Dear Family and Friends,
I´m loving Terra Vermelha. The members are great here, and very excited. Until a couple months ago, everyone was meeting in an old apartment building, but the newly constructed chapel was dedicated 2 months ago. The members even like to clean it, thankful for what they now have. And, the branch is just about ready to send some papers off, in preparation to turn a ward!
Although right next to the beach, this is I think the poorest area I´ve been in. none of the roads are even paved, and as the name says, the soil is red. Yesterday, we had one couple, Carlos+Luciana, and a young women, Juliana, visit the church. They all loved it. Everybody is very humble and receptive. One caveat, is no one, no one is legally married. But, its normal, so the branch is used to hosting marriages. We enjoyed one on Saturday, and its the plan for Carlos and Luciana. E. kimball Hatch is from Gilbert, arizona, good pioneer stock and so far its been truly wonderful to have E. Hatch and E. Lighten here. They both will go to BYU after the mission. E. Lighten´s companion is E. Dias from Cape Verde, or in other words, there isn´t any brasilians here, which is unusual.
I actually picked up Aunt Janel´s package last week, and have been enjoying all the goodies. Whatever Porter wants, I´ll bring back. Except for socks, and white shirts. We´re planning on using google hangout about 4 or 5 pm here, which is 2 or 3 in Texas.
We´re continuing our study about repentance, and my testimony of that principal continues to grow,.Reading in Alma 19:36, "And thus the work of the Lord did commence among the Lamanites; thus the Lord did begin to pour out his Spirit upon them; and we see that his arm is extended to all people who will repent and believe on his name."
And I've definitely seen that promise fulfilled. All of our investigators, as they start to repent, have been magnificently blessed, both temporally and spiritually. I know that as we repent, making the small changes necessary in our lives to become like our Savior, we are blessed in all aspects of our lives, and the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ are around us.
Love,
Elder Schenewark
Monday, May 8, 2017
Sunday, May 7, 2017
With All My Love
Dear Elder Schenewark,
Happy Cinco de Mayo to you. I know it's a Mexican holiday but the movement is headed towards Brazil. Any parties?
The most interesting substitute job this week was the auto class at the high school. Thirty boys in eight classes. Unfortunately I couldn't use the shop, so the assigned classwork wasn't their favorite thing to do, but they were well behaved. Better than the art students last week trying to sniff Koolaid at Sawyer's middle school. Not my class. Cooper popped in once to tell me he was staying after school, and I popped in on Cooper once during my lunch to watch him work on an extracurricular activity.
Cooper was invited to be part of a five man team that will compete in a national contest involving four wheel drive vehicles and certain programming requirements. Other teams have had all year to work on the project, so they have a lot of catch up. The teacher chose to enter them because of all the projects Cooper brings into the classroom: airplanes, skateboards, knives...and is impressed with him and his talents. He's very excited.
Breyer was very excited to invite me to Pastries for Parents. It used to be called Muffins with Moms, and Donuts with Dads, but they've consolidated a bit. She even wanted me to come back to eat lunch with her, which I'll need to do on another day, but getting all dressed up for her in a dress, and curling my hair, so I could make her feel special, was a good thing.
The van has given us a few scares this week...something is on the blink with the oil pressure. The light will come on, the van loses power and chugs roughly along until I pull over and add a little oil. So far so good. The lawnmower also is feeling old. The throttle wire broke, from rust, and we've yet to figure out how to get the universal part to work.
Porter enjoyed his week off. No school, no job, just a comfy bed and delicious home cooked meals. He's ready to get back into the swing of things, and landed two jobs for the week: Painting a house on Tuesday, and Wednesday through Friday he'll be an assistant production manager for a crew of BYU's Story Trek working in the area. Fun! Listening to him face time and phone time his girl friends? Not so fun. But very funny. He made Breyer's day by going to her soccer game, the last one of the season.
And in case we didn't mention it previously, she's reading. Loves the Dick and Jane book, such a classic!
Cooper spent yesterday with a friend using the backyard forge again. He's slowly turning those 140 railroad spikes into knives. He also picked up an antique ax head for $4 and is repurposing it and making a new mahogany handle.
Rust on those railroad ties, that he works so hard to get off, is what happens to us as we interact with the world on a daily basis. The friction of the train wheels knocks off the rust on the rails, just like going to church knocks the world off us on a weekly basis.
Speaking of the Sabbath Day, Miller had baseball all star try outs yesterday, the first time they've not been held on Sunday since we've been in Granbury. He's very good, and technically could be the all star of the all star team, but hasn't been picked up because he won't play on Sunday. This year the president of the baseball league told me that he really wanted Miller to play for him, and was trying to work it out so he could use Miller on Saturdays and have a replacement for Sunday. He got the phone call tonight that he'd been chosen. He's so excited. It's been difficult for him to not be able to play, knowing he's just as good. It's nice to know we're now in a position to make a difference in the community in which we live. People know we don't play on Sunday, and now they're changing their rules to accommodate us.
Next, we'll introduce the grove theory, the fact that one tree alone is not as strong as trees that grow together. Together our community could be so much stronger if we banded together on something as simple as obeying the ten commandments. Sawyer tries out this week, but has already been told both coaches want him, just for Saturday as well.
Be good. Stay safe. Talk with you soon.
Love,
Mom
P.S. There are a few business items for you we need to discuss. I sent you a note about finishing your audit documents. Let me know what else.
How could I forget Mother's Day? This Sunday? It will be good to see your face! Dad says to use Google hang out, and we'll be home from church by 2 p.m. He hopes to not have any meetings or appointments because of this, so give us a time.
Aunt Janel asked if you've received her package? The last one you'll be receiving, I think.
And, what are you bringing home for Porter that he might be able to use?
Happy Cinco de Mayo to you. I know it's a Mexican holiday but the movement is headed towards Brazil. Any parties?
The most interesting substitute job this week was the auto class at the high school. Thirty boys in eight classes. Unfortunately I couldn't use the shop, so the assigned classwork wasn't their favorite thing to do, but they were well behaved. Better than the art students last week trying to sniff Koolaid at Sawyer's middle school. Not my class. Cooper popped in once to tell me he was staying after school, and I popped in on Cooper once during my lunch to watch him work on an extracurricular activity.
Cooper was invited to be part of a five man team that will compete in a national contest involving four wheel drive vehicles and certain programming requirements. Other teams have had all year to work on the project, so they have a lot of catch up. The teacher chose to enter them because of all the projects Cooper brings into the classroom: airplanes, skateboards, knives...and is impressed with him and his talents. He's very excited.
Breyer was very excited to invite me to Pastries for Parents. It used to be called Muffins with Moms, and Donuts with Dads, but they've consolidated a bit. She even wanted me to come back to eat lunch with her, which I'll need to do on another day, but getting all dressed up for her in a dress, and curling my hair, so I could make her feel special, was a good thing.
The van has given us a few scares this week...something is on the blink with the oil pressure. The light will come on, the van loses power and chugs roughly along until I pull over and add a little oil. So far so good. The lawnmower also is feeling old. The throttle wire broke, from rust, and we've yet to figure out how to get the universal part to work.
And in case we didn't mention it previously, she's reading. Loves the Dick and Jane book, such a classic!
Cooper spent yesterday with a friend using the backyard forge again. He's slowly turning those 140 railroad spikes into knives. He also picked up an antique ax head for $4 and is repurposing it and making a new mahogany handle.
Rust on those railroad ties, that he works so hard to get off, is what happens to us as we interact with the world on a daily basis. The friction of the train wheels knocks off the rust on the rails, just like going to church knocks the world off us on a weekly basis.
Speaking of the Sabbath Day, Miller had baseball all star try outs yesterday, the first time they've not been held on Sunday since we've been in Granbury. He's very good, and technically could be the all star of the all star team, but hasn't been picked up because he won't play on Sunday. This year the president of the baseball league told me that he really wanted Miller to play for him, and was trying to work it out so he could use Miller on Saturdays and have a replacement for Sunday. He got the phone call tonight that he'd been chosen. He's so excited. It's been difficult for him to not be able to play, knowing he's just as good. It's nice to know we're now in a position to make a difference in the community in which we live. People know we don't play on Sunday, and now they're changing their rules to accommodate us.
Be good. Stay safe. Talk with you soon.
Love,
Mom
P.S. There are a few business items for you we need to discuss. I sent you a note about finishing your audit documents. Let me know what else.
How could I forget Mother's Day? This Sunday? It will be good to see your face! Dad says to use Google hang out, and we'll be home from church by 2 p.m. He hopes to not have any meetings or appointments because of this, so give us a time.
Aunt Janel asked if you've received her package? The last one you'll be receiving, I think.
And, what are you bringing home for Porter that he might be able to use?
Saturday, May 6, 2017
Friday, May 5, 2017
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Forged in Fire
Three friends...
One afternoon in the sun...
140 railroad spikes
Equals a LOT of new knives if the forge fires
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Monday, May 1, 2017
Letter #88
Dear Family and Friends,
This week was without doubt the craziest on my mission. Monday night, President Young called and said that we needed to go to Vitória that same night, ASAP, so we threw everything in our suitcases and headed out. We arrived late at night, and spent the next day in Vitória, before heading to Serra, my old stomping ground.
We finished the week there, and I was informed today, that I will now be going to Vila Velha, Terra Vermelho Branch. It´s one place I've wanted to serve basically since my mission started, so I´m very excited and happy. My companion, again, will be an American, Elder Hatch.
I´m looking forward to our Skype on Mother's Day, but since I´ll be in a new area, I don't know anything right now. If you could get a time, and send it next Monday that would help.
Elder Schenewark
This week was without doubt the craziest on my mission. Monday night, President Young called and said that we needed to go to Vitória that same night, ASAP, so we threw everything in our suitcases and headed out. We arrived late at night, and spent the next day in Vitória, before heading to Serra, my old stomping ground.
We finished the week there, and I was informed today, that I will now be going to Vila Velha, Terra Vermelho Branch. It´s one place I've wanted to serve basically since my mission started, so I´m very excited and happy. My companion, again, will be an American, Elder Hatch.
During our week in Serra, we baptized Magleisse and Ana Paula, sisters. It was cool, as I had actually taught them the first lesson about two weeks ago on a split with the assistants, and then was able to come back and see the end. We traded places with the AP´s, they went to Colatina for the week.
I know that this isn´t much information, but we´ll talk in a little bit and I´ll let you know more. It's nice to know, that wherever I go, be it Colatina, Serra, or Vila Velha, the church is the same. And it´s true. I am so glad to be able to share that message with everyone I meet.
Love,
Elder Schenewark
With All My Love
Dear Elder Schenewark, et al,
The big news this week is the trip to Utah to pick up Porter and to attend Tanner's graduation. I'm now, tonight, beginning Porter's official countdown to Brazil, 100 days until he leaves. Let the fun begin!
And because your father and I are not into cell phones, our communication this week has been sparse. Almost as little as you and I! Just joking. We've all been busy, him with travel demands and me with holding down the fort. I can't believe how quickly my family is dwindling! Seven chicks in Ohio, and now sometimes I only have three!
Dad and Sawyer left for the wild frontiers of western Texas, New Mexico and southern Utah Wednesday morning. The rental car was loaded with your older brother's boxes and a sundry of belongings and goodies. It's always nice when wheels are headed that way to accommodate both parties. They arrived Thursday after lunch, just in time to attend the first graduation, of which there will be a LOT of pictures. I believe this is the night they also went out to eat at the favorite Brazilian steak house.
Wednesday evening I had Breyer's soccer practice, Miller's baseball practice, and Cooper's scouts to do. All by myself.
Thursday I contended with Miller's first Cub Scout rocket derby, and Friday another baseball game and Cooper's after school activity. Being a single parent must not be very easy.
Tanner called Thursday before graduation so excited to share that he had been hired full time - sales position with a start-up company that developed a computer program for accountants. He's paid a base salary plus commission, is excited to have health benefits for him and his beautiful wife, and funds to make a needed car purchase. We both agreed this blessing is because of your faithful service. Thank you!
Friday the western contingency attended the departmental graduation, as well as go to a BYU baseball game, and visit with Porter's namesake Sis. Young. I know I'm missing a few details and hope others actually there will expound.
Saturday was a soccer game and baseball game, with one of my visiting teaching friend helping me at home to feed the missionaries until I could get there. I thought it funny, leaving her instructions as to where all the food could be found. She was a good sport hosting people in my house. Your other family went to Salt Lake, touring museums, the conference center, and downtown.
Tonight my small contingency and I went to a post trek fireside at the stake center. The video was fabulous. Lots of laughs and tears, beautiful music and such great memories for those involved. Why do I love for my children to participate in trek? It's good for you to learn how to do hard things. They invited ten year old children and up to attend as well, because in four years they'll be invited.
I found your father and brothers inside the house when I arrived home. It is good to be together again. Breyer is excited for Porter to take and pick her up from school. Miller is excited for another play buddy. I'm just plain excited.
Have a wonderful week. Be safe. Finish strong.
Love,
Mom
The big news this week is the trip to Utah to pick up Porter and to attend Tanner's graduation. I'm now, tonight, beginning Porter's official countdown to Brazil, 100 days until he leaves. Let the fun begin!
And because your father and I are not into cell phones, our communication this week has been sparse. Almost as little as you and I! Just joking. We've all been busy, him with travel demands and me with holding down the fort. I can't believe how quickly my family is dwindling! Seven chicks in Ohio, and now sometimes I only have three!
Dad and Sawyer left for the wild frontiers of western Texas, New Mexico and southern Utah Wednesday morning. The rental car was loaded with your older brother's boxes and a sundry of belongings and goodies. It's always nice when wheels are headed that way to accommodate both parties. They arrived Thursday after lunch, just in time to attend the first graduation, of which there will be a LOT of pictures. I believe this is the night they also went out to eat at the favorite Brazilian steak house.
Wednesday evening I had Breyer's soccer practice, Miller's baseball practice, and Cooper's scouts to do. All by myself.
Thursday I contended with Miller's first Cub Scout rocket derby, and Friday another baseball game and Cooper's after school activity. Being a single parent must not be very easy.
Tanner called Thursday before graduation so excited to share that he had been hired full time - sales position with a start-up company that developed a computer program for accountants. He's paid a base salary plus commission, is excited to have health benefits for him and his beautiful wife, and funds to make a needed car purchase. We both agreed this blessing is because of your faithful service. Thank you!
Saturday was a soccer game and baseball game, with one of my visiting teaching friend helping me at home to feed the missionaries until I could get there. I thought it funny, leaving her instructions as to where all the food could be found. She was a good sport hosting people in my house. Your other family went to Salt Lake, touring museums, the conference center, and downtown.
Tonight my small contingency and I went to a post trek fireside at the stake center. The video was fabulous. Lots of laughs and tears, beautiful music and such great memories for those involved. Why do I love for my children to participate in trek? It's good for you to learn how to do hard things. They invited ten year old children and up to attend as well, because in four years they'll be invited.
I found your father and brothers inside the house when I arrived home. It is good to be together again. Breyer is excited for Porter to take and pick her up from school. Miller is excited for another play buddy. I'm just plain excited.
Have a wonderful week. Be safe. Finish strong.
Love,
Mom
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