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

Happy Labor Day!

Good afternoon everybody!

So I'm including some photos, but I'm not really sure which ones they are, so surprise! I think two are of me with some rather me-ish faces, and I think one is of Elder Maridueña with the sword of Laban. If not, then I hope the pictures speak for themselves.

This week has been pretty good. We've had several capacitaciónes [training], one by President Ghent and one by the zone leaders, and they were both very excellent. Something very important that I've learned from both is that repentance is an amazing gift that we have, and it's one that I am currently using as much as possible. For a long while I've had a rather bad mindset, and I'm not sure how it happened. I've been thinking that because I'm only senior companion and not a district leader or anything that I don't have as much responsibility as they do, and my work has suffered because of that mindset. I'm just recently recognizing that I've had that mindset, so I'm working hard to fix that. I also learned that I don't need to be a leader in the mission to be a successful missionary. I can be the most successful missionary ever without ever being called to be a district or zone leader. I must be more successful, and I must do so by committing myself to the work even more.

I was filled with a bunch of revelations of things that I'd been doing wrong in the mission during these two meetings, but I am so very grateful that I received those revelations. Anothing thing that I realized was that I had been a bit "trunky". One phrase that I hadn't realized was so prevelant in my everyday speech was "when I get back, I'll...", and this phrase is about as "trunky" as one can get. I am really trying to refocus my thoughts on what I am doing now, and not what I'll be doing "when I get back." I was rather saddened that I have lost so much time in my mission because of this mindset, but now I am even more resolved to show Heavenly Father how grateful I am for all that He has given me by helping bring His children back to Him. I have to work harder. How many people did I promise to bring the Gospel to before this life? How many people are counting on me to help them see what is missing in their life and to get them started on the journey to eternal life? There may be thousands, and I need to work harder in order to find them. I will work harder. I know that because Christ paid the price for my sins and knows the pains of my sins, He can help me become a better missionary. He can help me gain an even more intense desire to help those in need, to help those without Christ in their lives to find out who their Savior and Redeemer is, and He can help me help those who think they know who Christ is find out and gain a personal relationship with Him through His atoning sacrifice. I can be the light upon the hill to help others find Christ and find their Heavenly Father and to get on the right path to eternal life.

Christ taught that many will enter in the wide gate rather than the straight and narrow path simply because they don't know where to find all of the truth. It's true that many will strive to lead better lives through scripture study (or entering the wide gate), but unless they enter the straight and narrow path through baptism by one who holds the authority of God, the priesthood, to perform saving ordinances, they cannot receive eternal life. How many people have not received this opportunity because I've been content to work at a mediocre rate? Too many. I have to repent of this, and I am currently working on doing so, so that no more souls are lost. I testify that the Atonement is real. Everyone has the chance to accept the Atonement in their lives, but to do so, one must enter into a covenant with God to always follow His Son and to always follow the commandments, and one must make this covenant through baptism by one who holds the priesthood. There is no other way. I testify that these things are real in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

I have exciting news! The Calderón Stake recently had a youth temple trip, and at the temple they were able to do roughly 2800 baptisms for the dead! How incredible is that?? 2800 souls now have the ability to receive all of the saving ordinances and live as an eternal family. That is incredible. I am so glad that they were able to baptize so many people. I definitely almost cried for joy when I heard how many baptisms they accomplished, and I may or may not have almost cried again when I wrote that. It's just so incredible, and it makes me so happy that it's hard not to cry.

I was rather saddened to hear about the Porsche breaking down. It's never been very good when it rains a bunch. I do hope that it gets to running again. If not, it's had a rough life, and now is its time to rest.

I am doing well. Healthy, happy, and still with Elder Maridueña, at least until the 13th. Maybe. It turns out that his visa was accepted, but the acceptance note failed to reach the offices in Quito, so he has to wait till they accept it again or send the acceptance note again. Or something like that. It's all a tad confusing, and not just for me.

I love you all so very much, and I'm glad to hear that you're all doing well. Thank you for supporting me always, and for all of your prayers. They are very much appreciated. I love you, and I'll talk to you all in another week. Chao!

Love,
Elder Schomburg