Post-Christmas

Wow. Christmas has come, and Christmas has gone. We sang a lot of Christmas songs (in Spanish! Awesome!!) and there are a couple of palm trees with Christmas lights on them (I will send pictures of that), but other than that, there have been no reminders that it's Christmas. The weather is like that of late May or early June :) . It's awesome. Anyway, I'll be short because I don't have much time today. Let's see if I can remember what happened today: Let's see . . . oh, yeah, Christmas. That will probably be the highlight for the week. We had some great devotionals on Sunday. In addition to playing the piano in Sacrament meeting, I had the opportunity to play the piano for the CCM choir and also for the branch, who sung "O Holy Night" in Spanish during a musical devotional. It was awesome!! I will never turn down an opportunity to play the piano. They were handing out sodas at the devotional, and I had to take a picture of a can because it was honestly the funniest thing, considering this is México:

Yup. Uber-American soda. I just thought that was funny. Anyway, I was able to call home on Christmas Sunday. That 30 minutes was the shortest 30 minutes of my life. It seriously felt like about 8 seconds. Oh, well. It was good to talk to the family. The other big highlight of the week is that we got to go to the temple this morning. It was the first time we had gone, and we have been dying to go since we got here. Turns out, the México City temple is the largest temple outside the US. It is, indeed, rather large:

It is on the site for the former MTC in México before they turned Benemerito de las Américas, a school owned by the Church, into the current MTC. They use the old facilities for the missionaries who work at this temple. It was an amazing experience, considering that I haven't been to the temple in a month and it was good to get back. Also, hearing everything in Spanish was very interesting. It just goes to show that God loves all His children, whether they live in the US or México or wherever, and that His Church is the same everywhere in the world. I really enjoyed the experience!

I really enjoyed this week. I really learned for myself that God watches out for His missionaries, and that He listens to and answers those the prayers of those who sincerely seek Him. I have loved Christmas in the MTC! This was a Christmas completely focused on the reason for it: the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It was probably the most spiritual Christmas I have ever had, and certainly one of the most meaningful. It was definately hard being away from home, but it was, interestingly, an excellent Christmas all the same. I learned a very great deal about what Christmas truly means, and what the results of that holy birth have in each of our individual lives. If it weren't for Christ and the life that He lived and gave for us, there would be no hope in this world. The birth of Christ was the first of the fruits of a plan that had been laid out since before the creation of the world. It was the beginning of the fulfillment of one of the most prophecied-about periods of time in all of scripture. It was the beginning of that which would be the single greatest blessing for mankind apart from existence itself. I absolutely love the Christmas season and all that it represents: hope, joy, peace, goodwill, and love. All these are now possible because of the Savior, Jesus Christ, Who is the First and Greatest Christmas gift.

Anyway, I love all of you, and ¡Feliz Navidad y un prosepro Año Nuevo!

Lots of love from la Ciudad de México,

Elder Schramm

Note from teacher

We came back to the classroom from a devotional one night to find this on our whiteboard:

 I'll translate:

Angels of District 8C:

During the lessons today I felt like Moses with the burning bush. Thanks for bringing the Spirit so strongly and transforming your lessons into a little piece of heaven.

You are so incredible that I feel on my shoulders the great responsibility to be more angelic only because of you. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, "If you live up to you privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates." My dear and beautiful (not handsome :) ) [we just got a lesson on the difference between guapo, bonito, and hermoso] elders and sisters, thanks for being those angels in my life and in the life of Sandra [the investigator she plays].

Love you!

Hermana Pérez [one of our angelic teachers].

Enjoy your P-day!

We have awesome teachers here.

Also, we have a Nativity:

¡Feliz Navidad!

I can't believe I'm at the computer emailing again. I'm super excited, don't get me wrong, but it's really weird knowing that I have passed the halfway mark in the CCM. I've made a lot of friends, learned a lot of things, spoke a lot of Spanish, and had a lot of spiritually powerful moments. I look forward to doing that much more over the coming weeks!

Let me see if I can remember what happened this week. If it wasn't for my planner (to remind me of stuff I need to do) and my journal (to remind me of stuff I've already done), I would have no mind. Let's go:

So this week, everyone has been sick. We're pretty sure it's the food. The Mexicans like to put several tons of chile and other spices on anything and everything--even on candy; instead of Americans dumping tons of sugar on our candy, the Mexicans put chile pepper on theirs. Everything is chile-flavored. The food is really good (I've only found a couple of dishes I haven't liked), but you pay for it afterwards, if you get my meaning. I think we are slowly starting to get used to the food, though. The rumors you have heard about the Mexican water are true. There are no drinking fountains anywhere. We have to fill up water bottles from little filtered water dispensers scattered throughout the campus. (You know, those things that make bubbles when you open the spout).

Anyway, as far as goings-on here, it's kinda becoming routine now. We have finished David (our fake investigator) and we are now teaching two new investigators (Sandra, played by Hermana Pérez) and Juan (played by Hermano Valencia, who played David). Juan is trying to find out which church is the real church, and he is pretty easy to teach since he is eager to read the Book of Mormon. Sandra, on the other hand, is super tricky. She won't commit to anything and most of the questions we ask her ("What do you think about this scripture?" or "What would you do if you knew this was true?" or whatever else) are answered with "Oh, no sé" (I don't know) or a variant thereof. I think Elder Stark and I had a good lesson with her yesterday, though. I'm not entirely sure what we did, but she engaged a lot more and she actually followed through on her BoM reading assignment. She even committed to going to church. Whoo, hoo! It's weird thinking that even though I know that these are actually our teachers, you still want the best for them as missionaries. It's really amazing how much the gospel can change people's lives, and I'm really excited to help people see that.

On Monday, we received news that Hermano Valencia was sick and wouldn't be here all week, so instead of teaching Juan, we would be teaching Francisco, and new investigator played by our other teacher, Hermano Barrera (the one that got back from the Monterrey West mission a year ago). Oh, yeah, and we would be teaching him in less than an hour. Luckily, the lesson we taught him went really well.

I have also started reading James E. Talmage's "Jesus the Christ". If any of you have a chance to read it, do it. There are so many great insights in that book. It is really awesome because I'm currently reading all about the prophecies in the Old Testament concerning His birth, which is perfect since this is the week before Christmas.

By the way, I still can't get over the fact that Christmas is on Sunday. It's really hard to think of things as Christmas when we aren't listening to Christmas music on the radio or that there is no snow. We are planning a district Christmas morning, though. We found a pine branch and stuck it in a water bottle. It makes Charlie Brown's Christmas tree look like a tree someone might put inside the Salt Palace, but hey, you work with what you got.

On Sunday we watched a movie about Christ's Crucifixion and Resurrection. I believe it was called "To This End Was I Born". It was one of the most spiritual moments this week. I know that Christ loves each one of us, and that His Atonement is for all of us. It is the most powerful force in the universe because Christ has the power to heal all of us. His love is beyond comprehension, and we can all be made into our best selves through Him.

I'm also really enjoying playing for the CCM choir. I really missed being ward choir pianist, and I will never turn down an opportunity to play the piano, especially if it's Christmas hymns. The branch is going to sing "O Holy Night" as part of a Christmas devotional Sunday. I'm excited!

I'm almost out of time, so I'll end by saying that this work is God's work. I'm very excited for the opportunity I have to share His gospel with some of His children. I love this Church, and I love God. He knows each one of us and our needs, and He has a plan for each of us.

Mucho amor de la Ciudad de México!

--
Elder Jakob Schramm

Wahoo! Week 2!

Another week has gone by. I feel like if I blink I'll be in Monterrey. Also, this week was less exciting than last week only because I didn't move to another country, but some exciting stuff still happened. I'll see if I can remember:

 

The weather here has been awesome! Basically every day the temperature stays between 60 and 75 degrees. It did get cold a couple of days, so I had to wear a sweater over my short-sleeved shirt, so winter is definitely on it's way. Overall, though, it's awesome!

My first class Tuesday (last week, not today) I got a paper from my teacher that had a giant warning symbol on it that had poorly translated words on it that said I had to report to the Migration Office the next Friday. No one else got one, so I immediately thought, "Oh no! Is there some paperwork I forgot or that didn't arrive? Did I not go through customs properly? Am I going to get sent home? Am I going to get arrested!?!" Turns out, they just had to confirm the fact that I would be staying in Mexico for two years and that I had actually arrived. No one else in my district got one because all of them are going back to the States, and you don't need a visa if you are staying less than 180 days. So I got to temporarily rejoin the trio I was in Day 1 and their district and two other districts who were staying in Mexico, while Elder Stark went on splits with the district leader. Everything I said last week about Mexican traffic being insanity incarnate is still true. I think that Mexicans think that their signal lights are more for decoration and Christmas lights than communicating. Some of them just had them on for the fun of it and no one used them to turn. Mexicans also know exactly how big their cars are to the MILLIMETER because they would find the smallest of spots to squeeze their cars into, and everyone in the bus we were crammed in watch intently to see if someone would hit something. They never did, much to our disappointment.

So after playing Tetris with Cars for an hour, we arrived at the Oficina del Secretario del Gobierno to wait in a big line forever. If any of you have seen Zootopia (specifically the scene at the DMV), you know what happens next. There were about 7 billion people in that building (plus or minus 5 billion; it was hard to say for sure), so it was a little crowded. I would have taken pictures to pass the time (we had a lot to kill), but we aren't allowed to take pictures except on P-day and we also aren't allowed to take pictures inside federal buildings. All in all, we left the CCM at about 8 am and got back around 4 pm. It was a long day. But hey, I'm all legal now!!

The other thing going on this week is that December is Fiesta Month in Mexico. Virgin of Guadalupe Day was on the 12th, and we had been hearing fireworks (which are basically just extremely loud missiles) and music for about the last week leading up to that day. When we first started hearing them and we didn't know about Virgin of Guadalupe Day, we thought they were gunshots going on through the night. I guess fireworks are better. :) Also, Christmas and New Year's (from what my teachers have been telling me) are also really big holidays here, and I'll be here for all of them, so that's exciting. I'm excited to see how they do Christmas here. It hasn't felt very much like Christmas because of the lack of snow, but we have been singing a lot of Christmas hymns and they have set up a lot of Christmas trees in the buildings. They have also wrapped the palm trees near the main entrance up in lights, which is really cool to see. I'll see if I can get some pictures of that tonight to send out.

The only other major happening is that we have been able to watch a lot of devotionals this week. On Sunday, we got to see one by Elder Bednar, who spoke at the Provo MTC the last time Christmas fell on a Sunday, which was super cool. I think that year was 2011. Look it up on YouTube or something and see if you can watch it. He talked about the fact that, as missionaries, since we represent Jesus Christ, we must develop His character. In essence, His character is to turn away from Himself and serve others, even when He is going through sore trials. Even though He knew He was going to die shortly, Christ still wished peace upon His disciples. Even immediately after suffering in Gethsemane, He healed the ear of a servant who assisted in His betrayal. Even while He was dying on the cross, He still made plans for His mother to be taken care of. He could have easily said, "I'll take care of that once I'm finished suffering the pains, afflictions, and temptations of all mankind," but it isn't in His character. Elder Bednar went on to say that the best cure for self-pity and selfishness, which is what the natural man wants, is to turn away from oneself and to be concerned with the welfare of others.

About an hour after, we got to watch one by Elder Holland (also a few years back), who talked about how Preach My Gospel is not to help convert investigators, but to help ensure that missionaries are converted and to give them the tools they need to address each investigators' individual needs. He made the distinction that missionaries are not as much messengers or spewers of information, no matter how important the message is, but that we are doctors and tutors who teach people how to turn to Christ. Each son and daughter of God has his/her own individual needs, and we are to assess and address those needs.

On Tuesday night we got to watch a live devotional, also by Elder Holland, in which he emphasized the usage of the Book of Mormon. He turned to a random chapter (it happened to be Alma 26, one of the greatest missionary chapters in the Book) and he talked about the passages where it said that Alma and his companions were instruments in the hands of God. A surgeon, no matter how skilled, must have the proper tools and instruments if he is to perform a successful surgery. Similarly, we as missionaries (and members, too) must be clean, sharp, and obedient to God's will if we are to see miracles wrought by Him through us. His power to teach through the Spirit is limited by our obedience to the commandments and to the promptings of the Spirit. It was very perspective-changing.

So I'm almost out of time this week, but that is basically the summary of this week. I love and miss all of you, but I am glad to be here and participate in the Lord's work. I know that He watches out for His missionaries, and I know for a fact that the gift on tongues is real. Despite all of our weaknesses, we can be a great force for good if we turn to God and submit ourselves to Him and let Him work the miracles. I love this Church!

Lots of love from la Ciudad de Mexico!

 

Here is a view of the city from the tallest building on campus.

P.S. Here are some palm trees. I thought everyone back home would enjoy them. You're welcome. :)

 

Week One

This is my first official email of my mission. It's kinda weird thinking that 8 days ago I was at home. Time flies! Since there was quite a bit that happened, I'll try to break it up by days. Here we go:

Travel Day:

I arrived at the SLC airport to discover two elders already there. They were going to the same mission which was really awesome, but what made it more awesome is the fact that they ended up being companions! It's amazing what kind of connections there are. After I settled myself in for the long wait at the airport and chatting with my fellow missionaries, more slowly trickled in, until there was an even dozen missionaries waiting for that flight. Here is a picture of Elders Oakensen of Herriman (L) and Bradley of St. George (R). They are both going to la Misión Monterrey Oeste! It was amazing to share the flight to the CCM with them.

After we got on the flight, I noticed a Latina lady sitting across the aisle from me with a Santa Biblia on her lap. I remembered that I had a Libro de Mormón in my satchel, and I immediately had this crazy thought: I should give it to her. I am, after all, a missionary now.

About halfway through the flight (just after we crossed the Mexican border, I think) I said a prayer that I would have the Spirit and especially the gift of tongues and that I would be able to share a little bit of the gospel. I wrote a quick testimony in it and wrote "mormon.org" on it in the cover so that she could (hopefully) find some missionaries if she was interested. Then, I asked her (in Spanish and everything!) what her favorite part of the Bible was. She said she really liked the Gospels, especially Matthew and John, and that she learned much from it (I think. The plane was loud and I have a very hard time understanding Latinos). I shared a passage in Ezekiel 37 about the stick of Judah and the stick of Ephraim, and that there is another Bible that accompanies the Bible we have now and that supports the Bible. I pulled out the LdM and showed her a little bit of it. She said she never heard of it before, but that she was excited to learn more about it. We talked for a little bit about the book, and I gave it to her and asked her to read it and pray to know that it was the word of God like the Bible. She seemed very excited to read it, which she did for most of the rest of the flight. It's really exciting to see what happens in missionary work. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share a Libro de Mormón, even though I wasn't a fully official missionary yet. I hope that the seed I tried to plant with my broken Spanish blossoms.

 

So after we landed, we (the group of a dozen 18-year-old not-yet missionaries I was with) had to try to find our way in a Mexican airport. Not very many of us had flown internationally before, and none of us had a lot of Spanish. We also learned that we wouldn't find a CCM representative until after we got through security and customs, so we basically had no help. It was awesome! First, we waited in an extremely long line. We managed to get through customs without causing too much trouble, except that one of the elders got his bags randomly searched through. He didn't get arrested, though, so all is well.

After waiting a very long time for bureaucrats to do their thing, we met a representative from the CCM and they loaded us into a school bus. Mexico City traffic is insanity incarnate. There are no stop signs (at least that I could see in the 40-minute ride). There are no lanes. You just kinda squeeze your little car into an opening with only half an inch of clearance on either side and pray nothing goes bang. It was rather scary how many cars were close enough that I could have stuck my hand into the cabin from the bus. Mexico City itself is really pretty, though.

So after we got to the CCM, we dumped our luggage in a giant pile in the recepción room and got an envelope. It had our assigned branch, district, companion, schedule, casa and room, and P-day. My first companionship would be a trio, with Elders O'Rourke and Ackerman. Since we had been travelling all day and had only arrived at about 8 at night, we had just enough time to drop our bags and attend a devotional, which they hold every week. It was by an Area Seventy, and he talked about diligence and obedience to the mission rules.

After the devotional, we went to our assigned casas and unpacked our stuff. There are four beds and a small desk in one room and a very small bathroom in another. Let me tell you, it's rather exciting trying to get four people out of bed and out the door in half an hour when you only have one bathroom. A bit about mis compañeros:

So I got to know Elder O'Rourke from Anchorage (it's much colder there than it is here, apparently) and Elder Ackerman from Colorado Springs. Elder O'Rourke (going to the Mexico Renosa mission) is a very outgoing guy, and his enthusiasm for the gospel is very obvious. It's hard not to be excited about life and the gospel when you are near him. Elder Ackerman (going to the Mexico Pueblo mission) is a very kind person. He always thinks of others, and he is very friendly and approachable. Both elders are very nice and I really enjoy being around them.

Day 2:

So we started the day with an orientation and a demonstrative lesson with an investigator named Alberto. It was very nice to see some missionary work in action, even if I'm pretty sure it was a role-play. After the meeting, a CCM official came to me and told me that my companionship had changed. He gave me a new envelope, which told me that I was in a new district, branch, and even zone. My P-days changed to Wednesdays (which is why I'm emailing today and not tomorrow). My new companion would be Elder Stark. He is from northern Virginia, and he is going to the Ohio Cincinnati mission, speaking Spanish. Apparently his original companion (who was also supposed to go to his mission) never showed up. We still don't know why. He stayed with some other elders until he could be assigned a new companion, which was me. It was sad to leave Elder Ackerman and Elder O'Rourke, even though I had only known them for less than a day, but it was exciting to meet more people.

Elder Stark is probably one of the most diligent people I know. We are supposed to speak Spanish whenever possible, and I was definitely excited at first, but after a while and the original enthusiasm wears off and you realize that you actually can't talk to Latinos very well yet, you tend to get a bit discouraged. Despite our lack of enthusiasm for speaking only in Spanish (especially during Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, which were probably the hardest days until we could get used to the CCM life), Elder Stark insisted on speaking Spanish. He didn't take much Spanish classes in high school, and when he first arrived, he couldn't really say anything, but he can now carry on a very basic conversation with a Latino pretty well. The amount he has improved in his Spanish and his diligence is rather awe-inspiring.

Days 3, 4, 6, and . . . gosh, I've lost track already:

The first several days were mostly filled with orientations to the CCM, but they didn't hesitate to have us teach lessons. On Full Day 2, we had a lesson with an investigator named David. Turns out, he is really a teacher here, and his real name is Hermano Valencia. (One funny thing I've noticed: all the male teachers first names are Hermano). David lost his son in a car wreck and started making some poor Word of Wisdom related choices. His friend at work referred him, and he is curious because his friend keeps talking about how families can be together forever. We taught the Plan of Salvation to him (oh, by the way, all this was in Spanish), and gave him a Libro de Mormón to read. He seemed really interested. Over the next few days, Elder Stark and I have been teaching "David" and he has accepted the commitment to get baptized after he quit smoking and drinking alcohol and coffee. Even though the lessons are role-plays, it's really exciting to see that this is a little what lessons in the field will be like (hopefully). I really enjoy planning lessons for David, and it's good to see that our Spanish is getting better.

We have Spanish classes during the day. They are taught in Spanglish (the official language of the CCM), and it's amazing how much we can understand and speak after just a week. Our classroom teachers are Hermana Perez (another funny thing, all the sister missionaries and the female teachers have the first name of Hermana) and Hermano Barrera. Hno. Barrera got back less than a year ago from the best mission in the world (guess whose mission that is). For the last three months of his mission, he had President McArthur, who will be my MP for most of my mission. It was awesome to talk to him a little about Monterrey and missions in general. He said that it got so hot there that he carried around two shirts. Partway through the day, he would have to change shirts and wring the sweat out of the other one. Yay. The rest of it was awesome, though.

I'm almost out of time today, so I'll have to summarize the next bit. I'll have to fill you all in a little more next week. Elder Stark and I share a room with another companionship in our district, Elders Evans and Blanchard. Elder Evans has been called as our district leader. There are a total of 10 missionaries in our district. I wasn't able to get a photo of the whole district, but I'll probably have one next week. It's amazing to think that only 8 days ago I had no idea any of these people had existed, and now I feel really close to them. It's amazing what spending a ridiculous amount of time together can do to a relationship, especially when you there for the same reason: to introduce our fellow brothers and sisters to the joys of the gospel.

On a more spiritual note: I was able to watch the Christmas devotional on Sunday. I really loved all the talks (my favorite part was that they were in English). I really felt the Spirit very strongly, and I enjoyed remembering that this month is December (the temperatures in the mid 70s all the time and the palm trees help me forget). My most favorite part, though, was at the closing prayer. The person saying the prayer (I sadly forget who it was) asked a "blessing on those angels we call missionaries." I immediately felt the Spirit testify that I was one of those missionaries. I had the daily prayers of 15 million people at my back. I could tangibly feel that power that sincere, faithful prayer has. It was very humbling knowing that God really is watching out for His missionaries and their families.

I know that the gift of tongues is real. There is no way that I have been able to learn and speak this much Spanish in such a short amount of time without divine help. I know more now than ever before that God blesses those who accomplish His work. I am very grateful to have this opportunity to serve a mission for Him and to share the joy He has brought me with my fellow brothers and sisters. I know that Christ's Atonement is real, and that He can change lives. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is His church on the earth, and I am grateful to be a part of it.

Love you all,

--

Elder Jakob Schramm

1st email

I am officially arrived in the Mexico MTC, and I am alive and well. My P day is Thursday. I won`t have one this week, but I will email you next Thursday. By the way, the punctuation and everything is very different on these Spanish keyboards, so please dont be too picky with my grammar.

--

Elder Jakob Schramm

Last Days....

Monday Jakob spent the day packing.  He also got a perfect missionary haircut! About that awesome haircut.......while he was at the store getting it done, he was visiting with the girl cutting his hair. We have all been there, right? They ask all kinds of personal questions so its not awkward. The girl asked him what his plans were for the rest of the day and he told her he was packing to go on a mission. Just as she was finishing up his haircut, another employee came over and said that the man sitting next to Jakob had just paid for Jakob's haircut and wished him the best on his mission. After that blessing, it was time to get back to more packing. This proved to be more stressful for all of us than we thought it would be. His big bag couldn't weigh more than 50 pounds. Our scale had it weighing in at 48.9.  Sticking with typical PrototypeX fashion, we don't have a lot of wiggle room. We are all praying that the scales at the airport aren't very different from the ones at home.

We got the first really good snow storm the last couple of days. Jakob got to shovel the side walk at the church before his setting apart! I guess he can shovel snow once this year.

This is him being VERY glad he is leaving the snow and being cold.

We had a great experience at the church while Jakob got set apart as a missionary. The stake president gave us great council and shared some scriptures with us. The spirit was very strong in that room. Poor little Kate could feel it and started to cry as she realized what is really happening to her best friend. Im so grateful for the tender mercies and feelings of the spirit. Having Jakob be set apart and then going back to our home to finish scriptures was really one of those sacred family moments that I will always treasure.

This is the new Elder Schramm headed out the door to the airport. 

Do you think he is sick of the pictures and ready to get on the plane?

Love you Elder Schramm!! God be with you till we meet again!



 



Mission Farewell

As a quick recap, Jakob spoke about faith. He reminded us that faith with out works is dead. We can hope for things, but sitting around hoping isn't good enough. Jakob and his friends, Randon Mellor and Conner Sorenson performed a beautiful musical number. Then, one of Jakobs scout leaders Chip Galloway spoke about gratitude. I appreciate the reminder that being grateful is a choice that we make. Some times it takes faith to make that choice.  Brother Galloway also reminded us that we need to have life jackets to stop the storm...... or something like that.

It was a great sacrament meeting and I think all of those that were there felt the spirit and left feeling uplifted. After church we had lunch at the church. We are so grateful for all of those that helped with food, set up and clean up. 

 Its so much fun to see good friends and family!

Good luck Jakob! We want to thank everyone that came to listen to Jakob speak and then came for lunch after church. We are so blessed to have so many great friends and family.

Dear Parents:

November 11^th, 2016

Keith Jason Schramm.
Camille Cain Schramm.
14744 South Ten Sleep Circle
Bluffdale, UT 84065
United States

Dear Brother and Sister Schramm,

Sister McArthur and I are thrilled that Elder Jakob Paul Schramm has been called to serve in the Mexico Monterrey West Mission! This experience will help him become a man of faith with an increased desire to serve the Lord and his fellowman all the days of his life. He will be blessed with the opportunity to serve among the most faithful and obedient missionaries in the Church.

The people of Mexico are warm, gentle, kind and helpful. The Lord is utilizing these attributes, as missionaries are led to those who have been prepared to hear and accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Spirit works the wonder of conversion in their lives through the efforts of faithful missionaries. At the same time the Spirit strengthens the missionaries in faith and devotion as they recognize the Savior's love.

Mexico Monterrey West missionaries enjoy the blessing of serving the Lord "with all [their] heart, might, mind and strength." This great work requires a clear focus and an understanding of who they are and what they are to accomplish "with an eye single to the glory of God." To maintain focus and keep their spirits high, missionaries require positive support through regular and uplifting letters from home.

Your missionary will greatly benefit from daily study of the Book of Mormon and Preach My Gospel.  We strongly encourage the continued review of these sacred texts as a way to not only prepare for missionary service, but as a means to deepen faith and testimony.

Thank you for all you have done to prepare your child for this marvelous missionary experience. The Lord has called him to succeed. I will do everything in my power to assist. If you have questions or concerns please contact me by email at the mission office at 2010135@ldschurch.org .

Most sincerely,

Daniel D. McArthur.

President, Mexico Monterrey West Mission

From Mission Pres

Dear Elder Schramm,

Thank you for accepting the call to serve the Lord in the Mexico Monterrey West

Mission. I am awaiting your arrival with great anticipation. I appreciate the love you have

for our Savior and your commitment to serve Him faithfully. You will have success and

happiness as you do two principal things: (1) be obedient and (2) work hard. Being

obedient also means putting into practice the principles contained in the Missionary

Handbook, Preach My Gospel and the scriptures. Together there is much we can do to

rescue and invite our brothers and sisters in this part of the Lord's vineyard to come

unto Christ by helping them received the restored Gospel into their lives. You can

anticipate both happiness and hard work in the mission.

In preparation for your arrival to the Mexico Monterrey West Mission, please obtain and

bring to the Mission all items listed in the new missionary call and information packet

sent to you from the missionary department. Also, so that we have your email address

will you please send an email from your personal email account to the Mexico

Monterrey West Mission email address which is 2010135@ldschurch.org. If you have

any questions you can send them to this email as well. You should have a missionary

email account or set one up soon as well. Check it from time to time before you begin

as it may have important information for you.

Thank you again for your commitment to serve the Lord. I know you will be a valuable

asset to the Mexico Monterrey West Mission through your obedience and hard work.

Sincerely,

Daniel D. McArthur

President, Mexico Monterrey West Mission

Mission Call

Waiting for that call is a great way to practice patience. It is so hard to wait for 2 weeks wondering what your fate will be.

Jakob was so excited to finally get that big white envelope in his hands! Can he wait a few hours until people get here to watch him open it?!

The excitement builds!  Monterrey Mexico West Mission. I think Jakob was the only one surprised at that location. It felt instantly right for everyone there. The shocker was his departure date... not until November 29th?!  What?!  That is so far away!

Monterrey, here comes my baby! We are so excited for the new adventure for Jakob and the entire family.