Happy Halloween!

Book character, The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale

BOO! Breyer

Letter #62

What an, as always, fantastic week.If you read the subject line, lemme tell you that it's NOT actually the weirdest thing I ate this week.Unfortunately, I left the ol' camera at home, but next week I'll have the world series photo shoot. So yes, let's see if google can help

IT CAN

So, yes, here is the mixy mix that I ate. For my dearest Father's health concerns, I will not mention that the shrimp was raw and that the açai had been shipped in a mail truck over two weeks ago. So, not mentioned.

Interesting. Tthe udda thing that was gulletted in south east Brazil this week is called buchaha de bode. Ffor ye men of little Portuguese (or Porter-guese), that is........goat stomach. It kinda looks like a balloon. Mom always taught me to not play with my food, but who can resist a good game of hot goat stomach?? Not I said this guy.

And last but not quite last, we found a couple of hats, and did that old classicly classic Indiana-Jones-and-sidekick bit. Unfortunately, I was short-strawed and played the part of Louisiana Young.

And lastly, thoughts of the week. With another Boston title this week, I thought a little of my beautiful city. For those of yous guys unfamiliar with the Hub, there is a building in the city called the Berkley Building (the old Hancock building). On top of this building, in this city, on the bay, on the Atlantic, there is a large syringe like looking needle on top. What makes this needle different is the lights.When the light is blue and steady, clear skies. Flashing blue, cloudy. Steady red, rain, and flashing red, snow.

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to look up and know exactly what is coming your way, in the moment, without delay?

Wouldn't you like a little light that starts blinking when you're gonna get goat stomach for lunch so you can call in sick ahead of time? It would be.

For this reason, we need a, how shall we say, spiritual syringe needle that lets us know what we are going to face.

For this reason, we have a little friendly old man who tells us.

It's comforting to know that when something big is coming our way, as He always has, Heavenly Father has given us this warning light.

Just like with Moses and Noah and all the others, when He wants to tell us what is coming, He sends us that IMS through that same prophetic way.

Love you all, I know that we have a living prophet. Until next week -



Elder in the Wrong Sized Hat

With All My Love

Good morning Elder Schenewark!

I hope your week was wonderful. I’ve told several people several times this week, as I’ve been asked several times, that sending multiple missionaries doesn’t get easier. It gets longer. And harder. Oh well. Living in a day and age where weekly communication is possible, allows me to endure and endure well.

Monday evening for family home evening we were downtown in parade formation. Cooper was on the tennis team "float," obtaining place of honor in the bed of the pick up, with two other senior players. Sawyer was on a flatbed pulled behind a pick up truck with the basketball team. Both doused us with candy. And all the pee wee football floats threw candy at Miller, as he's well known in the elementary school athletic world. Even Breyer was hailed from female friends on cheer leader and elementary school floats. We came home with a huge bowlful of candy, and we haven't even reached the peak Halloween event week.

Well, your father and I have waited for 27 years for the Red Sox to meet the Dodgers in the World Series, and this year it finally happened. They haven't played each other in a World Series game for 104 years! So even though it's of no eternal consequence, considering baseball is the choice of sport for heavenly messengers, we're game.

The first game occurred Tuesday in my stomping grounds, and with a home win 8-5. We lasted until the seventh inning. Dad borrowed Gammons cable codes to log into the game. Not very heavenly, but funny. And his moans and groans when mistakes were made on his team were sometimes more entertaining than the game itself.

The Wednesday game was a Red Sox 4-2 win as well, but neither of us saw it.

The Friday game, in Los Angeles, was won by the Dodgers 3-2. After 18 innings! The first inning that any one scored was in the 13th, which ended 1-1. Crazy! Tanner was working on a legal brief, and appreciated the Red Sox keeping him company. The Sox won yesterday, and will probably finish the series with a win tonight. Thank goodness!

Breyer reading, having just discovered the joys of

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Thursday evenings Miss B goes to gymnastics, and is one skill away from moving up to level 3: back hand springs on the trampoline. So this week and next she’ll be working only on that, which is very hard to do for the entire class. She’s very excited to demonstrate her new skills to AnneMarie at Christmas time. And if you remember, will do so gladly for you when you call.

Your father had to go to an overnight conference in Austin Friday, but when he returned Saturday afternoon he returned with lots of surprises. He stopped at the famous pie shop Blue Bonnet Café in Marble Falls and brought home a chocolate cream for us and a banana cream for his clerks. He also stopped off in Round Rock for their world famous donut, of which you ate many, and brought home a dozen for us to enjoy this morning. Friday evening all the boys went to the homecoming football game, Miller procuring his ticket in his school office for $4.00 They came home with twenty plus plastic footballs, and a dozen hand towels, all of which were thrown into the stands. Just want we needed. My kitchen draw makes good use of those towels, to be sure. Breyer and I always enjoy our time together, this night with popcorn and ice cream. She was willing to hang out in the back yard for a bit while I mowed, picking up pine cones along our back fence. By the amount of pine cones on the trees the winter looks to be cold!

Saturday morning we had our second week of piano lessons x 4. Sawyer and his friend were invited by Coach B to practice with varsity on Saturday, which included a pancake breakfast. They returned to Nathan’s home to help with his sister’s flooded car and lawn care. He did vacuum for me later! Both boys were dropped off for the annual Halloween party at the church. Due to the rising snake population outside the church, meaning rattlesnakes on the doorsteps every week, the event was held inside, even the bouncy house, which appears so much larger when inside the gym. Miller and I joined the end of the party as he had a 5 p.m. baseball game. He had an in-the-park home run, with two runners batted in. He also had a double. He played a great game of catch, and after three innings catching was put in as pitcher. He had strikes, and a strike out, but wasn’t up to his usual pitching game after catching in 85 degree weather.

In the talk “Now Is the Time” by Elder Jack N. Gerard he asked, “How [are] we doing as a family and individually? [Are] we living our lives consistent with the covenants we ha[ve] made and the Lord’s expectations, or ha[ve] we perhaps unintentionally allowed the cares of the world to distract us from those things which matter most?” Elder Gerard spoke of a life changing incident where “almost instantaneously in that anxious moment, my entire perspective changed. What seemed so important just moments earlier was now of little interest. My mind raced away from the comfort and cares of this life to an eternal perspective—thoughts of family, children, my wife, and ultimately an assessment of my own life. He invited us to “consider an important lesson learned from this experience: to step back from the world and assess your life. Or in the words of the doctor, if there is anything in your life you need to consider, now is the time.” You’re in a position to be free from the cares of the world, more than you’ll ever be while on your mission as you’re concentrating on what matters most. Enjoy this time.

Knowing we're one week closer to enjoying you -

Mom

NORA N'UPDATE

A Halloween Story

Baby Bike 'n Hike

Aspen Angles

College Correspondent

Don’t Forsake Me, Oh My Darling

Yessir, I watched "High Noon" last weekend. Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly and an internal struggle played out on screen. Loved it.

Newsy Update:

A few weeks back, Bro. Corbett was released from the high council and Bro. Holmes was called to replace him. Given that we work closely with the HC, it has been very informative to see the different styles and MO's. They have usually attended our weekly meetings and bring lots of experience that helps.

When my mom was visiting, she picked a crock-pot out for me, per Mimi's birthday gift to me. Since then, its been a delight to use. I've made stuffing, beans, more beans, scalloped potatoes, and more beans. I (obviously) love legumes, and love being able to start cooking them, and not have to worry about them at all. And the seasoning and potatoes turned out good as well.

Wednesday, I went with Daniela and Robert to Salt Lake City to eat at The Eklektic. Wow! That was the best steak I've had in a long time. A nice cut of meat, with tamarindo, blue cheese, and caramelized onions. Dessert for me was crepes with ice cream. Daniela is the regional director for ISI and we met the ISI chapter president of Utah State at the restaurant to discuss upcoming events.

Thursday after work I attended a lecture given by Arthur Brooks. His books sound quite interesting, and I plan on checking them out, but after all the hype I'd heard, I was admittedly disappointed. I didn't feel like any new ideas had been presented or important thoughts shared. That said, Arthur Brooks (President of AEI) gives 170+ speeches annually, and is an engaging orator. Afterwards, I joined some ISI members (again) and we discussed some parts of the speech at SLAB Pizza. ISI has been an integral part of my college education, and I appreciate likewise their willingness, nay, insistence, on always picking up the tab.

Due to an upcoming tax deadline, I had work off on Friday. After my classes ended, I picked up Tanner and we played the Executive Course at Eastbay. He had the shot of the day with a nice 45 ft. sharply downhill putt to save par. I did nearly usurp that on the last hole, but my 60+ ft eagle putt lipped out. It was nice to spend that time with him and enjoy the remaining good weather.

Saturday morning I started and couldn't put down Stanley Crawford's A Garlic Testament: Seasons on a Small New Mexico Farm. Folks, that is the dream. The evening was spent working at the BYU football game.

Sunday night, I again went to sing at the assisted nursing home. I was accompanied by some friends, and we enjoyed our time, with the residents imparting greater joy to us, than we could possible share with them. We went to the memory ward, and when we left, a resident walked, arm in arm with me to the end of the hallway, before bidding us farewell, knowing that she couldn't go out the door. It was tough to fathom.

Meaningful Moments

With three classes focusing on Family History, I've had plenty of opportunities to do research, and my love for this field continues to grow. I've "met" my 4x great-grandfather Cyrus Bullard, who besides caring for his farm, raised honeybees on the side. I've become emotional thinking about another great-great-great grandfather, Ellison Scott, dying at age 44, leaving behind his family, all due to an abscessed tooth. I've imagined the life of an uncle, George Kingsbury, who stayed single into his early thirties, before marrying and raising a couple daughters. By 70, he was a widower and still working, laboring in a factory, pressing hats.

I can't help but ask, what were their struggles and trials? What did they dream of? What would they think of their ancestors now?

My former mission comp, Vitor Brito let me know of a convert, Jose Fernando that went to the temple for the first time. Quick recap: Elder Brito and I worked relentlessly and perfectly obediently for five weeks with no results. The last week of the transfer we decided to try a new area, about 90 minutes away by bus, and on the beach, as many of the cities residents were going there for the holidays. We made the trip, and almost immediately were led to Jose Fernando. When we knocked, he had been praying that God would show him the true church. Jose would be a great example to me in his desire and diligence in following Jesus Christ. Despite the long travel time, he would often arrive first at the chapel. Now, he traveled a far greater distance, a roughly 14 hour bus ride to arrive at the temple in Sao Paulo.

To see how far he has come has been a true inspiration. I am so thankful to have met this amazing man, and to see him reach another milestone in his life.

February 2017

October 2018

Sometimes playing the organ, I wonder what other people think of my oft-repeated hymns, as I play what I am familiar and comfortable with. During testimony meeting, an elder returning to activity, bore his testimony, in his words, for the first time in years. The catalyst was the hymn, "Israel, Israel, God is Calling," which I play quite often. He related how he gained his testimony after praying and reading the book of Mormon for months, without a clear answer, he went on a youth trip to the Kirtland Temple. There, he learned about how angels visited on the day of dedication, and many other miracles, etc.

In this hymn, there is a line, "and angels are descending to visit the earth!" This reminded him quite powerfully of his conversion experience, and he bore pure testimony of the reality of our Heavenly Father, his love for us, and the plan that God has for each one of us, His children. It was amazing to hear, and the answer was quite clear, that yes, its ok to play the same hymns over and over again, as God's ways are higher than ours.

Granbury High School Homecoming Parade

Sawyer with the basketball team

Copoer with the tennis team

Letter #61

This week, we had the wonderous, marvelous, miraculously miraculous opportunity to be part of the baptism of Joseane. She is, in herself, quite the miracle. While we taught her, she expressed her desire to stop smoking and drinking coffee. Not normally the first things that someone presents as their greatest desire.

Over the last two months we have been able to witness the changes that have taken place in her and in her home. She has been able to leave the house that she was in, not a great place, and enter into a new house with her son and daughter. And Saturday, she, in her own words, was able to "begin the journey to have an eternal family, not just in this life, but after as well." What a blessing to have been able to experience this.

Unfortunately, as happens, I may have, in a classic me move, deleted the pictures that were taken.
But we are in the process of recovery.

And, after a long week with little success, the Lord, once again, placed his hand over the small neighborhood of Jardim Leonor, Paulínia. The rafter crwalers came crawling out of the rafters. Some, with little or no invitation, allowing us to have six people in church yesterday.

Well, have a great week, I know I will

Love,

Elder P-Daddy

With All My Love

Dear Elder Schenewark,

Good morning. We have a few smiles on our faces. We found your music video, on Facebook, as shared by your President. We found you. In the back row. Tall enough to see your smiling, singing face. Just what we needed to finish off the week.

We spent last week in the rain. A fall season in Texas usually generates four plus inches of rain. We’re close to thirty. Our back yard is mush. The roads are buckled and crumbling. The ceilings at work saturated, with the ceiling tiles bulging with water absorption, the air musty, and the trash cans strategically placed. The sun peeked out only for a few minutes yesterday, but at least the clouds generated no rain and the lake has remained in its borders unlike other lakes in the area.

Your Aunt Becky brought home Liam Friday evening, after spending all day at the hospital with discharge procedures. She’ll have her more than capable hands full with three special need children. They’re all ready to adopt him and are eligible in six months.

Cooper continues his stellar week from last we spoke, with an induction into the WIT program. Per Mr. Ochoa, he was highly recommended by the director of the CTA wing, as well as the Engineering Department. Ochoa still believes Cooper should be working harder in math class, as do I. 

Cooper was awarded his 2nd place prize of 72 colored pens at the Harvest Moon Festival. Sawyer and Dad cheered him on, as well as visited all the booths in the yearly art festival. Dad’s favorite booth was a man who made candles out of stones, and a trio of men that collaborated on knives. I was supposed to meet the family there, for the award ceremony, but was delayed to piano lessons. I now teach four young women at the Gammons house Saturday mornings, and was accompanied by Breyer and Miller.

Cooper posing with an old film projector

Cooper finished his final team tennis meet this week. Because of the rain, they had to secure the use of SMU’s indoor tennis facility, which wasn’t available until night, so he played at 7 p.m. Tuesday evening, and because the rain was on hold, return to a new Grapevine location for Wednesday morning’s completion. They won all their matches Tuesday evening, but against the returning state champions were not as successful. 

Sawyer found out this week the basketball coach has decided not to pull any freshmen up for the varsity squad. He was a bit disappointed, especially after knowing how successful he’s been. But having the pressure taken off of him is a relief. He had his basketball friend spend the night last night, after spending the afternoon at Pecan’s activity center. I’m hoping Nathan will go to church with Sawyer, but I’m not sure what the arrangements were.

Miller spent a whole week again, with no practice or games. He’s going nuts. He takes his excess energy out on Breyer. Whether they ride long boards together, or wrestle, or chase each other around the couch, she ultimately ends up hurt. Last night involved landing on her tooth while skate boarding on her belly, and getting a fat bleeding lip. A few days ago it was a finger jam, hard enough to put a black bruise around the inside of her middle knuckle. And she keeps going back for more.

The Elders Quorum had an activity last night they titled Guns, Grub and Knives. They had men specializing in each subject teach and present, demonstrate and answer questions. Miller was reluctant to go, but he's getting better about getting out of the house and socializing with his brothers. It would be very difficult for him to go if they weren't there. I think he and his brothers knew more about the knife man, because of Cooper's prowess in forging and creating, but they all enjoyed the event. Except the food. The food man backed out at the last minute, and grub it was: Dry whole-wheat-bread-with-too-much-fiber, bologna and processed cheese.

Breyer had a field trip to a Fort Worth theater that I was able to accompany her on. There was only one other mother that signed up to go so we had our hands full. She potty breaked the girls and I took the boys. The play was a court room drama involving the big bad wolf, and all his aggrieved subjects including the three little pigs, little Red Riding Hood, and Peter from Peter and the Wolf. The music was great, as were the costumes and actors. The message not so great as the audience was the jury, and voted to set him free. She does enjoy spending time with me, and the day was delightful. She also got me that night at her gymnastic practice. She’s one check mark away from moving up to the third level.

In reading Shepherding Souls by Elder Gary E. Stevenson, he said, “Because it is His Church, we as His servants will minister to the one, just as He did. We will minister in His name, with His power and authority, and with His loving-kindness.” He defined shepherd as any one. “From the moment we emerge from the waters of baptism, we are commissioned to this work. We reach out in love to others because it is what our Savior commanded us to do.”

Enjoy this time on your mission, unencumbered by the trials of daily life and responsibilities, to be able to minister full time. What a wonderful opportunity to serve a mission and devote oneself to serving full time.

The manuals for the new home program implemented in 2019 arrived on our doorstop. President Nelson’s quote - “As Latter-day Saints, we have become accustomed to thinking of ‘church’ as something that happens in our meetinghouses, supported by what happens at home. We need an adjustment to this pattern. It is time for a home-centered Church, supported by what takes place inside our branch, ward, and stake buildings” has me so excited for my children and their future families.

Be good. Write lots. Stay safe. Know of our love for you. Only nine months left!

Mom

Porter -

How goes it Porter? I was able to see your video with all the missionaries signing. your mam is trying to get Hunter or Tanner to translate.

Monday is a rough time to write. I have many stories and ideas throughout the week and then I sit here in the morning and forget/or am rushed to tell them.

Missionary news on the Homefront. Sawyer had a friend to come to church. He stayed the night and then came to church in the morning. I am not sure, but Sawyer thinks he may come next week.

My Sunday started off with me getting to church for Bishopric meeting early. I am usually late. but this Sunday I was early. However I forgot my church keys. The executive secretary showed up but he has no keys. we are waiting for someone else to show up and the the executive secretary is sweating bullets. He informs me that he has to go to the restroom. So i say "go behind a tree." But this was not a go behind a tree sort of deal, he had to go a number two.

He is a big man. SO I expect things would be big! This is not good especially with the ward truck or treat activity coming this Saturday. What he would leave could be found by a wondering child and that would be a foul trick.

Anyhow he is off to Racetrack gas station to do his business. And right when he drives out, the second counselor shows up. Next thing I know the secretary had made a u-turn. I quess all is well that ends well. But the Second Counselor informs me that he would have been at church earlier but he had to go a two and made a quick stop at his home. Thanks for that information. The key point is that there are these grown men laughing (I included becuase I made most of the commentary/jokes) laughing over this early morning incident which is funny, but it would be funny to a bunch of 8 year olds. Something just don't change.

Is your ward doing anything for Halloween? How is training going? Are you doing well?

miss you. be wise and careful.

Love you,

Dad

Brazilian Version of I Hope They Call Me On A Mission

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t89GDWYB9w&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3Ku0Q7oMlAeMOhUdlrbAr9rnQvOa7a4W_VPnVVMxjs2uMbw2DvE6TpGK0

Friday Night Fun

Big Bad Musical

WIT Induction

Granbury High School students are focusing on career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through WIT (Workforce Industry Training).  The organization held its induction ceremony on October 19, 2018, in the GHS cafeteria.

Officers for the 2018-19 school year are:  Payton Freeman, president; Hope Long, vice president; Cooper Schenewark, secretary; Hunter Dewey, student advisor.  Faculty advisor is math teacher Jose Ochoa.

WIT is open to both high school male and female students and offers educational tools and essential support to pursue educational professional in STEM fields.

Participants enjoy mentoring activities by industry professionals, visit local industry partners, participate in industry job shadowing, take part in professional development activities, visit universities and community colleges, participate in community service, hear from and meet guest speakers, and have scholarship opportunities.

WIT is a high school outreach initiative of the Nuclear Power Institute, a unique statewide partnership led by the Texas Engineering Experiment Station and headquartered at Texas A&M University.  Inductees must be a junior or senior, have a 2.5 grade point average, have an interest in pursuing a STEM technical degree, and complete an interview.

Granbury High School Team Tennis

Cooper's doubles partner - Wade - undefeated except for one match - through regionals