Chronicles of the Coastal Californians

Dear Hunter,

Just a quick note today! We are loving San Diego and its sights and sounds and seashore. Also Little Italy which you can see below. We went on a gelato tasting tour and smelled all the wonderful restaurants as we walked by. They had Italian American baseball players involved on the lampposts and lots of people were talking boisterously in Italian on the streets.

Today we visited the Mormon battalion visitors center, probably the coolest visitors center I've been to.

President Nelson came to our stake conference today. He talked about having more joy in life. It was a good message and I strengthened my testimony that he and his fellow twelve apostles are called servants of God. He said: "If you want more joy in your life, get to know Jesus Christ...learn the word of the Lord and you will have more joy in your life...if you want to have more joy in your life, be a missionary, worship in the temple. I promise you'll come home happier than you were before...keep the word of wisdom...keep learning. Education with us Latter-day Saints is a religious responsibility...be good citizens...serve other people...Men are that they might have joy…"

We love you and hope you are joyful in the service of your Savior,

Love,

Tanner and AnneMarie

Grand Champion!

ELEMENTARY STUDENTS SQUARE OFF IN CHESS TOURNAMENT

May 17, 2016

 

Second and third graders from Granbury ISD elementary schools squared off in a chess tournament on May 17, 2016, at Mambrino School.

 

Winning the tournament featuring the top players from all six elementary campuses were two Oak Woods School students.  For third graders, the champion was Sterling Dunagan with Oak Woods classmate Tony Debello coming in as runner-up.  The second-grade champion was Miller Schenewark with Emma Roberson Elementary School student Aaron Gomez as runner-up.  Pictured above are (left to right) Schenwark, Oak Woods principal Donnie Cody, and Dunagan.

The tourney follows a district initiative for all elementary students in the two grade levels to learn problem solving skills through the chess program funded by a grant from the Granbury ISD Education Foundation.  The program began during the 2014-15 school year.

First Move in-class chess curriculum was created specifically for second and third grade students to support the development of foundational critical thinking and problem solving skills, which are 21st century competencies embraced and targeted by GISD.

Students across the district will use the skills taught within the First Move curriculum to improve reading, writing, math, science, and social studies skills during weekly 50-minute lessons taught in their classrooms.

“Chess requires you to think hard, analyze, plan and execute,” according to First Move. “Problem solving and learning are part of a game. Kids learn they can take on something challenging and be successful.”

Playing chess can improve not only in academics and analytical thinking skills and learning but also self-esteem and sportsmanship, the organization reports.

Letter #39

Dear Family and Friends,

This week, perhaps the biggest news was Big D visited our house. And I´m not talking about Kevin Durrant or Dwayne Johnson. I´m talking about d-i-a-r-r-h-e-a. Thankfully, I stayed free but my companion was running in the house a lot. Wednesday and Thursday we stayed pretty low on the radar. Tried visiting a couple people in the afternoon, but each time, we would return to the house after. To one investigator, we showed up a couple minutes early, so he was still shutting down his store, so we said we´d wait for him. After a minute my companion said, I´ll need the bathroom after this lesson. After 3 minutes, he said, we need to leave now. So we said bye to the guy, I think leaving really perplexed him after just a  3 minute wait, but oh well,  and then we barely made it home in time.

We have a list of members, and we are trying to visit the less actives on the list. In choosing this week, we visited someone who would be having a birthday that day, and brought some candy. Absolutely made his week. It was really cool to do that. He said no one had remembered, and was super glad we stopped by.

We ran into some kids, and went back another night to teach them. Wendell is 11, Danielson is 12. Unfortunately there parents are more of the black magic and marijuana type, but we had a good lesson and at the end, teaching how to pray, Danielson said one of the most memorable prayers ever. At 12, he´s asking for good grades in school, a good job one day, to be better in soccer, good employment one day (yes, again, its obviously important for him), and finally, one more time, good employment `so I won´t become a robber´. It was humorous, but at the same time, was straight from his heart. Very, Very sincere and brought the spirit with it.

Saturday, we had zone conference. Left really early, and went up to Campos. It was wonderful to hear and see Pres. and Sister Young. They talked a lot about having love. And, its always nice to pick up a couple letters and hear how everyone is doing. We worked with other missionaries for a day, and then left for the stake center. There, our branch had a van which we took back to town.

Sunday, was the general session of stake conference, so we returned again, this time our branch had a nice tour bus, and it was a fun ride. We had 43 people who went for the branch, which is more people than generally attend sacrament.

Today, I cut my hair. I will admit, not perfectly, but got the job done. Its my first time in Brasil, all the other wards have people who do it for free.

In an old ensign article about 4 things to make a happy home by Pres. Monson;

-1-a pattern of prayer
-2-a library of learning
-3-a legacy of love
-4-a treasure of testimony read this quote, translated roughly,

`Happiness is the objective and purpose of this existince; and will be the end result, if we foolow the path that will bring us there; and this path is virtue, faithfulness, holiness, and obedience to all the commandments of God.` Joseph Smith.

About prayer, Pres. Hinckley said, ``Truly happy is the boy or girl, including those who are already teenagers, in whose home its customary to pray as a family in the mornings and at night.``

So, be happy. Follow the path that leads to happiness. And if you are not praying together as a family twice a day, start now. Like today. I got a letter from Grampy and he said the most powerful missionaries were always united in prayer as a companionship. And I know its the same thing for families.

Love you all!

Elder Schenewark
Enjoy the view.

With All My Love

Dear Elder Schenewark, and missionary friends,

Can you believe another week has passed? Sometimes they go by so fast I can't believe I'm sitting here, trying to remember how my time was occupied.

Sorry I didn't get my letter emailed last week. I type it on the blog, and frequently forget to copy it. Dad usually is my back-up but not last week. You've looked like you've lost a bit of weight. Please eat. More. Your box is on the way. I now have my own vision insurance, and can double up on benefits for you, effective June 1st.  Let me know as soon as you can whether or not you want contacts ordered. I'll get them in the mail right away, as well as the glasses. I can even pick out a new frame for you, instead of glasses, that are lighter and wireless, instead of contacts. Your second benefit kicks in September 1st. Eat. More. Please.

Dad has been home a lot. The winter semester ended, and thus far his summer classes consist of an internship seminar, and an online class. He has the second summer session off, and will teach again in the third summer session, right before the fall semester. So, Breyer and he have especially enjoyed their time together. She goes with him on a lot of errands that I can't take the time to finish. Tailors, watch repair, store, gas, library, bank...Mr. Dad and his sidekick get it all done for me, and then some. Breyer even has my place of honor in the bed on those nights when I'm not home. He also does all the morning commutes to seminary and school, as I'm not always back in time.

One day he went to the craft store, and she talked him into a gallon size container of pink paint. There are remnants of her painting adventures on our kitchen table, and floor. And when walking out for work that night, she knocked it off the counter, and it exploded all over my red shirt, black pants, and in my hair. Such are the adventures with your sister.

The school schedules have increased exponentially in relation to the decreasing school days. Sawyer had a field day, which I'll write about later, but his ribbon pile is massive. Miller the chess tournament, which you've seen. Porter has had volleyball and soccer competitions, and Cooper a tennis swimming pool party and a trip to Six Flags. And more this week.

Sawyer and Miller have gotten the golf bug. I took them both to the driving range one evening so they could drive and putt.. Another evening it was just Miller and I. Breyer wanted to tag along so she brought her putter, but spent her time instead playing with the course mascot, a dog. They've spent warm afternoons washing their clubs and sorting tees. Breyer used her pink paint and fixed a white ball girly style. I hope to get the boys entered in the golf summer camp this year. Your partner at the course where you won the pot has moved to Idaho, but the other PGA pro remembers you well, and was happy to find out Sawyer and Miller were your brothers. He's coaching the #5 junior in the world, and another 9th grader who's ranked high for the state of Texas. Maybe one night I'll bring them there so we can listen in one his lessons.

One morning Breyer wanted hard boiled eggs for breakfast. When I finished the eggs, she decided she'd eat them later for a snack. I didn't think anything about this comment, but noticed a few minutes later she was sitting on the carpet in her "W" position, knees forward, feet back, and rocking.
"Breyer, what are you doing?"
"Being a chicken."
"What does a chicken do?"
"Sit on her eggs."
Yes, she was. All six. Thank goodness they were cooked.

I brought one of her eggs to work that night for my snack. Imagine my surprise, and my co-workers, when I cracked the egg and it dripped all over me and the desk. Lots of laughs. How an uncooked egg got on the shelf, with the cooked eggs, can only be answered by your sister. I didn't bother to ask. She keeps me on my toes, and in this case, on my knees wiping up yolk.

Cooper's latest creative ventures include buying foam board, and creating airplanes from pictures. To scale. This is a glider. He uses white duct tape. He has quite the fleet.

Your grandmother's favorite scripture of late is Luke 10:20. I must have heard her quote it five times while we were together for your cousin's wedding. "Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven." What a blessing to know that Heavenly Father loves you. He knows who Hunter is, that he loves golf, he loves his family, he loves serving Him as a missionary. He knows of your struggles, and desires to be strictly obedient. You too need to rejoice. Your name is written in heaven, and I know it has a few exclamation points that follow, because you please Him so well.

Me too. Know of my love for you!

Mom

Chess Champ

Dear Hunter,

Guess what?

Miller's been playing chess. In second grade. At his school. 

For the past two weeks his school has had a grade level chess tournament.. And he won! He gets to go next week to another elementary school in the city and continue on in the tournament, playing the four other school winners (two from each school).

I'm SO excited for him! Thank you for your love of chess, for teaching him the game, for always being willing to play him. You and Sawyer have made him into a champ.

We'll keep you updated.

Love,

Mom

A Day with a Dentist

Dear Hunter,

Your  brother had to shadow some one in a biology field. He chose a recently moved to Granbury dentist who's bought into a practice in Glen Rose.

As you can see from his pictures, he was most interested in the creating process of the job. Not such a surprise. And he really appreciated the telly on the ceiling.

Bentwater Bass

Princess Poses

 Dear Elder Schenewark,

We all knew the day would come. Your sister has always been interested in dancing. Not that I've purchased dancing outfits, they've been donated. Not that I've enrolled her in dancing classes, she does that all on her own. Not that I've encouraged her. She does that all by herself as well.

She's found your record player. And records. And when she can find her own music, it's a part of her daily routine. Her dancing and music would make you happy. She makes me happy.

Hopefully this small glimpse into her little world will make you smile for now.

(Sorry for the poor quality. I could only shoot through her closed glass doors. She's quite shy about her dancing.)

 

Love,

Mom

Words of Wisdom

Dear Hunter,

It was wonderful to hear your voice today and even see your face for a little. You look good:) I didn't get to hear all of your concerns but what I didn't hear I can imagine. I served in what I think was initially a pretty obedient mission and turned into a very obedient one by the time I left and even then there were many times that I felt somewhat hopeless. Missions are like a burden sometimes but they're worth the load. In a very real sense you are treading the road that the Savior trod, if only the most minuscule part.

I have some things that I could recommend to you, especially as you move into leadership positions. As a trainer, a district leader, a zone leader or AP, you are in an increasingly influential position. It becomes your responsibility to influence with your example and your leadership even as you work within the guidance of your mission president. At each stage, though it may be hard, focus only on your fold as shepherd, on your area, or your zone, whatever your authority dictates. Overstepping that, no matter how well intentioned, never leads to the Lord's purposes. That said, I'll try and include some things I found helpful. You can prayerfully implement them in your mission.

Your purpose is to lead people to the waters of baptism. Implementing an effective and efficient program to give investigators the best possible chance of making the right decisions (while maintaining their agency) is key to giving the Lord your best effort.

We're here in California. It's fun. I'm back selling, making cheddar. We took a trip to Laguna beach last week. This was after AnneMarie's graduation, filling up our storage unit, a very bumpy ride in a very tiny car from Utah to Cali, and some bomb grilled cheese. We love the weather here, sunny but not too warm. We love shopping at Trader Joes and going to the temple with one another. We especially love you:)

Love,

Tanner and AnneMarie

Letter #38

Dear Family and Friends,

It was wonderful to see everyone yesterday! There´s always a special spirit talking to the family. Hopefully next time everyone (Tanner and Annemarie) can get on Skype at the same time.

Not much to write about from last week. I was very happy to read Tanner´s letter, and have his advice. It's  basically exactly what we are trying to do, but when it's not working it's good to have support.

This last week, Friday was the craziest day by far. By far. We had the craziest lesson of my mission. It was my companion, and a member of the branch presidency, and I trying to talk to Luis, an 82 year old investigator. Every time we tried talking, his equally old wife would come out and yell at us. Basically, Luis has been preparing for baptism for a couple weeks, and every Sunday walks about 1 mile to church. As the date has gotten closer, his children have started talking really bad about the church and not talking to us. They convinced his wife, their mother, so then she started railing on us. It´s honestly really sad to see that, and it was a scene I´ll never forget. The wife was yelling at us like a toddler, stomping the ground and jumping up and down, and Luis, who is waiting for heart surgery and is not in the best shape started yelling at her, and the member, touched him gently, just whispering over and over, "We´re here to bring peace, not contention." We left, like we had just fought a battle, and returned the next day, and Luis didn't want to look at us, and asked us not to visit again. It was really sad and hard. He said in short, his family gave him an ultimatum, and he chose them.

But, to get back to Friday, after visiting his house, we left and were walking on the road when we see a big commotion happening about 50 yards in front of us. We walk up, and people are crying, screaming, leaving the house, calling for an ambulance, etc. A scene of absolute chaos. We go in, turns out part of the family is less active, and give a blessing. A women with some special needs, about 40, had a fit of epilepsy, and wasn't moving, or anything. Someone held her head up, I anointed and my companion blessed her to heal in less than 30 minutes. Then we left, as the ambulance was arriving. We asked the next day, and before they even got to the hospital she was better. A miracle.

Saturday, we held our second English class, and had the best turnout of my mission yet: 14 people! We divided into two groups, group 1 being I don´t know anything about English, taught very well by my companion, and group 2 being I know something about English, taught by me. It went really, really well! And at church the next day, only 30 people showed up, so 14 at an event is something. We were really happy and are working to get more there. It's been announced on the radio and everything here.

This week we´ll be going to Campos for stake conference and a zone meeting, so I´ll be picking up mail!  Love you all!!!!

Elder Schenewark
Make yourself at home.