College Correspondent

Dear Family,

Happy Columbus Day!

Quick recap of the week:

Monday- Homework tried to smash me. I won, but it wasn't easy.

Tuesday- Our dance teacher filmed us practicing and provided feedback, in preparation for the championship in November. But the video is too big to post...

Wednesday- We had a practice dance tournament. Unfortunately, I didn't make it as far as I thought I could or should. But, getting out earlier than anticipated allowed me to go to the annual Texas party for BYU texans. It was a blast, and especially memorable as walking in, two friends from the MTC saw me and we were able to catch up.

Thursday- I elected to write a recreational essay, answering the prompt, "In the age of "doing what feels right," are there moral absolutes? How can you tell?" This Friday they will announce the finalists, who are competing for $3500 in prize money.

Friday- After working at GPS Capital, I went straight to my job at the BYU football game. BYU lost to Boise State, their fifth straight loss, and I made it home at 1 am to finish 17 hours of work.

Saturday- Yeah, I slept in. Then, I gave my room a needed organizing and cleaning. Afterwards, it was off to a BYU chess tournament. We I finished tied for 4-5, out of 7, winning once, and losing twice. I expected it, as I haven't been keeping up with the game. I lost one disappointingly with some errors that can be attributed to rustiness, but lost another getting wrecked and thoroughly outplayed. I spent most of the rest of the day reading.

Sunday- Church, including our first family history class. Tanner and Annemarie came over and we enjoyed some time together. And then I went to SLC to the Cathedral of the Madeleine for an organ concert. The organ was behind us on the second story, so they put up a screen for us to see. It was incredible, especially the last piece. Someone handed the organist (from France) an envelope and he opened it, and it contained only two lines of music. So, using that as inspiration, he composed and played on the spot for the next ten. So impressed were we, that after a rousing ovation, he returned and composed and played another variation on the same theme.

Hunter

Letter #9

Dear Family,

First, I've had this quote going through my head all week, I'll explain it later, just a teaser....
Love, it's what makes a Subaru a Subaru.

Oh baby, this week was highlighted by one simple event, so pure. I'd like to dedicate it to all my high school, college, and mission friends who made fun of what I called this....

To all those who corrected me, calling it a "roundabout," a wagonwheel, or a "rotunda," let me introduce to you the Portuguese name for this - -rotaria-.

WOW, that´s really similar to what Elder Schenewark calls them, he must be right because, hey, his name for them, rotary, is interlingual. Just saying

Now, missionary stuffffs that happened - interesting facts I never knew:

-If a cockroach is on its back and you step on it, it makes a pop like a firecracker

- There are seats reserved for the obese on buses in Brazil. If an obese person gets on the bus, you will be asked to move (not me personally but..)

- A rather interesting sausage can be made by grinding and stuffing a casing with cow tongue and hot peppers (5.4/10)

AND, my sometimes weekly shoutout to Elder Clifford.....For those of you who don´t know, Elder Clifford sleeps with both of his eyes halfway open. This week, during lunch with the lady with the floppy arm, she fell asleep at the table, sitting up. Turns out she sleeps with one eye completely closed and one eye COMPLETELY open. Very creepy. Anyways, much love to Elder Clifford

So, service. This same lady asked us to take apart a bed she needs put into storage. The tool she hands me, an awl. Not sure if she thought it was a screwdriver, but it was definitely not made for removing screws. Thus, this is what I used to dis-assemble this bed:
A key
An awl
A butter knife
Toenail clippers (recently used)
Various assorted Brazilian coinage
Icy Hot spray on relief
and, a fidget spinner*

All were used, all of the ones with an astrisk were used by my companion. After trying for two minutes, he deemed it impossible, and played with a fidget spinner for the next two hours. Well, I got that bed apart, yes sir. I had blood dripping on my pants from the cuts on my hands and tears rolling down my face from the icy hot in said cuts. But that bed is no longer together. I can do hard things
yuh

Another story, we were walking in the streets and this plane buzzed over our heads, I kid you not probably 100 feet off the ground TOPS. A little scary. Then he takes off into a steep climb, until he´s literally vertical, way up there. Then he, on my honor, cuts his engine and just lets gravity take its effect. Then, he straightened out, glided for a sec, and restarted his engine. What a baller. He was doing loops and spins and all sorts of crazy stuff after that but yeah, WOW. And then, I was staring at the plane and was like, hey I recognize that plane. It looks like a Spitfire? The man was straight up flying crazy in a genuine Spitfire, IF I`M THINKING OF THE RIGHT PLANE, correct me if I´m not, but, he had the green camoflauge, the one propeller, and the kicker, the red and blue circles on the wings. I don´t know how or where he got it but just to reiterate, this man was putting on an airshow in a WWII era single seat fighter plane, for me and my companion.

Also, just a casual picture of Campinas for those wondering what it looks like. This is the view from the temple.

And last weird thing, it was just a week of weird, the update on the floppy arm/dog kicker marriage. He got her a present. It's a palm tree, I think, in a toilet bowl. Honestly, very impressed by the thought and the aesthetic qualities it has.

And now, to explain the quote.
I have no idea why it popped into my head but it did. And, as I was thinking about the quote, the events in Las Vegas (recieved courtesy of Caractacus Merritt last Monday morning), and various events of this week, I just had the thought: Love is what makes a missionary a missionary. Every here asks me if I´m homesick, and honestly I´m not. I miss my family, yes, but not to a homesick level. I think what helps that a lot is the fact that almost all my friends are on missions too. If I were to go home, I would see family yes, but not my friends. Then I found this scripture in Doctrine and Coventant Section 121, verses 7-9:

My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.
Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands.

I love that, especially the last verse: thy friends do stand by thee and they shall hail thee again. As a missionary, you have to make sacrifices. I´m giving up two years of my life, with my family, with everything I've known, to be here in Brazil. That´s a big thing that sometimes I think I overlook. But, thinking about this really puts things into perspective. There is a reason that I am making this sacrifice, and that my friends are as well. That reason is love. It´s a hard thing that we´re doing, but we're doing it out of love. Love for our families, love for this gospel, love for these people. And I do find myself loving them more and more each day, through the struggles, through the toilet paperless days, through the spitting, and even through pounds upon pounds of rice and beans. Every day, being out here becomes a little easier, not because I don´t miss my family, not because the language is coming easier, none of those things. It´s still hard. It´s easier because I´m finding love where I didn´t have it before. And this is a blessing. I'm so thankful for the family and friends holding down the fort back home, and also for the examples that other friends are, serving in Japan, Hong Kong, the US, the Philippines, wherever. You all give me strength each day. And thank you for that.

I love you all, I´m thinking of you,

Love,

Elder Inspector Gadget

With All My Love

Elder Schenewark,

Another fine week with your letter writing. Your stories have me laughing out loud. Your testimony had me in tears. Of course you glowed. I miss you more than you will know. That's not a bad thing to share, as along with missing you is pride for your sacrifice, your ability to include others, to enjoy life, and serve others. You've a sweet heart.

Elder Rasband's tie was red. It was Elder Renlund's, Priesthood session. It reminded me of our Egyptian costumes. If I was good I'd have a picture to help remind you. But I'm not that good. I did find a sweet picture, though, of you and Breyer. You were always the only boy that wanted a sister.

This week in sports. Cooper had an away tennis match, won both his sets. Sawyer had an away football game. There was no C team, so he didn't get that much playing time, but the playing time he did get was worth it. Tackling and blocking for touchdowns he says he lead his team to victory. Plus the rain was a torrential downpour. Miller had a bye in soccer. So the play of the week comes from Breyer. She had a soccer game. Scored five goals. Usually there are eight girls, and four go in at a time for each quarter. She'll usually play two quarters. Saturday there were only four games total. And one just stood and cried. So really there were three girls, and they had to play all four quarters. By the middle of the fourth quarter, on a sunny approaching hot Texas morning Breyer wasn't feeling great. And she shared with all by vomiting on the field. The game continued on, four against now two, with her coach trying to let the referee know about the clean up needed in the box. Your brothers have all thought this hilarious. Breyer ate a doughnut for breakfast with a big gulp of orange juice. She enjoyed seeing her sprinkles all over the grass. And all is well again with her tummy.

Have you heard about the Las Vegas shooting? It happened last Saturday early Sunday morning and my letter had already been composed. A lone gunman reserved a hotel room on the strip to fire down on a crowd of thousands gathered for an outdoor country music concert in the parking lot of the hotel. 58 died, almost 500 injured, all within ten minutes. What's being termed the  worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history is asking many questions as to motive, and how could he amass such a large cache of weapons, including bump stocks that convert semi rifles to fully automatic. The police were able to target his location because his firing of weapons triggered the room's smoke detector.

I mention this as your lovely sister-in-law is from Vegas, and is connected to many of the concert attendees and injured. Coincidentally or not she struggled with issues related to her pregnancy, and had a rough week. All is well. Keep her and your niece in your prayers. She has six weeks left.

Tanner and AnneMarie celebrate their two year anniversary this week. Unbelievable. Unbelievably good. So glad she's in our family. She's enjoyed wearing the ring you ordered from China. Her wedding band does not fit her finger at this point. Thank you for that. It is really close to her real ring in appearance.

Your grandfather spent a few days in the hospital for an infection this week. He's home and on infusions and doing so much better.

Hunter provides our comic relief this week. He gave us a Skype view of his room. He has a nice Costco stash in the corner, and a bike in the closet. He made pumpkin pie forgetting the sugar. He purchased organ shoes, and uses them for dancing. Or the other way around. He's proud of his flexible sole shoes.

We talked about the Willie handcart company experience today in Sunday School, and the teacher asked, "What did they feel when they were rescued?" The follow up question was, "Have you ever been rescued, and how did you feel?" Of course she was speaking in a figurative sense but my thoughts jumped to when the 200 pound cattle ramp fell on my legs, pinning me to the ground. I don't remember being rescued, but have often thought of how I was protected, and moved at the last moment so it wasn't on my head and neck. But you are rescuing now. A search and recover mission for souls looking for more.

I'll close with some love words from your god parents: "Words can’t express how much we love your little family, each and every one of them.  For several decades you have brought such joy and gladness to our hearts. I can still see little Porter sneaking under the church pews to sit between us and play with all the treasures Sis. B. would put in her bag every week.  Had we known then how much impact Porter and all his siblings would have on our lives, we would have pulled him under the pew to us even sooner. We love ya’all." We do love you. All of us. All of you.

Take care of yourself.

Be careful.

Love,

Mom

Fenway Fans

Grampy and Aaron
Boston Red Sox Game
Inside the Box 

Conference Cousins

 

Missionary Moments

Purple Team Pirates

#83

Letter #8

Family,

So, another exciting week. This one was highlighted by an absolutely marvelous experience but I´ll save that until the end.

First, it was sad to see the Elder Hales passed away. I really did like how Nelson was in the hospital with him and his family.

Second general conference thing, Elder Rasband. That man is a straight savage. Pulls up to the pulpit wearing a shiny gold, matte black striped tie??? In the words of Elder Clifford, too pure.

This week was the week of the Onibus, in case you missed the subject line. Had a couple things happen.

1- I saw a man fly from end to end. The driver stepped on the brakes rather hard and the man, who was not secured to anything, went from the pay-gate to the rear window. Glad I saw that

2- Teenagers in Brazil think it´s cool to step of the bus while it´s moving. Not gonna lie, it´s pretty cool. But, not all of them see the concrete telephone poles. And they, this one thuggish young lad in particular, stepped right into one. Ouch

3- And lastly, the doors of death. I´m stepping off the Onibus, driver shuts the doors around me and takes off. I´ve got one leg in, one leg out, doing 40 down the highway until he finally heard everyone yelling. Everyone was amazed at how calm I stayed, including myself. A smile never left my face.

Annnnd, speaking on the power of a smile....

We got mugged this weeek   *awwwwww, yuh*
It only took two weeks. My companion goes around the corner about 10 feet in front of me, I come around and he´s being stuck up, robbed, burgled, the man, a small, unarmed older gent, has cut off his path and is trying to snag some Reais from Elder Silva. So, I, a rather large person by their standards. came around the corner and smiled, just smiled at this man. Maybe I was flexing a little too. Anyways, he changes his mind about robbing my companheiro and we all went on with our work.

 What´s up with them 12 year old Brazilian youths??
Two full sleeve tattoos and three, 3, cigarettes in HER mouth at the same time.
The future

I got yelled at this week for something I never thought I´d get yelled at for. Unplugging an iron. Apparently they don´t do that here, they just let them toast on the ironing board. Don´t think I´m gonna go with that though.

I cracked open an egg this week, half a dead chicken fell out. Gross, extremely. Also it smelled so bad. Didn´t taste great either, not sure why. Kidding Mostly

Food highlight of  the week, this one is for the Rich Hutchins clan, especialy you Aunt Kelly. This week I had

PICKLED, CINNAMONIZED, CHEWED ON WATERMELON RINDS IN CONDENSED MILK.
Yes I would be lying if I said I didn´t enjoy them, they were honestly phenomenal

AND HIGHLIGHT TIME!!!!!!

HERE IT IS

THE WHITE LIGHT EXPERIENCE

I thought this was an Ensign only type of experience, BUT it happened. To me.
We were teaching a recent convert of about one month, we were talking about the Book of Mormon, great book, highly recommend reading it

While I´m talking, he keeps staring around me, over my head, took of his glasses and cleaned them, the whole spiel. I was confused.

Right after I finished talking, he hugs me and says, multiple times beacause I don´t speak Portuguese that well,
"When you spoke you had a white light, around your face and over your head. This light made me feel happier than I ever have before."

I promise that it wasn´t my words that were making him happy, it wasn´t my light that he was seeing. It was the light of Christ and the Spirit testifying to him that the words we were speaking are true. All week, I´ve had a scripture in my head.
Matthew 5:14-16

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

This was my experience, having my light so shine forth. It was a good experience for him, I know, but a better experience for me. It helped me to see the power and difference that our words and actions make. As members of this church, we have this knowledge within us. And, as missionaries, we have the opportunity and blessing to share this with people. People the Lord has prepared to receive it. And they are receiving it.

I love you all, hopefully more good experiences coming your way next week,


Elder Cheshire Cat

With All My Love

Dear Elder Schenewark,

Loved, loved, loved your letter you mailed home. You mentioned that "men are that they might have joy." You bring me great joy. That you even chose me to be your mother brings me eternal joy. That you're willing to serve a mission, and be obedient, brings me great joy. That you would write to me brought me great joy this week. And your spelling is not any worse, but your handwriting is beautiful! Your siblings also loved to receive their letters.

Monday mornings I make out a BIG to-do list, as its the first of my days off. This week your siblings had Monday off, so my list was set aside for three dentist appointments, buying food, a homecoming parade, and fixing dinner for an additional seven people. Your father coming home to a driveway full of cars always makes me smile, as I always forget to let him know when the missionaries and widows are dining. Homemade rolls and ham were a hit, but the homemade cherry pies made the night. No one cooks any more! When your brothers marched in the homecoming parade I was still feeding the crowd, so Dad left early to drop them off, and wait for them to finish.

My to-do list got tackled more on Tuesday with mowing, wash, soccer practice, tennis meet and football game. It's been really fun watching Sawyer play. This week he had four passes, carrying about 15 yards each, a pass off from the quarterback for another 15, and a touchdown, caught with one hand, while being tackled, diving into the end zone. He received the player of the week award from last week's game, and would have gotten it again this week, except they already had a certificate with his name on it to hand out (see no school Monday comments above).

Cooper won his two matches handily. He's enjoying his build-a-plane class, Home Depot on steroids.

Breyer made a goal this week in her game that she was excited to share with you. More exciting was the animal of the week. Breyer, while sitting out her mandatory one or two quarters, loves to find mostly dogs,brought to the games on leashes, that she can pet. This week? A chicken. On a leash. Only in Texas.

Miller made two. He played goalie the first half, and kept the score at zero. When he went in as striker the second half, the new goalie had three goals scored on him to make the score 3-3. Miller's coach gave him the option of going back to goalie, or not, and he chose to stay as striker and helped them win with two goals. Miller has long legs, and the coach commented on them as the reason why he's got such a strong kick from the box.

We picked up some sparkly water for general conference, pulled out the Lego bucket, and continued our traditions. I am wondering whether or not you had to listen in Portuguese? That was for Saturday. Sunday morning we determined too late our phone and internet service were gone. We played catch up the rest of the day and into the evening. LOVE conference!

I think this might be my new weekly feature:

Top Ten Reasons (This Week) For Getting a Cell Phone

10. I could have called Jarrod while he was on his way home to let him know I needed something for dinner

9. I could have called Jarrod while he was on his way home to let him know Cooper needed to be picked up early, and to not drive by the high school without stopping, on his way home.

8. Sawyer would not have had to try to reach me between each of his classes by calling, instead of sending one text that he’d be staying to watch the girls’ volleyball games.

7. Cooper trying to tell me due to rain he was done at 420 instead of 530.

6. Breyer’s soccer coach would have me on the text list when he found out the fields were too wet for practice.

5. Miller’s coach would have me on the text list when he found out the fields were too wet for practice.

4. I could have called Jarrod to ask about the quantity of gas in my car, since the gauge is broken, and not worry about running out of gas.

3. I would be able to make phone calls while driving home in the morning, instead of desperately trying to stay awake.

2. When I saw a car drive off the road this morning, like the driver was asleep or incapacitated, I wouldn’t have had to drive off the next exit to a gas station to borrow a cell phone to call 911.

1. When I was surrounded by black men, demanding hugs and dates because I was a Good Samaritan, at said gas station, I could have dialed 911 myself.

Speaking of work, your father found a free app for his I pad that allows him to listen to me at work. Some kind of a scanner app that allows you to pick which department in which county and state you want to monitor. He falls asleep listening to my voice. How romantic. Not. Only because of what my voice is lulling him to sleep with.

Your father and I have had to make multiple visits to the dentists this month. The new dentist would not clean our teeth. She said we needed special gum treatment because we had a few measured 4’s, instead of 1, 2 or 3. Personally, I had two gum spots, not a whole mouthful, and was not happy about paying extra for said gum treatment, as the procedure isn’t covered by my dental insurance. I need to make a phone call. I don’t understand how she can refuse to clean my teeth, and then make me have a procedure that the insurance company doesn’t cover. There seems to be a missing step. But we went. We both are heavily invested in keeping our teeth. And keeping them as healthy as we can. It amazes me that even trying to eat healthy foods, never drinking soda, flossing every night, brushing my teeth multiple times every day, I still need special treatment. Makes me wonder about the condition of everybody else’s teeth. I digress. Hunter too is suffering with us. Take care of your teeth!

This might be a wrap up. My eyelids are getting stickier and stickier, and it is getting close to bed time. Know of our love for you. Our desire that you're safe and happy where you are.

Love,

Mom

College Correspondent

What would you do, if money were not an issue? That question has been on my mind, and due to answering that, along with some other questions, I have now decided to switch my major. Why? Basically since starting college, I have felt underwhelmed by the business classes. That feeling was intensified working as an intern right before the mission. I learned way, way more about business in those short weeks than I did taking classes. Again working, I can see that I am once more learning vastly more at my job, than in the classroom. I read how prominent New England businessmen (and mormons) like Mitt Romney majored in english, and Kevin Rollins majored in humanities. Simply put, I view a business major giving a three- to six-month head start in the workplace. After that initial period, I do not see the value. Now paying for college, I cannot imagine paying three more years for that, not to mention struggling staying interested in the classes. My end goal has not changed in terms of a profession, but the way to get there has and is. What have I decided to switch to? Haven’t the foggiest. I am leaning towards Ancient Near Eastern Studies, as I feel most passionate about that field. And, I dream about going to the Jerusalem Center. Other possibilities include history, english, or political science. Whatever the case, this door is unequivocally open. I am focused on covering all the bases for now, making sure I stay on track to graduate at the end of my eight semesters, which I feel is a mature, adult decision.

A life- size replica of the Tabernacle being built on campus. It’ll be open until Oct 29. https://religion.byu.edu/tabernacle

In an update to last week, I do, as of an hour ago have a date for Tuesday night. We’ll be going to the BYU Wind Symphony concert.

Tonight, we had a stake training for basically everyone with a calling. Recently sustained as Family History co-specialist, I joined the Temple and Family History group for training. And, during the “munch and mingle” afterwards picked up the number of one Nicole, temple committee chair of the 218th ward. Hey, whether its for a friendly ward indexing competition, or a date, its good to be prepared, As dad, asking about someone else would say, “is she someone who will help build your family tree?” Subtle, and I like the FH emphasis. I went door to door tonight meeting people and drumming up support for our FH class which will start on Oct. 8th. Bishop Gonzalez, in calling me to this position gave me the advice to “work like you did on the mission.” That has stuck with me, and I am determined to do my best. Home teaching, I also learned that one of my visits is to Mouli, a Phd candidate in physics from India, who is not a member. I am thankful for the opportunities, and feel like I am in the right place. Coming here, I had pondered and prayed to go to the right apt. complex as so much seems to hinge on it. I am thankful for the confirmations that have come letting me know this is the place.

This weekend the temperature has dipped to under 40 degrees. The mountains are covered with snow. (In September for crying out loud!!!!!) Needless to say, I have been bundled and upping the meat intake. Hopefully this week brings a return to warmer weather.

 Friday, more has fallen since.

I finally finished Neal Maxwell’s biography, “A Disciple’s Life”, having gotten sidetracked with other reading projects. Coming recommended by Uncle Zach, I am glad I took the time to read it. One fascinating story and previously unknown  to me,  happened in 1972. Senator Bennett of Utah went to Neal to announce his coming retirement from politics and ask Neal Maxwell to run for his seat. Virtually assured a victory, this man, Neal Ash Maxwell, who had majored in political science, worked in D.C., and long been fascinated with american politics, turned down this once-in-a-lifetime offer. Of course, less than two years later he would be called to be a General Authority. And to paraphrase him, the only gift we can give to the Lord is our free agency. And when we do, He will mold us into the people we have the potential to become.