Letter #31

Dear Family and Friends,

Today we found out about transfers. Elder Soares is leaving to go to Colatina to be a zone leader and I´ll be staying here. My new companion is Elder T. Santos and he´ll be district leader here.

This week, we prepared Adinto to be baptized, the soy bean broker, and he was interviewed and ready but then on Friday he had to go out of town for work, and we´re still waiting for him to return.

It looks like you all are having lots of fun out there, minus the sickness bug. Congrats to Aunt Tina for the wedding! Cool that all the siblings made it there.

It´s finally been raining here a little this week. It's hot all day, and then at about 7 pm each night the heavens open.

Dayani who was baptized last week, works selling Capixabi cap, a state lottery, on the streets. She makes practically no money, but doesn't complain. Some days, she spends more money on the bus fares to get there then she makes. Between the actual work, and the travel, she´s gone about 16 hours. It's crazy. And Magno, who was baptized two weeks ago, lost his job for the government as a stonemason, and now sells honey on the street. It´s really opened my eyes. They both work hard, make practically no money, and yet don´t complain.

There have been a couple of government protests this week, and people have been trying to impeach the President. They´re both loving the gospel, and you can really tell it brings them hope.

Sorry I haven´t written much today. I keep writing, and then erasing and then writing and erasing. I have some thoughts, but they aren't quite developed, so I´ll hold onto them for a little longer.

I finished my first journal, am working on the second, so in about 4-6 months, just thinking ahead, it would be nice if you could send one. I ended with these words:

"Texas to Utah to Arizona to Espirito Santo. Immeasurable growth. Innumerable experiences."

I really have learned lots. And it's interesting that oftentimes, the lessons we need to learn are the ones we don´t want to. I´m grateful that I've had this opportunity to be here, and to learn to say `thy will, not mine.'

I´m excited to be able to stay here in Serra; I feel like there really is a lot of work left to do here.

Love,

Elder Schenewark

P.S. I still need to mail the glasses, and the only place that fixes cameras is in Vitoria, but I´ll be going there to get it fixed, and will have lots more pictures

Enjoy the view.

With All My Love

Dear Elder Schenewark,

I've written to you in snippets this week as there was too much for one letter. It was a far from usual week. Backtrack to the plane ride out. On take-off, which Breyer had been waiting for what must have seemed like a long time, she looks out my window and yells, "Mom! Look at my planet!" There were a lot of snickers. Then, when the third person in our row sat down, she leans over to me and says, "Mom, I am NOT sitting by this man!" He was a good sport, and she did sit by that man. She was counseled by her father on two airport rules: Never leave your mother, and don't flush the plane toilet - especially when you're sitting down! I tried to avoid the lavatory line, but she didn't make it. And the flush wasn't as scary as she had imagined. She did get carte blanche from the male stewardess to visit the snack basket, so she would venture up the aisle by herself for chips.

We were picked up by our favorite Intel engineer, dropped Uncle Ben off at the grandparents, and got into bed at 2 a.m. and your sister finally fell asleep! My hostess and I spent the morning helping Jen clean the kitchen. We were like a bunch of visiting teachers, laughing up a storm while cleaning up a storm. It was fun. And short. Forty minutes and then Jen had to go. My ride in her Angela will have to wait.

I don't know if I'll get the pictures from the wedding to  you this week, but here's a sample. Always wonderful when family gets together. The cameras were operated by Jeannette and Alana, and a bounty of pictures is forthcoming!

The blecky bug is still here today. Ben seems to have been hit the hardest. No one's eating here on Brigham St. but your grandparents were up and about by mid afternoon, as was your sister. Ben had to change his flight to tomorrow, with me, as he was too sick to get off the couch. My former stake president, Dr. Gordon Williams, a world-renowned endocrinologist with Brigham and Women's
Hospital for over 50 years called your grandfather for his weekly update while I was there. He loves your grandfather, and plays an active part in whom he should see and what should be treated. I am grateful for his concern and love. Grampy called him one of his best friends. He's in good hands. We also watched the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Day, Martin and Chappell were fighting over first place, but it eventually ended  with Day and a -17.

March Madness has begun. Your brothers love that stuff. Just this weekend a 2 was beat by a 15. Remember those games?

In our local news? Remember dinosaur land down the road from us? Glen Rose, Texas: Mother Arrested for Allegedly Burning 2-Year-Old in Oven. So,so,so sad!

Framingham, Massachusetts: 4 Men Charged in Attack Allegedly Entered US Illegally, Immigration and Customs Enforcement sought to detain the Guatemalan men, who face charges including rape and kidnapping.

The Provo City Center Temple was dedicated today as the 150th temple of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Uncle Zach is here with me this evening, and he sent you a small missive: "The word of the day is diarrhea. The good news, though, is that once you've spent a year in Brazil for vermes, no diarrhea can faze you. Do you ever look at the food a member has prepared for you and think about how much time you'll have to spend on the toilet as a result? I pooped my pants for the first time on my mission; couldn't quite make it home/find a public bathroom on the way home from lunch. I'm with Grampy right now, and he's watching golf on TV--too bad you're not here. I don't care about golf, and I'm not one for TV on Sunday, so I'm doubly disinterested. Be regular!"

And on that note, I'll close. I hope your week is wonderful! We have a snowstorm coming in tonight, and we all are wondering whether or not we'll be able to leave. How fun!

Love,

Mom

The Blecky Bug

(Melissa Evans' Tummy Bug is perfect!)

Dear Elder Schenewark,

What a weekend! We came here for a wedding, and are leaving weaker. Not all those bearing gifts were wanted. The dreaded stomach bug hit the whole house. One evening we're out partying, and the next morning we're moaning. Fighting over the bathroom. And blankets. And bowls. The three "B" words needed for this blecky bug. We initially thought  it must be food poisoning from the caterer, then the germ from the piano teacher. But now we're thinking it's the one that traveled from New Hampshire. We heard it was up there last week.

So the blecky Becky bug visited wedding number two. The first was Uncle Ben's in San Diego. Even the groom went unscathed, on his wedding night, as well as all fourteen who were traveling. And then to their families when they returned. This wedding wasn't as far flung, but the fifty or so visiting last night hopefully will escape blecky bug free

Your sister began on the way back from Aunt Shirley's home. We drove her home after the wedding reception, and had a girls' sleepover. Such a treat. She gave us her bed, a ten in comfort and warmth, and spent the night on a cot It wasn't a good night for her, but we slept great. Breyer went to bed whiny, and woke up whiny, but I thought it was just from her being out of sorts with traveling, late nights, and new beds. So I force fed her a delicious blueberry pancake that your great aunt made for me. With pure maple syrup, and preservative free bacon. Another ten. For the food. I couldn't understand why she didn't want to eat.

I found out on the drive home when she filled Aunt Shirley's trash bin. And then found out more when I found the  whole house down and out. You know me, I don't get tummy bugs. I just get a sour stomach, a little headache, and I'm done. So I spent the day emptying Breyer's bowl, covering Ben with blankets, helping Grampy with chicken broth and his medicine, and even made a store run for Popsicles and Gatorade. Your grandmother's favorite is orange. Couldn't do much more than that, but it was enough.

So glad you're in Brazil.

So glad this doesn't last long.

So glad I don't leave for two more days.

Love,

Mom

An Airport Analogy

Dear Elder Schenewark,

Just a quick note. We, Breyer and I, traveled to Boston for Tina's wedding. What an adventure! Dad dropped us off at the Dallas Airport, in front of Jet Blue. I didn't know he stayed a moment, watching us, but upon entering the door, we had to maneuver an escalator. He was watching. We each had two bags, one each on wheels. I took the little purse she was carrying her, and instructed her to step over the crack and hold still. She did just that, but then panicked, and fell backwards onto her bottom Realizing she was still going backwards, she started doing the crab walk at the bottom of the elevator, backwards into the jaws of death. Not a fun moment, mother or not.

I took all her baggage from her, and plopped her onto the stairs, all by herself, and then followed behind her as quickly as I could, while the line formed behind me. There's an analogy or two in there some where I know you would appreciate, but the bottom line was carrying all the baggage, I was not in a position to help her. You're in Brazil, teaching those with whom you come in contact with, to give their baggage of misperceptions, misunderstandings, lack of knowledge or faith or trust, to the supreme baggage handler of all, our Savior, and their journey would be so much easier, as well as put them on the correct path. In Breyer's case, she made it to the top safely, and had to maneuver the "jump" at the top by herself. We encountered another escalator when we arrived in Boston and again, the only way she could step onto the escalator, was free of her baggage, leaving me still unable to help her because of my burdens.

I hope you're having a wonderful week, that you'll find love in my message for you.

Love,

Mom

Pretty in Pink Princess

Words from the Wise One

Aló!!!!!!

This week was  National Pancake Day on Tuesday so we hopped over to iHop with AnneMarie's sisters and...I got french toast, but that's close enough to pancakes right?) The highlight of the week though came on Wednesday when I had the privilege to pick up Stephen Welch from the SLC airport and drop him off at the MTC. I hadn't seen him since the end of our Freshman year and it was a sweet reunion. We grabbed the obligatory pre-MTC/last American lunch at In-n-Out (he's headed to Mexico and this could be the last burger in awhile!), talked a bit about mission's, caught up, drove by the new Provo temple and then made our way to the MTC. These things are tearjerkers of the worst kind, by the way. I've now dropped two people off at the MTC and each time is tough! Especially when they get to go preach the gospel for two years and you have to race off to Accounting class. Enjoy your time as a servant of the Lord!

In a note from Stephen, he wrote: First of all, there were really great people on the plane helping me and talking to me. it was good. It was also incredible to be able to spend time with my good friend, Tanner Schenewark, before I reported. It felt a lot like when Alma met the sons of Mosiah. Except neither of us passed out (I think he was close, though). We got some In-N-Out Burgers and shakes, looked at the Provo City Center Temple, and took a picture in front of the Provo Temple. It was sooo great to see him, feel his spirit, and share how we have both grown. He is awesome! We ended up getting me checked in late, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It was very special to me.

This weekend we relaxed together, homeworked together, and ran 3 miles together (feeling the burn of my calves today!). AnneMarie's mom likes to say we're still on our honeymoon. We are. But its the sweetness of the gospel, together with our love for each other that permeates our days and projects happiness onto our daily routines.

Tonight we had a great time playing games and eating treats with a few other couples in our ward. We've tried to take advantage of the blessings and lessons of where we are now knowing that new ones will come along with their own lessons and challenges. That's a good principle for your mission. Focus hard on doing what the Lord needs you to do where you are now. He'll decide when it's time for you to move on.

All our Love,

Tanner and the Adorable AnneMarie

Granbury Third Grade All Stars

Letter #30

Dear Family and Friends,

I knew that there would be miracles on the mission. I knew it. But still, I've been blown away by how many. Everyday here, miracles are finding us.

Dayani, who stopped us on the street last week, is wonderful. She has had a tough life, but has absolutely embraced the gospel, and is looking forward to a new life. She´s made new friends here, and has really seen a vision of what the gospel can do. The Bishop talked with her for 40 minutes, as she will need help from the ward and after he said,"Yes, she has a lot of hardships in her life right now, but she is prepared for, wants, and needs baptism." We held a wonderful service yesterday and after the baptism, she just covered her eyes, overcome with emotion and said she feels like a giant weight was lifted off her back. This is why I´m on a mission. It´s amazing to see the happiness and peace people have with the gospel. And it's amazing to have this opportunity to bring that message to them, to people the Lord has prepared.  Dayani has so much potential. She understands the lessons, the essence of the gospel and in spite of her own trials and needs, has a desire to help others.

Sister missionaries in Serra, but in a different ward, were stopped at a bus terminal by a someone who said she had been a member of an evangelical church for 26 years (her entire life), but had had a dream about the Mormon church and wanted to know more. In the dream, everyone was dressed in white, she felt peace and comfort and she just heard one word `Mormon.' She lives in our area, it's honestly about at the end of the world, the farthest you can be, so we went to visit her on Saturday. It took two hours to get there, as the bus struggled, but we finally arrived, went to her house and knocked. She answers, and says she thought the sister missionaries would visit her, not us, and says she can´t let us in as her husband wasn't there. Which we completely understand and agree with, so we just invited her to church. Then we took the bus back, much quicker but still about an hour. So three hours of traveling for literally a 2 minute conversation. It was disappointing, but then the Sister missionaries called us, and said that Kuaune called them, and really wants to come to church, but doesn't know exactly where it is. So we arranged a ride, she came to church, and loved it! She stayed for the baptism and she cried, and wants to be baptized. So, yeah, just lots of miracles happening here.

And, Adinto, who is about 45-50, reads the Bible everyday on his tablet, and always sees an ad for our church at the bottom, so he clicked on it and asked for a Book of Mormon. We visited him Saturday, and he is so prepared. He talked about how he lived in Sao Paulo years and years ago, and knew Mormons there and always wondered about why they were different. And, in his apartment building there are two active families right by him that already know his children. So we shared our message, he was super excited to read the Book of Mormon, read some Saturday, visited the church on Sunday, and knows it's true. So far we've only taught him, but he asked that we visit his entire family, so we are excited to help with that. There are a lot of people out of work here, that are struggling right now, but he is doing good. He is actually looking for someone  who knows English to work for him. The bishop here has been looking for a new job, and we´re hoping that this might work out. Adinto has a cool job; he´s a soy bean broker, and right now, everything's exploding. There are a couple of Chinese groups that are trying to buy millions of tons from him. Not unusual for big firms, but he´s used to selling just to Brasil, and now needs someone to help because international contracts are in English. Cool stuff.

Thursday we went to Vitoria to fill out some paperwork to get more Brazilian documents. Some rule changed, I think in our favor, giving foreigners here more freedom, but I don´t really understand everything. Regardless, it was cool, as the Americans in two zones went to do this paperwork together in Vitoria, and then were treated to McDonalds. Big Mac and McFlurry in Brasil. It felt a little like a field trip.

Friday, we had another trip, going an hour away to Cariocica to participate in a mission tour with the Zwicks. It was wonderful, a true spiritual banquet. There have been a small number of people in my life who I've met, and really inspired to become like. And Elder Zwick is one of them. Just awesome. Plus, he started a construction company, which is cool beans.

Well, that about sums up all the news.  I love and pray for you all!!



Elder Schenewark

Take a look around.

With All My Love

Dear Elder Schenewark,

We love you! I've thought of you all weekend. 1st Philippians 1:3-6: "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine." It was our stake conference, always a spiritually uplifting event. Our Weatherford Stake had Elder Gong present, of the Presidency of the Quorum of the Seventy, as well as Elder Villarreal, Area Authority from San Juan, TX. They were here to reorganize the stake presidency and, as your father is a Bishop, he was invited to meet with them: A quick, six minute interview. He doesn't know a lot of people outside of Granbury and Stephenville, but did offer two names he felt were worthy of the calling of stake president. His first name was who was picked. Me? I don't know anybody, but when I arrived Saturday evening and saw the shell-shocked face of a man, outside talking on his cell phone, I knew he was the new president. He's a wonderful man, and gets paid to deliver babies.

I love when one speaker quoted President Utchdorf who said, "Part of our challenge is, I think, that we imagine that God has all of His blessings locked in a huge cloud up in heaven, refusing to give them to us unless we comply with some strict, paternalistic requirements He has set up. But the commandments aren’t like that at all. In reality, Heavenly Father is constantly raining blessings upon us. It is our fear, doubt, and sin that, like an umbrella, block these blessings from reaching us. His commandments are the loving instructions and the divine help for us to close the umbrella so we can receive the shower of heavenly blessings." Make sure your umbrella is parked in the closet.

Elder Villarreal shared an experience with Elder Bednar and said he said, "Our surroundings are orchestrated in heaven, but we choose the path we're on." I want you to know you putt putted your way right into our hearts and family, but you are the one who chose to go on a mission. And we're so proud of you.

One more thought. Elder Gong realized by the end of conference, when he would be speaking, that the children were getting antsy. So he shared an animal story, and was literally bopping up and down, while barking, all in imitation of a penguin. But his point was that while he visited his son at Antarctica, he noticed that the penguins never went into the water alone, they always jumped in together as a group. He learned this was because underneath the surface of the water lives the leopard seal, who eats penguins.

 But if they stay together, they won't be eaten. Isn't that the purpose of eternal families? We're so much stronger together than apart, and we're so thankful you're in our colony.

Your father has been off this whole week on spring break: It rained the entire week. Now your brothers are off, and it's sunny and beautiful. Sometimes life is just not fair. Baseball practices were all cancelled so the home front was quiet.

Sawyer celebrated his thirteenth birthday...can you believe he's now an official teen? He's still adorable. He chose the Boston cream cake...messy and squishy but oh so good!

 He was so excited about this birthday, compared to other years...he has invited a group of boys from school over in the morning to go fishing and play basketball. He has been cleaning up the house so it looks nice; he and Miller want to wake up early to mow the front lawn so it looks nice, and work on the garage. Unbelievable. We need to have a few more boy parties so they can clean some more!

I think I'll give you a taste of upcoming events: Porter's trying to get his drivers license Friday. The Granbury office closed and he and Dad will be driving down to Stephenville. I'll be in Boston, flying out Wednesday, to go to Tina's wedding. Breyer will be traveling with me. So Thursday and Friday your brothers will hold the fort down alone, as Dad will be at work. Lots of good stuff for next week's letter.

Have a most wonderful week. Know of our love for you.

Love,

Mom

Soccer Fan Fame