Merry Day After

Hello my wonderful Wonderfuls!

Merry Christmas! Well, rather, merry post-Christmas! I hope that everyone had a wonderful day full of many happies and much joy, and that everyone was able to feel the love of the Saviour and of the Father yesterday.

So my Christmas was pretty good. We went to Church and the Primary had their end-of-the-year program, then we went to the house of the district's second counselor (a gringo who hails from Colorado!) and had a wonderful lunch. Then we went to another lunch at another member's house, and after that I just didn't want to look at food anymore. We were supposed to have two dinners that night too, but that didn't end up happening, which I was very okay with. After we got home that night I opened the pouch that I had received from the grandparents (on both sides), and I can honestly say that I have never been so excited to receive socks as I was yesterday. And boy do they feel good! Thank you Grandma Ruth and Grandpa Ted! Oh, also, I received something that was both wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time: an issue of Automobile Magazine that included a battle of all of the world's top supercars...and I can't read it for a year. I have a picture that better displays my emotions upon finding the magazine, but that will have to wait till next week because my computer doesn't have a port for an SD card. I would absolutely love to read the magazine, but as missionaries we're only allowed to read the Scriptures, the magazines put out by the Church, a handful of books by the Church, and that's it. Automobile Magazine is not in the approved missionary library, so I shall be waiting until I am back in the States to see if the new McLaren can beat the new Ferrari.

Also, thank you Grandma (Judy) for the lovely calendar and Christmas ornament, and for the lovely foodstuffs. I will be thoroughly enjoying all of those things. Oh, and yes, I was able to get a new camera, and it is lovely! I got a Sony SteadyShot DSC-W350, and I have been filling up my memory card little by little. Thank you to my wonderful family for such a wonderful gift! I'll make sure that at some point you see the fruits of the camera! Next week hopefully! Also, the sardines in the first box from my family did end up exploding and covering everything in the box, but I was able to save everything minus the sardines. I have yet to eat anything from the box though because I just haven't been that hungry, but that might change tonight. Thank you all! Also, more pouch should be coming this week...or the next week...or the week after that...I'll get whatever else it is that everyone sent sooner or later! A premeditated thank you to all!

I was sorry to hear about the passing of my cousin. I only met him a few times, and only really had the opportunity to talk to him once, but he was a good, funny, happy man. I know that now he has the opportunity to hear the Gospel and accept it as he waits for the Second Coming of Christ. He's not gone, not by a long shot. His physical body may have died, but even that is only temporary. When Christ was resurrected on the third day, He overcame physical death for all of us, and we will all be resurrected to be judged before Christ. Were it not so, we would never be able to receive a judgment, and we would never be able to live with our Heavenly Father again. If Christ had not come to earth, the end of our physical lives would also end any opportunity that we had to return to God's presence. But I testify that we all have that wonderful opportunity! God did not allow us to come here and never be able to return to His presence. He gave us the way in Christ, and Christ was resurrected so that we all too would receive immortal bodies and be able to live with God again. He has not gone away forever. He has gone on to a place in which he can learn about the plan of God for him, to learn that he will be resurrected as well to come before the judgment bar of Christ, and that we will see him again. He has not yet received his judgment because Christ has yet to come again.  So while it is sad that we don't get to see him for now, I know that his spirit still lives, that his spirit and his body will be reunited again, never to be separated again, and that he is receiving all of the lessons and instructions he needs to make his decision about whether he will follow Christ or not. I testify of these things as a representative of Jesus Christ, and I know without a doubt that they are true because God has made them manifest to me, and I do so in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Elder Schomburg has asked that I include the following links:

http://lds.org/pages/the-plan-of-salvation-d-and-c-video?lang=eng&query=plan+salvation

 http://lds.org/ensign/2004/03/the-merciful-plan-of-the-great-creator?lang=eng&query=plan+salvation

Well, we'll be looking at a new apartment tomorrow and hopefully we'll sign on it tomorrow too. I really hope we get it because it's probably three times bigger than our current one, and there will always be water (huzzah!!). Also, in response to the question of whether I need more clothes; I'm doing well so far. Some of my white shirts are starting to experience some discolouring and basically all of my pants have had some minor snags, but they're all still in relatively good repair. Maybe the only thing that would be nice would be new baptismal pants in a size 36 waist, 34 inseam. The mission makes you gain weight if you don't workout every single day. But apart from that all is well. When I get home I'll probably be getting all new garments as well, but they're still good for now.

Well, I think that's all that I have to say for today. I love you all and I am very thankful for all of you. Please keep staying strong, and don't be afraid to learn more! Don't be afraid to ask if you have questions, and always be courteous about other's beliefs. I love you all and I will talk to you next week. ¡Chao!

Love,

Elder Schomburg

Christmas Spirit...

Helloooooo!!

It's hard to come up with different salutations every time, but Imma give my all!

Okay, before I forget (and I don't wanna forget because it's really important), I will be calling at 3:00 PM my time on the 24th of December. Okay, there we go. Yeeaaaaah, 5 days no más!! I may or may not be excited.

Huzzah for spreading happiness and joy and the Christmas spirit!! That's so amazing! I am so glad that you have chosen to serve others and help others in this time when people can feel way, way, way down. But just a simple act of kindness can give them the best Christmas ever. Way to go!! You guys get a whole bunch of brownie points (which are of course redeemable for brownies, but only in a year-ish)!

Also, my dad also gets all of the brownie points that weren't used for the family, because he treated my mom to an amazing time at the Broadmoor. He definitely wins, and he's definitely become an example of how a husband and father should be. "Yay dad!" (That's actually a very short quote from a movie, and if anyone can guess it, email their answers to my mom [or comment on my blog] and when I get back the winner will get...something. Exito!)

It's a bit disappointing that the missionaries may not be visiting you guys (mi familia) for Christmas, but I'm sure that they will still be well taken-care-of. Maybe next year missionaries will be able to visit you! That'd be really cool. Or maybe they can visit for New Year's (before they have to be in the house, of course, which for us is 4 o'clock [the same for Christmas Eve, and on Christmas we have to be in the house by 6 {I sure am using a bunch of parenthetical asides here}]). Either way, I'm sure they'll be able to visit you again at some time, even if it's not Christmastime.

Okay, so something I just want to put stress on: in this season, it is so incredibly important to reach out to everyone! Everybody is a child of God, and everybody is a spiritual sibling with everyone else. I know there are many people who are feeling incredibly downtrodden this year. What if you are the one (and the only one) who could make that person's Christmas marvellous? What if that person with the sad look on his face only needs a cheerful "Hello" or "Merry Christmas!" to help him remember how blessed he really is? What if passing by to have a quick visit to share a loving thought with the struggling family down the street could save a marriage? We could even say that the simple act of having a cheerful conversation with someone could save a life. Now, many might think that is far-fetched and won't happen, but I'm here to tell you that God still works miracles, and through the small things He will bring miracles to pass. What if you are somebody's miracle this Christmas? As children of God (and especially for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who have made a covenant with God to reach out to others [Mosiah 18:8-10]), there is a need and a duty to love everyone more, and the need is even greater in this season. Please, everyone, do what you can, even if it's not much, to make someone's Christmas the best ever. You'll find that in turn your Christmas will turn out to be one of the best. Everyone should read the December issue of the Ensign, because it is amazing.

Well, I don't have a lot more for this week...wait a second, yes I do! One of the "perks" of being a district leader and having hermana [sister] missionaries in the district is that you get a higher chance of being able to baptize their investigators (seeing as when you do the baptismal interview you have to ask who they want to baptize them). I have now interviewed three people (all were investigators of the hermanas), and I have also baptized all of the people that I have interviewed. That's a bit strange I think, but I was very honored to be able to perform such a vital ordinance for three more children of God. It was a very good experience, and the Spirit was definitely evident in the room.

Okay, now I don't actually have anything else to say apart from my closing remarks. I love you all! You are all so wonderful, and I am thankful for having been able to get to know all of you and share a part in all of your lives (even if it was something small or it's only from reading this blog). I hope you all have the absolute best Christmas of all time, and that you can feel God's love for you more than ever. I love you, and I'll talk to you in one week's time!

Love,
Elder Schomburg

It's the holiday season!

Hello to all!

I just got done with a game of Monopoly in which I lost fairly quickly. It turns out that Missionary Monopoly is a lot faster than any other Monopoly that I've played, and I believe because of that I lost so quickly. Or maybe I'm just not very good. One of the two.

So, life has been fairly good for me lately. Busy, but good. Being a district leader is definitely a lot of responsibility, but it brings a lot of blessings as well. My first baptismal interview went rather well I thought. She had to have a brief interview with the President in addition to mine, but she is good to go for baptism...just as soon as she decides that she wants to do it this year and not after the 6th of January. The interview was very good though. It took a bit, but I was trying to be thorough. It was a very spiritual experience for me though, mainly because I had almost no idea what to do and had to completely rely on the Spirit to guide me. I was way nervous going into the interview, but I came out of it full of confidence. I just had to trust in the Lord and He guided me through the whole thing. I have two more to do tomorrow, but they should be easier because they're a lot younger (15 and 11). Also, there are a ton of things you have to keep in order and a ton of things that end up bugging you (such as when your missionaries don't call at night or when they're 45 minutes late to a zone conference). Also, one of the missionaries in my district used to be my companion; I wonder if you recall Elder Ferneluis? Well, I'm also learning patience and how to be more loving. But all is well, and so far there haven't been any problems.

Elder Sotomayor and I are getting along well. It's a bit difficult to form a really close relationship with him because he has an accent that is extremely difficult for me to understand and so I can't understand him a lot, but I'm doing my best. There is certainly something more to learn from this. We're trying to find investigators, and I'm sure that as we keep trying we'll find the chosen ones. I sure hope so.

I really wish that I could watch the Schomburg Family Trio belting it out on youtube, but I can't. Oh well, I shall see it someday. I'm very glad that the ward Christmas party was a good one and successful. That is always a wonderful thing.

Yay Christmas preparations!! That's so exciting! I'm also very excited for Christmas this year, and I think it's because I'm focusing more on the reason for the season. I was writing some Christmas letters today and in them I of course shared some testimony about the Saviour Jesus Christ. It is so wonderful to be celebrating the birth of our Saviour, Redeemer, and the Son of God. He saved us! He redeemed us! He created all that we see! He was born! That's so amazing! I am incredibly grateful for all that He has done for me, and I will never be able to express my gratitude towards Him. He has done so much for me...He has given me the life that I have now and everything that is in it. I love Him so much, and I plan on doing my absolute best here and throughout life to show Him that love.

Okay, to answer the question about the Christmas phone call: I'll write and say for sure what I'll be doing next Monday, but right now it looks like I'll be calling Saturday the 24th instead of the 25th (the 25th being Sunday and all). That's my plan for right this second, but I will finalize it with the time and everything next Monday in my email. And if I do end up calling on Sunday, I'll let you all know. It can only be 40 minutes, just so you know, and I can only talk to family. I'd love to talk to all of you, but that would be against the rules, and I like to be obedient. I love you all though! President Ghent has approved the use of Skype for talking with families, but I kinda thought that maybe I wouldn't go that route. I don't want to get too trunky after the call. Also, attending church on Christmas is absolutely crucial! Well, only if you plan on remembering the Saviour on the day celebrating His birth. I know that it will be a meeting unlike any other. After all, how many times does Christmas fall on the holiest day of the week? Not many, so make the most of it by being obedient and going to church! It will be amazing: trust me on it.

Yay for helping out the needy! Yay for service! Yay for magnifying the Christmas spirit! Even just preparing to do so, as my family is doing, is getting them all excited. Just think of how happy you'll be once you're actually able to bring to pass your plans! I'm so happy and proud of you all. Keep on building that Christmas spirit and you will be blessed like crazy.

So the apartment that we currently live in is rather small and in need of some renovation, and the Geldmachers (the mission...money people persons [their calling is actually very fitting: in German, Geldmacher means money maker]) asked us to find a new apartment, so we'll be doing so hopefully shortly. We have an appointment at 5:30 with a person who just recently put some apartments on the market, so we'll see how that goes.

The membership here is mas ó menos [more or less]. They recently got a new branch presidency and attendance fluctuates between 50 and 100. The members are all really good and there are quite a few young men that can accompany us...now to just get them motivated to do so! I like the branch a lot though. I'm definitely happy to be here in Riobamba.

I got a package the other day! It was so good to get pouch! Pouch seems to have slowed down quite a bit in the past months, so anything I get now is absolutely relished. And thank you to my most beloved photographer [Jen Duval at duvaldigital.com - she's the best] for sending me such a wonderful package! When I told the missionaries here who the package was from, they all just kinda looked at me weird. I guess missionaries don't receive packages from their family photographers very often. I am appreciative of whatever anyone wants to send my way. And I'd love to send more pictures to all of you (speaking of photography and such), but my camera is very much out of service, so unless I find a way to get a new camera, the pictures will be few and far between. [Elder Schomburg will be getting anew camera for Christmas.]  I love you all!

Well, I guess that's about all that I have for today. Nothing really spiritually uplifting I know, but sometimes you just need to take time to respond to stuff that's happening. I hope everyone is doing splendiforically today and continue to do so throughout the rest of the year ('cause it's almost over!). I love you!

Love,
Elder Schomburg

Welcome to Riobamba!

Well hello there everyone!

So I understand that it's snowing in Monument today...it's not snowing here, so I'm jealous of you from Monument. But that's okay, because it's currently not raining in Riobamba, which is nice because it has rained every single day since I got here. But thus is winter in Ecuador. Oh, more weather related news! On Saturday we were walking to a service project (I was with Elder Rodriguez at the time), and I noticed that something was falling from the sky. I pointed it out to Elder Rodriguez, and he told me that it was ash. Ash? But from what? Why, from the volcanoes of course! Yep, there is a volcano rather nearby that is rather active and has been for 12 years now. My first night here it erupted (it was mild, as in there was just a bit of lava coming down the sides, no explosions or anything), and then it spouted ash Saturday. Welcome to Riobamba! Also, ash doesn't feel so good when it gets in your eyes, but thus is life.

So, remember how last week I said I was trying to do away with striving to become a leader instead of striving to be a representative of Christ (or something like that)? Well, today was the real day for cambios (changes [last week I was changed a week early]), and I was made district leader. I'm still in quite a bit of shock actually. Elder Sotomayor called our former district leader this morning to find out the cambios, and when he told me that I was the new district leader my insides did a few flips, sunk out of my shoes and then leaped back up, and they're still doing acrobatics actually, though they've calmed down considerably. But wow. Also, the responsibility of a district leader is a lot more than even being a trainer. I'm now in charge of 8 missionaries (myself included). I get to teach them in the weekly district meeting, I get to do baptismal interviews for their investigators (my first one is Wednesday), I get to go to more leader's meetings, I have to plan what the district will be doing throughout the week, I am the one that's called at night now (the missionaries have to call and give a report of their day and stuff), and I have to pass on that information to the zone leaders...I'm now responsible for all kinds of things. Believe me, there will be much praying to be had.

Anyway, to other things! I saw the Christmas Devotional last night by the First Presidency, and it was amazing. Seeing Salt Lake and all of the Christmas lights may have made me miss home a little bit, and hearing it in Spanish wasn't as good as hearing it in English would have been, but I did receive a little bit of revelation, which was pretty cool. While President Uchtdorf was talking, a thought came to my mind: "How can I make Christmas more spiritual than materialistic?" I was kinda thinking of the future (as in with my own family) when I thought of that, but I decided that there's no need to wait till later to start having more spiritual Christmases. A little bit later during the devotional, I got my answer from President Monson. I decided that the best way to make Christmas more spiritual and more focused on the actual reason for celebrating the day than materialistic is to serve others. Service is a principle that Christ always taught. He was always serving others, and He completed the biggest service project of all when He took upon Himself our sins and died for us. If we can all do more service this year in the days leading up to Christmas, then we will all have the most wonderful Christmas of our lives, I'm convinced of it. But there's a catch; we can't serve just to say that we've served someone else, or else the good feelings won't accompany the service. Rather, we need to serve because we want to serve. And why should we want to serve others? What have they ever done for us? Well, that second part doesn't matter really. We should want to serve others because we are all brothers and sisters. We should love everyone and want the best for them. Just think of the happiness that you want this Christmas. What if you did your best to bring that happiness to someone else? How incredibly grateful would that person be? Now, I want you to think back to any moment in which you served someone selflessly, even if it was a very small service. How did you feel? You probably felt pretty good, especially if the person at least said "thank you." Now think if you tried your best to make someone feel happy. How happy would you feel to see the look of gratefulness and joy on the face of the person that you're helping? I know that if we can all put aside our own self interests and help others as much as possible, our joy will become complete. We will have a Christmas that is unforgettable. I challenge all of you to go out and serve others. Serve from now until Christmas, and see what kind of a Christmas you have. It's nigh on impossible to have a bad Christmas if we're trying our hardest and our best to love as much as possible. Your attitude during the service will determine how happy you are, so remember to always keep a good attitude about things. Also, write to me about your service experiences! I want to hear how you feel and what you do and how the other people end up feeling! I'm sure that this experience will be incredible for all that have the courage to test it out.

[These are the Christmas lights on Temple Square in Salt Lake City that Elder Schomburg referred to - it's absolutely gorgeous!]

So, there are two more events that I'd like to share. First has to do with the Devil trying to bring me down. So, we were walking to lunch on Friday when I saw some graffiti. Graffiti is not unusual at all, and it seems that most of the graffiti is of people declaring their love for someone else (nothing says "I love you" quite like graffiti). Anyway, I saw this graffiti, and it said "Mishell y Andrés" in a big ol' heart. Now, if you were in an English-speaking country, that graffiti would have said "Michelle and Andrew", and would have still been in a big ol' heart. I just found it rather amusing that Satan is trying hard enough to distract me from my mission that he's now resorted to graffiti. I just kinda laughed and kept walking. Now, the second story is not about graffiti, but rather is about fireworks. So, Saturday night we had just finished our prayers and heard some fireworks go off. Fireworks aren't unusual; every night someone lights of a firework somewhere. However, this night was special because someone had bought a whole bunch of fireworks and gave us a rather nice show. When I say fireworks I'm not talking about firecrackers and smoke bombs and sparklers and whatnot, I'm talking about ones that you actually shoot up into the air and ooh and awww over. Anyway, we had a nice 10 minute show of fireworks that night. Welcome to Ecuador!

Well, I think that's about all that I have for today. I love you all very much, and I am very grateful for all that you do for me. Thank you for your prayers of support, and thank you for remembering me. Have a lovely week! I love you!

Love,
Elder Schomburg

Riobamba!

Hello there to all of you!

So, how does this day find me? Well, it doesn't find me in Quito, that's for sure. I am in my new home now, the wonderful city of Riobamba! I'm now in the zone farthest south in the Ecuador Quito mission, and I'm thinking it's going to be a good change. I'm excited to be here, though the weather is less than desirable (chilly and drizzly), but thus is winter in the Ecuadorian sierra. My new companion is Elder Sotomayor, and it turns out that he actually has a brother in the mission who is about to go home. When I heard that I was getting changed and would be companions with Elder Sotomayor I was a confused because I'm still senior companion, but when an elder who is about to go home is put as junior companion, it's usually because he needs to be refocused, and Elder Sotomayor (the older) is a really good missionary, so that confused me. But I'm actually with his little brother, who only has 5 months as a missionary. He's from Guayaquil, and he talks like it. It's gonna be a bit difficult for me to get back into the hang of having a Latino companion, but it'll be very good. I'm no longer training, I'm just senior companion, but it will be good for me. I think I had been a bit too focused on trying to become a leader (district or zone) and let that get in the way, and then when that didn't happen, things just started going badly for me, but like I said last week, I've recognized the need to repent of my ways, and I am doing so now. Yay!

I heard that I had a package waiting for me last night, but then I got changed, so it's going to be awhile before I get any pouch I'm thinking. I used to be able to go straight to the offices to pick up anything, but now I'm a good 4-5 hours away from the offices, so that's a little less than practical. I am glad that my contacts were found though! Too bad they're in Guayaquil...I'm rather confused as to how they got there, but that's fine. I can see well enough right now to get by, and my vision may be improving slightly (my eyes get a workout now). And thank you all for sending packages! I don't know what they contain yet, but thank you for sending them! You all are amazing, and I love you!

Like my mother said in her email to me, I did indeed have something on my mind to share, but I forgot what it was...darn. Hmmm...well, yesterday I got to give another talk in church! It was interesting because I went up to tell the first counselor about an announcement that we had to make, and then he asked me if I could give a talk that day because the sister who was going to give the talk didn't come to church that day. Well, I was a bit surprised, but I accepted and ended up giving a fairly decent talk (I hope) on the Atonement. Every time I...that's what I was going to share! It's not about the Atonement, but I'll share it too, right after I finish this sentence. Anyway, every time that I study the Atonement I am more and more grateful for what my Saviour decided to do for me. He accepted the call to perform the Atonement even before the world was created, and then he decided to follow through with His decision here on earth. He didn't have to perform the Atonement; he has his free will, and he could have chosen to not atone for us. Instead, he continued with what his Father had asked him to do, and through his perfect obedience he has provided all of us with the opportunity to be saved in the celestial kingdom. This sacrifice is not free for us though. He requires that we work hard all of our life, that we too suffer for him, and that we live his Gospel in every moment of our lives. If we don't accept to do so, we reject his atoning sacrifice for us and do not receive the opportunity to receive an inheritance in the celestial kingdom. We do not get to live with God again if we do not live Christ's Gospel. It's just that simple. I know that Christ really did atone for all of our sins, and that through him, and only him, we have the opportunity to receive all that the Father has.

Now, for what I was going to share. I've realized something that has happened recently with me. Every time that I even see the name Jesus Christ my heart gives a little leap of joy. I am so grateful for him and I am so in awe by what he has done. I really have grown so much closer to him in these 10 months, and I know that if I serve him even more and with a more willing heart that I will grow even closer to him and will receive even more blessings from him. It's an amazing thing, and I wish that everyone could feel as I do. I know that everyone can, but you have to make some sacrifices and be willing to put in 100%, not 95%. The path that Christ expects us to walk is not easy. It wasn't easy for him, so how could we ever expect the path to be easy? It's not easy, but if you're willing to receive the celestial kingdom and all that the Father has, you must also be willing to do whatever that takes. It is well worth it though, no matter what it costs in this life. I testify that the blessings of the celestial kingdom, the highest of all the kingdoms and the kingdom of God, are real and are available to all of us if we but choose to receive them and then act on that decision.

(For Jeffrey: Exodus 20:12, Moses 6:54, and 2 Nephi 2:27; you are free to make your own choices and to decide who you want to be.)

Well, I have to write to the president now, so I'll be going. I love you all and I'm very grateful for all that you have given me. Have a wonderful week! ¡Chao!

[Elder Schomburg has asked that I put a link to this talk on his blog... I hope you will take the time to read and ponder it.  Gifts by President Thomas S. Monson - such a wonderful reminder at this time of year.]

Love,
Elder Schomburg

Endure to the End

Hello to all y'all!

This day has been very good so far, and I am doing very, very well right now. Today started off pretty well and has just been a really good day. We started off by studying (like good missionaries!) and then we went to the office, and I was surprised to find that I had a package for me! My package from Grandma arrived, and though I haven't opened it, the green sticker made me rather excited to open it. (I haven't really recieved anything else from anybody else for a couple of weeks now, but when I do I'll let you know.) However, right now I have no interest in eating anything at all, and that's because right after we went to the offices we went to a restaurant called the Toronto Buffet. It's an all you can eat buffet here, and as the name implies it is Canadian based. Now, you all might be wondering what on earth is a Canadian-based buffet, and I would love to tell you, but...I'm still not sure. It was a buffet just like any other buffet you would find in the States. A little smaller (i.e. not as big of a variety of food), but basically the same. It was good though. I definitely got my money's worth, and that's because I prepared for this. Yep, I ate a big dinner last night, and then this morning my breakfast was three pieces of toast and 1.5 litres of juice. And all of my preparation worked, because I ate a lot. I probably won't eat until Thursday, when we'll have another very large feast. Some of the members from the stake invited all of the missionaries in the zone Calderón to visit their house on Thursday for a Thanksgiving feast, and they've asked that we don't eat anything that day, so you know it's going to be a good dinner. I'm rather looking forward to it.

I'm very glad to hear that everything is going well with the Schomburg family and the branches thereof. Congratulations Elizabeth on the musical and your solo in Young Women's! I'm sure that you did a fantastic job, and I'll make sure to catch all of your shows when I get back.

I'm also glad to hear that Sacrament Meeting was very good this week. I'm very glad to hear that Grandma enjoyed herself, and Grandma, don't worry, I know the Book of Mormon comes in larger print, and I know that Madre is right on top of that. Also, part of what Brother Carlson shared reminded me of a talk that I just read by Elder Wirthlin. It was his last talk in General Conference before he died, and it's entitled "Come What May and Love It", and it's a wonderful talk. I would recommend it to everyone (http://lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/come-what-may-and-love-it?lang=eng&query=come+may+love <-- What is that, a link to that very talk? How fortunate!). [Not seeing his own blog while in the mission field, Elder Schomburg has no idea that Madre is always including links to talks and information for his readers, so he thinks he really hit on something special here. :) haha]

Well, now that all the fun stuff is out of the way, I'll talk about my week a little bit. Work-wise this was the worst week that I have had in all of my mission. We only taught two lessons this week to investigators. A lot of that was due to meetings, a lot was due to illness, and a lot was also due to our investigators not showing up to their appointments. Needless to say, I am slightly ashamed of the week that we had. I know I need to work harder now, and I will do so. That's part of why I'm happy today though. I have realized that I need to repent, and I am excited for that. We can do so well this week, and through diligent work the Lord will bless us. The trick is that we have to work absolutely as hard as is possible. It doesn't matter if we have to stay out till 9:30 PM every night and risk all of the robbers in Comité, we will have more lessons this week, we will help God's children progress towards eternal life, and we will magnify our callings. It will be ridiculously hard and will require me to change some things in my life (one of which is definitely going to be difficult), but it's necessary and it's more than possible. We will do it.

Oh, yesterday was pretty good though. I had been really sick on Saturday, so much so that after our mini zone conference I had to go back to the house for the rest of the day to rest, but Sunday I woke up feeling much better, which was very good because I was supposed to give a talk that day. I don't know why, but I think giving talks makes anyone nervous, because I felt a bit nervous before I stood up there. My talk this Sunday was about enduring to the end. I was only given seven minutes, but I think it was a fairly good talk. Enduring to the end is such a crucial step in our lives. Sure, there a many things that we need to do before we get to the "enduring to the end" part, but once we have performed all of the necessary ordinances, there's even more to do. Enduring isn't something that's passive. Enduring doesn't mean just not doing bad things for all of your life. It means being an active part in the salvation of everyone that you meet (yes, even you are a missionary!). It means magnifying that to which you have been called. It means doing absolutely everything possible to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Scriptures teach us that anyone who does not endure to the end cannot receive their inheritance in the kingdom of God. There is so much involved in enduring, and though it might be hard, it is necessary and possible. Even Jesus had to endure to the end of His life. If we cannot endure this life, we do not deserve to receive all that God has for us. God's great plan is that we might become like He is, and if we can't handle just being a human, how could we ever handle being like Him? I've not really said anything that I said in my talk, this is all just now coming to me, but I promise I had a pretty good talk too!

Well, I must be going now. I love all of you, and I'm very glad that all is going well for all of you. Thank you for your support, and thank you for taking the time to write to me. I really do thrive on your letters. Have a fantastic Thanksgiving, and don't forget to take some time to think and to give thanks this Thursday and not just eat a whole bunch. I love you!

Love,
Elder Schomburg

Every Member a Missionary

Hello there my fine fellow people!

I decided that my greeting needed to be a little different, and now it is indeed.

I am doing rather well today. Today has been very relaxing, which is a nice change. We went to the offices, went to two malls, walked through a park, and wrote letters. Also, Elder Pande treated me to Subway (yep, real Subway), so that was very enjoyable. I also bought an amazingly incredible shirt, which accompanies this email. In case you can't tell, it's Yoda (yes, the same one from Star Wars) wearing purple sunglasses and with headphones around his neck, and to the bottom right it says "Ecuador". Yep, it's just about the coolest shirt that I currently own, but I found out something very useful today; Ecuadorian "large" is a U.S. "medium". Even though it's a tad snug and the sleeves are just a tad too short, it's still one of my favorite shirts ever.

We haven't had any run-ins with robbers lately, but on Saturday it was because we can run. It's fairly probable that in the next change (December 3ish I believe) all of the North Americans will be taken out of Comité because of the rising threat level. That's a bit too bad, but that just means we have to do all that is possible to make sure we have baptisms before then. Also, when Elder Pande heard about my first robbing experience he also suggested that we give the robber a folleto [brochure] the next time about the Word of Wisdom (most thieves here are drunks or drug addicts), but since then he has yet to put that into practice. When it comes down to it, running is a much simpler way to do things.

Elder Pande is doing very well. Well, now he is. This past week he got to experience Ecuador's welcome for all North Americans, meaning that he spent the better part of 3 days in the bathroom. All is well now though (go Gatorade!), and he's even more determined to work hard this week. He's a very good companion. He still has difficulty with the language, but I do too, so I just smile and correct him, and then he thanks me for correcting him. He's really a very good missionary. He has a strange sense of humor, and he's done some rather...well, he calls them "awesome" things, though I'd call them "borderline insane", but he's a good Elder. He's basically an extreme sports junkie, and he likes to do the things that people tell him can't/shouldn't be done. Either way, I'm glad to be his companion.

Talking about missionary work, Elder Pande and I recently initiated something among the congregation here. Since we need to use the members more, we handed out a paper yesterday that was titled "Every Member a Missionary" that is to help us get references from the members here. After they give us the reference, we'll set up an appointment with the reference and with the member together. Hopefully it has a lot of success, and I believe that it will. The only thing that we really need is the support of the members. If the members don't support us, we cannot do our job well. Sure, we can do our job, we can knock doors all day long and we can maybe find 5 out of 75 people that are ready to hear the Gospel, but it's not very effective that way. When a member helps us with a reference, then we don't have to search for someone to be a friend to the investigator, we'll have better luck getting an investigator to church, and the investigator will be more likely to want to hear more about the Gospel and take that crucial step of entering the waters of baptism. Members really don't know how important they are to the missionary effort. For all of you members out there, we need your help! Also, if you don't think that being a member means that you're a missionary, I would like you to read this scripture:

"And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.  Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand; Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms— That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you. Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.  Therefore, they are left without excuse, and their sins are upon their own heads." D&C 88:77-82

As members it is your duty and a commandment unto you that you "warn [your] neighbor" and to "teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom." There's a reason that within the church we call people "brother" and "sister"; we are all spiritual brothers and sisters. Do you not want the best for your your siblings? Do you not want them to experience unending joy and happiness with their families and with you? I am positive that all of you want the best for your family. Therefore, go forth and spread the good news of the Gospel! Help your brothers and sisters receive eternal life! Share what you know, and declare the truthfulness of this Gospel with the voice of a trumpet! The Lord has commanded it; therefore, it is possible to lift up your voice.

On to other topics, yay Dad! Thank you for being such a wonderful help to Madre while she has been recovering. I know that she appreciates it tremendously.

Well, I don't think I have much more to share today. I sent out a letter packet today, so some letters should arrive to some of you in roughly 2 weeks. Also, the mail system is hating me this month because even the letters that I've gotten are about a month old, which is unusual. That's okay though, I'm sure that you all still love me and are still writing. :) I have not received any packages of any kind for a bit (referring to those of you who told me that you had sent packages), but that is okay. I'll just build up my ability to be patient.

I love all of you very very much. I am so glad to be part of your family/be friends with you. I cannot wait to see you again...rather, I can wait exactly 14.5 months, and then I don't think I'll be able to wait anymore. I love you, and keep on reading the Scriptures! We've been given them for a reason! And if you have yet to start reading the Book of Mormon, I would ask you to at least test it out and pray about it. I love you, and have a wonderful week!

Love,
Elder Schomburg

No time to write...

Hello! *pantpant*

So I have 8 minutes to write. Woo! I don't have a lot to report this week. This past week was kinda crazy and frustrating. We were kinda robbed again (he didn't get anything from me, but he got $5 from my companion), so we've had to be in the house by 8 every night. I think that's been lifted now, but we're still going to be careful. I have to write up a description of the guy and everything and send it to a private investigator (seeing as it was the same guy that robbed us, only without a knife this time, and it was basically on main street). Hopefully things will calm down. This week was also a week of parties and vacations in Ecuador, so proselyting was difficult. Almost nobody was home, and when we tried to contact we didn't really meet anyone promising. We did have 5 investigators come to church, but they weren't the ones with baptismal dates, so now we have no one with a baptismal date. It's a bit frustrating, but I know that if we just keep working hard and if we talk with everybody we will find those prepared ones and we will see success. We haven't been able to meet with that family from last week because they were traveling, but this week will be better, and we'll put a date with them for the 26 of November.

I was very glad to hear that my mother's surgery was a success, and that she is recouperating now. I know that all of your prayers helped her to come through okay. Thank you for all the prayers that were said on her behalf.

Oh, stuff to send! Okay, well, if you were so inclined to send things, I could really use new socks (size 15). A green tie would be nice (that's about the only color I currently don't have), I love Reese's and peanut butter....I can't really think of much else. Oh! Music is always appreciated, though it can't have romantic or distracting lyrics, it can't have a rythym or beat that takes away from the Spirit...if it says BYU (as in it's from Brigham Young University) or the Mormon Tabernacle Choir it's pretty much okay. Umm, qué mas... That's about all that I can think of currently. I'll let you know latter if there's anything else.  [If you want to e-mail me and let me know if you're sending him a green tie or socks, I can let others know so he doesn't end up with 20 of each. :)]

I love you all, and I'm so glad for everything that you have done for me. Keep following Christ, and you will receive blessings. It's a promise. I love you! ¡Chao!

Love,

Elder Schomburg

One fish, two fish...

Hello there!!

I am doing fantastically on this wonderful day here in Quito. Today has been interesting, and so has this week, but it's all been good. Very, very good.

So today we were going to go to a zoo, but when we got to the zoo it was closed. A local told us that there was an aquarium nearby, so we went there instead. It was a rather...interesting...aquarium. It was a bunch of the fish tanks like what Wal-Mart has all lined up with some different fish, and it was in a dark hallway basically. It was a bit strange, but there were some cool fish. The really cool and really weird part has to do with the pictures of my feet included in this email. We walked through this "lagoon" type thingy and at the end there were a couple of little ponds with little fish in them. Well, they were there to "massage" your feet. Yep, you put your feet in the water and let the little fish nibble at your feet. It's not nibbling as much as sucking I guess, but either way it was a bit weird. It actually felt pretty good though, though more especially after you put your shoes back on and walk around a bit. Then you realize how soft and relaxed your feet feel. The fish eat all the dead skin cells off of your feet and leave them all clean and new-ish. It tickles a bit, and it takes a bit of getting used to, but it's well worth it. Also, the only time I took my feet out of the water was when we were leaving; all of the other missionaries took their feet out a few times because it tickled too much, but I have crazy self control (thank you siblings). It was definitely a one-of-a-kind experience.  [Little does Elder Schomburg know that women in the United States will pay around $50 for a "fish pedicure" in high end salons. haha]

Now, about my child! His name is Elder Pande (pronounced "panda"), he's from North Salt Lake, he likes basically any extreme sport, and he's my same height. Yep, we are now the Two Towers of Comité. He doesn't speak much Spanish at all, but he likes learning and allows me to correct him however many times he needs. Poco a poco he will learn. He says he is really glad that I'm his companion because I'm so obedient. It kinda makes me feel really good when people say things like that, and it definitely humbles me a lot. I'm being an example to people here, and it's not just the investigators, but the missionaries also. I'm very glad for that, and I plan on keeping it up.

We are being blessed with more people now. We recently found a family, and the father said that he had been interested in our religion because he felt empty in his life. He felt that he was living just waiting for death and that things didn't really matter much for him. He's very eager to learn and to experience the Church and fill that emptiness that he feels, and we are more than ready to help him. We've also found a few other people who seem to be ready to hear the Gospel, so I can testify that those who are obedient and work hard will receive the desires of their hearts.

This week has been super. I even got a package! I have been enjoying peanut butter in the mornings with my bread and the new Men of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD which I got. Thank you so very much!!!

Also, I may or may not have been super excited and amazed to hear that Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Seventy was able to stop by our house Saturday afternoon. That is such an amazing and huge blessing to our family. I'm not saying this to brag or anything, I just know that my family received a huge blessing in the form of this visit. I am so overjoyed for my family that they were able to experience such a thing. I'm positive that the Spirit will be strong in our family for a long time. It's not every day that a General Authority pays a visit to your house. Wow.

I hope all is still going well. I know that the Lord blesses those who are willing to work for those blessings and who are not afraid to trust in the Lord in every instance. I love you all, and I appreciate all that you have all done for me. Have a wonderful week! ¡Chao! [scroll down for a message from Madre]

Love,
Elder Schomburg 

Hello all,

Elder Schomburg has told me that it takes a good month and a half for any kind of package to arrive in Quito.  As this is the first of November, I am sending out this gentle reminder that Christmas is only 8 weeks away, so if you are planning to send him a package of any kind, it would be better to get it in the mail sooner than later.  If you have any questions about his needs or mission rules as far as gifts go, please feel free to e-mail me at lisakschomburg@gmail.com.

Here is his mailing address for those who need it:

Elder Andrew Michael Schomburg
Mision Quito Ecuador
Calles Robles E4-515 y Ave Amazonas
Casilla 17-03-078
Quito Pichincha Ecuador

I also received a wonderful suprise from Elder Schomburg's mission President's wife for my birthday last Friday and I have posted the photos here for everyone to enjoy.  Thank you all for your continued support and love for our son as he does the Lord's work in Ecuador.

Ch - ch - ch - changes... (from Shrek)

Well howdies all!

So I have almost no time at all. I'm in a mall and the internet is $2 per hour, and we're also waiting for another missionary to meet up with us and such. Today is the day of changes, and it has been full of waiting. I said goodbye to Elder Papworth this afternoon as he left for his new sector, which is in the south of Quito. I'm staying in Comité, and tomorrow I'll be receiving my new companion from...the CCM! Yep, I'm training again. Imma have my second son! That's pretty exciting, and I must be doing something right to be training again. He'll most likely be another North American because there are 13 North Americans coming and 2 Brazilians coming and nada más. So yeah, that means I'll have more meetings, more learning, more of everything, which is exciting. I'm looking forward to it.

So I didn't get robbed again this week, but a 50 pound bag of some kind of flora hit me in the head and crushed my glasses, so that's a bit of a bummer. The world's a bit blurry right now, but thus is life. I can still see well enough, so I'll just have to be patient and wait until my contacts arrive. Oh, and also my camera has decided that it won't work anymore. I turn it on, the lens comes out and then goes immediately back in and the screen says, "Zoom error." Okay, really it says, "Zoomfehler" because I put the language in German, but the end result is the same: it doesn't work. So that's a bit of a bummer, but again, así es la misión.

We don't have too many investigators right now. It's kinda hard to get in the door these days, and the investigators that we do have aren't progressing at all, so we'll probably have to drop them this week. It's kind of a bummer too, but there are these times in the life of every missionary I'm sure. I know that it's a test for me and that I need to learn from this, so I'm doing my best to learn because quite frankly, I don't like not baptizing people. But one day soon we shall help more people enter the cleansing waters of baptism, and then I will be happier.

Well, I have to write to the President really quick like, so I'll be going now. I love you all, and I'm very grateful for all that you have done for me. I hope you all have a wonderful week, that all are in good health or that any procedures to help people recover their health go smoothly, and that you all keep looking for the Lord and for God in your life. I know that if you will search for Them, They will make Themselves known unto you. I love you! ¡Cuídense!

Love,
Elder Schomburg

P.S. For those who still don't know much about Latter-day Saints or the church to which we belong, the best place to start is to ask, and from there the best thing to do is to prayerfuly read the Book of Mormon. I would invite all of you to talk to a Latter-day Saint and to read the Book of Mormon. If you will do it, you will find the answers to the questions that you might not even know you have, and you will end the search that you didn't know you had begun.  [You can also visit mormon.org or lds.org for more information.]

Not for the Faint of Heart...

Hello there!

So, I don't have much time at all today. We went to this gondola ride thingy today, and at the top we could see basically all of Quito. It was pretty cool, but it sucked up absolutely all of our time, and we still have to buy things for the week. Pant pant but así es la vida [such is life].

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFFREY!!! It's rather crazy to think that he's 18 now. That's just ridiculous. My little brother can't be 18. That's just not something that's possible. But I guess he is, so happy birthday to him! I'd write on his facebook wall, but that's a little against the rules. I hope you have an amazing day Jeffrey, and keep staying strong and faithful. Our Heavenly Father has many great things in store for you in your life; you just have to be willing to accept them. Keep on keeping on!

(Madre: I shall leave this up to you if you want to publish it or not. I'd like it published just because it's part of my mission, but others might get all frightened and worried and such, so it's up to you.) [Madre has opted to publish as he asked - so proud of my amazing son!]

So this Friday night was quite interesting. First we had an appointment with an investigating couple (they're a bit older) who have a son who is a member. They want to get baptized, but on their own time, which means that they don't actually really want to get baptized that much. This time they told us that we basically shouldn't ask them to be baptized anymore because they'll repent when they're ready to. I shared Alma 34:31-35 with them, and I think the mom realized a little bit that they need to change (I hope so, because she was crying at the end of the lesson). They're both rock solid still though, so that's a bit saddening. Then after that we went to check up on our investigators who had a baptism the next day, and one of them said that she didn't want to get baptized anymore. We had a nice talk with her that was completely by the Spirit, and she changed her mind and was baptized the next day.

So that was taxing. But to top things off, that night, as we were walking back to the house, and when we were only about 50 meters from the house, a smallish man came up and asked us for some money. Elder Papworth was going to give him a few cents (we don't ever hardly carry money with us), and then he told us to give him all that we had. We were still walking rather brusquely, but then he pulled out a fairly large knife, and that's when we realized that we were being robbed. I was rather surprised that someone his size (he was about the size of Michelle [from Madre - she's about 5'3" and cute as a bug!]) had decided to rob two of us, one of them being 6' 3" and close to 200 lbs. I wasn't very scared though. I was rather calm. He was a bit rough when asking Elder Papworth for money (the knife never really got very close to either of us), and he checked most all of Elder Papworth's pockets. When he came to me, he allowed me to take my money out of my pocket, and then he reached in one of my pockets and patted another, but that was the extent of his interaction with me. I told him to be calm several times, and then as he was walking away I told him, "¡Tenga una buena noche!" ["Have a good night!"]  I'm fairly certain he was more afraid than I was, because it really hardly phased me at all. He only took $4 from me and $6 from Elder Papworth. He didn't take either of our watches or anything, and he didn't take my raincoat either, for which I was very appreciative. All in all it wasn't a horribly terrifying experience or anything, though I was a bit bummed that he took my coin pouch thingy. I liked that coin pouch. But no worries everyone, we're fine, and it's just as likely to happen to anyone in the States as it is to us here. We're just going to keep saying our prayers every day.

Well, this Saturday we baptized the last of our investigators, so we need to start from scratch basically. We don't really have anyone, and we don't have many prospects lined up, so we're going through a rough patch, but with hard work and prayer all will work out.

Well, I must go now. I love you all so very much, and I'm sorry this was so short today. I'll try to make a longer one next week. I love you all, and I'll talk to you in a week. Oh, and I'll send out a mail packet in a week. Sorry about the delays! ¡Cuídense mucho!

Love,
Elder Schomburg

Glorious Day

Hello!!

Wow! This day has been fairly amazing already, and the email that I received from mi Madre was full of amazing news. I don't even know where to start or anything. Gah! Okay, I'll start with the zone activity today.

So today we got permision from President Ghent to watch a Disney movie, and we chose to watch Tangled. That was a wonderful movie, and it's probably moved up to one of my favorite movies. And, as with most movies that are fairy-tail-y or have happy endings and whatnot, this one made me cry in a couple of spots. Well, okay, I only teared up in one spot, the other I did actually cry a tad. For those of you who have seen it, it happened when the king was getting ready to release the lantern on Rapunzel's (I probably butchered her name) 18th birthday. I seem to be sympathizing (I hope that's the word) more with fathers as of late, and I'm not quite sure why. But the king was so terribly sad, and I felt like I could feel his pain for a second, although I'm sure I didn't feel anything close to the pain he felt, and I hope that I never do feel that pain. But anyway, it was an amazing movie, and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who has yet to see it. After we watched the movie the zone made pizza in the oven in the stake center (where we were watching the movie), and also one of the sister missionaries made apple crisp. And to top it off, I got more pouch, which is always a treat for me (pictures were included!!). All in all it's been an amazing day so far.

Congratulations to Denise Selino on the birth of her new baby boy! What exciting news that was to receive. Woo!!

Also, what exciting news it was to hear that Elder Hallstrom of the Presidency of the Seventy (I think that's right) wanted to hear more about the story of our family so that it could be used in a training session for the Seventy. That truly is very humbling, exciting, incredible. I don't know if our story is that noteworthy, but I do know that it would not have been possible if it weren't for the atonement of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice, we have been able to return from the unknown path, from a road of darkness and sadness, and we have been brought back to the iron rod and are on the path to eternal life. We truly are a family now, even if some of us are seperated by a few miles. We have all received a conversion that goes more than skin deep; even Robby has felt the difference I know. We could not have done any of this without the Lord. I testify that the Lord does work miracles in these days, just as He always has done. All one needs to do to experience these miracles is to trust in Him and give Him everything. He will never lead anyone astray, and He will always be there to guide us and succor us when we are in need. We were in need, and He blessed us tremendously, and He continues to bless us tremendously.

We had a baptizm this Saturday! Adriana was an investigator with whom we had been working for awhile. It was difficult to find time to teach her because her work schedule conflicted with the times in which we could teach her, and it was difficult for her to attend church (in this case, difficult=impossible) due to work, so we were feeling a bit down a while back about her chances of being baptized. However, a miracle happened; she found the courage to quit her job so that she could attend church. She did that and has attended church ever since and received her baptism and confirmation this weekend, and I know that she is receiving the blessings. She has a new job that allows her to sanctify the Sabbath and she has the opportunity to receive eternal life. She really is an example of faith and courage for me, and I hope that I can have her faith someday. I included some photos of the baptism, in which you can also see my companion, Elder Papworth.

As a zone this month we've set a fairly lofty goal for baptisms. We decided that we would be able to baptize at least 75 people in this month. The zone record currently is 28, so to baptize 75 people will be amazing. As of right now we're at 10, so we have a bit of work to do, but it is more than possible. With the Lord on our side, we could end up baptizing 100 or more. Elder Papworth and I have made a goal of 16 baptizms this month, which would almost double what I have done in my mission. Believe me, we are praying our hearts out for this. Now to only extend those invitations for baptism.

So how am I doing today? Fantastically. Today is a glorious day, and this week shall be a glorious week, even if it does rain every day. I know that I am in the work of the Lord, and that through me the Lord can work many miracles; I just have to allow Him to do so. I am so thankful for my Heavenly Father and for my Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ. I can only hope to show them a fraction of my gratitude through my hard work. I love all of you, and I am glad that you are all still doing well. Keep staying strong in the Lord, and He'll keep blessing you. The scriptural thought for the week is Ephesians 4:5; "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." The Lord Christ established one church when He was on the earth, established on the foundation of prophets and apostles, which fell into apostasy and disappeared from the earth after the death of His apostles and after His asencion to Heaven. That church has been reestablished in these latter days by Jesus Christ Himself through the prophet Joseph Smith. The only way to receive all of the blessings of the Father is through Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ established only one way in which we can follow Him. I know that this is true, and I leave it with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I'll sign off for now and talk to you next week. Have an amazing week all of you, and I love you all very much. ¡Chao!

Love,
Elder Schomburg

Living Prophets

"Hello!" - President Thomas S. Monson

I decided to quote our beloved prophet (I have to think every time I type that word, "It's a ph in English!") because sometimes a greeting as simple as "hello" can be filled with so much love that it just makes you want to cry. I do so dearly love our prophet. He's always so happy and excited and full of energy, even though he's 84. Anyone who sees him can see that he runs on Energizer Lithium Plus batteries, because he just keeps going and going, and he's always smiling. Apart from being a wonderful human being, he has helped me in so many ways that I didn't know stranger could, even though he feels more like family than anything else. Just speaking of him make my eyes get all watery from gratitude. He is our prophet, our leader, a man called by God and led by revelation. Of that I will always testify, as I once told a nice man in Santo Domingo (he had told me and my companion that we should forget Thomas S. Monson).

Something that I really noticed this year in General Conference was the authority and the power that our living prophets have today. I've always known that it was at least logical that we had prophets today (the scriptures, including the Bible, testify of that), but since that occassion a few weeks ago in which I really received my testimony of prophets, I have been more susceptible to feeling the power and authority of their calling. I really felt that during General Conference this weekend. Those men speaking have been called by God and ordained to be apostles and prophets. They receive communication directly from the heavens. No other man can speak like they can. A person can be a wonderful orator and a man of many words, but only the prophets and apostles can speak with the authority which only they hold. I testify that we have prophets and apostles in these latter-days, just as so many prophets have prophecied. I testify that they have been called by God. I testify that they receive revelation from God to guide us. They are real, and their revelation is not only for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but is for the whole world. Of course, the decision to listen to the prophets is your choice, just as it always has been, from the days of Adam to Noah, from Noah to Moses, from Moses to Christ, and now again in these days. The decision is yours, but remember the words of Nephi, who stated, "And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness" (2 Nephi 33:11). While Nephi was writting about the Book of Mormon in that case, the Book of Mormon was written by prophets who received revelations from God, and the revelations of today are just as valid. All you must do to know that is ask the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, believing that you shall receive, and it shall be given unto you. Thomas S. Monson is a prophet called of God to lead us. He communicates directly with Jesus Christ and with the Father, and he guides us under Their direction. I know that these things are true, and I know that you can know for yourself as well.

So, now that I've said that, I'm doing pretty well today! We got to play ultimate frisbee and futbol today, which was way fun, though my ankle is feeling it now. And also the leg that's a tad scrapped up. But that just means that I was playing! Anyone who knows me knows that if I don't come back with some bruise, scrape, or other minor damage, I wasn't really playing. It felt really good to play with the zone again. Also, I found that there's a Correos del Ecuador here in Comite, but I was still only able to write one letter before I had to send it off. Next week a packet shall be coming sent. Thank you everyone who has sent me anything. I always appreciate hearing from everyone, and everyone is invited to write! Oh! A miracle has happened! I have had my Reese's for about a week now, and I still have more than half of what arrived left. Look out, the end of the world really is coming. Oh, and I've even shared a lot! Also, recent studies show indicate that there is no such thing as a bad type of Reese's. Science speaks the truth!

Oh, so winter in Quito means that it rains every evening. Elder Papworth and I are now finding that out, and I am very grateful for my raincoat.

Also, Madre, what exactly entails being a Health Coach? Is it a paid position, volunteer position, do you have to go into an office or something...what is it that you do Madre?

My companion seems to be doing well. He has some challenges sometimes, just as all new missionaries do, but he's a champ and just keeps on going. I am always learning from him, and I am so glad to have him as my companion.

I hope that all goes well with all schooling on all parts, and that those problems that are present can be fixed, hopefully by one rather genius guy that I know. Keep on praying and doing everything that you can, and the Lord will provide the rest.

I love all of you, and I'm so proud of all the changes that you have made and for the people that you have become. I'm especially proud of my family and all that they are doing, and especially for my parents. They have been working hard to become the best that they can be, and while they're not perfect (yet), they always do their best. Thank you for your examples, Mom and Dad. I love you all (again), and I hope that you have a wonderful day and week. ¡Cuidense!

Love,
Elder Schomburg

Little things... enormous joy!

Hello everyone!

I'm trying to decide how to start this letter because I'm trying to determine if what I say first might cause me to be judged as to whether my priorities are straight or not. I have to reassure all of you that they are perfectly straight, but there are some little things that seem to bring enormous joy to me. One of those little things would be REESE'S!! I may or may not have received every type of Reese's currently on the market from my most amazing and wonderful family, and my companion and I may or may not have already eaten most all of the individually wrapped mini Reese's cups. I don't think I'm communicating how excited I was to get Reese's very well, but I think to do so may be slightly unprofessional. I was pretty excited. Oh, and I got Grandma's package too! In one go I got Reese's, Nerds, Jack Links, and a Salted Nut Roll. You guys just made this missionary's day. Thank you!

I think I got more mail too, but someone from my zone got there first, and whoever gets to the offices first gets the pouch for everyone and hands it out during the district meetings. So I don't know if I got more pouch (there's a very good chance that I did though), so I'll let you know next week. Oh, and no letters were sent out again today. Having a "child" takes up a lot of time, and I haven't had time to write anything really. I'll try to get at least one letter out next week though.

Hmm, how are Sacrament meetings in Ecuador different than in the States.... A better question would be, "What are Sacrament meetings like in the States?" It's been a bit since I've been to an English Sacrament meeting in the States (8 months as of today!). No, I do remember a bit. They're pretty much the same here as in the States, but in Spanish. Also, it's a little bit less reverent, but Bishop Escobar addressed that yesterday, so that was really good. They're a bit smaller (about 100 in Comité), but there really aren't that many differences. The Church is the same all over the world, and the same goes for Ecuador.

Every day except Mondays we have a "mamita" who gives us lunch. A "mamita" is just a member (sometimes non member) family who gives us lunch. Here in Comité the mamitas switch every week (one group one week, the other group another week, then the first group, and so forth), and we generally always have lunch with the Bishop's family one day of the week. It's rather nice and amazing that everyone here is so willing to help us missionaries out. I'm always grateful for food. Always. Also, one of our mamitas here in Comité also does our laundry, which is nice too.

I'm sorry if anyone felt offended by my last letter involving not watching football on Sundays to better keep the Sabbath holy. It was not my intent to offend, rather to cause reflection. I'd love to quote a scripture from the Book of Mormon again, but I'm fairly certain that it'd be salt in the wound, so I'll refrain. [1 Nephi 16:2 - I'm posting it for him.]  I don't issue challenges to offend people. I don't challenge people to live more in accordance to the commandments because I think everyone's sinning. No, I that's not my intention at all. I issue these challenges because I am prompted to by the Spirit. I issue challenges so that people will grow closer to their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and so that they can develop a personal relationship with Heavenly Father. I can guarantee that the challenges that I issue will not cause someone to be condemned or anything of the sort. Everyone has their agency; everyone can choose to listen to me or not, to be offended or not. However, I have been called by a prophet of God to preach repentance and baptism by immersion to all people, and I intend to magnify my calling. If you chose to accept my challenges, you will be blessed. That's a promise. Also, if anyone feels offended by my words, there are two people to whom you should mention it; me and your Heavenly Father. Please don't take out your frustration on my madre. She's only a messenger, and my words do not reflect her opinion in any way. Write to me, and I'll do my best to get back to you within...several business days.

Oh! The other piece of exciting news! I got to perform my first confirmation yesterday! For those of you outside of the Church, the confirmation is when a recently baptized person is confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is given the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was the first time that I was asked to perform the confirmation, and it was a very spiritual experience. I've been learning to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost more and more lately, and at times it's tough because some bold things have come to me. However, I know that I am receiving the words from God through the Holy Ghost, and I need to trust that God knows what it is that He wants me to say. I am definitely feeling closer to my Father in Heaven, and I grow spiritually every time that I perform an ordinance or give a blessing.

Elder Papworth and I are getting along very well still, which is good because we'll be together for the next 10 weeks or so. I'm still learning from him and learning how to be a parent. It's difficult, but well worth all of the effort. I know that I will be blessed for my efforts.

Well, I don't have much more to say for this week. I hope everyone is doing well on this day. I hope everyone has had a wonderful week, and I hope everyone has a wonderful week until next Monday. Keep reading the scriptures (or start reading them!), keep praying, and keep trying to get closer to your Heavenly Father, and He will help you through all difficult times. I love you all very much, and I'll talk to you again Monday. ¡Hasta luego!

Love,
Elder Schomburg

¡Cuídense mucho!

Hello all!

So, I am doing pretty awesome as of right now. Also, my new companion, Elder Papworth, is pretty awesome too. He's from California and he already speaks Spanish pretty well. He took some classes in high school, so that helped a lot. He's also a really quick learner, and I've learned a ton from him. Something that I really like about him is how obedient he is. He's been helping me be even more obedient in ways that I didn't even know that I was being disobedient (even though I've read the Manual Misional several times, I seemed to have missed a few smaller things). But I'm being even more obedient now! We're working on something called exact obedience, and it's been really good so far. One of the things that I had kinda fallen behind on is speaking Spanish in every opportunity that I have. It's really easy to speak English when you're with a bunch of North Americans, but Elder Papworth only speaks English when he's asking for the meaning of a word. I'm rather blessed to have Elder Papworth as my "son". Also, I may or may not be just a little proud of him and how well he's doing so far. Another thing that I've realized in this time that I've had with Elder Papworth is that I can do this. I can be a trainer, and I can do a good job at it, too. I'm finding that teaching comes pretty naturally to me. Words just seem to come to my mouth, and they make sense and help him learn! That's quite a miracle, and I know that it's because Heavenly Father is helping me out.

I've been asked about what we do for service here in Ecuador. Well, here in Quito I really haven't had many opportunities for service, but in La Concordia or Santo Domingo we did a bit of grass cutting (with machetes), clearing paths that were a bit rundown, and we even helped a few people move houses. We haven't done much here in Quito, but we can always ask more.

I definitely was very happy to hear about all of the things that Elizabeth is doing right now in school. That part in the musical sounds pretty big indeed. Good job Elizabeth! I know you'll do excellently. And also yay for Stake callings! That's going to be a wonderful opportunity to be able to learn how to manage tasks and...stuff like that. Haha I don't exactly know what all is involved in being on the Stake Youth Committee (why are there so many unnecessary letters in the word "committee"? English is so weird.), but it probably involves managing many tasks and the like, and I'm sure Elizabeth will do a wonderful job at that.

I am also very proud of Jeffrey and all that he has become since I left. He really has grown into quite the young man (Madre, he's gonna be 18 in a month!), and I know that he'll grow to be even better. Keep on staying strong Jeffrey! Remember, the Lord blesses those who are obedient, and obedience really is the only commandment that we have. Like it says in Mosiah 2:22, all the Lord has asked of us is that we remain obedient, and we will be blessed by the Lord. And, in the words of Mad-Eye Moody, "CONSTANT VIGILANCE!!"

Robby is basically a genius is sounds like. He really is rather smart, especially in...well, everything. Hopefully you can find a school program that's better suited to his needs and helps him learn even faster.

So, I have a challenge for you guys, and it's not one that you're going to like. I would challenge you to keep the Sabbath holy. You might be thinking, "But we do that already! We go to Church, we fulfill our ward and stake callings, we don't buy things on Sundays, and we even observe Fast Sundays! What can we do more?" Well, it turns out that something that just about every American likes happens on Sunday: football. The Sabbath isn't really a day to be watching football, or even to have the TV on for any reason. The Sabbath is the day to remember our Heavenly Father, to remember His Son, and to remember all that they have done for us. We have been commanded to keep the Sabbath holy by the Father and by His Son. It's one day of the week out of all of the other days in the week. Remember Doctrine and Covenants 59:9-13. To remain unspotted from the world the rest of the week, we must uphold this one day. True, football is pretty much the best thing to have ever graced television, but eternal life is a tad more important. I would challenge you all to keep the Sabbath holy and to remember on this day who it was that gave you this chance to live here on earth and who has given you everything. Also, you know who plays on Saturdays? BYU! Goooooo Cougars!!

Well, I don't have a lot more to say this time around. Oh, turns out that when you have a "child," you have almost no time to do anything else, so responses to letters might be a little bit late, as in no sending of a package next week. I'll do my best, but with 4 hours of required studying every day (if you don't finish in the morning, you do it later), it's gonna be tough. I'll do my best though, and I always appreciate hearing from anyone. I hope every continues to do well and to have a wonderful life. I love you all and am so very proud of all the good things that you're doing. Keep on doing your best to be obedient, and don't be afraid of repentence. Through repentence we grow even stronger and closer to our Savior and our Father. I love you all, and I wish you the best of weeks. ¡Cuídense mucho!

Love,
Elder Schomburg

Training and testimony

Good afternoon to all!

I am doing quite well on this day. I'm a bit scared and worried about the next few weeks, but I am doing well. Why am I a bit scared and worried? Well, I said goodbye to Elder Maridueña this morning as he left for Otavalo. I'm here without a companion (I'm currently with the elders of Colla Loma) because my companion will be arriving on Wednesday from the CCM...or the MTC, I don't know which yet. Yep, you guessed it, I'm going to be training a new missionary! So yeah, that has me a bit worried.

In the mission, trainers are called "dads", and it's for a good reason. I am now responsible for the helping my "son" to learn and grow in the mission, just like a real dad is in charge of making sure his children learn and grow well in real life. I am now responsable for providing the foundations for the rest of the mission of my trainee. His mission will be shaped by what happens in this first companionship of his, and his success in the mission largely depends on me right now. True, he has his free will, and if he chooses to just not do anything I cannot force him to do anything, but I sure can love him as much as possible so that he will in turn develop a strong love for his Heavenly Father, his Savior, and for his investigators. I will be preparing my "son" to help save many more souls later on in his mission. He has been sent here for a reason, and I have to help him realize this and magnify his calling. I have to be the absolute best example for him that is possible. If he doesn't know much Spanish, I also have to teach him how to speak.

The similarities between a real father and a trainer are terrifyingly similar. I'm going to learn so much these next weeks. I'll have to study harder than ever so that I know how to teach my "son" to teach others. I'll have to pray and fast often, because I'm going to be tried in every way possible. I'm sure there will be times when I will be pushed to the limits of my patience, but I just have to learn how to love more and have more patience. I will be humbled into the dust I am sure, but I will rise up stronger and more confident in my Lord than ever. I'm terrified of this responsibility, but as I have said before, I will go and do the things the Lord commands, for I know that the Lord always provides a way to accomplish His commandments, and He will never give me more than I am able to bear.

I was very excited to hear about Dad's new calling as First Counselor in the Elder's Quorum Presidency. That's rather amazing, and I'm sure that he'll magnify his calling to the best of his ability. Who knows, maybe someday the Lord really will call him to be a bishop? The Lord does work in mysterious ways, after all.

I have not yet received the package from Grandma. It's possible that it's trapped in mail jail, in which case I'll probably get it within the next couple of weeks.

Well, that's about all I have for now. I love you all so very much, and I am so grateful for all that you all do for me. Thank you.

I just want to close with my testimony of the Atonement. I know that it is real. Jesus Christ was chosen to suffer for us and take upon Himself our sins, and He was chosen because He volunteered to do the Father's will. I know that Jesus Christ chose to suffer all of our pains and afflictions so that He could better understand us, and He took upon Himself our sins so that we could be saved. He chose for Himself to do the Father's will, and through that grand display of perfect love we have the chance to live forever with our families and with our Father in Heaven. I know that if we will but trust in the Lord with all of our hearts and souls, He will guide us through all trials and difficulties and will make our weaknesses become our strengths. He will prepare us for eternal life and exhaltion if we will but trust in Him and have faith in Him. He is our Redeemer, our Saviour, our Brother. He will always be there for us because He has always been there for us, even before we first sinned and had a need to be saved. His Atonement is infinite and eternal, and only through Christ can we be saved. There is no other way nor name given by which man can be saved. I know that these things are true with all of my soul because I have received a testimony of them from God, our Eternal Father. I leave this testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Love,
Elder Schomburg