Monday, October 24, 2011

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.]

Monday, October 17, 2011

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

Monday, October 10, 2011

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

Monday, October 3, 2011

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