December 30, 2013 - 7 more weeks!

It's off to work we go!  After a somewhat soft schedule during the
week of Christmas we're staring down the barrel of a 7 week sprint
towards the end of the greatest two years for my life and we're
saying, "bring it on!"  Temple trip is this week, tomorrow in fact,
and it'll be the perfect opportunity to make the last commitment to
the Lord for this next transfer.  Elder Giles and I have been
thinking, and we don't think that we're staying together... so we'll
see who I get if our gut feelings are accurate, otherwise we're all
in.

This past Christmas call was the best one I think for a couple of
reasons.  1) I got to see everyone for a final time before the real
thing 2) Everyone was in Ohio State garb, go Buckeyes! 3) I got to
hear Grandma and Grandpa Jarvis' voice, something that hasn't happened
for a looooooooooooooooong time! 4) I just felt the overwhelming
support that my family has given me even amidst so many personal
trials and temptations at home.  I am so proud to be a Schoemig, our
name carries the honor and dignity with it that Grandpa Schoemig would
be proud of.

Brother A is doing well, we are meeting with him today and
Wednesday.  We are gonna have his baptism in January, it turns out
that December was just a really bad month for us all around, but he
came to Church and still wants to so we're going for it.  We are
trying to work with another part member, I and her husband Ishmael
as well.

By the way, have I ever told you what my area is like?  It's a mix
between Africa and Central/South America, with a little bit of native
Merlinder and Washingtonian mixed it.  But mostly Africa and South
America.  I was standing in the store a few weeks ago, looked around,
and realized that we were the only white guys there.  That's how it
always is, but I never realized it til then.  Odd huh?

Mom I just wanted to express my appreciation to you, you have always
been a rock for me and for our family.  I don't think we could survive
without you!  One of my favorite things that you taught me is how to
truly feel others pain, to feel true love for another.  Thank you.
So, yeah... to the edge.... always.

I LOVE you to the EDGE of the UNIVERSE!!! Elder Schoemig

December 23, 2013 - The last Videophone call home from mission field!

Merry Christmas Mom!  Emailing from a warm, wet, but still miserable Maryland winter, it's been in the 60's and 70's for the past few days.  Wowzer!  Never thought I'd be sweating while I was tracting in December!  I'm looking forward to the call on Wednesday of course, it'll be fun to see everyone one final time before the big day arrives in February.  Yikes, that's scary to think about.

Anyone, Elder Giles and I have had the opportunity to play Santa's little helpers the past week while packages have been flooding in from all over the USA to members of our zone.  We get the packages from the assistants or President Cooke, then deliver them to the various zone members.  Some Elders just can't wait and open the package on the spot, but I'm a good boy and haven't opened mine yet :)  By the way, thank you to the Robinson family for sending me a package :)  It means a lot to me!  

Our Christmas conference this week will include a variety show of sorts in which our zone will have some time to put on a little performance.  We've decided that the Elder's will be putting on our version of the classic Christmas ballet, "The Nutcracker."  Thanks to the many performances by Mandi and Autumn, and a little help from the Sister's in the zone, we've got about a 2-3 minute dance we'll be doing.  I will also immediately afterwards retaking my "Man Card" by figuratively cracking skulls open with my bo staff that I bought at Home Depot a few weeks ago.  It felt reallllly good to have one of those in my hands again.  All in all it should be a great conference.  Did I tell you that we're watching Monster's University this year?  We're psyched for it.

Well the missionary work continues as usual.  Elder Giles and I have found this past week to be a little bit more productive as we've tweaked our schedule a little bit so we can have more proselyting time.  It's turned out great, with a new investigator and multiple potentials that we'll be trying to contact through this holiday season.  That's the one rough part about these couple weeks, is that everyone get's so busy running around doing different things that it's hard to set up appointments with them.  So we'll do what we can and look to January for a hot start to the new year.  

I love you Mom!  That call on Christmas will be the best present I could receive!  I hope everyone drinks some egg nog, watches some "White Christmas," sits around the fire, enjoys the candle light Christmas Eve dinner, and just basks in the glory and joy of the birthday of the boy that saved our lives.  TO THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE!!! closer to the edge, Elder Schoemig

December 16, 2013 - Festival of Lights at the Visitor's Center

Hi Mom!  Things are cold here, as per the usual during the last few weeks.  Last week we got to do parking at the VC for Festival of Lights and stand out in the cold for a few hours waving what I call a "mini-lightsaber."  That was fun and it wasn't very busy so we got to finish early and go watch the performance.  There was one performance that blew me away, it was a vocal school particularly for opera, and one of the professionals was this older gentleman who sang a beautiful and very moving rendition of "O Holy Night."  I think that song is my theme for this December.  It's just been runnin through my head the whole month.

I'll let you know when I get the package,  it'll give me something that I can open on Christmas morning!  Crazy about Dakota getting the priesthood so soon!  Kids really do grow up fast, but not me.  I'm as much of a kid as I've ever been.  That's something Grandpa Jarvis and I have in common I think :)

Well I couldn't end the email this week without wishing Jenny a happy birthday!  Hope you celebrate by listening to some Pink Floyd and Queensryche for me!  

Well, thanks for everything Mom.  You are the best.  I love you AS BIG AS THE UNIVERSE, closer to the edge, Elder Schoemig

December 9, 2013 - Rocky Mountain storms is the best!

Hey Mom!  I'm sitting here the day after we had a "storm."  It's in quotations because it was itty-bitty compared to our MIGHTY snowstorms out in the good ol' Rocky Mountains.  Nevertheless it was dangerous enough on the roads for President Cooke to decide that it wasn't worth the risk of having us go out in it, so we stayed in all day and did whatever effective things we could such as studying and chatting with our roommates about how much we love snow.  It was amazing to see everything encased in ice though, and I hope more snow comes our way!

This past week saw us meet with Brother A as planned and it was miraculous!  After a couple months of seeing little to no progressing investigators, we have a man who wants to be baptized!  We went in the lesson on Tuesday, sat down, and the first thing that Sister A (already a member) asked is, "so what's the process for baptism?"  We explained it to her right before Brother A came into the room.  We began with a prayer then without even teaching a single principle, we felt the Spirit and invited him to be baptized! Yikes! I've never done that before!  Just goes to show that when the Spirit tells you to invite, you invite regardless of how much YOU think they know.  The Spirit knows, so listen.  He of course accepted to be baptized on the 22 of December, so we've got a lot of territory to cover in a few short weeks.  But, he's been coming to church for 6 months now, knows most of it already, and kept saying in the lesson, "I know it's the true Church, and I'll never go back."  Score one for the winning team!

We have Zone Training Meeting this week, so Elder Giles and I will spend some time getting a veritable missionary pump-up, pep-talk, give-em-your-best shot lesson ready.  Pray we can inspire the zone to motivate themselves! 

Christmas cheer is spreading itself abroad as we get closer and closer to the happiest time of year.  We can feel it when the wind whips through the air sending that cold, humid chill that cuts at you no matter how many layers you have on.  It's great!

Thanks for the updates on the family, I sure do appreciate them! LOVE you to the EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE! closer to the edge, Elder Schoemig

December 2, 2013 - Grandparents home and Ward Christmas package :)

Hey Mom!  The week has been good, I've just been working on making some needed inward changes to affect my outward behavior.  I don't let myself get discouraged, very often anyway, I know that I'm really far from perfect, but there are moments when I become great and there are moments when I become really really well... not great haha.  But this swing on the spiral of life has God's hand guiding it.  The more good we know, the less bad it takes to make us feel guilty, and vice versa.  It's an interesting concept but it explains why Nephi and Alma had such great desires to do the things of God and why people that don't know any better don't feel bad about it.  I guess you could also say the better the lighting in the room, the more you can see the dust on the furniture, the stains on the carpet, and the crumbs on the table.  But all it takes is a little hard work and that stuff is gone and you have a nice, clean, illuminated room.

I can't wait to talk to Grandma and Grandpa in person about their mission experience.  I love love love them.  That investigator who see's the visions typifies so many people I've met.  Dreaming dreams and seeing visions, God's words come in so many ways.  

I'm really thankful for the package, the Christmas tree of hands is now up and on the wall.  Thanks to all who were included on that lovely gift.  I'm looking forward to receiving whatever you are sending to me!  Don't worry about sending me anything else though.  I don't need it.  I have everything I want in my missionary labors.  

Brrrrrr, it's getting colder!  Looking forward to the first snows, I don't know when they'll come.

Yesterday we set up an appointment with a man who has been coming to church for some time now, we hope to have him enter in the gate of baptism soon! 

LOVE to the EDGE of the UNIVERSE! closer to the edge, Elder Schoemig

November 25, 2013 - Grandparents' homecoming, changes, ASL program...wow!

Wow Mom! You were up really really really early this morning!  But I was awake before you even still!  We woke up at 6 our time to get ready to go down into the city for some Monday Morning Football on the National Mall.  The games were really fun and we played for a few hours.  It was wickedly cold when we woke up though, the car said the temp was 24 degrees, yikes!  It warmed up throughout the day, however by "warmed up" I mean it's now in the 30's instead of the 20's hahaha.  

Elder Giles and I have seen more appointments be scheduled lately, of which we are really really really really really really really really really grateful.  We've hardly had any this whole transfer despite our lack of trying.  It seemed like no one wanted to talk to/meet with us.  We're really looking forward to the next few weeks and the success we will see.

So we changed up transfers a little bit.  Instead of having a great big meeting where it is announced, on Saturday night we have a conference call where President announces it to the Zone Leaders, and Sunday night we sent the information on where people were going and with whom to our zone.  There was a pretty revolutionary thing that happened, our zone got combined with another zone so now Elder Giles and I are over 34 missionaries!  It's gonna be crazy as we run around like chickens with our heads cut off tryin to take care of everyones needs and stuff.  More responsibility has been placed on us as the Assistants are moving out of the office so they won't have as much to do.  It's gonna be great! And really difficult!

I have some news about the ASL program.  Elder Livengood is leaving on Wednesday, he has finished his mission.  I will miss him, but I know he has done a great job.  He has been a leader and motivator for me.  I've learned a lot from him.  Elder Squires is also leaving on Wednesday, he has medical issues that just won't go away and it's getting to be too much.  I of course will miss him very much too, as he has taught me so much about self confidence and being who you are.  So in one week I lose both my "brother" and my "son."  So that leaves Elder Winkler and I as the only called ASL missionaries.  However, Elder Wood knows sign language fairly well, and will be with Elder Winkler instead of me, but only for one transfer.  The reason only one transfer is because in January there will be a lot of ASL missionaries.  I've heard 2 Elders and 2 Sisters, and 4 of each, but regardless, that's a lot!  President Cooke has really been working hard with Salt Lake to get some ASL out here, since Elder Winkler and I both go home in February and we're looking pretty scarce.  I don't know what will be next transfer, but the ASL work will live on!  I told President that I would love to go back to ASL this transfer, as I have given blood, sweat, and tears to it, and he said my blood, sweat, and tears have paid off with more ASL coming out.  He said he needed me to be a zone leader.  So I accepted that and will continue to serve.  But I am glad we have come out of the confusion over what will happen and into the understanding.  

Anyway, lots of big changes!  And in a few weeks we get the "digital devices"(mini iPads?)  This transfer is gonna be craaaaazy!  

Oh and last notes, welcome back to the United States of America, the greatest country on earth, to my beloved Elder Grandpa Jarvis and Sister Grandma Jarvis!  Thank you for your service with me in the work of the Lord, I was strengthened just by knowing that you two were also wearing the badge as I was.  I look forward to your warm embraces again someday.  And I wanna wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to DAD!  Have a great birthday as you celebrate with turkey and stuffing and pie and football and most importantly, family!  

Happy Thanksgiving, I LOVE YOU TO THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE, closer to the edge, Elder Schoemig

Zone Leaders/Trainers picture

Elder Schoemig, zone leader with the other zone leaders and sister trainers along with President Cooke for the Council meeting. 

November 18, 2013 - Shortest email ever but with love! :)

Hey Mom! I love you, just gotta say that we had a great conference with Elder Zwick.  I am so uplifted and motivated from it.  I'll share more details next week, but I truly do love you!

LOVE YOU TO THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE! closer to the edge, Elder Schoemig

 

(Mom's note:  Apparently my email did not go through to him, tried it 3 times before it finally came through the fourth time so not much to say this week but more will come next week.)

November 11, 2013 - Prayer of faith

Hey Mom!  Gotta be quick like bunny through the bushes today, but we've had a good week.  We did our Zone training meeting, which was very uplifting.  Elder Anderson gave a bomb.com workshop on "prayer of faith" and it really helped to inspire the zone!  We got our best key indicator numbers for the whole year this week!  Lots of good things happening.  I firmly believe we can reach our goal of 100 baptized by the end of the year.  Everyone has to step their game up, from the top down, from President Cooke to the youngest missionary, from the Stake Presidents to the most recently baptized 8 year old.  We can do it!  We are really excited for Festival of Lights coming up!  I will probably post a lot of the pix on Facebook so that you can experience it with me!

A couple things I want to respond to from your email, first is can't believe that Grandma and Grandpa are almost at the end of their mission!  Only a few weeks wow.  Second is I'm excited to see how tall all my younger brothers have become :)  Third is yes to Dad, we will go camp, fish, sleep, freeze, and whatever else we want to do in the beeeeeeauuutiful Utah mountains! Haha.  But first, missionary work :)

LOVE YOU TO THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE!!! closer to the edge, Elder Schoemig

November 4, 2013 - National Arlington Cemetery, sacred experience

Hey Mom!  Another sacred and satisfying experience today, this time coming from Arlington National Cemetary.  All of us missionaries that are going home from now til April went with President and Sister Cooke.   The first thing we did when we got there is go to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  WOW that is an amazing place.  It just sings of the sacred ceremony of the soldiers who reside there.  I was praying while I was there and these words came to my mind:

This hallowed ground

of Tomb Unknown

is guarded by

the world unshown,

and one brave soldier

takes his place,

amongst God's noblest

holy ranks.

We got to watch the changing of the guard and watch a wreath laying ceremony.  The precision and discipline in which they do everything is awe-inspiring.  President Cooke, being the two-star general he is, got us a special little tour with the Sentinel's (the soldiers of the Third US Infantry Regiment who guard the Tomb, also known as The Old Guard)  in their barracks which is underneath the Tomb.  We didn't go into their barracks but one of the Sentinels talked to us in one of the rooms where all of the Sentinels names were put up.  Since 1937 the Tomb has been under 24-hour guard, 7 days a week, all year.  Someone has always been there.  And I'm sure that the Sentinel who guards truly does stand among angel's in defending the Tomb.  Being in the Old Guard is one of the highest honors.  Everything they do is in 21's too.  They take 21 steps, they count to 21 before turning.  It's all because 21 is the highest you can award someone in the military is what the soldier told us.  We also saw the Arlington house where General Robert E. Lee made his home for thirty years.  I stood where he stood, that is cool.  I saw the arch under which he got married, that is cool.  I saw the china where he and also General George Washington ate off of, that is cool.  We saw the grave of President John F. Kennedy and the Eternal Flame.  It was just a really good day to be a missionary here in DC.  I love this land!  I love America!

Ok so the P-Day activities are fun and all, but I gotta tell you about the area.  We are having a rough time kinda with finding.  We need to kick it up a notch because I know there are some prepared people out there.  They're sitting there, in their houses, waiting and listening for  those words, "I am a representative of Jesus Christ."  And I will say those words, and their minds will be enlightened, and God will be glorified.  Perfection!

Anyway, we got lots to do this week.  We have Zone Training Meeting where the whole zone will get together and hopefully be inspired and we have Stake Coordination where we will meet with the stake president.   Wish us luck!

I love you to the edge of the universe!!! closer to the edge, Elder Schoemig

ps Halloween was boring this year :(  better luck next year :)

October 28, 2013 - Two baptisms last weekend :)

Hey Mom!  I had a fantastic weekend with two of my brothers in the Lord taking the covenant of baptism upon them!  I baptized J on Friday night, and last night I witnessed R's baptism.  They are truly special sons of God and I look forward to the friendship that will continue to grow throughout our lives.

In College Park, we received word that some of the baptism's that didn't happen a few weeks ago, probably will happen in the near future.  We have been talking to them, and they just needed some more time.  Pray for E, E, and F to have the Holy Spirit touch their hearts and for them to listen to it.  Also, we picked up a really cool new investigator named K and his daughter D.  They really want to read the Book of Mormon and come to church.  Pray for them as well!  K's wife and other daughter will be new investigator's this week, so pray for them too please!

Elder Giles and I are doing well, tryin to get our wheels churnin and movin.  I've discovered that on a mission, you are more successful the faster you can get mobilized and get communication with the ward and just hit the pavement hard.  So that's what we're trying to do.  

We had zone activity today, we called it "chili-ing" out.  We had homemade chili courtesy of Elder Treasure and just chilled.  It was fun. 

Well I love you and I love Halloween!  Hope it's really really really fun and you get to scare lot's of people! LOVE YOU TO THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE! closer to the edge, Elder Schoemig

October 21, 2013 - New P-Day: Mondays!

Hey Mom!  Thanks for good email update about the family, not much to report here, other than I'm still off my feet and not doing much.  It's been a hard time for me.  I can't wait to see the doctor this Thursday and see if I am good to go.  It's just difficult to not work, haha a few years ago I probably would've never said that.  But I have really learned what Grandma says is true, "A little hard work never hurt anybody."  I have come to love the hard work.  It's really the only satisfaction that you get in life, knowing that you worked hard and you saw something great come to pass.

Well, we are gonna do some stuff this week to inspire ourselves and help to lead the zone.  Being a zone leader is weird, I've got to learn to have a little bit of a different mindset.  It'll come soon.

J and R in Gaithersburg are getting baptized this week, I'm so excited for that!  I can't wait to go to them.

Bryan Kehl, former BYU linebacker who now plays for the Redskins, spoke at the Visitor Center last night.  His wife did too.  They are great, and it is refreshing to see a successful professional athlete and his wife with such great testimonies.

Well I love you to the edge of the UNIVERSE!!! to the edge Elder Schoemig

October 16, 2013 - Zone leader and new transfer and companion

Goooood Mormon! How are you Mom?  I haven't been up and about recently.  Last Friday I went to the podiatrist and he said that he didn't like the way one of my toes was looking from the surgery two Mondays ago, so I've been pretty much bummin around the apartment, except when I have activites that I JUST HAVE to be there for, which turns out there are more of those than you think.  Anyway I've been trying my best to keep off the feetsies and use the medication well so I think they're looking good but what I think may not be what's right so we'll see tomorrow morning how far I've come. 

In other and more happy/sad (weird that those words are next to each other) news, I've been transferred :(  So that's the sad part.  I love love love Gaithersburg 1 ward and will miss it terribly.  I developed fantastic friendships with the members and investigators there.  I will especially miss J, but I'm glad he's gonna be baptized soon.  Also I will miss R, but he's gonna be baptized soon too.  But here's the good news... I've been transferred, and I'm now a Zone Leader (oooooohhhh the claaaawwww) in the College Park ward which means that I will see all my ASL branch friends every Sunday whoo whoo!  My companion is Elder G, who's a pretty cool kid from Idaho.  I'm really looking forward to working with him and the ward to build up the Kingdom in this area.  My prediction?  This is my last area on my mission. 

It was really hard to see this group of missionaries go home this morning.  I think the hardest yet, besides President and Sister Matsumori.  I've been really good friends with many of them and it's gonna be different without them.  From here on out each transfer I will lose really really good close friends until it's my own time.  I would say I would lose myself but that would be sad to finally lose yourself at the end of your mission.  Hopefully I've already lost myself, because that means I'm totally focused on the work right?  I think that's what that means. 

Anyway, I'm just rambling now, so I better go.  I love you and stay classical!  TO THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE!  to the edge, Elder Schoemig

Missionaries at the mission home for Family Home Evening

                                  Elder Brimhall and Elder Schoemig giving the instruction on the game.

                                 Missionaries, investigators and others - songs

                                   Playing the game.  Looks like fun to me.

Mom's note:  You can read more about the Washington D.C. North mission at http://calledtoserveindcnorth.blogspot.com/

October 9, 2013 - Faith is an expression of agency.

Greetings Mother from this side of the country!  Things are ummm, interesting, here in DC lately but the road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began.  I love that the Standard of Truth has been erected and that 183 General Conferences later, we are still standing on the truth that makes us strong.  We are a peculiar people we Latter Day Saints, but we are as the heroes of old, we do not doubt that God will deliver us and we know in whom we have trusted.  My favorite two talks were President Uchtdorf's Saturday morning talk and Elder Hollands talk.  President Uchtdorf's I have decided to make my "battle cry" for the rest of my mission, and maybe for the rest of my life.  Elder Hollands talk will be important for me to study so that I can fulfill my divine callings.  All the talks were amazing.  One weird theme that I noticed was... windows.  Lots of talks included windows in them... maybe the Lord is telling us to pay attention to receiving inspiration, for as a window let's in light, we must to be able to let in the Spirit.  Clean your windows, open the curtains, buy new windows if you have to, but feel the light of the Lord on your face and know that He is God.

To Codie, happy birthday this week!  Hope it's a good one brother!

Temple today was very good, as always.  I understand now that even when Satan tells us to do something that may not be "wrong" it is still wrong but Satan is telling us to do it.  Don't listen to Satan.  He tells truth after truth after truth just to fit in the one little lie at the end and he wants to see you crushed and dead dead dead.  Listen to God, for He loves you and he has a gift of eternity to give you, life.  

Really good quote this week from my ward mission leader, "Faith is an expression of agency."

J's baptismal date has moved from the 26th to the 25th so we're still excited for that.  He loved Conference, especially Edward Dube because he loved the part about not looking back.  He is looking forward with so much faith and we're all so excited.  R is still on for the 2nd, so we're pumped for that too!  He has read all of 1 Nephi now and all he needs to do is hear it, then he'll believe it and keep moving forward.  We have so much good things going on in this area right now, we have C and M who actually went to the Church building this past Sunday and no one was there!  So that was sad but cool too!  Fall has brought an abundance of miracles.  We were going through a summer drought but the hard work the Lord wanted paid off and now we're rolling.  

Wellllll, I LOVE YOU BIG AS THE UNIVERSE! to the edge! Elder Schoemig

Washington D.C. Temple at sunrise

Elder Schoemig took this picture last week at sunrise, isn't this gorgeous?

October 2, 2013 - Facebook miracle and last General Conference as missionary this weekend!

WEEEE OOOOO WEEEE OOOOO WEEEE OOOOO!!! This is a Washington DC North Mission Miracle Alert coming at you from Gaithersburg 1st ward.  After befriending an awesome guy by the name of R, he reached out to Elder Schoemig on Facebook and mentioned he wanted to take the lessons!  So after setting up a time and date on October 1st, 2013, Elder Schoemig and his companion, Elder B, prayed, thought about, and prepared a lesson for R.  The lesson was fantastic!  It resulted in one soul taking a step closer to Christ by accepting a baptismal date for November 2nd!  Throughout the lesson, R kept commenting, "I guess I'm going to have to read the Book," to which Elder Schoemig would reply, "Yep you gotta read the Book."  Concerning the lesson Elder Brimhall remarked, "I felt the Spirit so strongly, throughout the entire lesson but at two points in particular.  One when R was saying something, and another when [Elder Schoemig] extended the baptismal invitation and date.  There was no way he was going to say no."  What a miracle ladies and gentlemen, and how great the mercy of our God and King for allowing these two servants to take part in it.  Many more mighty miracles may multiply as more Men make the move to their Maker.  Stand by and be on high alert as the Lord proceeds to do His marvelous work and wonder among the children of Men.

Yeah.... so that was awesome.  

 

In other news, J is still on date of the 26th!  We're excited about that and he is too still.  He got invited to a dillion people's houses to watch General Conference.  Last week we almost had a crisis but we averted it on account of the Lord being so good to us.  

Biggest and most heartfelt congratulations to all the black belt testers this past week!  Especially to my little bro, Chandler Schoemig, for "beating" his older brother and becoming the "first of him."  Congrats!  Now I can call him teacher instead of the other way around!  Cool!

 

Well I've been so excited for General Conference I just don't have any more words for it!  I'll put in my email what I put on Facebook just so anyone who didn't see it can have a chance to hear my testimony.

"I love General Conference! The Prophets and Apostles and other speakers speak the words of Christ. "And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them

 unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.
And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will  show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness.
And I pray the Father in the name of Christ that many of us, if not all, may be saved in his kingdom at that great and last day." 2 Nephi 33:10-12

Go to General Conference. Watch with open eyes and listen with open ears. Your understanding and faith will increase. Your joy and peace will deepen. I love Conference!" (I don't know if it's against a copyright to repost what I put on Facebook but I imagine since it's my own stuff I should be ok right?)

 

Mom, you didn't make me tooooo trunky.  Just a little trunky, but that's ok.  It's outta my mind and I'm refocused on baptizing souls so they can receive the Holy Ghost.  Hey that kinda rhymes if you say it in a rhythmic fashion.  This is for Jenny, "I've got soul but I'm not a soldier."  Saying souls just made me think of that.  

Wellllll, gotta go now!  Super long email this week mom but I sure enjoyed it!  I LOVE YOU TO THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE! to the edge, Elder Schoemig

 

 

 

 

 

September 25, 2013 - New plans for mission in D.C. north

Hey Mom!  Thanks for all the updates.  I particularly liked the part about Chandler and him "beating" me haha.  I still could sit on him.  Also about Ron, honest and true people can be found wherever you are.  He sounds like a really cool guy and I'll have to meet him when I get home.  I'm thankful we have health insurance.  It is a blessing that so many people I have worked with and seen don't have.  Hope the black belt test goes well this week!  And also an announcement for a happy birthday to Grandma Jarvis!

Well this past week has been a lot of efforts by Elder B and I to find some great people to teach.  We met a family from India on Monday that we're gonna try to go back to on Saturday or Sunday.  There's also a family that lives across the street from our members that we've talked to a few times.  They go to a church already but are nice and I feel like they need us.  We have some former investigators we're trying to work with named B and S.  They're a couple, he went to the U so he knows a little bit about us peculiar people :)  

J is doing well.  He wants to be baptized soooo bad, he's considering moving the date up but not sure yet.  He says, "I live the Mormon lifestyle already, I'm just not baptized."  Well my mother, that'll change soon :)

 

We had interviews with President and Sister Cooke this past Monday, really good.  President has some new plans for the mission.  Next transfer, Preparation Day will be moved to Monday.  Missionaries will now be allowed to go to any formers baptism, not just ones in the previous area.  We will stay in our area's a lot longer, an average of 7 months an area for about 3 total transfers on a mission.  

Today we had a special meeting with President Pratt of the Temple Presidency.  It was good, he talked about how the temple gives us the spiritual power to be the men, women, and missionaries that God wants us to be.  I'm not feeling so good (kinda like a snuffle-upagus) so I didn't do an endowment session, instead I walked around the temple, went to the 7th floor to sit and think, and went to the Celestial room to read.  It was really rejuvenating.  

 

Well I gotta go now but LOVE YOU TO THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE! to the edge, Elder Schoemig

September 18, 2013 - 5 months to go!

Heyyyy yooooooou guyyyyyyys!  It's super weird that I'm on Facebook right?  But a sense of normalcy will return with time.  After the first time being on I was literally speechless.  I had to let out a few yells cause I was so excited.  I'm looking for ways to be effective online.  I don't know if anyone else has been a Facebook missionary before, it's not very big yet ;) so I think I'm kinda alone on this one to figure something out.

I have something to say to all those who are planning on going on a mission soon or ever for that matter.  Actually, this is for everyone, period.  Make your profile something you would be proud of.  Don't post any stupid things otherwise you'll have to spend hours hiding old posts and pictures.  Be ready for a mission, NOW.  Post things that you believe in, link to videos you like on lds.org or mormon.org.  It will be such a blessing for you, the people you will teach, and all your friends and family who are already Facebook friends with you.

Anyway, J has made some really big steps this week.  He really wanted us to go with him to an activity for FHE, but we've been trying to help him not rely on us and to build better relationships with the members.  He told us the day of we didn't have to go.  So we didn't, and it went awesome!  He said it was a great time with all of the people there and they played a really fun game.  We had a lesson with him last night and it was one of the most spiritual of my mission.  All three of us were about to cry, so so close to tears, but of course we're really manly and didn't ;) (Just so everyone knows, it is my opinion that's it's perfectly manly to cry, because I cry all the time, and I'm a man)

Well I am working hard, because I know that my people need the blessings.  Whether they be my people here or my people at home or my people spread across the globe making the same sacrifice for the same God as me.  I want you to know my heart and mind and might is with you Mom.  Don't doubt, don't fear.  Believe and love.  That is the formula for success in this life and eternal blessings in the world to come.  I LOVE YOU TO THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE!!! to the edge Elder Schoemig

 

(Mom's note:  He has a profile on Mormon.org.  Click on http://mormon.org/me/8J6K and you will see Elder Schoemig!) 

Sept. 11, 2013 - 9/11, the day we will never forget

Hey Mom!  I'm doing well out here, just chillin.  I'm sure that your calling is for a reason and from God, we must always endure and enjoy the time we have.  Congrats to Dakota on the good game!  I'm glad the Lumina is gone.  I never liked that car.  :)  But who knows what, if anything, I'll drive when I get back home.  I'm sure my bike still works.  I'm glad to hear about G-Man, he is a stud and will always be my brother.  Can't wait to give him a big ol' bear hug from Shrek to Donkey :)

Out here things are going well.  Just the same old same old ya know what I mean?  The Sister's are doing well and doing their best to pick up what we left for them.  The French are gaining some momentum so I'm pleased with that.  As for me and Elder Brimhall we are doing great, learning from each other and teaching each other how to be better men. 

We heard we're supposed to have some storms out here soon.  It's been pretty hot recently.

I hope everyone has some time to reflect on what a day this is.  9/11.  12 years later and it's still etched in my mind.  I'm sure many people who witnessed things such as Pearl Harbor and other traumatic events can attest to that with those experiences as well.  Images and feelings can fade, but the truth is eternal.  And the truth is that we were taught this day what it would mean with the God-given Liberty we enjoy.  I love the USA, soldiers have given and continue to give their lives for this cause.  What are we doing?

Mom, I LOVE YOU TO THE EDGE OF THE WHOLE WIDE ALWAYS GROWING UNIVERSE! to the edge, Elder Schoemig

September 4, 2013 - Same companion/transfer day

Hey Mom!  I have some news for this week!  We split the area and we got Sister B, Sister S, and Sister C in our ward!  It'll be a fun and new adventure to work with the Sisters, I've never done that before.  I've been nervous and praying for the right ones to be here and for the Lord to bless them so I think that He will.  Elder B and I are staying together!  It'll be way fun this transfer, we gotta work hard and do a LOT of finding and just kill it.  This transfer we are doing a "Process of Purification" like we did a year ago, but just our district.  It is where we will fix 4-5 things we want to improve on and the Lord will help us and we will be better missionaries.  Also the mission is doing a Book of Mormon reading these next two transfers so I'm super excited to do that.  We of course have the Nats/Phillies game we're going to next Friday night, so if it's on TV you should try to watch it and see if you can spot the missionaries!  It's gonna be so much fun.  We had a great lesson with J and the Elders Quorum President, Brother S at the church last night.  J is soooo cool and he's one of the greatest guys I've met out here.  Well I gotta go now, here at the College there will be a class starting in the room soon.  I love you to the EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE!  to the edge, Elder Schoemig

August 28, 2013 - So I guess everybody's already heard...pysch!

 

I had to title this week's response, because I read about how everyone knows how K and I saw each other at the temple.  It was all I could do not to just give her a big ol bear hug, but I restrained myself (this time, you'll find out why later this email).  We were speechless and just so excited, we got pictures with each other and K was right about her companion literally dragging her away.  She's doing the right thing and looks so happy.  Very glad I got to see her.

And here's the "psych!" part of the email........ she wasn't the only person from home I saw that day in the temple :)  Before our Member Missionary Morning (which went very very well by the way) I was standing at the top of the stairs when lo and behold, K's aunt M comes walking out of the corner of my eye.  We stopped.  Looked at each other.  Then it was all smiles and near tears as we gave each other the hugs that true friends deserve.  She whispered to me, "Oh, Kenny."  I said, "this is where I've been a missionary for the past 18 months."  That impacted me so much.  Just to see her and feel the love I have for the W family and from the W family was overwhelming.  I am reminded why I love K and his family so so so much.  It was a special moment on my mission, one I will cherish forever. 

So anyone else wanna pop into DC and say hi?  I've seen J, M, and K.  I know there's a lot more people I'm friends with than that ;)  haha just kidding, if people start coming outta the trees then I'll probably get realllllly trunky.  And we wouldn't want that to happen.  For reals.

So in the missionary section of my life, things are going well.  We don't even have to invite Jeff to church for him to show up.  He's just so natural about it.  He is so psyched for his baptism and can't wait for it.  There's so many people he wants to baptize him too.  Four of us!  Me, Elders B, S, and B I think were his top four picks but he mentioned there were more.  We'll have a time explaining the process of baptism and everything.

Things are going well.  Just the good ol' missionary life.  Not much else.  Oh, yes there is.  Went to the temple today.  LOVED IT.  You know what I'm talking about.

LOVE YOU AS BIG AS THE UNIVERSE! to the edge, Elder Schoemig

(Mom's note:  I thought this was interesting after thinking about it that he got to see all 3 people at the temple, the best place to see each other!)

A request from Elder Schoemig

One more thing to add, I am doing a part at the Member Missionary Morning this Saturday and I am looking for prayers that I will do well and inspire the members in the area to become great missionaries.  It will be at the Visitor Center and I will be talking about introducing the missionaries to your friends and family who are non-members.  It will be super awesome and a great time, but I need the Lord's help.  Thank you!

August 21, 2013 - The shortest email ever! :)

Hey!  Things are going really well, J is super excited about his baptism so that's good!  He's just getting better and better.  I don't have all the time in the world today so it'll be super  short, but just know that Elder B and I are doing super great. 

I LOVE YOU AS BIG AS THE UNIVERSE! to the edge Elder Schoemig

Pictures from mission office - donating blood :)

August 14, 2013 - 18 months mark

Hey Mom!  Well well well this past week my 18 month mark came and went, nothing exciting happening, but I guess you can officially call me a "dead sister" haha.  Can't believe those girls who were with me in the MTC are home.  Anyway, thanks for the update on everything goin on back at home.  Can't believe how close Grandpa and Grandma are to coming home!  Scary shocking.  It will be a great Thanksgiving and Dad's b-day week :)

On Sunday evening J took us down to the VC for Night of Music and Inspiration, and lo and behold, an autistic girl was there that needed an ASL interpreter!  The Sister missionaries came up to me asking if I would and of course I said yes.  It was such a treat to do that for her!  In the middle of one of the songs she just signed to me, "I love you" real slow and it was just about enough to make me cry!  That would have made the night worth it alone, but after I said goodbye to her and her mom and sister, I turned around and saw the S family from Calvert ward there!  I quickly gave them all huuuuuuuuuge hugs and talked for a while haha.  Sister S said she came in and went to Elder M, who I served with down there, and said, "Is Elder Schoemig here?" and Elder M said, "Nice to see you too!"  I really love that family and I guess they love my too!  They will be one of the main families to meet when you come out here. 

J is going off to college next week, so last night we had our last meeting with her.  It was really spiritual and I could tell she is sooooo close and she said herself, all of it makes sense and is great, but she is terrified of the perfect love which Christ has for her.  She is not used to be being able to trust someone that much and have someone look past all her imperfections and every little sin she has made and just love her no matter what.  I also realized that I am soooo blessed to know that, and so blessed to say that all throughout my years growing up I never had what J calls a "Solomon experience" meaning a turning away of what you know is true.  I may have my plentiful plentiful imperfection, but I have not doubted the doctrine and the truth and the Love of God, only have I doubted myself and my ability to live up to the call.  But I must trust in my God forever because He is forever.  

I heard a very lovely quote this week.  Make's me think of the Pink Floyd song "High Hopes."  The quote is "The higher you get, the higher you get."  Apparently it's on a shed somewhere in Idaho on top of a mountain or something.  

I LOVE YOU TO THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE! to the edge, Elder Schoemig

August 7, 2013 - Temple last night

Wow Mom!  You sent me a BIG email this week haha!  So happy about the baptism!  But I'm not really looking forward to a check up on my teeth.  Not that I haven't been taking care of them, it's just the principle of the thing is awful haha.  But I am gonna be ecstatic to see Dr. I.  When I flew into DC yes I flew into Dulles.  I can still remember President Matsumori's smiling face lookin at me that day.  Haven't seen the doctor yet, the appointment is for the 16th and they'll probably cut it and kill the root.  The package was (really high voice) awesome!!!  I love love love the ties, they are very pretty, to contrast most of the ugly ones I've collected out here haha.  The duckies were a fantastic touch and so were the photo albums.

Anyway just a brief update, J is on date for October 26th, that's his birthday and he said he would feel ok with that.  He's been having kinda a rough time with the YSA group around here.  He says they're all weird.  Being 23, social interaction is an important part for him.  He's been wondering if he should continue, but he knows he can't deny how much his life has improved and how much better he's getting.  We just need to find the right friend or friends for him.  He's being worked on by the Lord, that's all I know and that's where I'll trust.

Last night we went to the VC with J and it was super good.  We had a tour about the temple.  We invited J to be baptized when she knew it was true and she said she would if she knew it was.  J also brought her friend A, who's a member and waiting for his mission call, and her friend N who is not a member but is super cool and curious to learn just like J.  Elder B swears he heard N say yes to the baptism question I posed to J, so we'll have to follow up with that.  The temple was just breathtaking last night though.  Thunderclouds swirling around it, looking like at any moment they would crack open and pour their life-giving water onto the beacon of light.  But they stayed, and we walked around the temple, taking about it and other awesome temples.  N loves architecture so she's gonna look up all the other temple's too.  Oh and by the way, J's little sister is an artist and is making a painting of me, which I asked if she would do.  I'm so excited to see it!  

Better close now, pray for us and wish us luck!  I love you to the edge of the universe!  To the edge!  Elder Schoemig

July 31, 2013 - Playin football next to the Washington Monument :)

HEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.  I'm really really tired right now so don't expect a work of art outta me hahahahaha.  I've been up since 4:30 this morning, we went down to do sunrise pictures here, which turned out ok.  There were some clouds blocking it but it was an adventure.  We played football next to the Washington Monument, I was QB for one drive and yeah, we scored a touchdown.  NBD.  I then became all-time blocker and just pushed people around.  That's one of my favorite things to do on a field.  Then Elder B, me, and Elders M, P, and M (our roommates) went to get "I <3 DC" shirts for my brothas and sistahs.  We also went to the Italian sub place that's near Gallaudet.  Best subs.  We have to go when you get here Mom.  Now we're back here at the library in Germantown emailin ya.

We'll we've had some pretty good miracles these past two evenings!  We made a new friend (I'm stopping the use of investigator and calling them my friends now) named J on Monday night.  She's 17 and going to college soon but we'll teach her and then pass her along when she goes.  She has lots of Mormon friends, loves to keep up with Church news, and has some pretty good questions.  Our other new friend is J, he's a guy who used to be taught and the missionaries stopped going by.  It's a miracles because we had planned to stop by Monday night, and ended up teaching J.  Turns out when we were talking to J he mentioned he wasn't home Monday night so we knew the Lord had led us to both J and J exactly when He needed us to go there. 

Elder B is one of my favorite person's.  He reminds me soooooo much of Utah with the phrases he uses and the things he does.  It's awesome.  He went to Timpview High and graduated in 11.  He's got a really good head on his shoulders.  He has really made a big commitment to coming on a mission, and had to change his life to do so.  He was a self labeled "Jack Mormon" but now he's simply a full fledged Missionary Mormon instead.  He has the highest respect for what he's doing out here and wants to work his hardest.  I can't say enough about him.  And he's got 68 pairs of shoes at home in Utah.  He has a shoe fettish hahahaha.  

Anyway I love you tons Mom!  Can't wait to see what's in the package :)  I'll be sending some home soon too.

I LOVE YOU TO THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE!  TO THE EDGE!

Elder Schoemig

July 24, 2013 - New companion and pioneers

Hey Momma, what's up? Today, I received.... another trainee!  He is super cool, his name is Elder B from Provo, Utah.  I'm still getting to know him some, but I do know that he went to UVU for two and a half years before his mission, and he is so stoked to be here.  We're gonna have the best transfer.  After the meeting this morning we went to the temple and did a sealing session, it was only his second time in the temple period so it was way spiritual and he was in just awe of the sheer beauty of the DC temple.  We had an opportunity to go into the Celestial Room as well, and I told him to imagine that it was his last day in the field.  As soon as I opened the door, a wave of love and the Spirit poured and splashed around us.  It was breathtaking and tear-making.  We had a good talk in there and we prayed together.  It was fantastic.  I feel like you get better with each child you have hahahahaha.  Anyway tell me if it gets easier as you go or if it's always a struggle :)

Well a report on J, he came to church!  We have reestablished contact and he's doing fine.  Our hopes were true, he was just feeling really sick for a few weeks.  Whew!  Prayer's come true Mom, THEY COME TRUE!

Thanks for the info and everything on the family, I really enjoy it every week.  Last Saturday we had a ward picnic and it reminded me of the 24th celebration in Monroe.  Sorry you couldn't make it this year :)  But next year.... >:)

Well I'd like to say I'm thankful for my pioneer ancestors.  I'm thankful they had the courage to do what's right in their time, so I could do what's right in my time.  I am a pioneer today, not pulling and pushing handcarts, but inviting and helping people come to Christ.  We are all on the journey to Zion.  

I LOVE YOU TO THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE!!! to the edge, Elder Schoemig

July 17, 2013 - Zone activity and missionary work

Good Wednesday Mom!  This morning we had zone activity which was tired me right out, along with other events this week that have tired me as well  I'll get into all that later.  First things first, the Bear Lake trip sounded super fun!  Can't wait to be out on the water again, maybe I'll have the strength and coordination to do water skiing and carry on the Schoemig tradition. 

Wow, shocking to hear about that boy.  I remember the shock I felt when Ian Ceran died, or when George Wright did.  It's very sad to lose someone so suddenly.  The only comfort that is offered is that the Plan is perfect and families are forever.  That's really cool about the family getting the "Spirit of the Eagle" award and continuing the Eagle project.

I knew T's homecoming would be great.  He's one of the great ones. 

Well this transfer we didn't get a temple trip :( Huge bummer.  It's because the temple is closed for cleaning and stuff so it's necessary.  But next transfer will be a joyous return to it.  So instead, on this last week of the transfer we got together as a zone to play capture the flag.  I was one of the team captains, and we were the Green Squad.  We didn't do too well, but it's all about having fun right?  Anyway the twist was that you had these socks with flour in them and you had to hit each other to get the other out.  And there were squirt guns that you used to distract the others and heal your teammates.  It was super fun.  After we went over to the church for pizza.  It was good.

This week we did a "car fast" for two days.  Meaning we didn't use the car, on Monday and Tuesday.  We walked a lot!  It was super fun, and I'm so grateful to have a vehicle to get around in.  We talked to lots of people, and got some potentials, so we've got some direction to go these next few days, contacting them and teaching them too. 

We're being patient with J, we haven't had contact with him for a week and a half, we think he is taking a step back and thinking about being baptized and stuff.  We could use some prayers on his behalf. 

Transfers is next week, we'll see how it goes.  Elder B, one of the Assistants, told me today that some changes are coming soon to the way we do missionary work, some big changes.  I'm excited to see what goes down.

Well I better go now!  LOVE YOU AS BIG AS THE UNIVERSE!!! That pretty much covers everything :)  To the edge, Elder Schoemig

July 10, 2013 - Sea of Glory and Testimony

Hey Mom, I hate packing too!  That's why it's a good idea to have the least amount of things possible to take with you, which is why I'm going to need a little extra moneys on my home card so I can send some stuff I don't need home.  :)  (I think that went well, don't you?) 

Anyway... here's the Fourth of July celebration that you've all been waiting for!  We woke up and got ready, we went down to Rockville chapel, I BAPTIZED Ty amidst a sea of glory and happiness and a really big splash, we went to the Metro, we rode down to Chinatown, we looked at some stuffs, we walked to the Mall, we watched the parade, we listened to a Christian rock band, we walked around, we found s'more missionaries, we went to the Holocaust museum, I was horrified, it was a good experience, I reflected that I'm lucky to be an American, we went back home, we went with our investigator Jeff to a YSA activity in the most western town of our mission, Poolesville, which is suuuuuuuupah far away from everything, we had a good bbq dinner, we barely watched the fireworks because we were a little bit late, we traveled back to the apartment, there was a lot of traffic, we got home at 10:35, not as late as last year, we went to bed, end of story.   It was super fun and I really enjoyed this Fourth of July.  Different from last year but the feeling of patriotism was still the same.  It's special to be on the National Mall surrounded by the monuments, memorials, museums, and government buildings. (Sorry I couldn't think of a word that started with an "M" that described government buildings. Oh well.)

J didn't come to church this week :( on account that he had a bad night's sleep the night before.  We hope to see him tonight at Institute so we'll see how it goes.  We've been workin on trying to work with the people we've got and been given from the ward.  It's going pretty well.  The schedule seems to be fuller every week so that's good.  More people we work with=More people coming to Jesus. 

Sunday in testimony meeting I bore my testimony of the time when I went to Scout camp in Star Valley and had my first "conversion" experience.  Remember that Mom?  That was special huh?  I also talked a little about Dad's heart attack and the miracles.  I told them I told Dad he couldn't die because he had to see me and my little brothers go on missions and get married.  I told them they could count on us as missionaries and to let us help them.  It was a super great testimony.  Not used to bearing it to that many people though.  Doing it in the ASL branch means a much smaller crowd. 

Anyway, I love you to the edge of the UNIVERSE!  To the edge, your eternal son, Elder Schoemig

(Mom's note:  Sorry this is out late, we were out of town and had no service up where we were, Bear Lake.  :)  We hurry home early this morning to make it in time to go and see Elder Schoemig's best friend's homecoming report, Elder Taylor Lewis.  We are grateful for these four boys (Kenny, Jackson, Taylor and Kale) for their friendships.  Well done Elder Lewis!  We love you.)

New Mission President and Sister Cooke's blog address

Here is the new blog from the new mission president.  It is http://calledtoserveindcnorth.blogspot.com
 

July 3, 2013 - Big sister's birthday :)

Hey Mom! Thanks for all the news from home, I always love to hear what's going on :)  Out here we had a change of mission presidents, as it sounds like many others did too.  President Cooke and his wife and their two kids, J age 15 and E age 13.  They are super great I got the chance to meet them yesterday at the zone training meeting.  They talked for a little at first just a little get to know us and look forward to working with you type deal.  It is strange without the Matsumori's but I know the Cooke's are called of God and they will continue the great tradition of the Washington DC North Mission.  

I need to send a great BIG shout-out to my older "little" sister Amanda!  It's her 22 birthday today and she's the best!  If you knew Amanda like I know her you'd know that she is loving and caring of her brothers and sisters.  You'd know that she is a gorgeous dancer and fighter.  You'd know that she has an awesome testimony of Jesus Christ and family and that she is very spiritual.  You'd know that she is fun to be around especially when it's summer and the windows are down and the music is up.  You'd know that I love her... and on occasion I even give her a hug :)  LOVE YA MANDI!  

J is doing super great.  He's gonna set a date for himself to be baptized.  We had a great lesson last night with Brother A and the Spirit was there so strongly!  J is hooked.  All we gotta do is real him in and dunk him in the holy water hahaha.

Well this week will be a fun week, tomorrow is the true p-day but we were told to email today as all the libraries will be closed tomorrow for the 4th.  This is my last celebration of this nation's birthday in the Capital so I'm going to make the most of it!

I love you to the edge of the universe!  To the edge!  Oh say can you see that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

-Elder Schoemig

June 26, 2013 - Mission President and Sister Matsumori's last week

Hey Mom!  Good news on everything that happened in the Summer Games!  Really proud of my brothers.  Also proud of Benson and Taft for their performances in school! 

Anyway here in G1 we had J finally come to church after months of him being taught!  And he said he really enjoyed it and was very pleased with how things went!  MIRACLE!  It put such a huge smile on our faces and he says he's coming this next week too.

Yesterday we had and exchange where our zone leader, Elder J, came with Elder S and me.  It was a great day and we picked up tons of potential investigators.

Did you see the worldwide leadership training?  There was a veritable army of missionaries!  I thought, "oh my goodness we are taking over the world!"  I was amazed to see all those sisters!  It's just incredible.  Also I forgot to mention last week but MY mission represented all the missions in the world at that meeting, President and Sister Matsumori, the Assistants, the Zone Leaders, and the VC trainers were all on screen, if only briefly.  It was way cool to hear Elder Holland talk to President!

This is the Matsumori's last week.  I don't have much to say.  A lot of things are going through my head.  I'll miss them terribly but I know the new mission president will do a great job. 

Anyway love you to the edge of the universe!  To the edge! Elder Schoemig

June 19, 2013 - New area, Gaithersburg

Hey Mom!  Thanks for the weekly family/friends update!  I am having a grand time here in Gaithersburg, it is a car area but we get to bike and walk around.  I just borrow our roommates bike when we need it but I plan on trying to get one for myself from the Assistants.  This area is kinda stagnant right now but it has great potential that I see.  Right now we are trying to build the relationship with leaders, visit less-actives, retain the recent converts, boost our investigators, find more investigators, work as hard as we can, sing camp-fire songs, and stay as sane as we possibly can amidst the roller-coaster of missionary life :)

Elder S is really awesome.  He like anime and manga and loves to draw so it's been super fun with him.  I really enjoy listening to people talk about things they love.  That's something I've found on my mission.  

Last week at the transfer meeting we sang the mission song to the Matsumori's and we all were bawling and what not.  I'm gonna miss em.

Speaking of tears I got teary-eyed too at thinking about how good this ward is to us.  I was thinking about how happy I am to serve people and do things for them.  I do it, and I think I can say in general, the reason we do things for other people is because what they do for us is so much more than what we can do for them.  It's all about humility and serving others.

I love you to the edge of the universe!  to the edge, Elder Schoemig

June 12, 2013 - New transfer to Gaithersburg, English program

Hey Mom, not a lot of time to email today, but the big news..... I'm outta the ASL program and in Gaithersburg 1rst ward!  I'm now companions with Elder S from Kaysville, Utah and we're gonna have a awesome transfer.  The biggest things about Elder S is he's a big reader like me, likes to draw (also like me),  and likes Doctor Who (again like me, but a WHOLE lot more!)  We're gonna have a great transfer together.

It's bittersweet to leave the ASL program, I love the area and the people and the language, it's beautiful.  But sometimes you need a new garden to work in.  I am praying my heart out for all the investigators and members in the branch and hope all goes well with them.

I've kinda accepted the fact that it's not likely that I'll get to go back to ASL.  Don't ask why, it's just a feeling that I'm getting.  

Anyway next week I'll tell you all about Gaithersburg and everything.  I love you to the edge of the universe!  To the edge, Elder Schoemig

June 5th, 2013 - U.S. Capitol Bldg. again today

 Hey Mom! I'm doing well here in the end of an era, as you know the Matsumori's are going home soon, at the end of June to be specific. We get our new President on July 1st I believe. It's hard to believe I won't be hearing that deep loving voice anymore. He'll still be President to me even when I'm home though. It is also the end of an era because I'm not sure how much longer I have in the ASL program. Transfers is next week and so we'll see where I'm going. I have a feeling that I'm near the end though.

 

I could possibly have a very awesome experience this afternoon involving the US Capitol building but I'm not sure yet. I'll let you know next week if all goes according to plan.

Love all the news from home, means a lot to me :) Keeping updated in the home world helps a guy stay grounded. I love the quotes from Conference, keep em coming.

Yep we had J over for a bit the other night, it has been really cool to see him. We had a good talk about mission life :)

Anyway sorry there's not much to report this week, just feeling kinda calm and chill today.

Love you as big as the universe, to the edge, Elder Schoemig xoxo

May 29, 2013

Hey Mom, thanks for the email! I have in my front pocket right now a letter I was supposed to send you last week but it didn't get out the door haha. It also has in it a letter to the 13th ward Young Women, they send me some stuff recently and I wanted to write back so could you make sure it gets to them? Thanks. Anyway we had a super great week, we've picked up 4 new investigators since last Wednesday. I'm gonna copy and past from my letter to President Matsumori that gives the gist of it then I'll add some on:
We got a referral from the Laurel sisters, a Native American man whom they had taught a few times. He has the Spirit with him strongly, it makes me think of the lines in the Book of Mormon that talk about the Gospel coming to the Lamanites in the last days. He says a voice is telling him to keep reading. So we picked up one investigator last Thursday. We had a Monday mighty miracle at the Visitor Center. We were standing there waiting for a potential investigator when another potential walked in whom we had tried to contact through email to no avail. We immediately began teaching him. He wants to learn so much and is so willing. When I set up another appointment for Friday he thought he was going to get baptized that day and said yes! We told him there's more he needs to learn but it was amazing. Then the potential who we were originally waiting for came in after the lesson finished and she brought a friend. We taught them as well and their desire to learn was impressive as well. So Monday we picked up 3 new investigators and had 2 other lessons. I remember your counsel to me at interviews, "The success is in the invitation." So I've been trying to live and teach and do and say things that invite others to follow Christ. These are real people, and I have spent lots of time recently trying to envision them in all white, getting ready for the baptismal font.

The Native American is D, he's super awesome and is one of the most ready people I've met if our first lesson was any inclination of things to come. The random guy is K, a man from Sri Lanka who has moved around a ton, he has a wife and two sons in Sri Lanka still. He is Buddhist but wants to become Christian. L is the girl we were waiting for. She has seen the temple and talked to some missionaries before but doesn't understand why we're different so she wants to learn more. She brought C, a super smart guy who goes to the U of Maryland and is studying Marine Biology. He is originally from the Bahamas and Miami. He has seen the change our religion has placed upon one of his friends and wants to learn more deeply. All are SUPER COOL! I can't wait to see them again. Pray for them!

LOVE YOU AS BIG AS THE UNIVERSE! To the edge, Elder Schoemig

May 22, 2013 - Got to see Jonny and another miracle.

Hey Mom!  I'll start off by saying that yes, last Saturday I was coming out of the ASL endowment session and saw J and thought, "who is that? I know who that is, but I can't recognize him."  I turned off the main path and he mirrored me before saying, "Kenny?"  I was shocked to hear my name but immediately as he did I shouted in joy, "J!" and went over to give him a great big hug!  It was a testimony that at the temple families come together.  We took pictures then quickly went on our way.  He said he will bring me the package soon.  Now I'm looking forward to seeing H at a random location as well!

Anyway we are having what's looking like another miracle!  The Laurel sisters gave us a referral for a guy who accepted to be baptized and has been to church already.  They were teaching him because he can read lips well but they realized there were some things he was missing so we'll go over there tomorrow with them to teach and he said to them he wants to come to the branch.  His name is D and he's Native American and loves Native American history and culture, and so do I!  It's a blessing to have Grandpa and Grandma Jarvis who taught me a love for that so I can now have an opportunity to build a relationship with him.  His Native name is "Lone Wolf."  I'm so excited and looking forward to going over there!  

Thanks for all the family news! I love you as big as the UNIVERSE!!!  To the edge!

May 15, 2013 - Short but sweet. :)

Hey Mom and Family! I had an awesome Mother's Day this year! Seeing all of you plus Jenny and the kids, my oh my how all the kids have grown! I do think that was the very highlight of my week. Carson doesn't have a baby face anymore :( Well anyway I will just have a short email this week, really short. The work is going great. It's a lotta work trying to inspire the district to be all we can be. This morning we went to the zoo and the California sea lion was the best. He was doing backflips in the water. I've got some great video of it. My feet are tired, my shoes are worn, my pants are ripped, my suit is torn, but my mind is clear and my heart is warm. This is the life of a missionary. Love you AS BIG AS THE UNIVERSE! -Elder Schoemig

May 8, 2013 - Car problems...but all is well. :)

Hey Mom first week as District Leader was good!  I learned a lot, especially about call-ins.  The reason for call-ins on 3 nights of the week that I've found is because it assists in accountability and for your area.  I am really looking forward to the first district meeting.  I'm gonna have some fun with it.

I think that's awesome about Grandpa's relatives in Elsinore!  Do we know who their descendants are?  

Can't wait to hear from J and H.  Odd that two of my uncle's brothers are out here at the same time but that's fine with me!

Congrats on BYU Rugby winning the National Championship!!!  Also congrats to my friend Anna on her engagement!  

Well in the news back here, we've had a myriad of car difficulties.  On Thursday we had to take it in because the traction control and ABS was acting up.  So we got a replacement car, a 2013 Corolla.  Elder B took the Subaru to the body shop on Friday so it could get repaired for the damages from the accident.  Since the Corolla didn't have DC license plates we had to scramble around for a couple of days to find a place to park.  Finally one of our friends at Gallaudet came up big when her sorority sister got us a parking pass for a month for free so that was taken care of.  Then yesterday we apparently ran over a huge piece of metal with the Corolla and got a flat!  We had to change the flat, IN THE RAIN, then take it to Pep Boys to get it fixed.  We took it in at 5:30, the J's came and picked us up, then we went to go get it at the end of the night and didn't get outta there til 9:10.  I was thinking, "How long does it take to change a tire?!"  Anyways that's been the car struggles we've dealt with this week.

In other news we had a fantastic lesson with J on Sunday!  President F came with us and we taught J about prayer.  We all feel really strongly that Jason will "get" the Gospel.  We just have to keep having faith and doing all we can to support him.  

We helped M move yesterday from her 3rd floor apartment to another 3rd floor.  Oh man does she have a lot of stuff!  I'm pretty pooped from that haha.  

Well anyway I love you bunches!  As big as the universe even!  -Elder Schoemig

May 1, 2013 - New District Leader over ASL/French program

Hey Mom!  Thanks for the great email this week!  I'm glad your double date went well with the Mummies haha.  There are a few mummies out here in the Smithsonian and I agree that they are fascinating and interesting.  That story of Dakota and the stove top reminds me of a couple weeks ago I was trying to make funnel cakes and the bag exploded on me and all over the stove top so I had to clean it up hahahaha.  I even have it on video.  You'll get to watch it on SD card that I'm sending home.

Anyway the past week had us have another lesson with the C family.  The mother is very nice.  She wants us to teach her son very badly but her own self interest is not very high.  Hopefully through the homework assignments that we give them she will become more and more interested.  We should be trying to get President F to come with us for one lesson.  

Oh and by the way,  I told you already mom but I figured I would tell the whole world.  I am the new district leader for the FrASL District (French and ASL).  I know it's a big responsibility and I hope I can do my best to serve in this new calling. 

Anyway, love you to the edge of the universe!  To the edge, Elder Schoemig

April 24, 2013 - Nationals baseball game

Hey Mom!  Glad to hear that you got to catch up on some things that needed to be done.  This week I think I will be sending my package home which will give you more to do however.  Sorry!  Haha it'll have my SD cards from over half my mission on it so you'll have a lot of pictures.  But it'll be fun for you so you can see what I've been up to.  Thanks for the updates on the kids and family and everything.  Those are always the best.

Anyway these past few weeks have been rough because we've been searching for new investigators and just not been having any luck.  We spent all of Saturday trying to find and nothing happened.  On exchange this past Monday night I was with Elder R and we were checking some referrals again that didn't answer.  It was 8 at night and in our mission proselyting stops at 8:30 so it was the last things we were gonna do.  The first lady answered the door which is more than what had previously happened.  She wasn't interested however.  So we went to the 2nd and last referral, and literally knocked on the door at 8:27, just three minutes before we were to stop.  A man answered, I asked if there was a deaf girl who lived there (that is the information we had received, that it was a deaf girl).  He said no but his son was deaf.  The mother came to the door and Elder R started speaking Spanish to them.  They were very nice and said they understood English.  She went and got her son and the very second I started signing with him she said, "Come in, come in."  We had the opportunity to talk with them about the gospel.  I was talking to the son and Elder R was talking to the parents.  It was an answer to my prayers for weeks.  We will go back on Sunday because the mom was thrilled to have her son be able to talk about Christ in his native language.  They are the C family, the mom is L, the dad S and J is the son.  The son was very interested to hear our message because he said he is searching for his own religion.  They are Catholic but I have a feeling that this family is going to love the message that we will share with them.  

I love you mom and I'm looking forward to P-Day today!  We are going to the baseball game!  The Washington Nationals against Dad's favorite team, the St. Louis Cardinals!  Afterwards will have a luau with some of the missionaries so today should be awesomazing!  Love you as BIG as the UNIVERSE!!! To the edge.  Elder Schoemig

April 17, 2013

Hey Mom! Got a real time crunch this week but all's well on my side! We're doing some less active and recent convert work and also focusing a lot on finding, so thanks a MILLION for those referrals. I'll get back to you on those. 

Went to the temple today. It was beautiful. Got some good revelations too. I'll write them down.

 

Wanna wish a happy happy birthday to my Grandpa Jarvis this Friday! He's probably sleeping as I'm writing this but I want to let him know that I can't wait to give him a big old bear hug and to look into those loving eyes of his again. It's at that moment when I can see into heaven :)

 

Love you Mom! As big as the universe! To the edge!