, and the learning experiences. However, as this weekend that has been filled with friends and families draws to a close, I am more certain than ever, of what Christ said
"I am come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10
Nothing fills like the gospel and the family. I am so thankful for both, and because of them, can say I have an abundant life. May you be so blessed as well, and help others learn of Him.
It began with the beating of the gong. A quiet stillness pervaded the room, making the room filled not with noise, but only with our thoughts.
"Take a moment to arrive, notice the silence, the room, the people around you. Notice the fullness of the moment. Try to do it with appreciation."
Thus began my first official foray into oriental meditation. While always intrigued, I became enamored last semester with my world religions class, and have done it a few times on my own. I heard about an event happening in Provo, with a SLC group called "Lower Lights" a non-profit expanding to Provo. This was their first event, and it was led by Thomas McConkie, grandson of Bruce. He had left the church at 18 to travel the world, and after two walk-arounds the world, ended up in the Far East where he trained as a Buddhist monk for twenty years. Coming down from a mountain after seven days of silence, he knew, to quote Walt Whitman, "Now in a moment, I know what I'm for."
"The goal tonight is not to know more, but to know more of yourself," he continued. And then bells pealed. "Why are you here?" A smattering of answers were whispered in the musky room, musky not with smoke, or scent, but by character, and lit by christmas lights on the walls.
"Community"
"Togetherness"
"Sharing"
"A break from the grind"
And each abstract idea was answered by McConkie, "Gorgeous, beautiful, thank you."
"Loss"
"Wisdom"
"Searching for what feels right"
"Hope"
"Healing"
"Direction"
"Progression"
I had arrived, running to make it on time, dressed in a neon jacket, and paying the suggested donation with presidential dollar coins, thinking I'd fit in better with my imagined crowd. But this wasn't some group of young rebels. It was an eclectic mix of professionals and quiet middle-aged seekers.
"Breathe it in. If someone here is looking to recover from loss, we are all looking for loss, we all are here recovering from loss. Be a community! Create a collective experience..."
"Notice your spirit, your presence, who you are...."
Our personal meditation continued, kneading out the lumps of our soul.
Time passed serenely, unnoticed. "Let's have a one-word check in. How do you feel?" McConkie asked the assembly.
"Peace"
"Love"
"Sleepy"
"Nothing"
"Testimony of doing nothing"
"Contentment"
There was no wrong answer, no judging. We were a community.
We then proceeded with group activity, dividing the 80 or so people into groups of 4-5. "Enlightenment is intimacy with all things. Go around in a circle, and answer this question: Right now I'm aware of...."
(And I encourage you to answer these questions as well.)
My group went around, and around, subcounsciously revealing our innermost thoughts to strangers, stopping only when the gong again sounded, and our time was up.
"The next question is: One thing you don't know about me is...."
Again we shared ourselves.
"Last question: One way I hide in a relationship is...."
We are constantly negotiating our boundaries, deciding what to share with others and what to keep for ourselves. But for now, only space existed.
What did we feel at the end?
"Surprise" "Intrigue" "Love"
"Closeness" "Deepening respect" "Softening"
"Tenderness" "Closeness" "Divine Connection"
"Sameness" "Courage" "Abundance"
It was a memorable night, and I am glad I went. I made friends out of strangers, I examined my inner self, I saw new things, and I left refreshed.
http://www.schenewark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/VID_20180131_201643829.mp4
On the opposite side of the spectrum, BYU had an unusual guest, Bill Martin, Prof. of Philosophy at DePaul University. He came to deliver a speech entitled, "Marxism and the Secular: from Plato to Badiou" I erroneously assumed he had studied communism to show its defects. As part of Fidelio Society, I was invited to a luncheon the day of to meet and talk with him. I'll take free lunch anytime, and it proved quite delicious. They even had Pao de Queijo which I haven't had since leaving Brazil!
Dr. Martin showed up, with long hair, a beard, and a jacket decorated with superhero pins. And nails painted. After making snap judgments, he then mentioned his wife, and the axiom to not judge the book by its cover came to mind. He discussed philosophical theories much beyond my present scope of knowledge, but having had done some prior research, I did engage him on the papers he wrote about chess and philosophy. And, again, lunch was good. And I shared it with a commie.
I found this plaque in an elevator.
Four dates have occurred, with me going for ice cream with Danielle on Saturday and hosting a game night and inviting Aubrey on Sunday. The game night proved successful, having borrowed three board games from Tanner, and keeping the crowd to a total of 8. We had apple pie, conversed, and played games. It was a good night, and as host I graciously lost the games.
Tuesday, I again went out with Danielle, we went to a BYU Choir Concert. Danielle is from Alpine, Utah, studying consumer science education, and served a mission in Orlando, Florida, spanish speaking. Our list of hobbies is amazingly quite similar, and I'm still impressed by the fact she quilts regularly. However, it was mutually agreed by us both that their was simply no spark for either of us, after two dates, despite friends on both sides trying to help. Our favorite song sung was a new piece, written recently by Daniel McDavitt, and commissioned by BYU, entitled "Locus Iste"
The first two lines are "Locus Ister Deo factus ext,/ inaestimabile sacramentum."
This place was made by God, a priceless sacrament.
About the temple, the first part is in latin, but then switches to English, and was the result of a question, "the temple is_______," posed to many LDS women. It was beautiful.
And on Friday night, I went out with Aubrey again. She actually asked me out, and we went to the BYU Philharmonic Symphony. And finally, there were no pieces composed by Russians. I went really wanting to hear "Also Sprach Zarathustra" and it exceeded expectations. Having been arranged somewhat last minute, we had no car, and Aubrey impressively opted to walk the two miles to get there, and the two miles to return. Thankfully the weather cooperated, and we had plenty of time to converse. She is from New Mexico, went to college at New Mexico State, studying Vocal Performance, before transferring to BYU-I, and majoring in History. She served a mission in Russia, and is currently working two jobs, applying to BYU's master program.
Thursday I attended the second leg of the start-up competition. The five finalists for this event presented their companies, and I was quite impressed with the ideas, and the executions. And I was surprised by the hundreds of students who watched the event. Big things are happening here.
I left that, and headed to the Toqueville meeting, arriving late, to which a visiting professor would at the conclusion tell the group assembled, "I thought Ben Affleck was joining us for the night." I mean, I'm missing the Hollywood paycheck, but I'll take that. We discussed the prison system in the US, and the idea of rehabilitation.
As always, its been busy. And life is good. I am thankful for the many opportunities that I have, and the learning experiences. However, as this weekend that has been filled with friends and families draws to a close, I am more certain than ever, of what Christ said
"I am come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10
Nothing fills like the gospel and the family. I am so thankful for both, and because of them, can say I have an abundant life. May you be so blessed as well, and help others learn of Him.
Monday, February 12, 2018
Letter #26
Not much to report. Carnaval was this week (actually it's still going on) so we've been kept in doors and in members' houses for most of the week.
But, Friday we went to the chapel to help clean and oh boy.
Cloves, 4´9" and balding, is in charge of cleaning the chapel, we're helping out...
We reach the upstairs womens bathroom. I start to head in to clean it (b/c I've never seen the inside of a girl's bathroom before, obviously) when he puts a hand on my shoulder and is all like,
Cloves-Elder, be careful, it's not what you think it will be
Me-What?
Cloves- Three stalls, three unflushed lamanites
Me- How would you know?
Cloves- Sister Eleni, Sister Cleide, Sister PatrÃcia
Me- Okay, I'll leave this one to my companion
Cloves- No, he's new, let's be gentle, we'll take it together.
So we enter, two men (well, half a man and a half-sized man) together, conquering the unknown
What a stanch, oh my I have not smelt a smell of such potency since sout camp
Sure enough, three bowls, three brown deserts, chocolate twinkie, double chocolate cupcake, and triple chocolate mud-pie
That's about all I can stomach to flush into this email, but we're off to work.
Love you all,
Elder If You Fart and Follow Through, Have Respect and Flush the Loo
But, Friday we went to the chapel to help clean and oh boy.
Cloves, 4´9" and balding, is in charge of cleaning the chapel, we're helping out...
We reach the upstairs womens bathroom. I start to head in to clean it (b/c I've never seen the inside of a girl's bathroom before, obviously) when he puts a hand on my shoulder and is all like,
Cloves-Elder, be careful, it's not what you think it will be
Me-What?
Cloves- Three stalls, three unflushed lamanites
Me- How would you know?
Cloves- Sister Eleni, Sister Cleide, Sister PatrÃcia
Me- Okay, I'll leave this one to my companion
Cloves- No, he's new, let's be gentle, we'll take it together.
So we enter, two men (well, half a man and a half-sized man) together, conquering the unknown
What a stanch, oh my I have not smelt a smell of such potency since sout camp
Sure enough, three bowls, three brown deserts, chocolate twinkie, double chocolate cupcake, and triple chocolate mud-pie
That's about all I can stomach to flush into this email, but we're off to work.
Love you all,
Elder If You Fart and Follow Through, Have Respect and Flush the Loo
Sunday, February 11, 2018
With All My Love
Dear Elder Schenewark,
Another week in the books. Your letter was short, but your pictures made up for words that were not there. It was indeed good to see your handsome face! More!
Dad left Thursday morning for his New Mexico conference presentation. He was on the road by 2:45 Friday afternoon, not quite enough time to get to Utah that night. And in the morning, enroute through the canyons of Moab, encountered a snow storm, reducing travel to 25 miles per hour. I haven't heard too much about his Utah trip, except that he did squeeze in a visit to Sis. Young with Hunter, whom she had never met. He slept on an air mattress in Tanner's living room, as the other in laws were in the other bedroom on their air mattress. The Bachs arrived Saturday night, and took all there out to dinner. Now you're caught up! Dad sent me one photo, and I've been waiting all day for a few more, but most will most likely come tomorrow. I do know a dinner was planned, but Dad scooted out of town. He wanted to put in a few hours today, and still won't get home before 6 p.m. tomorrow evening.
With your father out of town, I had to take Sunday and Monday off from work. So excited to go to church this morning, and it was cancelled due to freezing rain. Truly. My luck. The 27 degrees made roads and especially bridges ice covered this morning. Dad found out, in Utah, before we did, as we were getting to walk out the door, and called to see if we knew.
I kept your brothers laughing this week. I don't think Breyer thought me too humorous. Friday I was suppose to bring Cooper to seminary, come back and take every body else to school, and then return to seminary to pick up the kids that need a ride to the high school. Except I forgot it wasn't a regular Friday, and just sat in the parking lot until seminary was out. On my way back home I had a heart attack when I realized they were all sitting at home waiting for me. Sawyer didn't mind, as he wasn't tardy, if we brought him first. Breyer and Miller had to go in with a note. Oh well.
I had to bring Sawyer to the high school to register for ninth grade. On the way, I wanted to stop off and pick up some glasses at the eye center. We walk in the door, put in our request, and while we're waiting in line Sawyer then tells me my shirt is inside out and backwards. Big black triangle tag right under my chin. So funny! Embarrassing! I scooted into the bathroom and made the switch. Not sure what he was thinking letting me go out of the house like that but I don't mind a good laugh.
Miller's rec basketball team lost their first tournament game so he's done with that team. Prime team resumes in a week or two. Baseball coaches have called trying to recruit both boys to their teams. Spring is in the air over here in Texas.
Sawyer's last game is tomorrow night, with Dad driving into town just in time. Don't know if he'll play or not, but the coach will definitely put him in for the win. They're undefeated in district play and this is a district game.
Cooper has his third all day tennis tournament Friday, and I'll probably stop off to watch a match or two in Arlington.
Breyer has only three weeks of her gymnastics class left. Darn! That went by way too fast! She loves it. She's always rolling around practicing her somersaults, or cartwheels. It was a good gift.
Cooper and I have been working on his eagle scout project papers. He has three months to get it all done. Darn!
I have no wisdom to impart to you this week, except that of a mother's love. I did read Elder Oaks' conference talk and he said, "Latter-day Saints who understand God’s plan of salvation have a unique worldview that helps them see the reason for God’s commandments, the unchangeable nature of His required ordinances, and the fundamental role of our Savior, Jesus Christ. With that worldview, Latter-day Saints have distinctive priorities and practices and are blessed with the strength to endure the frustrations and pains of mortal life."
So remember these wise words this week if you are down and out. Remember all those over here who love you, who pray for you, and who can hardly wait to have you back.
Love,
Mom
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Letter #25
Sad to hear my boys went down, but they went down respectfully, let's be honest, If we won them all, everyone would stop watching. Thanks for keeping it interesting, Pats.
As far as great stories or miracles, this week was a little dry, but we made a lot of good progress with some investigators.
I repped Pats colors on Sunday, which I figured merited a photo shoot. Unfortunately, we were lacking a photographer with any kind of adequacy, so just zoom in and imagine really good, really dramatic lighting.
Other than that, Boston continues to be my city, half the ward is now convinded that my dad is African (some things never get old), and I still miss you all (or at least most of you) and I love you and I promise to try to have some better adventures next week. :)
Love,
Elder He Already Has Five?
As far as great stories or miracles, this week was a little dry, but we made a lot of good progress with some investigators.
I repped Pats colors on Sunday, which I figured merited a photo shoot. Unfortunately, we were lacking a photographer with any kind of adequacy, so just zoom in and imagine really good, really dramatic lighting.
Other than that, Boston continues to be my city, half the ward is now convinded that my dad is African (some things never get old), and I still miss you all (or at least most of you) and I love you and I promise to try to have some better adventures next week. :)
Love,
Elder He Already Has Five?
Sunday, February 4, 2018
With All My Love
Dear Elder Schenewark,
I love this thought. “You are always a leader, and you are always a follower. Leadership is an expression of discipleship – it is simply a matter of helping others come unto Christ…it comes from your commitment to follow Jesus Christ.”
In this talk by Elder Owen, then Young Men General President, entitled The Greatest Leaders Are the Greatest Followers, he said, “The world teaches that leaders must be mighty; the Lord teaches that they must be meek. Wordly leaders gain power and influence through their talent, skill and wealth. Christlike leaders gain power and influence by “persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned.” In God’s eyes, the greatest leaders have always been the greatest followers.”
I thought it interesting that I read this talk and then finding out about your Uncle Rich, who has been in and out of doctor offices and hospitals for the last two weeks. I think originally he thought he was having symptoms because of his pace maker and / or the medications he’s on for that. Now I don’t think anyone knows what’s going on. He’s in a weakened condition due to being nauseated, and does not have the strength to move. I’ll try to get an update later today, but the family is fasting for him. His 51st birthday will not be his favorite. Remember him in your prayers. He's one of the greatest followers I know.
Grampy’s doing well. He hasn’t had any serious issues for a while until this past week. Steady is good. Uncle Ben is planning on bringing his family to New England this summer, as he has to be in the area for a conference, so we will probably go back as well. I’ve flown in to visit, but you and your siblings haven’t been there in a while.
Your father and I went to the Fort Worth Rodeo on date night. It was really, really fun. They have no more than six of each competition, not that I was bored with any of them. Bareback and saddle bronc riding were probably my favorite. Roping, team roping, and the chuck wagon races were fun as well. I am allergic to hay, I guess, as I spent the evening with weepy eyes, dripping nose, itching chest, and my throat and lungs closing up. The cough hurt but not enough to leave. We highly recommend this yearly event. There’s only one more year of the rodeo in the historical Will Rodgers coliseum, and then a new facility will be opening in 2020. This is the same event that Breyer went to with a classmate.
Your brother Sawyer is still not playing ball. He may sit out the rest of the season due to the ankle injury. We’ll see. His team lost their Thursday night game by a few points, but it wasn’t a district game. This week they play Stephenville, whom they should be able to win without him, then the following week is Everman. Sawyer was told that your high school coach called down specifically to ask about Sawyer and one of his friends.
Miller played two games yesterday. We talked about some goals he could work on, to be a better team player. One was to follow up his teammates’ shots with the rebound. One was to not waste his shot, making more of an effort to get closer. He did great. He rebounded like crazy, and it was weird seeing him under the boards so much. He’s been hanging on the fringes all season, mostly because he’s usually the point guard. His prime team switched him to a 4, so he has been having a few more opportunities. He thinks he was high score for one of his games.
Breyer is still in love with her gymnastics class. She’s been practicing somersaults at home, and cartwheels.
Your father is going to a work related conference this week in New Mexico. He’ll leave there and head to Utah for Nora’s blessing on Sunday. How fun that he’ll get to be there for that, and participate. It’s unknown as to whether or not he’ll have any traveling companions, as whoever went would miss three days of school.
And of course today is the Super Bowl. I thought this bet between Mayors sporting.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia’s iconic Rocky statue could be forced to sport New England Patriots colors thanks to a Super Bowl wager with the Massachusetts hometown of heavyweight champ Rocky Marciano. Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter said Thursday that Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney had agreed to the Rocky vs. Rocky bet. If Philadelphia wins the big game, Brockton’s statue of the undefeated Marciano will be clad in Eagles gear. If New England wins, Philadelphia’s Rocky will wear Patriots attire. (As of press time, the Patriots are up 33-32.)
I hope you have a wonderful week. Stay safe. Be careful. Come home to me.
Love,
Mom
P.S. We have some face medicine going in your birthday box. Let me know.
I love this thought. “You are always a leader, and you are always a follower. Leadership is an expression of discipleship – it is simply a matter of helping others come unto Christ…it comes from your commitment to follow Jesus Christ.”
I thought it interesting that I read this talk and then finding out about your Uncle Rich, who has been in and out of doctor offices and hospitals for the last two weeks. I think originally he thought he was having symptoms because of his pace maker and / or the medications he’s on for that. Now I don’t think anyone knows what’s going on. He’s in a weakened condition due to being nauseated, and does not have the strength to move. I’ll try to get an update later today, but the family is fasting for him. His 51st birthday will not be his favorite. Remember him in your prayers. He's one of the greatest followers I know.
Grampy’s doing well. He hasn’t had any serious issues for a while until this past week. Steady is good. Uncle Ben is planning on bringing his family to New England this summer, as he has to be in the area for a conference, so we will probably go back as well. I’ve flown in to visit, but you and your siblings haven’t been there in a while.
Your father and I went to the Fort Worth Rodeo on date night. It was really, really fun. They have no more than six of each competition, not that I was bored with any of them. Bareback and saddle bronc riding were probably my favorite. Roping, team roping, and the chuck wagon races were fun as well. I am allergic to hay, I guess, as I spent the evening with weepy eyes, dripping nose, itching chest, and my throat and lungs closing up. The cough hurt but not enough to leave. We highly recommend this yearly event. There’s only one more year of the rodeo in the historical Will Rodgers coliseum, and then a new facility will be opening in 2020. This is the same event that Breyer went to with a classmate.
Your brother Sawyer is still not playing ball. He may sit out the rest of the season due to the ankle injury. We’ll see. His team lost their Thursday night game by a few points, but it wasn’t a district game. This week they play Stephenville, whom they should be able to win without him, then the following week is Everman. Sawyer was told that your high school coach called down specifically to ask about Sawyer and one of his friends.
Miller played two games yesterday. We talked about some goals he could work on, to be a better team player. One was to follow up his teammates’ shots with the rebound. One was to not waste his shot, making more of an effort to get closer. He did great. He rebounded like crazy, and it was weird seeing him under the boards so much. He’s been hanging on the fringes all season, mostly because he’s usually the point guard. His prime team switched him to a 4, so he has been having a few more opportunities. He thinks he was high score for one of his games.
Breyer is still in love with her gymnastics class. She’s been practicing somersaults at home, and cartwheels.
Your father is going to a work related conference this week in New Mexico. He’ll leave there and head to Utah for Nora’s blessing on Sunday. How fun that he’ll get to be there for that, and participate. It’s unknown as to whether or not he’ll have any traveling companions, as whoever went would miss three days of school.
And of course today is the Super Bowl. I thought this bet between Mayors sporting.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia’s iconic Rocky statue could be forced to sport New England Patriots colors thanks to a Super Bowl wager with the Massachusetts hometown of heavyweight champ Rocky Marciano. Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter said Thursday that Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney had agreed to the Rocky vs. Rocky bet. If Philadelphia wins the big game, Brockton’s statue of the undefeated Marciano will be clad in Eagles gear. If New England wins, Philadelphia’s Rocky will wear Patriots attire. (As of press time, the Patriots are up 33-32.)
I hope you have a wonderful week. Stay safe. Be careful. Come home to me.
Love,
Mom
P.S. We have some face medicine going in your birthday box. Let me know.
Saturday, February 3, 2018
College Correspondent
Looking back, prepares us to go forward.
Honestly, this week was pretty boring.
First, to clarify dategate. I did not go on any dates last week. I did eat California dates daily. I will be sure to mention something about fiber next time to avoid any confusion. And that next time is now. I again did not go on any dates. Two weeks and running. For what its worth, I did hold a Bing Crosby Karaoke night for one on Saturday. That was a blast! Where the blue of the night meets the gold of the day........
Sunday School is going great. We are up to 10 teachers and everything is humming along nicely. We will have teacher training council this Sunday, and are thinking about again expanding the curriculum, and adding another class. I know its not quite building a team, but it sort of is, and its been fun to do that. My counselors are awesome, and I've been impressed by the positive response of the members to help.
I again did more genealogy and visited the temple, this time Provo City Center.
I am enjoying more school classes. My favorites are an entrepreneurship class, and history of Brasil. I've learned lots in both, and my appreciation of the subjects has greatly increased. Talking about the effect of the sugar industry in colonial Brasil, I learned that in 1500 the average European did not eat any refined sugars. In 1750, that number was up to 4 pounds annually per person. And today, the average American consumes 120 pounds of sugar annually. 120 pounds. No society has rejected sugar.
And my entrepreneurship class, the professor, Ralph Little has been fantastic. He's shared not only business lessons well, but has taught life lessons that change how I think. This week, after challenging us to change the way we converse, to listen more, and not bring everything back to ourselves, and to specifically engage some strangers in meaningful conversation, the question was asked what if we don't like the person? If they are just a jerk? I admit I thought it was a fair question, but the professor responded that if we don't like someone, it is because we don't know them. We need to ask more questions, establish trust and get to know them. We should love everyone. And its true. Try it. Don't talk at all about yourself, but let the other person talk, watch how much they open up, and learn from them. Show interest.
Honestly, this week was pretty boring.
First, to clarify dategate. I did not go on any dates last week. I did eat California dates daily. I will be sure to mention something about fiber next time to avoid any confusion. And that next time is now. I again did not go on any dates. Two weeks and running. For what its worth, I did hold a Bing Crosby Karaoke night for one on Saturday. That was a blast! Where the blue of the night meets the gold of the day........
Sunday School is going great. We are up to 10 teachers and everything is humming along nicely. We will have teacher training council this Sunday, and are thinking about again expanding the curriculum, and adding another class. I know its not quite building a team, but it sort of is, and its been fun to do that. My counselors are awesome, and I've been impressed by the positive response of the members to help.
I again did more genealogy and visited the temple, this time Provo City Center.
I am enjoying more school classes. My favorites are an entrepreneurship class, and history of Brasil. I've learned lots in both, and my appreciation of the subjects has greatly increased. Talking about the effect of the sugar industry in colonial Brasil, I learned that in 1500 the average European did not eat any refined sugars. In 1750, that number was up to 4 pounds annually per person. And today, the average American consumes 120 pounds of sugar annually. 120 pounds. No society has rejected sugar.
And my entrepreneurship class, the professor, Ralph Little has been fantastic. He's shared not only business lessons well, but has taught life lessons that change how I think. This week, after challenging us to change the way we converse, to listen more, and not bring everything back to ourselves, and to specifically engage some strangers in meaningful conversation, the question was asked what if we don't like the person? If they are just a jerk? I admit I thought it was a fair question, but the professor responded that if we don't like someone, it is because we don't know them. We need to ask more questions, establish trust and get to know them. We should love everyone. And its true. Try it. Don't talk at all about yourself, but let the other person talk, watch how much they open up, and learn from them. Show interest.
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