With All My Love

Dear Elder Schenewark, sons, and friends -

Porter had your father laughing tonight. Out of 700 plus students in his American Heritage class, he's the only one the teacher knows by name, and has carte blanche to speak up whenever. And, he has a date with a cheer leader he met at a football game. Way to take one for the team. Go Porter!

Tanner turned 24 Saturday. Unbelievable. I can't believe I have a son that old! And my birthday wishes are all in written form over the internet. Go Tanner!

Your younger siblings are having a rough time with germs this year. Breyer's still on antibiotics for strep. When I picked Miller up from school on Friday and he told me he had a sore throat, we drove straight to the doctor's office. Who needs an appointment? They said his quick strep test was negative, but he's suffered all weekend. We'll check more Monday. Last night Breyer was up all night complaining of a sore throat that she did not have when she went to bed. But she was off all day, just not feeling well.

Miller skipped basketball try outs Friday evening but made his soccer game Saturday morning. They didn't have too many problems with the team, so he was happy to kick back in goalie, and not run as much as usual. It was his last regular season game, and when they handed out trophies, he was awarded "Most Versatile" player, as they've used him all over the field.

Sawyer and Cooper had a camp out this weekend. Jarrod and Sawyer couldn't sleep over, but they had a good time trying to fish for catfish. Cooper was a lone man in the wilderness. They played capture the flag until 0330.

Sawyer had a regional band audition Saturday morning, and your father was one of the volunteers. He was three positions away, out of 1100, from making the first cut. Most participants are a grade older than Sawyer, and he was somewhat relieved not to have this commitment. He made the basketball team for his middle school, still waiting to see which team he's on. His first game, away, is this week.

Breyer made me laugh this week. She was eating dinner at the counter and was reminded of her lunch time table. "Mom. Robbie puts his carrots up his nose and then he eats them! That's so gross!" Special Robbie. The next day: "Mom, Robbie brought an apple today and put it in his ear! And he ate it!" She can't say the sound for the "th" blend yet. It sounds like an "f." So "thirty" is "ferty." One day this week when she was counting, and I corrected her, she said, "Mom, that's the naughty brothers sound!" Huh? "Why are they naughty, Breyer?" "Because they stick out their tongue and spit." True! Isn't she funny!

I guess you heard about the election? Trump over Clinton. There have been protests, even here in Dallas. Sawyer was very interested election night, using the large radio, lying on the rug in the library, and keeping track of results.

Cooper made local news with his tennis team: "During the fall season, the GHS team dominated district play with an undefeated record, earning the school’s first district championship since 2003. The squad won third place in the area playoffs. Held in the fall, team tennis involves a combination of matches featuring boys’ singles, girls’ singles, boys’ doubles, girls’ doubles, and mixed doubles."

And last but not least, I was contemplating Veterans Day this week, disappointed I didn't finish my piano lesson in time to hear Sawyer's veteran day's concert. I even taught your father a thing or two, as I was in school with Breyer and Miller, while Breyer was receiving her award...separate post...and watched a celebratory video. Veterans Day used to be celebrated in October, and then was put back on the 11th day of the 11th month, Armistice Day, the day the treaty for World War I was signed.

Uncle Aaron even had a "ruck up" Mount Monadnock, with his thirty pound ruk sack. Go vets! Go Aaron! I digress. Veterans Day is for remembering all veterans, Memorial Day for those veterans who have died. Two days out of 365 we might pause to remember those who served us, those who defend our freedoms, and protect our lands. And because we're forgetful creatures, we have Remembrance Day each Sunday for our Savior who also serves us, defends us, and ultimately protects us, when we partake of the sacrament in an ordinance to help us to always remember Him. I want to do better than twice a year, or once a month, or every other day.

I remember you. Always.

Love,

Mom

Bad Bass Boy

No matter the weather,

fish are still hungry.

Shining Star Student!

 "Breyer is a wonderful student to have in class.

She is such a hard worker.

She has a sweet and gentle soul and is so kind to everyone.

She always pays attention and gets her work completed on time.

She is such a delight to have in class.

I know Breyer will have a bright future and I am honored that i have had the opportunity to teach her this year!"

Mrs. Williams

Words(or Pictures) for the Wingmen

Haters gonna hate. Lovers gonna love. I'll let you guess which ones we are. 

Edinburg, Scotland

THIS GUY 😍 I've never been happier and living abroad together just keeps getting better and better!!

Padrão dos Descobrimentos.

Lisbon, Portugal

Oh Deere!

 I recently learned of a guy in Pennsylvania that fixes, and also parts out John Deere riding lawnmowers.  

Considering Crafy Cooper inherited his own, and has proceeded to take it apart, we might need to get acquainted.

Soon.

I miss my garage!

Letter #64

Dear Family and Friends,

We went to develop some photos and were told that a virus had attacked my memory card and all my photos were gone. They've been working on it, and it looks like they´ll be back, but it was a good reminder to be prepared and have  a back-up. But, I only have one photo from this week, yesterday, as Daniel was confirmed a member.

I love the story in 2 Samuel 24 in which David goes to offer a sacrifice to the Lord. The owner of the field, offers to give everything to David for free. To which comes the classic reply;

´´Neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing.´´

Sacrifice brings power, and opens the windows of heaven for us. And the key to sacrifice? Exactly that. Sacrifice. As Christ taught, the widow who gave of her need will be blessed much more than he who gave of his surplus to be seen by others. I am continually amazed and astounded by the faith and willingness of members to sacrifice here. As I've learned, we have to lose ourselves to find ourselves.

The hills here are blooming with some recent rain. I love the rolling green meadows.

This week was hard. Yesterday, we changed our approach and started talking a lot more about family history. It was amazing to see how the Spirit changed, people conversed with us, and we have appointments to return. We´re looking to go with that same mojo this week.

Love,

Elder Schenewark

College Correspondent

Dear Familia,

It's been a pretty uneventful couple of weeks. Classes are rolling along, I just registered for next semester. The schedule is pretty easy but knocks out the remainder of my General Education requirements.

Also, Halloween was last week which meant costumes. This year I went as Ochulo Kelchukwu Onyebueze Ochulo, Prince of Nigeria. My roommate, Ochulo Kelchukwu Onyebueze Ochulo, Prince of Nigeria also went as Ochulo Kelchukwu Onyebueze Ochulo, Prince of Nigeria.

Needless to say, the ladies of BYU went crazy.

The Princes of Nigeria became the Princes of Utah.

Also this week, we played the first game of our intramural Frisbee tournament. Da squad was able to pull out the win partly thanks to an overtime catch by yours truly. The team we played contained two members of BYU's Intercollegiate Ultimate team, two guys and a girl, so in a single elimination tournament, a pretty big win. I was also asked if I wanted to play on the club team.

 

I managed to catch three touchdowns and throw three more in a game that ended up 9-7.

Other than that, my week has been pretty basic. I had a couple of dates and a couple of parties but not much else. I went to quiz bowl again. And won.

I really enjoyed this painting by JMW Turner. The Slave Ship was painted just before the beginning of the civil war. It looks really aesthetically pleasing, regardless of the title, until you see the discreet hands, legs, sharks and fishes in the foregrounds. The slave traders would drop sick or dead slaves over the side of the boat so that they could claim insurance money on their "property." 

This first made me think of the quote from Jamaican Civil leader, Marcus Garvey. "Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds." This is really true and I can witness of that here at BYU. 

For Tanner, enjoy the experience that you are having now in Europe. Leave no stone unturned or any righteous desire unfulfilled. 

For Hunter, don't let the trials of your mission deter you from your purpose in being there. 

For Cooper, stop surviving High School and start living it. Make it your school. 

For Sawyer, Miller and Breyer, enjoy these early learning days and nap time and recess and set lunch periods and cherish these memories. 

For Mom and Dad, love these times that you have with your lillin childrens.

Lots of love,

Ochulo Kelchukwu Onyebueze Ochulo, Prince of Nigeria

With All My Love

Dear Elder Schenewark, other boys away from home, and a few friends,

I was watching Miller play soccer yesterday. He's so good. I didn't understand why his coach played him where he was played, back defense, until yesterday's game. He does his job, and does it well. His fancy feet, instead of scoring goals, prevent goals. No ball or attacker got by him. He could dance with the best of those trying to score, and even if he never got his feet on the ball, was able to maneuver the attacker away from his goal. When he did get to kick, the ball was long and strategically placed. One kick went so far, the attacker just assisted for a goal. I sat apart from the stands, and heard his name cheered more frequently than any other. Miller's team could score more goals if he were up front, but so would the opposition. He made me think of you. You're a defender as well, of the truth. And I know you have a few fancy moves in your feet, and your kicks will be just as strategically placed. And if there's no assist to the goal, know your influence on the field and the moves you've made, will always be as assist. Maneuver well, and carry on.

At the Bentwater Halloween party Breyer and I rode the trailer for a hay ride. The weather was beautiful, your sister was adventurous by standing up while the truck was driving, and I was happy to sit and enjoy the view, the air, and the companion.

The kids were lame with their costumes. Because Miller was stilling wearing his basketball clothes, Breyer decided to be a soccer player, and carried a soccer ball. Sawyer joined the club with a basketball. Cooper finally decided he's done.

Last Sunday night Dad went to the annual work World Series party, and won the baseball trivia contest. Again. He dominates. I had to bake an apple pie, of course. And he didn't bring home any leftovers.

Porter called to tell me his classes for next semester, and how excited he was to be taking a  religion class with Tanner. Rounding out his tough schedule are his classes in bowling, nutrition, and social dance, He's known for his athletic prowess on the frisbee field, and is fielding offers from competing teams.

Miller received your letter. What a treasure. He spent forty  minutes reading and reading it. He has it hung on his bulletin board, with your pictures. He would ask me every twenty minutes if I had read it, as he wanted to whisk it away from the kitchen. He promptly wrote you a letter. And, has been reading the Book of Mormon daily. And including Breyer when he can. Such a joy to see him respond to you and your love. He really wants the soccer jersey!

Your father traveled down to the Houston area for a conference Thursday and Friday. While he was gone I appreciated how much he helps with transporting your siblings here and there. One of the graduate students he mentors won the overall competition, which is very good. And he had two others place. Yeah! His superiors were very pleased, and open about their praise. It's always nice to come out a little ahead in the game of life.

Sawyer begins the middle school basketball season this week. They all have Monday off, for a teacher development day, so Tuesday will be hectic. We've asked to drop Cooper off at a member's home, near Sawyer's school, for a ride to seminary. Until they move into the house their building, this will save about fifteen miles in the morning. Hopefully their house won't be finished until Sawyer's finished with his season. I have no doubt Sawyer will make a team, as there is A,B,and a C team, but I'm confident he'll make the A team.

Your sister got another case of strep. She and Miller are both tied at 2 each.

That's the update. Besides telling you I love you. Sorry there's no new pictures! The camera is playing hide 'n go seek.

Love,

Mom

Bad Bass Boy

Bring a friend.

Fishing is more fun.

Especially if your fish is bigger.

Words for the WIngmen

When last I left off my chronicle, we were jetting off to Bergamo, Italy, leaving behind the shores of Lake Como. We arrived in Bergamo on the Italia Rail, just as the sun was going down, caught a bus towards our Airbnb for the night, and hoped to find food. For whatever reason, a lot of places in Italy don’t open up on Mondays, or they close early. It was a hunt to find dinner.

Our host turned out to be Brazilian and—having served my mission there—we had an amicable evening and I was able to warm up my Portuguese up for Lisbon.

Our flight to Lisbon was early. We passed over the French/Italian Alps, over the sea between Marseilles and Barcelona, and then directly over Spain, obscured for the most part by several mattresses of clouds.

As I begin to type this, I’m actually back in the Lisbon airport, heading to Manchester, then back to Edinburgh. It’s an easy trip from anywhere in Lisbon to the airport, connected directly by the Metro. We stayed just outside of the main downtown on the fourth floor of an apartment building: a big spacious room overlooking Alameda park which features magnificent fountains, not unlike the famous Trevi in Rome.

Lisbon has been a beautiful city to visit. Tuesday, after arriving we got lunch in a converted art nouveau theater that is now a buffet—the Café Imperio--, then went to the old town, to the castle built on the hill there some twelve hundred years ago. Most of it is in ruins, but they’re beautiful ruins, overgrown with gnarled trees that form a partial roof for the walls that have lost their own. A peacock strolls by; cast-iron cannons lean on the ramparts or lay rolled against the walls, at rest. The real treat was being there at sunset. Lisbon has a host of magnificent and colorful architecture, including churches and monasteries, the grander buildings built with white limestone, the humbler ones painted in pastel shades finished with Azulejo decorative tiles.

In the distance is Lisbon’s stunning bay-bridge, modeled after the Golden Gate and appropriately painted rust-red. The sun got larger and more red as it neared the horizon and set the sky afire, made the clouds to blush, then bowed off stage.

Wednesday we hit some sights: The Discoverer’s monument (unfortunately covered in scaffolding), the Torre de Belem (ancient and ornate guard tower of the port), the Monastery of Saint Geronimo, the National Coaches Museum, and the most incredible hipster main street, a place referred to as LX Factory. The Monastery impressed with unbelievably ornate stone work in what is called the Manuelian style (see pictures). The adjoining chapel had the tombs of Vasco de Gama and, among other Portuguese notable names, that of Fernando Pessoa, the only Portuguese poet with whom I’ve engaged extensively. We spent most of our evening at LX Factory. It’s essentially one long street with the most pinteresty shops and restaurants you can imagine. There’s a bookstore, with bookcases four stories high and a flying bike with flapping wings hanging from the ceiling. The home design stores there are, well, pinterest-perfect. We perused until the Sushi place we’d been eyeing opened up. Apparently we weren’t the only ones eyeing it. Before it opened, we were part of a line big enough to fill all available tables instantly. The main attraction was an all you can eat sushi special for around maybe 15 bucks per person. All I’m saying is that they’re selling themselves short and the house didn’t win that night at our table. I probably ate four whole salmon by myself not to mention the many other fish that met their demise at our table. Lisbon, aptly situated on the coast, is known for its fresh seafood and, eating underneath the Portuguese Golden Gate, the Sushi Factory did not disappoint.

Thursday we spent the whole day at the beach. Did I mention its October? There were tons of surfers and body boarders, as well as local families. The sand was pristine and huge jelly fish littered one spot near our towels. They were as wide across as a tire, caught by the previous receding tide, and still pulsing with life. At one end of the beach was an ancient fort, shut off to the public, but still an imposing remnant of Portugal’s former naval prowess. We watched the sun set spectacularly again. Ate more sushi. (Don’t worry, we got our fill of Portuguese food on our trip as well!) Our last morning in the city, we visited the National Museum of Azulejos. They’re very specific about it not being a tile museum, as azulejos are considered distinct from tiles. The artists that create azulejos are actually called authors in Portuguese because the form is intended to convey a story! The museum was one of the best I’ve visited and took you through some thousand years of the craft, with the narrator of the history being thousands of intricate, delicate examples of the work.

We caught a night flight from Lisbon to Manchester, where we crashed for the night before continuing our journey via bus to Glasgow and then to Edinburgh. The bus journey is a whole saga in its own right. Suffice it to say, don’t take a bus unless you have to (we had to), and don’t use the bathroom even if you had to (I had to. I did. I regret it.)

This last week was my first full week of work since I arrived here. I wrote another speech. This one got delivered to lackluster applause on Thursday afternoon and doesn’t need anything else said about it here. I will note that the work of the internship isn’t particularly onerous except as its needlessly complicated by my (kind) boss. He wanted to give a speech on the floor as it had been awhile, so he bid for a space in the upcoming debate, got it and told me to write a speech. Now, you’re all as qualified as I am in this respect: imagine I ask you to write nine pages on the government’s forthcoming motion on enterprise and skills agencies in Scotland. Oy vey. I’m not looking to move into politics anytime soon and we’ll leave it at that.

Thursday Jaro (our host) had family coming into to town so we booked accommodation elsewhere until this afternoon (Sunday). We stayed right down in the center of town so we could spend our weekend exploring, which we did, climbing Calton hill, which has monuments and the observatory atop it, and then wandering up and down the main city’s streets. I took pictures of Dad’s monument (see pics # IMG_2530-IMG_2543) and we spent time in the Princes street gardens which is where it was located. Its beautifully Autumnal in Edinburgh, and we enjoyed lots of walks among the leaves, fallen and hanging. We visited the Elephant House café where J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter, the National Library across the street with its exhibition of ancient and modern maps, and had lunch at the pub.

Perhaps the highlight of Saturday night was teaching with the missionaries. I’ve tried to help them, since it’s a way I can easily serve and be involved in the church while we’re here a short time. (I attended a baptism last Wednesday and will play the piano for another this upcoming Wednesday.) We taught a Brazilian, so that made it extra sweet. The cherry on top was having the sweet and heavenly presence of my lovely wife AnneMarie by my side as well. It was a wonderful lesson. The missionaries did a really great job teaching and the Spirit was present in abundance. Hopefully more lessons will follow and hopefully we’ll be able to find someone to be taught as well as just assisting.

Today after church, which was the primary program, we had a munch and mingle, and tonight my darling and I went to a chamber music concert at the St. Giles Cathedral. They played Mozart’s String Quartet K421 in D Minor and Haydn’s String Quartet Op 76 No. 5 in D Major. Under the lowlight of the cathedral’s lamps, surrounded by walls over a thousand years old. Did I mention the love of my life was right by my side? Forget Paris and Venice—this is what love looks like: Mozart in austere Scottish churches. I’m sure of it.

I’m sure I’ve left something out, but it’s time that I gave that same beautiful girl who stuck with me through two whole string quartets after three hours of church a pre-bed backrub.

With Love,

Tanner and; AnneMarie