4 months in

Hello there everyone!

So, here I am, a tad more than 4 months in, and I've realized something; I only have 4 months in my mission. It seems like it's gone by super fast, especially my time in the field, but on the other hand, I have 20 more months. Dang. Well, I'll just keep swimming!

We didn't get to hear from Elder Scott this week because he didn't come. I don't know why he didn't come, but it's okay because Elder Walter F. Gonzalez of the Presidency of the Seventy came, and so did Elder Hooker, also of the Seventy. They did a kinda Q&A type thing, so that was cool. The coolest thing was how they always had an answer for everything almost immediately, and they had at least three scriptural references for each answer. It was really pretty cool. I probably didn't get the full effect of the conference though because I've had some stomach problems this week (they were the worst on Thursday of course), and we had to wake up at 5 that morning to travel to Quito, so I was a bit wiped out. I did realize that I need to study even more so that I can have answers to questions like Elder Gonzalez and Elder Hooker did. That was pretty cool.

So Elder Huarahuara leaves this Sunday. Only 6 more days with him, and then...I don't know what. I really don't know what happens next because changes aren't for another 3 weeks. Also, I don't know who will be the next district leader, if I'll be moved up to senior companion...I just don't know! So this upcoming week will be interesting to say the least. We'll see what happens.

The work here seems to both be picking up and slowing down. A lot of our investigators don't seem to be progressing, but we have several that are progressing pretty well. Also...oh for heaven's sake, how did I forget to talk about baptisms?? Okay, anyway, we had 3 baptisms this week, two for us and one for Elders Buckland and Rodriguez. I'm always amazed at the appreciation that people show for the work that we do. This time it was the parents of Jisela (she's the taller one in the pictures) and Genesis (she's not the taller one) who were appreciative. The dad even gave us, all of us, hugs! That was really amazing to see his gratitude. It was also very nice to baptize them because they've been working with a lot of different missionaries for awhile I guess. The parents are in the process of getting married, so hopefully they'll be baptized next!

Oh yeah, that's a problem here, marriage. Most people are together as a couple, they live together and do everything that a married couple does, but they're not married. Whatmore, they don't want to get married or don't see a need to get married. It's a bit ridiculous sometimes when we meet a couple who have been together for 50 or more years and they're not married, and then they say they need to get to know the other better before they get married. That drives me up the wall, but these things happen. Also, when I get back, I will know all about get married in Ecuador. We arrange a lot of weddings here. Weird, isn't it? But yeah, that's that.

As for whether you should fix up the van or put it out of it's misery, I'd go for the latter, but that's just me. And if you want to know how I'd do it, ask Jeffrey. He probably knows.

Pouch didn't come again this week, so it'll probably come Thursdayish. Hopefully, cause I haven't heard from people or received any important news for going on 3 weeks, maybe more. I don't really remember, but it's been awhile.

I'm glad to hear that everyone is doing well and enjoying summer break. Also, I'm glad I at least look good in photos, because I've definitely put on a few pounds. My pants are definitely a bit tighter, which kinda makes me sad, but there's not a lot I can do about it here. Sigh. I guess I'll have to fix that when I get back, or maybe try to do some sort of ab workouts in the mornings. Oh well, thus is the life of a missionary.

Well, time to go. This time next week I'll be with a different companion (or in a trio temporarily), so that'll be interesting. I'll have to find out what to do for my music, because I've been listening to Elder Huarahuara's (he has it on a USB drive and has a stereo that uses the drive...actually, that's what EVERYBODY has here, missionaries included), and he's gonna be leaving. I'll figure something out. Anyway, I love you all, and thank you for all your support. I'll talk to you later!

Love,
Elder Schomburg

Another update from the field!

Hello all!

So, I found out how to include pictures! Turns out you just have to find a newer computer to use. So here I am, sending pictures in my emails! Hopefully they'll send. Anyway, enjoy! [He did send photos, but blogger doesn't like them.  I WILL figure out how to share them.]

This week was pretty good. We had 4 baptizms this week, which was very nice. 1 was a branch baptizm and the other 3 were investigators; Sabino, his wife Vicenta, and Sabino's mom, Santa. They are amazing, and the baptizms were amazing too. Before their baptizms they were a bit timid and nervous (except Sabino, he was just rearing to go), and Santa almost backed out at one point, but they all received their baptizms. Afterwards, they were all so very thankful for what we had done for them. They're the only ones thus far that have thanked me for baptizing them, and I could tell that they really, truly have been converted. It was rather amazing.

I'm glad you're actually getting my mail. I honestly don't remember how many packages I've sent. It's not that I'm sending tons of packages, I just don't have room for stuff like that in my head. I sent another package this Thursday, so hopefully you'll get that one too. Speaking of packages, you told me to say anything that I wanted or need. Well, I don't really need anything, I seem to be doing pretty well. Candy is always welcome (M&Ms, Twizzlers, Skittles), and so are Cliff Bars and peanut butter. I found that I really love Cliff Bars, and peanut butter is amazing on french toast, especially when made into a double-decker pb&j. And I did get the photos you sent. Thanks! I loved them.

Wow. I kinda almost feel like I don't have a lot more to say. OH. On Thursday all the missionaries in the mission are going to Quito. And what could cause such a large gathering of missionaries? It'd have to be something very important, right? Like, an apostle coming or something, right? Well, it just so happens that Elder Scott is going to be in town, and we've all been invited to hear a talk especially for us missionaries! I'm kinda excited about that. It's not every day you get to meet an apostle, after all. It's going to be a long day, because we have to travel to Quito and get there before 3, then we have the talk, and then we might have to travel back the same day. That's at least 7 hours of just traveling. But it'll be so worth it. I can't wait.

It's summer here now. I don't really like summer here so much. I don't know why your weather ticker thing says it's cooler, because it's not. It's hotter, and drier. It doesn't rain anymore, it just gets hot. Also, there are always clouds, as in mostly overcast all the time, which I don't like so much. I like seeing the sky and the sun. But alas, thus is life. I'll get over it. The short time I'm in Quito will be nice.

Now I don't know if I have any more to say, so I'll wrap things up. Sorry for the shortness, but sometimes there just isn't a lot to say. I'm so very proud of all that my siblings are doing. Congratulations on the Outstanding Junior award Jeffrey! Just look at how far you've come. From basically hating school to being outstanding at school and loving it, and really showing what you're capable of doing. Great job. And Elizabeth! I was so sad to hear that your duet and solo didn't get recorded! You'll have to find a way to sing and record yourself again, 'cause I wanna hear! Robby, keep being 8, and give Ember, Bijou, and Catalina a hug for me please. Oh, and what's dad up to these days? Anything special or anything? Okay, well, I'm gonna go now. I love you all very much. Keep staying strong, and keep doing what you're doing. I love you!

Love,
Elder Schomburg

Semana...u​h....casi mes 4....yo creo...

Hello there!

So here I am, writting again because suddenly it's Monday again! The days really do seem to be flying by, which is both good and bad. I am doing very well this day, and as always am pressed for time, so I'll write what I can.

Teaching is going pretty well. We've had some trouble with some of our investigators and the Word of Wisdom, but we're always here to help them out. That's what we're here for, after all. We lost some investigators, and we gained some new ones. We just don't know what will happen with anyone, so we just have to keep on keeping on. I seem to use that phrase a lot. Anyway, yeah. We just have to keep on working, even if there are challenges and such.

EAT THE SOUP. It's good, I promise! Dad and Jeffrey I'm fairly certain will like it. Also, you should send me the recipe so that I know what's in it haha.

Yay Elizabeth!! I'm sure that you sounded amazing with your solo and duet. I'm sure it was great fun to watch you sing, too. You can be a rather animated singer at times, and it's kinda funny.

I am kinda dying of curiosity to find out what the award is that Jeffrey's receiving. But only kinda dying. :)

Oh, before I forget, I finally got pouch again! I got stuff from the beginning of April to about early May I believe. I also got the Easter package from mi familia! Thank you so very much for all that you sent me, and thank you all who sent me letters! I do so enjoy hearing from all of you guys. I'll do my best to write back to you, but some of you might not hear from me for another month or so. I'll do my best though. (Also, madre, if you could let Michelle know that I still haven't received her birthday package to me, and that I'm fairly certain it has been lost, I would appreciate that. Thank you!)

Guinea pig is called cui down here, and I'm fairly certain I'll have it. They don't serve it on the coast or reginons thereabouts, but they do in the sierras and orrient. I'll let you know as soon as I can when I have it.

Mom, I am so very proud of you for all the hard work you've been doing. Starting up college again is quite a big deal, and so is losing 31 pounds!  You are doing such a great job, and I know that it's a blessing for trusting in your Heavenly Father and putting your life in his hands. Keep up the good work!

We had our zone conference this past Friday (oh yeah, there's a district meeting for all districts in the zone on Thursdays, and a meeting for leaders on Friday, and once a month a zone conference, so I see a lot of missionaries a lot), and it was very good, as usual. After we were mostly done with the meeting, Presidente Sloan took me aside and told me that I'm doing a fantastic job, and that he's incredibly proud of the work that I'm doing and who I'm becoming. He also said that Elder Huarahuara said that he's learned things from me, which I didn't think was possible, seeing as I'm a greeny and he only has 19 days left in his mission. That kinda shocked and humbled me. I don't know how I'm doing anything exceptionally praiseworthy or anything. All I do is work like I think I should, nothing special or anything. But now I know something for sure; I need to work harder. There's always room for improvement, and I'm sure I can find that room and fill it. I have to, because the people here are counting on me. I've gotta work hard.

Hmm. I don't quite know what else to say. I'm in good health and spirits, and I'm learning new things every day. I absolutely love the mission work, and I couldn't leave early even if you asked me super nice. I'll try to write more next week. Hopefully we'll have some baptisms this upcoming week (as in on Saturday...wow, that was a lot of prepositions). I love all of you so very very much. Thank you all for your prayers. I'm sure that they are helping me out. I'll try to send a letter package this Thursday. Let me know when you get the other two that I've sent (I think I sent two...).

Anyway, cuidase! Les amo!
Love,
Elder Schomburg

Well, I survived cambios!

Hello beloved family and friends!

Well, today we got calls for changes (that means that some of us were assigned to a different sector/zone, and some weren't). And I will be in...La Concordia! Yep, no change for me nor Elder Huarahuara. Elder Buckland's compañero, Elder Estrada, was reassigned to a sector in Quito, and he just left a couple of minutes ago. So, yep. I get the heat and humidity of the coast for at least 6 more weeks. I'm okay with that though. There's more work to be finished and started here.

So, I thought I'd tell you about an observation that I made earlier this week during a zone mini-conference; a good missionary is a marvellous thing. I have to specify a missionary as a "good" missionary because a regular missionary is, in my opinion, little more than a 19-21 year old guy. So, why is a good missionary a marvellous thing? Because a good missionary has the power of the Holy Ghost. A good missionary has a special feel about him/her. A good missionary teaches with power, even if he's only practicing teaching. A good missionary has to work hard - ridiculously hard - to be a good missionary. When a missionary tries to be a good missionary, everyone who is around that missionary can feel that difference. People are more drawn to that missionary, and they will want to listen. And why? Because he has the power of the Holy Ghost. He has the authority of God, the priesthood, to do all things to bring about the salvation of man. He has accepted that he has been called of God through a prophet to bring about that salvation, and he understands what that entails. When a missionary has done all of these things, he becomes a good missionary and a marvellous thing. A miracle, really. How else could a 20-something-year-old bring about the salvation of men? Only through being divinely appointed, receiving divine power, working hard, and then working harder. Anyway, those are my two cents.

I have cause to shout praises to the heavens, and I shall do so right now! My little sister is going to be singing a solo and a duet in the upcoming Pops Concert at her high school! Oh yeah, she's also a freshman. I'm pretty much excited beyond belief for that. Elizabeth, you are awesome. Keep up the good work! And there's more! Jeffrey will be receiving an award of some kind at the upcoming award banquet at his high school. How awesome is that? I know that everything that is happening to my family are blessings because they have decided to be disciples of Christ. Keep up the good work family!

I guess I don't really have a lot to write about today (I got to call home yesterday for Mother's Day...oh, by the way, Happy belated Mother's Day to all the mothers who read this blog...no, Happy Mother's Day to ALL mothers!). Sorry about that. We haven't had a lot really happen. I guess times could be called tough since we've been having troubles with our investigators and them not keeping certain commandments, which delays their baptismal dates, but thus is the life of a missionary. We just have to love them more and help them through all things. That's why we're here, after all, to help people.

Food update! There's an amazing soup here called encebollado. It's a milk-based soup (I think...I might just be making that up) with some sort of awesome spices, fish, sometimes shrimp, onions, and yucca (I think), served with tortilla chips that you crunch up and put in the soup. Then you put some mustard in it and some lime juice, and then you have that for breakfast. It's absolutely delicious, and I suggest that everyone try it out (by that I mean try to find a recipe online and then make it). It's special to Ecuador, but I'm thinking it's something that'll stay special to me for longer than my time here. Warning: this soup does not do pretty things to your breath, so have it before you brush your teeth, or have gum handy.

Que mas, que mas...oh, when sending packages, I just wanted to remind you that it cannot be over 4 kilos, it's illegal to put money in the packages, and you should cover the box in religious stickers. So, yeah, just little reminders. I should have a chance to check pouch on Thursday, so I'll see if my 3-week dry spell has just been accumulating somewhere. (Side note: when I say how long it's been since I received packages/letters, it's soley to let those who have sent things know that I haven't received it yet. It's not a pitiful plea for more packages or anything like that. I just like to keep people updated, that's all.)

Well, I don't have a lot more to say. I love all of you very much. Oh, I hope that all that had or will have finals soon do well on them! I can't wait to hear how you did! (*coughcough*) Haha, anyway, I hope all is well with all y'all in the States. Also, you guys are so ridiculously blessed to live in the States. You don't even know. You guys really are in the Promised Land. Okay, Imma go for now. Cuidase!

From the madre:
Links for your perusal:
http://laylita.com/recipes/2008/03/01/encebollado-de-pescado-or-tuna-soup/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encebollado

May 2, 2011

Hello there guys!

Sorry about last week. I had to go to Quito to get my censo, which is basically a driver's license thingy that says that I'm allowed to be here. We had to take the long way to Quito since the main route was closed due to mud slides, so I had to spend the night in Quito. Also, I don't know how much time I have here today. Time seems to be something I never have enough of, especially on P-days. Also, I just heard about Bin Laden earlier today from one of my zone leaders. That's pretty big news. I don't really think it means a lot down here, but it might. Oh, I also heard that Ecuador and the US aren't on the greatest of terms, so ALL packages are going to be searched before they get to me. I'm glad to hear that the package that mi madre sent arrived at the offices. It hasn't made it to me yet, but I have been getting a little mail. This past week was a bit slow, but that's okay. I'm finding that I'm getting pretty caught up and lost in the work here. I'd like to appologize if I accidentally neglect any of you because of getting caught up in the work. Also, the Thursday before last I sent another package, so it should be arriving soon I hope. I'll be sending another package this Thursday if I have a chance to. It might be a smaller package because of my lack of time to write letters, but I'll try to see what I can do.

OH, HAPPY NEWS. This Sunday I get to call home!! I'll be calling at around 2 PM my time, which should be 12 PM your time. Be ready!!

Some have wondered where I have internet access. We got to cyber cafes to write. That's basically where everyone who wants to go online goes. Sometimes it's difficult to find room, but it's not too terrible. It does make me appreciate the States much more though. (Oh, also, the US is in fact the best country in the world, though Ecuador is pretty cool too.)

Yesterday was a pretty special day as far as priesthood activities go. I got to participate in 3 blessings. The first was one of comfort that I was just a participant in, one I got to do an annointing, and another I got to give a blessing of healing. It was pretty amazing. That was the first blessing of healing that I'd done in español. I think it went fairly well.

This past week we didn't have any baptisms, and we won't have any this week I don't think, but it hasn't gotten me down. Right now we have 16 investigators with commitments to baptism, and we'll definitely be getting more dates as the week goes on. The work is going very well here. The Santo Domingo zone (that's our zone) is actually famous in the mission because, and I don't mean to sound stuck up, it's just a fact proven by numbers, we're the best in the mission. I feel very blessed to have arrived in this zone very first, though I do wonder about what that means for my future. Also, since I'm entering into my 5th week in the field, Elder Huarahuara has kinda made me acting senior companion. That's gonna be quite a thing. I have to decide who we visit, how we plan, all kinds of stuff. It will be a good learning experience though. Also, we're going to be getting calls about changes very soon (supposedly today), so we'll see what happens there.

I'm very sorry to hear that Atlas passed away. He was a good cat, but I guess he was just tired of holding up the world.

We have lunch at a mamasita's house about 4 days of the week, and the rest of the time we either eat at a restaurant (usually chinese because it's cheap, and it's not chinese like you guys know. You guys have better food all the way around, except fruit. I dunno. Oh, along with this aside is another; I've found that I absolutely love apples now.), or we cook at home. I have never had as much rice in my life, but that's okay. I like rice, especially when I cook it, cause then I can be creative (like rice with sugar and grilled pineapple in it). Oh, also, I had the most declicious drink. It's called jugo de fresa con leche, which basically means strawberry milkshake minus the icecream. If I had a blender (and I've had to refrain from buying one just to make more drinks like this) I'd have it every day. It's delicious.

I was so thrilled to hear about Robby's baptism and Elizabeth's Easter Cantata!! I'm very proud of you, Robby, for making the decision for yourself to be baptized. I hope you had a very good time, and that you continue to build your testimony. Also, good job Elizabeth!! I cannot wait to hear your singing. I'm sure it's lovely.

It's weird to think about snow. That's so far from a possibility here in La Concordia. It might be possible in Quito (the nights are pretty chilly, and the rain is not warm at all), but definitely not here.

Nothing really big happened on Easter. The week of Easter seemed to be bigger than Easter itself. There wasn't really anything special in church, but all the Catholics here went all out for the Santa Semana. But not a lot happened. There were some talks on the Savior, but not much other than that.

Oh, I still have all of my body parts (tonsils included), so no worries. I've been fairly healthy. Since I've been here there have been a few days when I just did not feel good, but in general all is well.

Okay, I should probably go now. I love all of you! I'm very sorry to those who won't get to receive cards from me for awhile longer, but being a servant of the Lord takes up all of my time. I love you all very very much. Keep staying strong, and keep on sending letters (not cards, since they don't seem to make it, and insurance might be a good thing for packages. Also, DO NOT send money in the mail at all. It's actually something that I was supposed to tell you that I don't know if I did. Thank you!), and I'll do my best to respond. I love you all!

Love,
Elder Schomburg