tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186575042066160072024-03-13T06:29:08.154-07:00Elder Jakob Schrammjakob.schramm@myldsmail.netUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-81388400382321735212017-08-20T20:00:00.000-07:002017-08-21T14:02:30.404-07:00Mission ReportAt the very strong request of the Stake President and the Bishop, Jakob gave his mission report in Sacrament meeting today. He spoke a great deal about how Heavenly Father has a plan for us and we need to trust that plan. We need to listen to and seek council from our church leaders and be willing to be humble and obey their council. He encouraged us to trust Heavenly Father and to seek personal revelation and know what each of us needs to do on our own journey here on earth. After our church meetings, we came back to our house for lunch. We are so grateful to the MANY friends and family that have offered so many prayers and words of love for our family and for Jakob.<br />
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(Jakob, cousin Anna, sister Corrine, friends Cera & Adam)<br />We had a great day filled with amazing people. I am grateful for those that have supported us and supported Jakob. I have a renewed faith in the power of prayer and I have been impressed with those that take on the responsibility of "bearing one anothers burdens." So many of you have been amazing examples of love to me. Thank you. <br />
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(friends: Bryson, Jacob, Jakob, & Clark)<br />
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This will be my last post on this blog. For those of you in Mexico, you will always have a special place in our hearts. Our family loves you. We look forward to the day we can hug each of you. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-32782404392718951822017-08-12T13:57:00.000-07:002017-08-12T14:08:25.100-07:00Welcome Home!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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It is with many mixed emotions I write this post today.
Jakob came home early from his mission last night because of some issues with
depression and anxiety. First, I would like to say that as a family we will
always be grateful for and we love President and Sister McArthur. I look
forward to the day I can personally give them a hug for loving Jakob as they
have. We will always be in their debt for their care and concern. </div>
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It was so good to see Jakob! </div>
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Yes, Kate got to him before I did. No one is surprised by
that. I decided it probably wasn't a good time to shove the 5 year old to the
ground. </div>
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It does feel very good to have everyone back together....
even if it is a little earlier than we planned. </div>
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I am also very grateful for an inspired stake president and
bishop. The bishop came to our house to greet Jakob and give him a hug after we
had been home for only 15 minutes or so. Not long after the stake president
came and stayed for an hour visiting with Jakob and us. I wanted to share some
of the thoughts the stake president shared with us. First, Jakob returned with
an honorable release. The stake president requested Jakob report to the high
council and also give a report in sacrament meeting. Then, he shared a few
scriptures with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Jacob 4:10: "<span class="match">Wherefore, brethren, <b>seek
not to counsel the Lord</b>, but to take <b>counsel</b> from his hand. For
behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in
great mercy, over all his works."</span> </div>
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Only the Lord knows why Jakob needed to come
home at this time. As devastating as this is for Jakob, we trust the Lord and
Heavenly Fathers plan. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are so
grateful for all of the good friends and family that have expressed love and
concern for our family and especially for Jakob. Your prayers are appreciated
and have been felt. There is much power in calling down the angels of heaven to
support us in our trials. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-18723711296183182182017-07-31T17:16:00.000-07:002017-07-31T17:48:34.039-07:00Packages, U Libroil Mormon, Calle Morelos, and Yet Another New Companion!Buenísimas tardes, todos!<br />
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This
week was full of a bunch of little crazy things. First, President went
to Nuevo Laredo this week and brought back packages for all the American
missionaries. We ended up getting 48 packages, and he went up there
only 3 weeks ago! All the packages go through me to get to their areas,
so we had a bit of work to do. There's almost no space in our mail room
for all the packages we got. It was crazy.</div>
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The three empty shelves
are for Nuevo Laredo (President had just taken everything up there, so
they were left with nothing) and the Roma and Linares zones, which were
having their interviews with the President, so I left those packages out
in the main room so that President could take them. They wouldn't have
fit, anyway.<br />
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Sorry, I normally don't start letters like that. I get overly excited about little random things lately.</div>
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I got a shipment of Book of Mormons this week, but they kinda messed up:<br />
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We got a BoM in Maya (left) and another in Portuguese (right).</div>
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Just
kidding, they didn't mess up. A companionship here asked for these
Books because they say that they have an investigator who speaks Maya
and another who speaks Portuguese, so I got them. It was cool to be able
to handle them for a moment, though. Especially with the Maya book, I
felt a special spirit with it. The Mayans are probably a huge part of
the remnants of the Lamanites, and it's really awesome to see the Gospel
being preached to them in their own tongue. I imagine that Maya is
related to the languages that were spoken by the Lehites in the Book of
Mormon. It's what is super awesome about Mexico, that the Book of Mormon
took place here, and that when we preach to the people here, we can say
that their ancestors wrote this book and it is directed primarily to
them because they are of the House of Israel. It's awesome seeing
prophecies being fulfilled. It's also a testimony of the truthfulness of
the Church and that God is really behind it, because who strives to
translate a work into so many obscure languages like Maya? The fact that
the Book of Mormon has been translated into so many languages is a
small evidence to me that God is behind this work and that He truly
loves all of His children, no matter where they are or what language
they speak, and that the message this book contains is really meant for
everyone.</div>
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So
I found out a few days ago that Elder Lopez would be moving this
transfer, so his replacement (and my new companion) arrived Saturday to
start training. His name is Elder Figueroa, and he's from Cuautla,
Morelos, Mexico. We went on divisions with a member (Elder Lopez went
with a young elder who just got his mission call to the Puebla South
mission, and Elder Figueroa and I went to follow up on some contacts we
made over the last couple of days). I have only been here for a few
weeks, and I have spent most of that time in the office, so I didn't
really get the chance to learn the area very well, so we may have gotten
lost a couple of times. We gave out pass along cards to the people who
gave us directions, so it wasn't completely lost time. :) Here we are
resting at the top of hill we suddenly found ourselves on:<br />
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Things got pretty interesting there for a minute. Luckily, we didn't get terribly lost.</div>
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The
only other interesting thing that happened this week is that the
district went to Calle Morelos today as a district activity. Calle
Morelos is basically the Monterrey equivalent of City Creek, or
basically a great big outdoor mall. The Mexicans ended up buying
American shoes and the Americans bought various Mexican things, so it
was a productive day.</div>
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(L-R, District Leader
Elder Hernández, Elder Agla, Elder López, and Elder Figueroa). The
sisters showed up late, so they didn't get to be in the picture. ;)<br />
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My email is freaking out with all the pictures I'm attaching, so I'll end them now and include them in another email. (FROM CAMILLE: I'LL ADD THEM HERE)<br />
Hermana Baker and I sorting packages. </div>
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Only in Mexico will one find little packets of salsa in the bag of apples.<br />
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The Maya book of Mormon speaks Spanish, too!<br />
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Calle Morelos<br />
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I'll
end by saying that today was a miraculous week. We found a lot of super
interested people, including Norma. She was a reference from the
sisters, who met with her a couple of times. She is super awesome! She
got cancer a few years ago, and started to feel the need to get
baptized. She was going to be baptized in the Catholic Church, but they
wouldn't let her because she was only married by the state and not by
the church, or something like that, so she kinda became a little cold
towards the Catholic Church. A few years later, she felt the need to get
baptized again, and she started looking for another church to baptize
her, including a Pentecostal church and the Jehovah's Witnesses, and she
eventually found the Mormon missionaries. She said that she felt
completely different when she was around them, to the point that she
told all the other pastors and ministers that she had found the true
church and stopped meeting with them. We got about five minutes into our
first visit with her, we very briefly mentioned baptism, and she told
us about how much she wanted to get baptized. We asked her if she wanted
to get baptized on the 26th of August, and she said, "Can I get
baptized that soon? Yes!" and she basically invited herself and her
entire family to church. She couldn't end up coming because everyone got
sick Saturday, but we'll keep visiting her and try again next week. We
also got another investigator in church, for the first time in
months--the first investigator in the ward that they have seen for
months, from what they have told me. Her name is Rosi, and she and her
family have been meeting with the missionaries for some time, but have
kinda been avoiding progressing. The past few days have given her and
her family more incentive to go to church, and I think she finally
summoned up enough courage and determination to make it. It was a great
meeting!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1501445453519_190174">
Also,
one last random note. Sunday before yesterday, the ward pianist was out
of town, and she was the only person in the ward who plays the piano
well enough to play in Sacrament meeting, and so the chapel felt kinda
empty and sad without prelude music. I finally asked the bishop if I
could play a little bit of prelude (because I didn't know the regular
pianist was completely gone from Monterrey), and he said yes, and if I
could play the normal hymns, too, they would appreciate it. So I did.
After Sacrament meeting, the Primary president came up to me and asked
if I could play for the Primary because they haven't had a pianist in a
long time. So I did, and it was really awesome getting to sit behind a
piano for an hour and play while a bunch of cute Latino kids sang
Primary songs at the top of their lungs in the way only a Primary can
do.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1501445453519_190982">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1501445453519_190984">
I
guess I didn't mess up badly, because Saturday night, the bishop called
and asked if I could play the piano in Sacrament meeting and in Primary
again, because the normal pianist was still out of town. That was fun.
By the time I stop, I will have relearned all of those Primary songs in
Spanish and I will have forgotten all of them in English. Oh, well.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1501445453519_190986">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1501445453519_190988">
Anyway, this week was crazy, but awesome!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1501445453519_190990">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1501445453519_190992">
Have fun, wherever you all are! Love you all!</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-72521884840105962332017-07-24T16:16:00.003-07:002017-07-24T16:16:30.215-07:00I Kind Of Lost Track of This WeekBuenas tardes, todos!<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70422">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70394">
So
I'm not entirely sure what happened last week. I swear I sent an email
last week. I think that the Internet demons ate it, because it's not in
my drafts folder. Ugh. So I guess I'll just have to remember what
happened last week, too, and sum up.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70395">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70396">
Things
in the offices are getting crazy. All the days and all the weeks are
blending together, and we never know what day it is. It's just busy. We
are getting ready for new missionaries to come in a couple of weeks. We
are receiving 6 new missionaries, but 13 are going home at the same
time, so we will have to close three areas. That means that once the
missionaries leave the house, I have to go there and get all the
furniture and things owed by the mission, so that will be fun.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70397">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70398">
We
also received a temporary missionary today. Sister Espinosa lives in
Monterrey and her mission is in Barcelona, Spain, but she hasn't gotten
her visa yet, so she'll be here until it arrives. It's kinda funny
because she was in the MTC in Mexico for three weeks and she just got
back to her home city. Also, it's kinda complicated because the
transfers in Spain are happening right now, but we are still in the
middle of one here, so she came by herself to the mission. It was kind
of weird welcoming a new missionary in Week 5 of the transfer.
Basically, she is going to hang out with the sisters here in a trio
until she gets her visa.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70399">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70400">
The
only other thing I can remember this week was that we had an activity
with half of the mission on Friday. The assistants put together a series
of activities designed to elevate the spirits of the missionaries and
also teach them team-building exercises. It turned out to be a really
great activity, and it was really memorable, but for the wrong reasons.
You see, as the activity was wrapping up, we all heard a great big
crash. We went running towards where the brand-new fountain was
installed and arrived at a pile of rubble and a missionary lying in the
fountain.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70400">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtFw6-vCdlU/WXZ_Yxc31qI/AAAAAAAAKQ8/TOYWFtqla1kluNYJGpD9uhjsMVVXvZSSQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtFw6-vCdlU/WXZ_Yxc31qI/AAAAAAAAKQ8/TOYWFtqla1kluNYJGpD9uhjsMVVXvZSSQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC00054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70400">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70487">
We're still not entirely
sure what happened, but the missionary had knocked over the fountain.
Miraculously, he wasn't hurt, but it all still scared us. President was
naturally not very happy, but the people who installed the fountain said
not to worry about it, and that they could install another one.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70486">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70485">
Other than that, things have just been kinda crazy here. I don't remember much of what happened this week, but it was busy.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70676">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70484">
Watch this. I'm going to suddenly remember everything that happened this week as soon as I send this email.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70483">
<br /></div>
Anyway, I love you all. Keep up the good work in the Homeland!<br clear="all" /><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70482">
<br /></div>
-- <br />Elder Jakob Schramm</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70400">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70400">
FROM CAMILLE: These are some pictures posted by Sister McArthur from the activity Jakob referred to so I'll share them here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8fKUQcFCAY/WXZ_f9kw9uI/AAAAAAAAKRA/2QWWbWoSOOgtgflyZu5CUDhyReCehS2owCLcBGAs/s1600/img-6399_1_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1066" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8fKUQcFCAY/WXZ_f9kw9uI/AAAAAAAAKRA/2QWWbWoSOOgtgflyZu5CUDhyReCehS2owCLcBGAs/s320/img-6399_1_orig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2mXqCIiDFB0/WXZ_gstmXAI/AAAAAAAAKRE/dObuhVjhNjAgyPXWHyX5C5H-3dHrrsa-gCLcBGAs/s1600/img-6433_1_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1066" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2mXqCIiDFB0/WXZ_gstmXAI/AAAAAAAAKRE/dObuhVjhNjAgyPXWHyX5C5H-3dHrrsa-gCLcBGAs/s320/img-6433_1_orig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSaZC-Rfffs/WXZ_l2aL_wI/AAAAAAAAKRM/ACfTEelI6RQj6TmCuAN5eOID-JIIj1wTQCLcBGAs/s1600/img-6536_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1066" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSaZC-Rfffs/WXZ_l2aL_wI/AAAAAAAAKRM/ACfTEelI6RQj6TmCuAN5eOID-JIIj1wTQCLcBGAs/s320/img-6536_orig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X3Db8M9bHdo/WXZ_lTlSjxI/AAAAAAAAKRI/XJoy14zwfyg9udDFAuZ6ie_5rQYICUkyQCLcBGAs/s1600/img-6549_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1066" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X3Db8M9bHdo/WXZ_lTlSjxI/AAAAAAAAKRI/XJoy14zwfyg9udDFAuZ6ie_5rQYICUkyQCLcBGAs/s320/img-6549_orig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mqPirEq_6oc/WXZ_p0mQrbI/AAAAAAAAKRQ/sK67sOpcEp8ZLk696wu2TojHL_YfjabfgCLcBGAs/s1600/img-8281_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1067" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mqPirEq_6oc/WXZ_p0mQrbI/AAAAAAAAKRQ/sK67sOpcEp8ZLk696wu2TojHL_YfjabfgCLcBGAs/s320/img-8281_orig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I included this one because I think its cute:<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cWW7c78WpDE/WXZ_wF03jgI/AAAAAAAAKRU/LaYOUuPf6R8X3g_7mVUu2M_wULr_tPbFQCLcBGAs/s1600/img-8368_1_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1067" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cWW7c78WpDE/WXZ_wF03jgI/AAAAAAAAKRU/LaYOUuPf6R8X3g_7mVUu2M_wULr_tPbFQCLcBGAs/s320/img-8368_1_orig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70400">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500904683362_70400">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-7786457318411276852017-07-11T07:24:00.001-07:002017-07-11T07:24:37.180-07:00Zone Conferences, BBQ Mexicana, and the Room Formerly Known as the Liddle BunkerFirst off, I'd like to wish everyone a Muy Feliz Día de la Independencia
Americana. We had to celebrate the Fourth of July, mostly because 2/3
of the office and the mission president and his family are all American.
I told you last week about the early Fourth of July BBQ. On Tuesday, we
didn't do anything particularly interesting (apparently Mexico doesn't
celebrate a US national holiday), but when we were finishing up our work
in the office Tuesday night, Elder Harmon and I (the two young American
missionaries in the office; the Bakers had already gone home that
night) put on the Mormon Channel, which was broadcasting all of the
Tabernacle Choir's patriotic music, and we sang the national anthem at
the top of our lungs with our good friends in MoTab while we waved
around the little American flags we have in the office next to the
Mexican ones. Poor Elders Lopez and Enciso kinda had to suffer through
our patriotism. Do I feel bad? Nope, (cue music) 'cause I'm Proud to Be
an American . . .<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499690629730_140956">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499690629730_140241">
The
major development of the week is that, as I said in my last email, we
had zone conferences all week. Basically I have been trying to get all
the pamphlets, books, and other things that each zone needs, get it all
packed in boxes, and make sure that each of the 8 zones that had
conferences gets their stuff and that I don't mix anything up. It's
kinda been taking over this whole week. Luckily, the chaos is over and
we'll have a few weeks of peace until we have to start worrying about
preparing for the missionaries that are going to come in about 4 weeks.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499690629730_140247">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499690629730_140249">
Today
we had a zone activity for P-day. We ended up getting permission from
President to watch Moana. It was cool because I and the majority of the
missionaries there left for the mission field before it was released so
we never had a chance to see it until now. I liked it, especially
because it was in Spanish. When I return home and watch it again, it
will be like watching it for the first time because it will be in
English. Anyway, here is Roma zone in El Cine de las Oficinas (the
Office Theater):</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499690629730_140249">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVwo4XvFtMs/WWTLZAk1qkI/AAAAAAAAKO4/nfDyuGMzxzo1POTwuVLvWt0QrWNnqlOEgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVwo4XvFtMs/WWTLZAk1qkI/AAAAAAAAKO4/nfDyuGMzxzo1POTwuVLvWt0QrWNnqlOEgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC00035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499690629730_140249">
We also had a BBQ, because it's BBQ season. A Mexican thing to do with
hamburgers is to grill pineapple and add it to the burger. Piña burgers
are really good. I dare you all to try it sometime.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499690629730_140249">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3JC4dkIZlo/WWTLvpFW2eI/AAAAAAAAKO8/c144HsulQOsUwnNRr5_VCVMKqvajzxBPQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3JC4dkIZlo/WWTLvpFW2eI/AAAAAAAAKO8/c144HsulQOsUwnNRr5_VCVMKqvajzxBPQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC00029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499690629730_140249">
The only other thing is that we have been having the What to Name the
Room Formerly Known as the Liddle Bunker Naming Contest. I have received
numerous suggestions, and they actually all were the same. So, without
further ado, I'd like to present the Room Now Known as the Schramm Cram.
It is tradition to place a sign on the door with its official name.
It's also really fun having people say, "Hey, can you run to the Cram
and get this thing for me?"</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499690629730_140249">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d2kovvh9hx8/WWTMGhnhyzI/AAAAAAAAKPA/LLAgd9pAGdsw8v9IB76vgsUFZ2pszP21gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d2kovvh9hx8/WWTMGhnhyzI/AAAAAAAAKPA/LLAgd9pAGdsw8v9IB76vgsUFZ2pszP21gCLcBGAs/s320/DSC00036.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499690629730_140249">
Anyway, I think that that's about all for this week. Here's to a great (and hopefully less crazy) next week!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499690629730_140249">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1gym7k9P7s4/WWTOCpenU7I/AAAAAAAAKPI/gZl5JBz1fRk3m7YwL0YdeV4BiIzjjYbSACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1gym7k9P7s4/WWTOCpenU7I/AAAAAAAAKPI/gZl5JBz1fRk3m7YwL0YdeV4BiIzjjYbSACLcBGAs/s320/DSC00034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_938138219"></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499690629730_140249">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499690629730_140928">
P.S.
I included this picture because Cerro de la Silla is super awesome. It
reminds me of Lone Peak back at home. There's even a temple at the foot
of this iconic mountain! It's just like Draper. I'm so glad I have
mountains again.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499690629730_140922">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499690629730_140926">
<br /></div>
-- <br />
<div class="yiv5517554181gmail_signature" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499690629730_140921">
<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499690629730_140920">
Elder Jakob Schramm</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-89709910039601509082017-07-05T10:31:00.002-07:002017-07-05T10:31:34.989-07:004th of July4th of July activities:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2QqccY_aHQ/WV0iZPKwQlI/AAAAAAAAKOk/kQLZT8KSjZISd6mbqpc_8Oa4_4RypfyWwCLcBGAs/s1600/img-6061_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2QqccY_aHQ/WV0iZPKwQlI/AAAAAAAAKOk/kQLZT8KSjZISd6mbqpc_8Oa4_4RypfyWwCLcBGAs/s320/img-6061_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfXoAa8btBw/WV0iZMQdsQI/AAAAAAAAKOg/ITSxS1GIJeQ5PIX6oJoFivOPR0vSi1CvACLcBGAs/s1600/img-6064_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfXoAa8btBw/WV0iZMQdsQI/AAAAAAAAKOg/ITSxS1GIJeQ5PIX6oJoFivOPR0vSi1CvACLcBGAs/s320/img-6064_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-40948935090691568062017-07-03T19:25:00.000-07:002017-07-03T19:25:43.643-07:00The OfficeSo we finally finished all the stuff for transfers. That was crazy.<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_19695">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_18276">
We
got our five new missionaries their trainers. We knew that Elder Garcia
would be training but we didn't find out who until Tuesday morning.
Once we found out who he was, we were all excited. I feel like an uncle
now or something. :) I'd like you all to meet Elder Mondragón, who will
be taking my place in Nuevo Laredo. We're all excited for everyone!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_18276">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsbOSkBeed4/WVr6cjayctI/AAAAAAAAKNE/BebZVQpj3GonnM2ktuDskgJ6hv-NvYgiACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsbOSkBeed4/WVr6cjayctI/AAAAAAAAKNE/BebZVQpj3GonnM2ktuDskgJ6hv-NvYgiACLcBGAs/s320/DSC00018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_18276">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_20306">
The rest of the week was
filled with updating things and getting ready for zone conferences next
week, so I've been busy tracking down all the zone leaders and asking
them what their zones need in materials. I also attended my first
leadership meeting on Friday. All of the zone leaders got together in
the chapel by the offices and we discussed mission things. It was a
little intimidating because I've never been a leader before-- not even
senior companion or anything. And now all of a sudden all of the zone
leaders are looking to me for direction. I didn't really know what to
expect! It was a little scary, but I don't think I messed up too badly.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_20307">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_20308">
We
also closed two houses. This generation, 8 people went home, but only 5
new missionaries came in to replace them, so we had more houses than
companionships. Elder Lopez and I went with the Bakers in a mission van
and gathered up all of the materials that the missionaries had left
behind. The fridge and the washing machine were particularly fun to
carry. We basically just loaded as much stuff in this Honda minivan,
collected the deposit, dropped off the keys, then dumped everything in
the warehouse where we store all of the big mission furniture. It was a
fun day. It reminded me of all the days I helped the elders' quorum move
people in and out of houses. The assistants went with a member to close
another house.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_19435">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_20309">
We
ended up with three boxes of loose materials (pamphlets, pass-along
cards, and other little things outside of their packages). We will
probably just give them out to random missionaries that pass by the
office, or we may use them in our own area. All I know is that we aren't
going to run out of cards for a little while.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_19694">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_19434">
The
big stuff like the furniture and the bulk of the materials that we
order are kept in a warehouse on the side of the offices. We call it the
Bodega (because "bodega" is Spanish for "warehouse". Clever, I know).
There is a door behind my desk that leads to a little room where we keep
some of the materials. In Elder Liddle's days, it was called the Liddle
Bunker. In the days of Elder Lyon, the secretary before him, it was
called the Lyon's Den. Since I have to continue the tradition, and
because my name doesn't easily play into any clever puns, I'm kinda in a
pickle. If any of you have any super clever names for a storage room
that ties into "Schramm", I am anxious to hear them.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_19452">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_19453">
Anyway,
the purpose of all that ranting was to show a picture of the Room
Formerly Known As the Liddle Bunker. Please note the three boxes of
loose materials that are cluttering the otherwise nicely organized
space. There's also a rather large package for a missionary that can't
fit on our little mail shelf. When I have a little time (ha!) I'll
organize things a little.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_19453">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6P8lGGQ476Y/WVr6y0L0YqI/AAAAAAAAKNI/cIXr28qfh38tSKfQIXqzCCW0TlbHRyzAgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6P8lGGQ476Y/WVr6y0L0YqI/AAAAAAAAKNI/cIXr28qfh38tSKfQIXqzCCW0TlbHRyzAgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC00028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_19453">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_19463">
Right now I'm busy
getting all the materials ready for zone conferences this week. Eight of
the ten zones in the mission are going to have conferences over the
next four days, and I have to get them all their materials ready for
when President goes there. We're also going to return to Nuevo Laredo on
Friday to help one of the companionships move into a different house,
so this next week is going to be chaotic--I mean fun.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_onlrJ4uWfQ/WVr8CbJDOxI/AAAAAAAAKNU/9gOzBJfzqQM6f8u6rjU0u2aOOjjMCVoQgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_onlrJ4uWfQ/WVr8CbJDOxI/AAAAAAAAKNU/9gOzBJfzqQM6f8u6rjU0u2aOOjjMCVoQgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC00025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LNJBFCnl26k/WVr8GqOE5bI/AAAAAAAAKNY/9Db6aCYyxugBGzNtiqolZIOTR03lsG9bwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LNJBFCnl26k/WVr8GqOE5bI/AAAAAAAAKNY/9Db6aCYyxugBGzNtiqolZIOTR03lsG9bwCLcBGAs/s320/DSC00026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxxEFuDZ98M/WVr8amX3ggI/AAAAAAAAKNc/zxzLmO-nHgE2Qcz4VH_7lWb8UCmhym2awCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxxEFuDZ98M/WVr8amX3ggI/AAAAAAAAKNc/zxzLmO-nHgE2Qcz4VH_7lWb8UCmhym2awCLcBGAs/s320/DSC00027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_19462">
The
only other thing that happened this week was that we had an early Forth
of July celebration with the office staff and President and Sister
McArthur. We made American food (ribs, potato salad, and deviled eggs),
which was very well received by everyone, including the Mexicans, Elders
Enciso and Lopez. We should eat American food more often. We also
celebrated Elder Enciso's and Sister Baker's birthdays, which will be
tomorrow. Sadly, it's against mission rules to shoot fireworks, so this
may be a rather dull Forth of July. I'll still find a way to celebrate
it, even all the way down here in México.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_19461">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_19456">
Anyway,
that's all for this week. Thanks for everything: the love, prayers,
letters, and support in many other ways. I truly feel your love all the
way out here.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_20332">
<br /></div>
Love you all!<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1499125355796_20334">
<br /></div>
-- <br />
Elder Jakob Schramm </div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-56392802335025372032017-06-30T17:18:00.000-07:002017-07-03T17:18:12.206-07:00Leadership Council Meetings June 30, 2017These pictures are from Sister McArthur. (I love her)<br />
This is Jakobs old companion Elder Garcia as a trainer with a brand new missionary! <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg2V8wj5h2Q/WVreNiYgRCI/AAAAAAAAKMc/glK7yka0wx8Jl2_KJGCAlq7W4lVgVn24gCLcBGAs/s1600/img-5760_1_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg2V8wj5h2Q/WVreNiYgRCI/AAAAAAAAKMc/glK7yka0wx8Jl2_KJGCAlq7W4lVgVn24gCLcBGAs/s320/img-5760_1_orig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ekwbnyprWg/WVreYZ6b2OI/AAAAAAAAKMk/Y-FEzxvCAwUMyb2ueQ_Bsq-3vuiCNpabACLcBGAs/s1600/img-5991_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ekwbnyprWg/WVreYZ6b2OI/AAAAAAAAKMk/Y-FEzxvCAwUMyb2ueQ_Bsq-3vuiCNpabACLcBGAs/s320/img-5991_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2UmojzaRV24/WVredWlDweI/AAAAAAAAKMs/P9jSkiEc5k0lZDB3Wj6OJhbNgR4K9ogvgCLcBGAs/s1600/img-6029_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1066" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2UmojzaRV24/WVredWlDweI/AAAAAAAAKMs/P9jSkiEc5k0lZDB3Wj6OJhbNgR4K9ogvgCLcBGAs/s320/img-6029_orig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Now everyone be silly..... see how much Jakob breaks out his silly?<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wCRE06iZNPs/WVremT6FREI/AAAAAAAAKMw/_CLQBkd_PRkwMi1QuPjaR4EY4IpVvlvugCLcBGAs/s1600/img-6032_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wCRE06iZNPs/WVremT6FREI/AAAAAAAAKMw/_CLQBkd_PRkwMi1QuPjaR4EY4IpVvlvugCLcBGAs/s320/img-6032_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ir1q9MdVLA/WVresFgbEPI/AAAAAAAAKM0/lac_YtbqQZ8-iUv_FQD4wQRmW443dLv2ACLcBGAs/s1600/img-6047_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ir1q9MdVLA/WVresFgbEPI/AAAAAAAAKM0/lac_YtbqQZ8-iUv_FQD4wQRmW443dLv2ACLcBGAs/s320/img-6047_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-86248446091307353212017-06-28T08:36:00.000-07:002017-06-28T08:36:58.116-07:00Pictures from the PresidentHere are some pictures that were shared from Sister McArthur:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qzpql3L_bGM/WVPL-7nw-cI/AAAAAAAAKJ4/rSgcz1D2mF8_SGHFmfg-bmpRkW1efmcPACLcBGAs/s1600/img-5512_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1066" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qzpql3L_bGM/WVPL-7nw-cI/AAAAAAAAKJ4/rSgcz1D2mF8_SGHFmfg-bmpRkW1efmcPACLcBGAs/s320/img-5512_orig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jz1gv36_hYs/WVPL_fbXFZI/AAAAAAAAKJ8/5X2Cu0s_Afwj4KWm8Z05pH8F47eZe8ASACLcBGAs/s1600/img-5585_1_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1066" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jz1gv36_hYs/WVPL_fbXFZI/AAAAAAAAKJ8/5X2Cu0s_Afwj4KWm8Z05pH8F47eZe8ASACLcBGAs/s320/img-5585_1_orig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fWk1xFJ-o8w/WVPMFRyG2II/AAAAAAAAKKE/zZNcupiNll8bNRrgpW-vAUSslSTrT2tOwCLcBGAs/s1600/img-5567_1_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1066" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fWk1xFJ-o8w/WVPMFRyG2II/AAAAAAAAKKE/zZNcupiNll8bNRrgpW-vAUSslSTrT2tOwCLcBGAs/s320/img-5567_1_orig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_919199870"></span><span id="goog_919199871"></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-24382729542076867332017-06-27T15:48:00.001-07:002017-06-27T15:48:53.529-07:00Letter from THE PRESIDENT<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>June<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a> 27<sup>th</sup>, 2017<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">Dear Schramm Family:</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">It is my
pleasure to inform you of an important assignment given to your son, Elder Schramm.
He has been called to serve as the materials secretary for the Mexico Monterrey
West Mission. Elder Schramm has a strong testimony of his Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ, and has demonstrated great leadership qualities, gaining
the respect of the other missionaries. He is a very responsible and
intelligent young man, and has already made a great contribution to the Lords
work here in Mexico.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">The materials
secretary is responsible for the contracts, supplies, furniture, and
maintenance of over 100 mission houses. He also manages the supplies for
the office, and all of the proselyting materials needed by the missionaries. A
conscientious and organized physical facilities secretary has an immense impact
on the entire mission. The office missionaries still do “regular” missionary
work every day and are assigned an area in which to proselyte.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">The ability
Elder Schramm has to speak both English and Spanish is also a real
blessing to us in the mission, and makes him an invaluable missionary. He
will learn many new things during his time in the office, which will be of
great benefit to him in the future.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">Sister McArthur and
I appreciate his service, and we express our gratitude to you for having raised
such a fine young man, who loves the gospel, loves the Lord, and serves him
with all of his heart, might, mind and strength. It has been my pleasure
to know him and to work with him in this great and important work of the latter
days.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">May the Lord
bless you while your son is away serving in this marvelous work.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">Sincerely,</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">President Daniel D McArthur </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">Mexico Monterrey West Mission</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-72756743959295418252017-06-26T18:00:00.000-07:002017-06-27T09:10:06.015-07:00Last time on The Office..... So we got to see the rich part of town. Most of our new area is actually
in the poor part of town, in all the houses that have kinda been pushed
up the mountain on the other side of the valley. They have almost a
better view in my opinion than the rich people do.<br />
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<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36093">
On Sunday, we went to
church. The layout of their building is very different, and I've seen a
lot of different layouts. The chapel, gym, kitchen, and primary rooms
are all together, but then all the other classrooms are in another part
of the building that can only be accessed by going outside. There is
literally a kind of courtyard type thing with concrete benches where
people can wait in between classes. Also, the outdoor basketball/soccer
court doubles as a parking lot. It was all rather . . . interesting.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36091">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36089">
The
cool part was after church when we went to lunch. We ate with the
patriarch of the Roma stake, and he and his wife are super awesome
people. It's even more awesome because he's famous. Those who have
studied Preach My Gospel may have noticed a conversion story about a
taxi driver in Monterrey that got baptized. Guess who that is. Yup.
Patriarch Cabrera! His story is on pages 157-158 or in the August 2001
Ensign (pages 60-61) if you want to read it. Since Elder Liddle was
leaving, he brought his Preach My Gospel and had him sign it next to his
story. I would have done the same except I didn't have mine on me. I
guess I know what to do next time we eat with them. Anyway, he asked us
if we talked to the taxi driver who took us to his house, and we were
proud to say yes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KZXnbn1up_U/WVKCDsFUCfI/AAAAAAAAKJY/-NQ_z52rU2QUmHgwiHyp6gbegP75nxv3gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KZXnbn1up_U/WVKCDsFUCfI/AAAAAAAAKJY/-NQ_z52rU2QUmHgwiHyp6gbegP75nxv3gCLcBGAs/s320/DSC00012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We also had a few meetings this week with President McArthur and the
office staff. It's exciting because we have two people switching spots:
I'm replacing Elder Liddle as Materials Secretary, and President is also
changing one of his assistants, so the office has been rather busy. The
Bakers (a senior couple working in the office) invited the office over
to their house after the meeting for ice cream. Naturally, the Bakers
are everyone's best friends. They're awesome. They are like mission
grandparents.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PAIeOMHtEPI/WVKCeEPLRrI/AAAAAAAAKJc/J1cOroJFK30NpXHFh7SvpriIpiBg-7J2QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0061%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PAIeOMHtEPI/WVKCeEPLRrI/AAAAAAAAKJc/J1cOroJFK30NpXHFh7SvpriIpiBg-7J2QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0061%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36148">
Left to Right: Elder
Liddle (outgoing Materials Secretary), me (incoming Mat Sec), Elder
Harmon (Assistant to the President), Sister Baker (Records Secretary),
Elder Baker (Financial Secretary), Elder Tlatchi (outgoing Assistant),
Elder Enciso (incoming Assistant), and Elder Lopez (Executive
Secretary). We are like one big happy family.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36155">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36153">
My trio: Me, Elder Liddle, and Elder Lopez:</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36153">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FpcxJ-4V5cE/WVKClzExjtI/AAAAAAAAKJg/ZLDksGEkNqA86lw_Wf0nD64p8C8AWPUgQCLcBGAs/s1600/Elders%2BSchramm%252C%2BLiddle%2B_%2BLopez%252C%2B6-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FpcxJ-4V5cE/WVKClzExjtI/AAAAAAAAKJg/ZLDksGEkNqA86lw_Wf0nD64p8C8AWPUgQCLcBGAs/s320/Elders%2BSchramm%252C%2BLiddle%2B_%2BLopez%252C%2B6-17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36153">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36177">
The only other real
major happening this week was that the new missionaries arrived today.
We found out last night that Elder Garcia is going to train someone, so
one of the two elders that just came will go to Nuevo Laredo in my old
ward! We won't find out which one until tomorrow when all the trainers
come, so you won't find out until next week. :)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36191">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36179">
I
also found out that Nuevo Laredo is super awesome. During this
transfer, Nuevo Laredo completely destroyed the baptismal goal that we
had: we had a goal of 20 baptisms this transfer, and we ended up getting
27! Way to go, Nuevo Laredo! They were the only zone in the mission to
have reached the goal. I'm so proud of them! Also, the mission reached
the really high goal that we set: 104 of 103 baptisms! Everyone in the
offices was super happy and animated last night. It was great. I'm super
proud of my zone!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36187">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36181">
Bragging moment over. I couldn't help myself.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36183">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36185">
So the last thing is that we have played host to the five new missionaries. Here they are writing letters home:</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36185">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gb92cdeWGts/WVKC63YOUDI/AAAAAAAAKJk/BBVvPzKYHHMIYOYKh6Xj37o5OEIfu3QrwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gb92cdeWGts/WVKC63YOUDI/AAAAAAAAKJk/BBVvPzKYHHMIYOYKh6Xj37o5OEIfu3QrwCLcBGAs/s320/DSC00015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36185">
During this time, they
started breaking out into spontaneous hymn-singing. These new
missionaries and everyone in the office has some experience singing, so
it sounded pretty good. We got some harmonizing and everything. This was
the spontaneous rendition of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" with
the Spanish words to "Joseph Smith's First Prayer". It wasn't until the
last verse that I had the thought to grab my camera and attempt to
capture it. (Sorry if you have trouble accessing the video. Because of
it's size, it could only be included as a Google Drive link).</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36185">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36185">
I also, I have a photo of Sierra de la Silla. This is the view I get every day from the office.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36185">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XHzMXn_vFvY/WVKDRUR5UyI/AAAAAAAAKJo/0oROJJ4q0fkSoladIc6WnuQfhGKqsxKTgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XHzMXn_vFvY/WVKDRUR5UyI/AAAAAAAAKJo/0oROJJ4q0fkSoladIc6WnuQfhGKqsxKTgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC00017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36185">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36303">
Anyway, things are going
pretty great. We just sent the newbiews to the house to rest. They will
meet their trainers tomorrow. Hopefully things will be a little less
crazy once they are all taken care of.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36305">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36307">
Thanks for everything, including the emails and prayers. Continue being awesome!!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36309">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36311">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36315">
Lots of love from an air-conditioned office in Monterrey,</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36317">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36319">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36321">
Elder Schramm</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_36323">
<br /></div>
-- <br />Elder Jakob Schramm </div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-44624440054026109442017-06-26T14:30:00.000-07:002017-06-27T08:57:53.950-07:00Life in the office and MonterreyAs one can imagine, this week has been different. The new missionaries
just left for an hour to do some contacting, so I have a little bit of
time to write.<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_31690">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_31692">
This
week has been filled of trying to make a transition between Elder
Liddle and me as Materials Secretary. We're also switching one of the
President's assistants. This is both blessing and curse, because about a
third of us in the office have no idea what we're doing, but we have
two extra people on hand to help with stuff. I think everything will go
well, though.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_31001">
Fun
fact: during changes/transfers is not a good time for a computer to
fail. The hard drive on financial secretary Elder Baker's computer
failed, so we have been down a vital computer during these busy times.
His computer has all the financial records, missionary debit card
numbers, programs to buy bus tickets, and a whole bunch of other really
important stuff, especially during transfers. The mission tech guy said
that it would be a week before a new hard drive comes. Ugh. We have
since decided to look into a computer backup system after that whole
ordeal.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_30999">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_30997">
I'm
just going to talk about a couple of small random things this week, to
reflect the chaotic life of an office worker. Where do I start?</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_31676">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_30995">
I'll
try to go in order here. A week ago, Monday night, we went to my first
dinner appointment. We did a family home evening with a member in the
ward, and they brought an investigator friend. We talked about the
importance of prophets. Anyway, the family is super awesome:</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_30995">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1YZ-CSwvoEY/WVJ-lPvkdrI/AAAAAAAAKIs/ufl7pMYR6uYeNXriUZX9VqzwOt80DSFuwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1YZ-CSwvoEY/WVJ-lPvkdrI/AAAAAAAAKIs/ufl7pMYR6uYeNXriUZX9VqzwOt80DSFuwCLcBGAs/s320/DSC00001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_30995">
Tuesday, I had my first district meeting. It was a little odd because it
was the meeting for Week 6 of the transfer, so everyone was preparing to
possibly be transferred. Here is my district-for-a-week:</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_30995">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_EWuzcZqew/WVJ-9VZvxCI/AAAAAAAAKIw/Jq67qk5zS8caV_9UmiTfeAGDvrJoBjxuQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7027%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_EWuzcZqew/WVJ-9VZvxCI/AAAAAAAAKIw/Jq67qk5zS8caV_9UmiTfeAGDvrJoBjxuQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7027%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_30995">
Left to Right: Hermanas Lopez and Salcido, and Elders Liddle, Schramm, Lopez, Thompson, and Covington.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_30995">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_30995">
We also took photos of the BEAUTIFUL Monterrey Temple (because our stake
center is the chapel that shares property with the temple). I took
advantage of the opportunity.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_30995">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_31645">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eEBCsoqYfgQ/WVJ_vYmNQlI/AAAAAAAAKI4/Sq1Rm_C8PekQt7pTFhrCgHhExJLxa0v3wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00004%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eEBCsoqYfgQ/WVJ_vYmNQlI/AAAAAAAAKI4/Sq1Rm_C8PekQt7pTFhrCgHhExJLxa0v3wCLcBGAs/s320/DSC00004%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7tghQQT0O0/WVJ_5BuxeOI/AAAAAAAAKI8/SX5IXKdlkQgnRzADxo0Cf-h25g7QdYnWQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00005%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7tghQQT0O0/WVJ_5BuxeOI/AAAAAAAAKI8/SX5IXKdlkQgnRzADxo0Cf-h25g7QdYnWQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC00005%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DeXsFM0dT6k/WVKAAK8VnUI/AAAAAAAAKJA/8gNexi0yFd4_4f5xqr0kZfSiFvVOjhvMQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DeXsFM0dT6k/WVKAAK8VnUI/AAAAAAAAKJA/8gNexi0yFd4_4f5xqr0kZfSiFvVOjhvMQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC00007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_31645">
I like pretty temples.
Also, our stake center is remarkably more like American chapels than the
Nuevo Laredo buildings. Except it's surrounded by palm trees and
everything is in Spanish.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hMjwooH8vRA/WVKAW_Rc1vI/AAAAAAAAKJE/eEISruoeD6gK5VogY0VGvR7xkWiFfFKQgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hMjwooH8vRA/WVKAW_Rc1vI/AAAAAAAAKJE/eEISruoeD6gK5VogY0VGvR7xkWiFfFKQgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC00006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_31657">
I will have to divide this email in two parts because the computer won't let me add more photos.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_31655">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_31653">
To Be Continued . . . .</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1498522957969_31651">
<br /></div>
-- <br />Elder Jakob Schramm </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-32744732584376485562017-06-19T17:27:00.000-07:002017-06-20T08:48:59.513-07:00The president called, but the plane crashed and everyone died. This week was crazier than normal, I promise.<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_448553">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_448555">
I suppose I should explain the subject line.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_448557">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_448559">
All the events of the past week have been swallowed up in two major events.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_448561">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_448563">
First,
I got a call from the mission president on Wednesday night. I have been
called to be the Materials Secretary of the mission. Basically my job
will be to coordinate all the Books of Mormon, the pamphlets, cards, and
other things that the missionaries use and get them to their proper
zones. I will also be handling all the things like dishes, fans, and
phones for all the missionaries. I'll also be helping the president and
the assistants to check all the houses in the mission and make sure that
they have everything they need. Basically, everyone wants to be my
friend now. Also, it means that I get to use Excel. :) (I need to
rearrange my priorities).</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_448574">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_448576">
Anyway,
I was supposed to leave Nuevo Laredo for Monterrey Thursday morning so
that the current secretary could train me before he left (because the
transfer doesn't end until next week), but I had a commitment for
Saturday (see the other Major Event of the Week), so I had to wait until
this morning to come down. I'm now writing this email from the mission
office computer, about 6 hours after arriving in Monterrey.<br />
(Note from Camille.... here is a picture Sister Bottomley sent. Her son is in the grey t-shirt.) Driving to Monterrey from Nuevo Larado....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZpdsBt1jv4/WUlD3V_SVlI/AAAAAAAAKH0/SFM-X-KyzSkoIIH-aqF0fI_AZt59-dwAwCLcBGAs/s1600/19399189_10155533978401654_4943579124437158988_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZpdsBt1jv4/WUlD3V_SVlI/AAAAAAAAKH0/SFM-X-KyzSkoIIH-aqF0fI_AZt59-dwAwCLcBGAs/s320/19399189_10155533978401654_4943579124437158988_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm
also moved from the edge of a small, Tex-Mex desert border town to the
super rich center of a large, modern city. It's a bit of a change. We
don't have bikes anymore, but the city has a lot of buses and taxis, and
everything is close together now. For example, the church is about one
block from our house instead of 9 kilometers. We're also a very short
bus ride from the temple (which is where our stake center is located),
so we will be able to go to the temple, for which I'm very glad because
it's been almost 6 months without stepping inside one.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_448585">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_448587">
So
Elder Garcia stayed behind in a trio with Elders Aguilar and Bottomley,
the other elders in the ward, and they will be in that trio sharing
areas until Garcia gets a new companion in 8 days. I'll also be in a
trio with Elder Liddle (the current Materials Secretary) and my official
new companion Elder Lopez (Executive Secretary) so that Liddle can
train me until he leaves in 8 days as well.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_448589">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_448591">
Here we are in the office:</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_448591">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6Y4N1Nl3g4/WUhqfmrgGpI/AAAAAAAAKG8/JEr3pPzMb6YDTHbYO7y84j6romTgnvihACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6Y4N1Nl3g4/WUhqfmrgGpI/AAAAAAAAKG8/JEr3pPzMb6YDTHbYO7y84j6romTgnvihACLcBGAs/s320/DSC00047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_448591">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_449205">
I would send more pictures of Monterrey, but I haven't had my camera on me for most of the day. Sorry, Mom.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_449207">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_449209">
Anyway, I had better tell you of the other major event this week: we went to Hawaii.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_449217">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_449215">
Just
kidding. What really happened is that the ward (we're back in Nuevo
Laredo for a moment) and the missionaries pulled off an activity called
"Trip to Hawaii". Basically, we brought as many investigators as we
could into the chapel and pretended like we were on a plane to Hawaii.
Sounds pretty fun, right?</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_449213">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_449211">
What
happens is that we show a video in which the plane takes off, but
crashes before reaching Hawaii and everyone consequently dies. If you
are interested in the video, search YouTube for "Viaje a Hawaii SUD" and
there are a bunch of videos that come up (apparently this is a popular
activity to do here in Mexico). The one we used was a little over 7
minutes long. Don't worry, the audio is in English (it just has Spanish
subtitles).</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_449219">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_449221">
Anyway,
after the video ended, various angels dressed in white (played by the
ward mission leader and Elders Garcia and Aguilar) announced to everyone
that they had all died and welcomed them to the Spirit World. We then
showed everybody three rooms in the church representing the three
Kingdoms of Glory: the Telestial Kingdom (decorated and populated by the
Elders Quorum, which tells you something about the Elders Quorum), the
Terrestrial Kingdom (by the youth), and the Celestial Kingdom (by the
Relief Society, of course). For each kingdom, one of the angel guides
gave a brief explanation of who was in each kingdom and what they are
like (according to D&C 76). Since Yours Truly was playing the piano
for a celestial choir, I only ever got to see the Celestial Kingdom
(which tells you something about me (; ). Two very musically inclined
families (who are actually all cousins) along with Elder Bottomley of
the other area in the ward sang "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing"
while I played the piano. It was very celestial. :)</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ac3Lq2jRWHg/WUhqsqeo6UI/AAAAAAAAKHQ/kUnv7m7I6-EcymIZlKFE7CflbpH_7qpuwCLcBGAs/s1600/19401310_10213635500310540_139804094_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1334" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ac3Lq2jRWHg/WUhqsqeo6UI/AAAAAAAAKHQ/kUnv7m7I6-EcymIZlKFE7CflbpH_7qpuwCLcBGAs/s320/19401310_10213635500310540_139804094_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0RKtvzd6-gE/WUhqs2QQBdI/AAAAAAAAKHU/O8p4eQ1IIdghPKX46qj3u0Jy74n-eGZnwCLcBGAs/s1600/19401670_10213635501350566_105662263_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="1334" height="248" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0RKtvzd6-gE/WUhqs2QQBdI/AAAAAAAAKHU/O8p4eQ1IIdghPKX46qj3u0Jy74n-eGZnwCLcBGAs/s320/19401670_10213635501350566_105662263_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_449225">
We
ended up getting more than 50 investigators to come, which was great.
We also had a baptismal service right afterwards, so that was good, too.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_449227">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_449229">
Anyway, so I'm in Monterrey now, working in the offices. This will be interesting.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_449231">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_449233">
I'm basically out of time now, so I'll have to end.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_449235">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_449237">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_449239">
Keep things crazy!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lots of love from Monterrey again,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
-- <br />
Elder Jakob Schramm </div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_448591">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497446469745_448591">
FROM CAMILLE: A member sent me all of the pictures of the "celestial world". Jakob also sent a separate email with a few families he was able to say good bye to in Nuevo Larado. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5h0Bh93c1I/WUhrmIbQlCI/AAAAAAAAKHg/l2cEX-zHsTghhXpoaeFb-qWtnt19nChLwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5h0Bh93c1I/WUhrmIbQlCI/AAAAAAAAKHg/l2cEX-zHsTghhXpoaeFb-qWtnt19nChLwCLcBGAs/s320/DSC00014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-45613405572263583742017-06-12T16:04:00.001-07:002017-06-12T16:19:02.572-07:00Hey all!Hey, all!<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_84379">
The
major happening this week was that we went to Monterrey for a mission
conference with Elder Rafael Pino of the Mexico Area Presidency. Like
the Nuevo Laredo missionaries do every time we go there, we left
Wednesday night on a very fancy bus (at least it's fancier than the
Nuevo Laredo city buses) and stayed the night at a house that the
mission owns. We had the 20 missionaries from N. Laredo and about 10
more from Linares plus the assistants to the president and the
secretaries. When you cram 35+ missionaries into one house, things get
crazy. But it was fun. There were campechanas (I'm feeling to lazy to
describe them to you right now. Google it. Just know that they are
basically extremely large deep-fried tacos).</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_84381">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_84383">
The
conference was about how important obedience is to be able to be a
successful missionary. Also, Elder Pino described the difference between
the pre-mission life and now. There are some things (going to the
beach, watching a movie, or interacting with the opposite sex) that are
perfectly fine for mermbers of the Church, but if any missionary did
those things, he/she would likely get sent home. The expecations as a
missionary are to live probably the highest level of consecration to the
Lord that can be found in the world today. It's a big sacrifice, but we
as missionaries can receive some of the greatest blessings as a result.
Sorry, but I had to throw in a mission-bragging moment.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_85529">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_85531">
Another
really quick bragging moment: I think I've become the official mission
pianist, because I got assigned to play prelude music, the hymns, and a
special musical number. Thank you, Jan Grow, Betsy Fox, and Shari Aston
for putting up with me and teaching me piano for all these years.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_85589">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_85587">
So after the conference, we went home in another fancy bus. The bus was so fancy that it let me sleep a little.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_85562">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_85564">
Not
long after we got back, a less-active member called us and invited us
over for a fish grill. He apparently goes fishing on the Río Bravo
almost every Sunday (that's why he's less active) and he likes to grill
fish. I'm going to be one of those annoying people on Facebook who posts
pictures about what they ate:</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_85564">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0jZcQnj2ktE/WT8d4pDs6rI/AAAAAAAAKGs/YK87N69zjYoIDAAylS-4cCQWz4C5fqTRgCLcB/s1600/DSC00043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0jZcQnj2ktE/WT8d4pDs6rI/AAAAAAAAKGs/YK87N69zjYoIDAAylS-4cCQWz4C5fqTRgCLcB/s320/DSC00043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_85564">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_86251">
Annoying Facebook Person Moment over.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_86253">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_85533">
Another
random food note: we at a Veracruzan member's house one day and she and
Elder Garcia got into a very lively discussion about all the different
fruits that they had growing up and all the awesome stuff you can make
with them, like deep-fried green bananas. Apparently the climates and
cuisines of Veracruz and the Dominican Republic are very similar. She
pulled up pictures on her phone of an interesting fruit called la
guanabana (it's really fun to say) and asked if we had tried it. My comp
said that he loves it and had it all the time in the DR but hasn't had
it since. I said that I had no idea what it was, and they both looked at
me kinda funny and sadly as I told them that we don't have exotic
tropical fruits in Utah. The funny thing is that the next day, we went
to eat lunch at another Veracruzan member's house, and she also told us
that we needed to try a guanabana. She said she actually had a couple in
the house that she wanted to give us, but she couldn't bear to have
uneaten guanabanas in the house, so she ate them. :) Anyway, a few days
later, she brought us some. I didn't take pictures for some reason, but
basically they look like the fruit from the Tree of Life in 1 Nephi 8
(at least on the inside without the seeds). It also tastes like the fruit
from the tree of life, too. It's my new favorite fruit: its name is fun
to say (GUANABANA!!), it's featured in the scriptures, and it's super
yummy. I'll be lazy again and tell you to Google it for pictures and
stuff. The whole thing was a rather awesome Mexican experience.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_86255">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_86247">
I suppose that I should talk a little bit about the work here, too. Monterrey and amazing food have kinda distracted me.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_86249">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_86245">
We
stopped by Daniel's house to check up on him, and he's doing great. The
bishop gave him a triple combination a couple weeks ago, and he's cruising along. He hasn't had a lot of schooling and reading is difficult
for him, so we were a little concerned about how he would handle
reading the scriptures, but he's doing great. He's almost done with 1
Nephi. He actually told us that "I'm a little frustrated because I can
only read about 2 or 3 hours a day. I hope that's all right." We told
him the 2-3 hours was awesome and that he's doing great. He also got
interviewed to receive the Aaronic Priesthood! He's super excited! He
could be administering the Sacrament in a couple of weeks! The only
reason he hasn't been ordained yet is because the mission hasn't
finished processing his papers yet, so he isn't on the books. We bugged
the mission about that and reminded them to hurry up and they said that
it would be done this week, so he will probably get ordained on Sunday.
It was a great moment for everyone!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_86243">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_85541">
A
random interesting note: most people here don't speak any English
(which is kinda interesting because we're in a border town and a lot of
people work in Texas), but when someone has lived in the States for a
while, married an American, or worked there for a long time, they tend
to speak pretty good English. This week, we have met a few people who
have learned a lot of English. It's kinda funny because most of these
people learned Texas English, so they have pretty Southern Southern
accents. I have a feeling that when I get home, I'm either not going to
be able to speak English, I'll speak it with a heavy Mexican accent, or
I'll speak with a Southern accent. It's impossible for me to think in
Utah English now. It's either Spanish, Spanglish, Mexican English, or
Southern English. It's purty fun. :)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_86257">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_85542">
Anyway,
not too much else ahs happened, so I guess I'll end. Thanks for putting
up with this long email! Lots of love from the Deep, Deep South!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_86241">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_86239">
P.S. A photo of one of our favorite colonias. It just looked rather pretty the other day.</div>
<img alt="Inline image 3" height="314" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497272139662_85594" src="https://dl-mail.ymail.com/ws/download/mailboxes/@.id==VjJ-kmQWfRea_xxv9CUh07JR3pr1VoiLgdADgSpcfFVgknh6y2nQM9kNqXJ-sY-CYKXY/messages/@.id==AD6T3goAFAbAWT8aZgkMaKXrwUQ/content/parts/@.id==2/raw?appid=YahooMailNeo&ymreqid=7a2987da-04f9-6f5a-0195-0903d3010000&token=zitEzqOML3j84e6ealFTT5U7-km5qEQF52lp7AcCuBYCb4QQH_uMHvbSemjoixElqFyBfz0K14R75Vd3xEpXAgSgJwxwXNNVJ4YEhn7lPAaldJA8i3vzfiNePJFcLA02" width="418" /> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-77969344087216515982017-06-09T14:40:00.001-07:002017-06-09T14:40:12.437-07:00Mission Tour with President and Hermana Pino of the Mexico Area PresidencyHere are some pictures from Sister McArthur from the meetings with the Mexico Area Presidency: JUNE 8th, 2017 Meetings. <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FGGIo-AEWzg/WTsVNF9HKFI/AAAAAAAAKGQ/mRYU02Z6QLIxWlNj2WUe5GIMXa2Z4RYSQCLcB/s1600/img-4771_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FGGIo-AEWzg/WTsVNF9HKFI/AAAAAAAAKGQ/mRYU02Z6QLIxWlNj2WUe5GIMXa2Z4RYSQCLcB/s320/img-4771_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmUGcdp6yBQ/WTsVNHIJ2JI/AAAAAAAAKGM/pIOSRkvg0l0Ufmxo0zAFvXt6TGy3796fwCLcB/s1600/img-4783_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmUGcdp6yBQ/WTsVNHIJ2JI/AAAAAAAAKGM/pIOSRkvg0l0Ufmxo0zAFvXt6TGy3796fwCLcB/s320/img-4783_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_51IhgvaqA/WTsVURST0FI/AAAAAAAAKGY/asjpO1AhhP0tPRqcaz9u4v3f2D84WPV-gCLcB/s1600/img-4819_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_51IhgvaqA/WTsVURST0FI/AAAAAAAAKGY/asjpO1AhhP0tPRqcaz9u4v3f2D84WPV-gCLcB/s320/img-4819_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Q1GIpDUOw/WTsVUI_mCdI/AAAAAAAAKGU/yYQYwB6rzDQrSN5FOWBw2nUOBbjq-gzUwCLcB/s1600/img-4802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Q1GIpDUOw/WTsVUI_mCdI/AAAAAAAAKGU/yYQYwB6rzDQrSN5FOWBw2nUOBbjq-gzUwCLcB/s320/img-4802.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Where is he? </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWQ5IziZvc4/WTsVgVA0q4I/AAAAAAAAKGc/nrBiFMQmPM0w8uW57al0BBqGPx03JerKQCEw/s1600/dsc02015_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1100" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWQ5IziZvc4/WTsVgVA0q4I/AAAAAAAAKGc/nrBiFMQmPM0w8uW57al0BBqGPx03JerKQCEw/s320/dsc02015_orig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Look in the center.</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-66431055574790757542017-05-29T17:10:00.002-07:002017-05-29T17:10:37.218-07:00More rain, cooking with missionariesBuenas tardes a todos!<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1496098553960_12908">
First,
I'd just like to announce my half-birthday. I turn six months old
today! (According to mission reckoning, of course; in worldly terms, I'm
rumored to be more than 19 years old). It's hard to believe that the
mission is already a quarter of the way done. It's gone by super fast; I
feel like I've only been out here for 2 or 3 months! It's been great,
though. I've come to understand the scriptures more, my testimony has
been strengthened, and I've gained a lot of experience. I have been able
to see the very real effect that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has on
people. When someone learns to have faith in Jesus Christ, repent, and
strive to follow all the commandments God has taught us, God works a
powerful change in that person's heart, and they become a new person.
They gradually become their best self, and they experience a joy that
cannot be found in any other way. It's absolutely awesome watching that
change being worked in people! I love being a missionary!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1496098553960_12264">
<br />
I normally don't share the spiritual thought at the beginning, but I guess that's how it worked out.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1496098553960_12262">
<br />
Anyway,
we had another great big thunderstorm again yesterday. I'm not sure
what it is with Sundays, but I guess they've been officially turned into
the Day of Lightning. I tried to take a picture of the gorgeous storm,
but the picture can't do it justice.</div>
<div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5-NOmw8YeMA/WSy3su-YaNI/AAAAAAAAKCs/SGzVxEkoSuYn8IG2QWOGvQK8ywFUvi-lwCLcB/s1600/DSC00027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5-NOmw8YeMA/WSy3su-YaNI/AAAAAAAAKCs/SGzVxEkoSuYn8IG2QWOGvQK8ywFUvi-lwCLcB/s320/DSC00027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1496098553960_12972">
It was super awesome
because at any given second there was a flash or two of lightning in the
sky. It was pretty! I happen to enjoy lighting. Is that weird?</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1496098553960_12045">
<br />
Most
people here in Mexico buy tortillas premade. A few of the sisters in
the ward, however, make their own tortillas. Sometimes they make their
own dough, or they buy raw dough from one of the many little shops. One
of the sisters taught us how to make tortillas from just the dough. We
also found a little tortilla dough shop near our house, so we decided to
try today to make tortillas. This is what happens when an inexperienced
American and an inexperienced Dominican, with extremely limited cooking
tools, try to make Mexican food:</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ogBYV5snOk/WSy4AQfwJtI/AAAAAAAAKCw/K2HPstgcfcwrw49AtHbgy2N0R-MIIKFtQCLcB/s1600/DSC00021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ogBYV5snOk/WSy4AQfwJtI/AAAAAAAAKCw/K2HPstgcfcwrw49AtHbgy2N0R-MIIKFtQCLcB/s320/DSC00021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1496098553960_12893">
I don't think it turned out too badly. The tortillas were a little ugly, but hey, it was our first time.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1496098553960_12892">
<br />
As
far as the work goes, we broke a record for the number of new
investigators we found this week! (Well, it's at least a record for
since I've been here). We found a lot of super promising people. Also,
one of our investigators, who is basically ready for baptism except that
she's living with someone without being married, finally convinced her
partner to arrange a marriage. Wahoo!! If everything goes well, we'll be
able to baptize her shortly. Also, I might become an official wedding
witness, something I've never done before. :) I'll keep you updated.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1496098553960_12993">
<br />
Also,
this is Julieta. She has met with the missionaries before, but when
they asked her to get baptized a long time ago, she said no because she
didn't think she was ready. We have been meeting with her the last month
or so, and we have experienced many miracles with her, and she decided
that she wants to get baptized again. Wahoo!! She's a great lady. Her
personality is really funny, because she's almost 70 years old, but once
we get her going, she acts like a sassy 20 year old. She's great!</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jse2Z1OIIuk/WSy4TF8mWdI/AAAAAAAAKC0/RzndlGfiUFY1WLcRL9zlshvxlWDUMW0uwCLcB/s1600/DSC00015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jse2Z1OIIuk/WSy4TF8mWdI/AAAAAAAAKC0/RzndlGfiUFY1WLcRL9zlshvxlWDUMW0uwCLcB/s320/DSC00015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1496098553960_12053">
Anyway, things are going great here. Thanks for everything! Keep being awesome, everyone!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1496098553960_12901">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1496098553960_12902">
<br /></div>
-- <br />
<div class="yiv0988840066m_-6930417645114929597gmail_signature" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1496098553960_12900">
<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1496098553960_12899">
Elder Jakob Schramm</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-17398703213933818082017-05-26T06:57:00.003-07:002017-05-26T06:57:52.358-07:00Interviews in Nuevo LaradoThese are pictures from Sister McArthur. President McArthur doing interviews and training in Nuevo Larado.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6PIP2dTbvYQ/WSg0NneTZlI/AAAAAAAAKCA/cacqH27bitM226dmgjnjtyIVM4YRz566QCLcB/s1600/img-4315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6PIP2dTbvYQ/WSg0NneTZlI/AAAAAAAAKCA/cacqH27bitM226dmgjnjtyIVM4YRz566QCLcB/s320/img-4315.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vbou5qtx_xs/WSg0RH0hBwI/AAAAAAAAKCE/AbKMQvdaFgYGmGI1iSlSFYM4iphc4CpwwCLcB/s1600/img-4321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vbou5qtx_xs/WSg0RH0hBwI/AAAAAAAAKCE/AbKMQvdaFgYGmGI1iSlSFYM4iphc4CpwwCLcB/s320/img-4321.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-31mgSqRcW0Y/WSg0UkQCqnI/AAAAAAAAKCI/yHFnf80RD5gAQC5u_zFjiF9qWLvngXfUQCLcB/s1600/img-4336_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-31mgSqRcW0Y/WSg0UkQCqnI/AAAAAAAAKCI/yHFnf80RD5gAQC5u_zFjiF9qWLvngXfUQCLcB/s320/img-4336_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FvYbMLC3s_Q/WSg0U24HdWI/AAAAAAAAKCM/SModzNYtwJkNCY6-LU_deJyHKz-mlxNGgCLcB/s1600/img-4342_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FvYbMLC3s_Q/WSg0U24HdWI/AAAAAAAAKCM/SModzNYtwJkNCY6-LU_deJyHKz-mlxNGgCLcB/s320/img-4342_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-8935835845518072022017-05-22T16:43:00.003-07:002017-05-22T16:44:02.317-07:00 Exploding Tires, Lightning, and MiraclesBuenas tardes a todos!<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_23692">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_23693">
So,
this week was crazy. I feel like that's how I start almost all my
letters, but it's true. Maybe I should just tell you only if a week was
not crazy, or maybe even lots crazier than usual. I just need something
more original to start with than simply "this week was crazy".</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_23694">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_23695">
Anyway:
As far as the bike troubles go, we are still having them. Turns out,
when Elder Garcia damaged the wheel, he destroyed the entire rim and
everything inside of it. We're still not sure how he managed that. We
had to take a bus to our district meeting Tuesday. All would have been
going well, except that the bus popped a tire on a HUGE nail on the
freeway. Don't ask me why there are huge nails on the freeway. So we had
to wait half an hour for the next bus and try to cram two busloads of
people into one bus. So that was fun. You can see the nail in the upper
right corner of the picture.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_23695">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BYahTbWUa48/WSN3HzAxinI/AAAAAAAAKBs/xXDkYfZYukQNmI4vn-W2hdQxtTQQBLEgQCLcB/s1600/DSC00001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BYahTbWUa48/WSN3HzAxinI/AAAAAAAAKBs/xXDkYfZYukQNmI4vn-W2hdQxtTQQBLEgQCLcB/s320/DSC00001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_23695">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_24942">
After getting home on a
functional bus, we continued with out appointments on foot. Yay. After a
whole bunch of appointments cancelled, leaving us with an open evening,
we decided to try and fix the bike, because WALKING. IS. SO. SLOW! So
we started to head for a small bike repair shop near our house. To our
great dismay, it turned out to be closed (argh!!), so we had turned back
and were trying to figure out what to do, when an investigator drove up
to us and asked if we were having trouble with the bikes. He said that
he would help us fix the bike if we took it to his house, which wasn't
far away. We didn't really know what else to do, so we said, "Okay!"</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_24941">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_24940">
After
taking apart the bike and finding out what had happened to it, we
needed to get a new rim and everything. The only place in Nuevo Laredo
where you can buy 29-inch rims is downtown. Luckily, the investigator
offered to take us there, so we went in his car. After we bought the
rim, we drove back to his house and he helped us fix the bike. He ended
up being a huge miracle for us! Most of the time, tender mercies are
rather small and can be easily missed, but other times, God decides to
send you a huge blessing. Just be sure that you are attentive of the
Spirit and aware of others who may be in need of service. You never know
how much of a lifesaver you could be.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_24943">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_24944">
Not
too much else happened this week other than a super bug rain/lightning
storm yesterday. It had been cloudy all day, but nothing had happened
all day, so we didn't think too much of it. In the space of about 2
minutes, it went from simply being overcast with lighting all over the
place. We were luckily visiting with Daniel, so at least we were
indoors. Streets were flooding badly and quickly. We eventually had to
head back out into the rain, so that was fun. At least our visit with
Daniel was the last visit of the day, so we only had to go home. The fun
part is that my bike had popped a tire earlier in the day (what is it
with us and popping tires?), so we had to make this journey on slow
foot. Once we got inside, however, all was well. I happen to enjoy rain
and lightning. Just from the inside of a house. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O03dsDU5LTU/WSN3cS0CwmI/AAAAAAAAKBw/jpPwAgUII2M6E_sukBGcHWA4SbS526ZbQCLcB/s1600/DSC00002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O03dsDU5LTU/WSN3cS0CwmI/AAAAAAAAKBw/jpPwAgUII2M6E_sukBGcHWA4SbS526ZbQCLcB/s320/DSC00002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_24944">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_24988">
GARCIA! He told me that he really likes rain.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_24944">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_24989">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_24990">
One
last quick story, end then I'll end: because buying bike parts can get a
little pricey, we weren't able to have as much food in the house this
week. towards the end, we were trying to figure out what to do, when
literally every evening the past couple of days, a sister from the ward
simply stopped by with a loaf of bread of a bag of tamales and said, "I
just wanted to drop this off with you tonight," so we have been able to
have dinner. Again, miracles happen. Just keep an eye out for service
opportunities, because maybe the Lord will want to work a particular
miracle through you.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_24993">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_24994">
Anyway, the week was fun and full of surprises and little (and big) miracles. I'm excited to see what the next weeks bring!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_24995">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_24996">
Mucho amor,<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_24997">
<br /></div>
-- <br />
<div class="yiv7011585212gmail_signature" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_24999">
<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495495707131_24998">
Elder Jakob Schramm</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-70244887713411950802017-05-15T17:45:00.002-07:002017-05-15T17:45:47.861-07:00They just don't make bikes like they used to, Daniel got Baptized, and CAMBIOS!Hey, all!<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494687535016_282977">
<br />Before
I get started with the really cool stuff, I have to say that apparently
missionaries use and abuse their bikes. Either that, or our bikes are
just really low quality. We have had a ton of little (and a few rather
large) problems with our bikes the last couple of weeks. I'm not
entirely sure how, but today, Elder Garcia basically bent the rear axle
on the bike, and all the gears and everything are out of alignment and
the tire won't move. And all this was about 50 feet out of the parking
lot of the grocery store. So we had to walk a mile or two back to the
house, dragging the bike with us (along with a week's worth of
groceries!). So now we're out a bike. We're going to try to spend a
little bit of time this week taking it apart and finding out what we
need to do to fix it and acquire the parts we need. Ugh. I'm just glad
that we have buses here, or going to the church would be impossible.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494687535016_282980">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494687535016_282985">
<br />Okay, rant over. Now for the fun stuff. :)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494687535016_282989">
<br />Daniel
was baptized this week!!! He has been really excited to be baptized,
and it was a great service! We had to get a little creative because he
has a wheelchair, but we got it all figured out. Since he still has part
of his legs, he can kinda sorta walk very short distances, so we had to
put his chair right up to the edge of the font, then help him descend
into the water. I had to help Elder Garcia baptize him, which was really
cool! It was as if it was all slow-motion like in all the missionary
movies. :) It was good because, even though things took a little more
time than usual, we managed to do everything on the first try.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BRhFKW96Rn0/WRpBzWgA-lI/AAAAAAAAJ-w/J3DCuLaxlmECfNEw59WBGCcGSs0HnbYdgCLcB/s1600/DSC000301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BRhFKW96Rn0/WRpBzWgA-lI/AAAAAAAAJ-w/J3DCuLaxlmECfNEw59WBGCcGSs0HnbYdgCLcB/s320/DSC000301.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494687535016_282993">
I
confirmed him a member on Sunday. I'm glad my Spanish is at the level
it is now, because I'm not sure how things would have gone if I was
still in training. I hope the Spirit took over, because I was super
nervous. The bishop seemed okay with what I did, so hopefully I didn't
mess up too badly.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Sunday night, we
received news about the transfers, and it turns out, I'll be here for
another 6 weeks! That means I'll have been here for almost 6 months,
which is an unusually long amount of time to stay in one area, but I
guess there's a reason. It's all okay, because I really like this area!</div>
<div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494687535016_283023">
<br />On a random note, Nuevo Laredo seems to have really pretty sunsets:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RF0IXMAeI6I/WRpCDEL61kI/AAAAAAAAJ-0/dp0PLIWKxsU_4ZGWIKVXY7v30Xx1BELCwCLcB/s1600/DSC00033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RF0IXMAeI6I/WRpCDEL61kI/AAAAAAAAJ-0/dp0PLIWKxsU_4ZGWIKVXY7v30Xx1BELCwCLcB/s320/DSC00033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
This email is kinda
short this week, so I apologize, but basically all we could focus on
this week was the baptism and transfers. It was a really good week this
week! I'm excited to see what the next transfer brings!</div>
<div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494687535016_283056">
<br />Muchas gracias por sus oraciones y fe para mi y para los en la misión! El Espíritu del Señor esté con ustedes!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The last meeting with the district and with the zone, repectively. Don't
ask me why Elder Fernandez has an antler. I'm not sure where or why he
got it, or why it's in the photo.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxQNq2ZJ2WE/WRpGBRgm2sI/AAAAAAAAJ_E/LsiNaF7pMnMOT8thnL3VwHQIVxhovOwngCLcB/s1600/DSC00010-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxQNq2ZJ2WE/WRpGBRgm2sI/AAAAAAAAJ_E/LsiNaF7pMnMOT8thnL3VwHQIVxhovOwngCLcB/s320/DSC00010-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wxFXduiTm9I/WRpF91jXM7I/AAAAAAAAJ_A/9CdWTidJcAkZactVS2mp2L0Sztn3Qw6ugCLcB/s1600/DSC00013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wxFXduiTm9I/WRpF91jXM7I/AAAAAAAAJ_A/9CdWTidJcAkZactVS2mp2L0Sztn3Qw6ugCLcB/s320/DSC00013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NlW9ouhiAHg/WRpKxE83gGI/AAAAAAAAJ_c/a_eoz0g5yXAhuyS-fHtr7YtzUI7fhKo8ACLcB/s1600/DSC00012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NlW9ouhiAHg/WRpKxE83gGI/AAAAAAAAJ_c/a_eoz0g5yXAhuyS-fHtr7YtzUI7fhKo8ACLcB/s320/DSC00012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
Daniel: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aogWyp-TWWE/WRpLSmjVOoI/AAAAAAAAJ_k/-j9XS-RA_PEqRCrZ_fT_E20_vW0ifhOpQCLcB/s1600/DSC00022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aogWyp-TWWE/WRpLSmjVOoI/AAAAAAAAJ_k/-j9XS-RA_PEqRCrZ_fT_E20_vW0ifhOpQCLcB/s320/DSC00022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
A pretty cool tag photo, if I do say so myself.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494687535016_286412">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u732bK5q6Nc/WRpGmZH3UBI/AAAAAAAAJ_M/jgah_osXcaYePeMeJWFwnz4xD2VcO1LggCLcB/s1600/DSC00028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u732bK5q6Nc/WRpGmZH3UBI/AAAAAAAAJ_M/jgah_osXcaYePeMeJWFwnz4xD2VcO1LggCLcB/s320/DSC00028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494687535016_286417">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv0536571146gmail_signature" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494687535016_286420">
<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494687535016_286419">
Elder Jakob Schramm</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494687535016_283060">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-35750495159038270222017-05-08T20:19:00.000-07:002017-05-08T20:19:45.631-07:00Crazy... Birthday....Hola!<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_85826">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_85833">
So we had a lot of crazy happenings this week. Well, okay, what week doesn't? But this week was crazy in an awesome way.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_85834">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_85835">
First,
we had exchanges with the district leader on Wednesday. I stayed here
in Viveros and the district leader, Elder Estevez, came here while Elder
Garcia went more uptown. Elder Estevez is the other Dominican in Nuevo
Laredo, and let's just say that while Elder Garcia is super excited in a
Dominican way (those that know Dominicans will know what I'm talking
about), Elder Estevez makes him look as calm as a summer's morning. It
was a crazy, fun, Domincan Wednesday.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_85836">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_85837">
Before
I begine this story, let me tell you that there is a surplus of speed
bumps in Nuevo Laredo, and that I'm normally really good at getting over
them on my bike. I don't know if this speedbump was simply having a bad
day, or if I looked at it funny or something, but while Elder Estevez
and I were on the way to our lunch appointment, this cpeedbump came out
of nowhere and threw me off my bike and on to the asphalt. luckily, we
were in a rather quiet colonia, so there were basically no cars on the
road, but it was still rather exciting to get speedbumpwhacked (I'll
pretend that's a word) in the middle of the road. My arms still look
like my campanion has been beating me, but I promis everything is OK.
Elder Estevez now knows how good of a bike rider I am. :)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_85838">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_85839">
So
after that exciting ordeal, we came home to discover that we had left
the swamp cooler/air conditioner thing on all day, and because it's not
exactly in the best of shape (or maybe it was just installed wrong),
there was a giant pool of water by my bed. So while we were looking for
mops, we found a second (much newer and fancier) air conditioner, which
Elder Estevez wanted to try using, so we plugged it in. It worked really
well-- for about 40 seconds, when the power went out. We looked around
for a breaker box, found it, and flipped the breakers, and the power
went back on. Once the power went off again about 30 seconds later, we
realized that maybe there was a reason that we weren't using the newer
AC. We unplugged it, and tried to flip the breakers again, but nothing
happened. We aren't exactly electricians, so we couldn't really do
anything. We couldn't call anyone because our cell phone just died, so
we kinda just tried to sleep in the heat. That was rather fun.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_85840">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_85841">
The
next day, I turned 19 (Happy Birthday! You have no power!). We met up
with Elder Garcia and he got a little mad when we told him that we
officially had no power. We had to go to a member's house to charge our
phone, and put together the investigator report that we send every week
to the zone leaders. Turns out, when we could finally get a hold of the
leaders to pass them the report, we discovered that they had been trying
to call us all morning, because we were late in submitting the report.
Kids, make sure your phone is fully charged before you plug in a second
AC in your tiny Mexican house and kill the power.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_85842">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_85843">
Anyway,
we also called the landlord, and it turns out that there is a second
breaker box that we tripped that we didn't find. I'm not sure who
designed that. But now we have power, so that's all good.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_85844">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_85845">
Because
it was Star Wars Day--I mean, my birthday, we decided that we had to
get a cake. Elder Garcia insisted on buying the biggest, most chocolatey
cake we could find. I was not opposed, so we did so.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_85845">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qmstue_uEgw/WRE0wYibEEI/AAAAAAAAJ9s/LdVquchDG4gwGFcy29hLVEiDdsRXasAWgCLcB/s1600/DSC00001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qmstue_uEgw/WRE0wYibEEI/AAAAAAAAJ9s/LdVquchDG4gwGFcy29hLVEiDdsRXasAWgCLcB/s320/DSC00001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_85845">
It turns out, it's a Latino tradition to throw a cake in the face of the
one whose birthday it is. I was naturally rather opposed to this
tradition, being a clean-freaky American, but Elder Garcia also insisted
that I at least get a little bit on my face. So this happened:</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_85845">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KbypbpqIGzk/WRE1B0lsiyI/AAAAAAAAJ9w/AUTf1w-QlJo_rP0YUXPUxq4jItptpIrFQCLcB/s1600/DSC00002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KbypbpqIGzk/WRE1B0lsiyI/AAAAAAAAJ9w/AUTf1w-QlJo_rP0YUXPUxq4jItptpIrFQCLcB/s320/DSC00002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_85845">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_86596">
The only other exciting
event of the week was that, since it was Mother's Day yesterday, I got
to call the family. The mission president authorized a Facebook video
chat, so I logged on to Facebook for the first time in 5 months. I kinda
forgot how to use Facebook, because it took me a while to figure out
how to start a video call. But finally, technology started to get along,
and I had a great call with my family. Everyone is doing really well. I
have now called the family twice. Only two more calls before I return
home! That's crazy!!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_86599">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_86600">
Anyway,
this week was crazy, but crazy fun. We have a baptism on Saturday for
Daniel, so check back next week and see if I have baptism photos!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_86601">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_86602">
Love you all!! Happy Late Star Wars Day!!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_86603">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_86604">
<br /></div>
May the Spirit be with you,<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494274170539_86606">
<br /></div>
-- <br />
Elder Jakob Schramm </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-30825505632123489022017-05-07T23:00:00.000-07:002017-05-08T07:06:01.773-07:00Mexican Mothers DayJakob was able to call us today for Mexican Mothers Day! He was almost 2 hours later than the scheduled time, but we finally got our phone call. We were even able to see him and have a good visit for over an hour!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t2ODI1kiWO0/WRB65D9pPCI/AAAAAAAAJ9U/KxyEQwpkyPwgDmCHXp6Abk2826xPvYaxACLcB/s1600/20170507_174004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t2ODI1kiWO0/WRB65D9pPCI/AAAAAAAAJ9U/KxyEQwpkyPwgDmCHXp6Abk2826xPvYaxACLcB/s320/20170507_174004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A few things from our conversation I don't want to forget. We were asking about the houses there. He said they are pretty small, made of cinder block and all have bars on the doors and windows. He and his companion have to be in an hour early and there are no sisters because the area is "sketchy". These are things a mom doesn't want to hear. He said "sorry... we are all safe inside our cinder block houses with bars on the walls." Oh, good.<br />
<br />
His companions also got on and said the "Elder Schramm is very crazy on his bike!" Jakob said he always wears his helmet, but has crashed pretty good a few times. The comps said he has no fear on that bike. Hummm.<br />
<br />
Jakob got his birthday package and really liked that. He said I needed to stop sending him tic tacks though. Alright. I guess. There were several jokes about me sending too many of those. When we ended the phone call I asked him if he needed anything else and he said laughing "Maybe some tic tacks?" Funny boy. Funny boy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PHVCc7VcnmU/WRB7L1AK2iI/AAAAAAAAJ9Y/Tl6NHeODErsy7lie8Qqwv29wOvLMapeCwCLcB/s1600/20170507_175038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PHVCc7VcnmU/WRB7L1AK2iI/AAAAAAAAJ9Y/Tl6NHeODErsy7lie8Qqwv29wOvLMapeCwCLcB/s320/20170507_175038.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We had a great time visiting with Jakob. He sounded great, was happy, and seemed to get along with his companion and the other Elders in the area. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-53867552154103989572017-05-02T17:30:00.000-07:002017-05-02T18:05:36.885-07:00Crazy: The New Normal!!!Buenas tardes, todos!<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1493766731978_9697">
</div>
<div>
First
off, I'd like to apologize for not writing yesterday. Apparently it was
Día Nacional del Trabajo (National Work Day; México seems to have a lot
of national holidays, because we also celebrated Día Nacional de los
Niños, or National Children's Day) and so all the Internet cafés were
closed. We received permission from the mission president to write
today. So that's what I'm going to do.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1493766731978_9777">
<br />
I've
just come to the conclusion that all weeks are going to be tiring,
stressful, and dramatic to some degree. We just need to find the good in
each week and embrace it, because there is more of it than we may
realize. It is so easy to focus on the negative in life that we miss the
many subtle reminders that God loves us and is watching out for us.
I'll detail why in a little bit but that's basically the main theme I
got out of this week.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1493766731978_9779">
<br />
First,
this whole week has been rather warm. It's been extremely sunny and the
temperatures have all been in the high 90s or 100. Yay. I'm starting to
regret all those pictures of palm trees I sent in December. But that's
okay, because I heard that Utah got a bunch of snow this last week, so I
guess I can still laugh at the weather I've been getting.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1493766731978_9792">
<br />
We
have had some of the coolest miracles this week, too. We had more
investigators in church this last Sunday than since I started in the
field. We've also met some of the best investigators these last two
weeks. We have Daniel, whose legs were amputated because of diabetes
about 8 years ago, so he is confined to a wheelchair. He has come to
church these last two Sundays because a member has a van! He is super
interested, and really wants to get baptized. Every time we visit, he
asks some question about the protocol, like if he has to bring his own
white clothing, where it will be, etc. We're super excited for him.
Also, we met Martha, who works in the Internet café we go to each week.
She knows the elder's quorum president from university, and she is
really diligent about reading everything we leave her. She always has
lots of questions. The only setback with her is that she has super
Catholic parents who have denied her permission to go to church these
last two Sundays, so we've also been meeting with them and trying to
warm up to them. I've been teaching piano lessons to their other
daughter, and I think the mom especially really like that. We're going
to try to ask permission for Martha to go to church again this week.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1493766731978_9794">
<br />
Anyway,
the biggest thing I learned this week is that despite all the troubles
life throws at us, God blesses us whenever we try to seek and follow
Him. We just need to do our part by striving to live the commandments,
and God will make everything work out for the best.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1493766731978_9796">
<br />
Keep being awesome, everyone! Les quiero mucho!!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Elder Jakob Schramm</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-32884047796887452032017-05-02T17:00:00.000-07:002017-05-02T19:30:57.295-07:00PicturesA couple Sundays ago, a member was driving us to his house from the
church for lunch. We drove past this little lake, and, still being
fairly new to the area, Elder Garcia asked me what the lake was called. I
said, "No sé cómo se llama. Es solamente un laguito." (I Don't know
what it's called. It's just a little lake). So Elder Garcia asked the
member for it's name, and he said that it was called Ël Laguito", or
"The Little Lake". We started laughing because I accidentally correctly
guessed the name of the lake. Naturally, we had to revisit our new
favorite lake.<br />
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Then, a few days ago, we
were at another member's house for lunch, and afterwards, while we were
helping wash dishes, Elder Perez (one of the elders with whom we share
the ward) started to marvel at the giant spider he found in the
cabinet. All of us gathered around and started to take pictures of the
giant spider. The member didn't seem to care very much that a bunch of
missionaries were taking pictures of her cabinet spider. She seemed to
think it was funny that we were as fascinated as we were. Anyway, here
are some pictures.<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1493766731978_12626">
***WARNING***
Those who have aversions to spiders and other creepy-crawlies
(including, but not limited to, my mother, grandmother, and sisters)
should skip these pictures. You're welcome.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rYr2za5pOpQ/WQksPspCkHI/AAAAAAAAJ8A/L8cOd0CoKZEzG7UCTIfWms1fr9F2SxntQCLcB/s1600/DSC00005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rYr2za5pOpQ/WQksPspCkHI/AAAAAAAAJ8A/L8cOd0CoKZEzG7UCTIfWms1fr9F2SxntQCLcB/s320/DSC00005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
Also, another member family loves the missionaries and insisted that we take a selfie with their whole family.</div>
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<br />
<div>
~Elder Jakob Schramm</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-5039483096205267472017-04-24T17:14:00.000-07:002017-04-24T17:14:43.832-07:00Ths week was full of Crazy, I promiseAs the subject of this email says, this week was crazy, just like all
weeks. I just can't remember much of it, so if the email seems a little
short, please forgive me.<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1493076371721_15907">
<br />
We
had a zone conference with the President, so that was always fun. We
talked about how to work well with the ward and stake leaders. Which
reminds me: the missionary work can't succeed without the support of the
members. Speaking as a full-time missionary, this is very, very, true. I
challenge each one of you to find some way to help out the missionaries
where you live, whether it's through giving them names of people they
could visit, feeding them dinner a night of two, or accompanying them to
lessons. The work is so much more effective when we receive support
from the ward!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1493076371721_15909">
<br />
For example, meet Logan. He's almost 13, and he's been helping us lately in contacting and accompanying us in lessons.</div>
<div>
<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jwy8wDYZrfc/WP6Ur3PnpPI/AAAAAAAAJ6A/xD24rvGoE9wqY5nEpf3zjYH8GIyhgIgAACLcB/s1600/DSC00080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jwy8wDYZrfc/WP6Ur3PnpPI/AAAAAAAAJ6A/xD24rvGoE9wqY5nEpf3zjYH8GIyhgIgAACLcB/s320/DSC00080.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
Today, we went to the
center of Nuevo Laredo with the district. We ate Domino's, because the
majority of the missionaries were American. As it happens, none of the
missionaries in our district are Mexican. My companion and the district
leader are Dominican (and apparently, when Dominicans get together,
excitement ensues), and everyone else is American. We don't know how we
managed that.</div>
<div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1493076371721_16842">
</div>
<div>
Anyway, here is Elder Garcia and I with the disrtict leader, Elder Estevez.</div>
<div>
<br />
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</div>
<div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1493076371721_16868">
We had a great week this
week. We met Daniel, a reference from a member. He lost his legs to a
disease a few years ago, so he is confined to a wheelchair. He came to
church this week, which is pretty rare for an investigator to come to
church the first Sunday after meeting them. He's super awesome, because
he has a very firm faith in Christ and the Resurrection. He is very
excited for the day when his legs will be restored, and he's very
interested in our message. We're actually going to meet with him in a
couple of hours, so we will see how thigns go with him.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1493076371721_16870">
<br />
Thanks for all the letters and love! Happy Spring!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1493076371721_16871">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1493076371721_16872">
<br /></div>
-- <br />
<div class="yiv7119267099gmail_signature" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1493076371721_16874">
<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1493076371721_16873">
Elder Jakob Schramm</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418657504206616007.post-39333770462778979592017-04-22T15:06:00.002-07:002017-04-22T15:08:18.867-07:00Nuevo Larado zone conferenceSome pictures from Sister McArthur at zone conference this week.<br />
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Happy Birthday to these Elders!<br />
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</div>
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