Hey Mom,
I love how my weeks go by fast. I can't believe that it is already Monday again.
So, I am going to start off by answering your questions. I am doing very good.
I am healthy and strong... I take my vitamins every day and they are definitely
paying off. I haven't been sick once on my mission. I have only thrown up once and that was because I chugged 1.5 liters of water in a minute... and then I threw up. No worries though! It didn't taste bad :) As for the zone conference... I will write you a letter about that evening and share with you some of my notes. I took a lot, so I will be able to share a lot with you. Well, that's it... you don't ask that many questions.
So, this week was just another week as a missionary serving in Africa... CRAZY!! There is so much work here. I want to tell you a little about one of my investigators. Her name is Rachelle. She was a coordonnée we received from the missionaries working on the other side of the city. Her "husband" is already a member, attending the Bastos 2 branch. I type "husband" like that because they aren't really married...they have been together for 5 years and they have had 2 kids together but have not tied the knot yet. Don't ask me how her husband got baptized...because I have no idea. Anywho, we have been teaching Rachelle for the past month or two and she is such an awesome investigator. She has so much faith and has such a great desire to do what is right. The other day, Elder Pister and I went over to her place (her whole entire house is smaller than my bedroom back home) and we decided to teach her the Word of Wisdom. We had an awesome lesson and she was really interested and participating a lot. She used to have issues with alcohol and smoking but she got over that about 3 years ago because she almost died. After we had our lesson, she told us about an experience she had just that morning. She was at work and one of her old friends came over and invited her to come and drink with her. Rachelle said, "No, you know that I don't drink anymore", and the friend kept on tempting her and begging her to come. But, because Rachelle is awesome, she said no, and with her, no means no and the friend left. Then, Elder Pister and I came about 4 hours later and had a lesson on the Word of Wisdom. Totally planned by God!! She said that she received a lot of comfort and courage to continue to do what is right and necessary. We have had some trouble with her and her marriage position in the past. We had set a baptismal date and we talked with President Motchi (Branch president chez moi) and he said that they were married enough to get baptized. Here in Africa there are like 3 "marriages." You present yourselves to the family and when you do that you are officially married traditionally, then you get married civilly, and then you go to the temple and get sealed to each other for time and eternity. So, to get baptized you have to complete the first "marriage." Her and her husband met with President Motchi and afterwards he told us that we could go ahead with the baptism. But, Rachelle told us that she wanted to wait just a little bit longer. So, we postponed the date until Jan 21st. We continued to teach her and this Sunday she had her interview with Elder Thompson, but she didn't pass. He told us that she wasn't married enough. Things here in Africa are so confusing. Sometimes I feel that the people in our branch give us the go ahead to baptize because they just want more members. They don't realize sometimes that there are rules and procedures and steps to follow. God is a god of ORDER! Oh well... so yeah, she won't be getting baptized this Saturday. I am kind of nervous to bring up the law of chastity again with her. We have to tell her that she can get baptized if she separates from her "husband" until they are "married" enough... we will find out how much faith and desire she has. So that is Rachelle. Sorry this story is kind of scattered... the internet is acting like crap... oh wait I'm in Africa. I hope we can get her to those sacred waters...
Lets see... what happened this last week that was interesting. I saw a wasted drunk old man! It was hilarious!! I got it on video! I have filled up a memory card and already have over 100 photos/videos on this other memory card, so I will send them home soon so you can check it out.
Oh! I ordained one of my converts to the office of an Elder and conferred upon him the Melchizedek Priesthood! It was such a neat experience and I was honored that he wanted me to do the ordination. It went well! I don't think I said anything weird in french so that's good! French is still pretty difficult...well take that back. There are days where it is a piece of cake and then there are days where it kicks my butt. I can't wait until I can basically say anything that I want to say and not have to sit there and think for a while on how to form a sentence or whatever. I need my line of authority so I can give it to him.
Here is a funny story...you might not want little kids to read this one. I will try
to use the best language I can so they won't be able to understand what I am saying. There was one day where Elder Pister and I woke up and our backs were soooo sore. Actually, our whole bodies were sore. It was the day after golf. Well, we went to Jimmy's garage and we were talking with him and we somehow got on the subject of how our bodies hurt so he went into his car and pulled out these flower blossom/seed blossom things and he gave them to us and had us eat them. It was seriously one of the most disgusting things I have ever eaten. They were a little bigger than an almond. As we were eating, he told us how it would help out with our body pain and then he went on to explain how it would help out with other things too... cough at night cough. We basically ate the African purple pill... I think that is what it is called. It was a little too late to do anything though... but no worries. It did absolutely nothing! :)
Well, I hope all is well back at home! I am glad to hear that everyone is doing alright. I'm glad Bronson is doing well too! I saw this baby that was around 18months old and it was weird thinking that that is how old and big Bronson will be when I get home. Craziness... I love you!!
Avec amour,
Elder Schmid
Bringing the Gospel to Yaounde, Cameroon
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Hello Mom!
So, myldsmail.net isn't working for me right now so I am on my gmail. I have no clue what's up... the past two weeks it has been acting up on me. So I haven't read your email yet. I am going to write out everything and try to check to see if the other email will open and read your email and answer questions... Allors je suis désolé! (Therefore, I'm sad)
This past week has been awesome! I love working with Elder Pister so much. This kid is so awesome! We are always laughing and having a good time... and working hard, of course. This past week though has been a bummer. It has been a week of ratévous ... Even with all the ratévous we were still able to pull off 21 lessons, so I am not too bummed.
So, here are some funny things that have happened in the last week. Elder Pister and I were with this family and they invited me to say the closing prayer and as I was praying, one of the women, who is about 30 years old, farted sooo loud! I almost busted up laughing in the middle of the prayer, so I had to pause for a couple of seconds to regain my composure and then continue. I am just super happy that we were able to finish and get out of there before the smell wreaked havoc. I was walking back from the Thompsons with Elder Pister and I started talking to these little kids that we were passing... just saying the 'good evenings' and what not and then I continued walking this older girl said hi to me and then said in her Cameroonian English, "I like your height." I didn't really know what to say, so I just said thank you and kept on walking. I guess it's nice to know someone likes my height over here. I feel like a giant sometimes.
Something terrible happened on Thursday... Elder Pister and I were waiting by the taxi trying to get across town and as I was standing there we heard all of this screaming and so we looked over and there was this HUGE mob and in the front was this man walking shirtless and he was all bloodied up. People were throwing huge rocks at his head and body and they were kicking him in the face... basically killing him. A taxi quickly pulled up and picked us up right as the group got to us... I was so traumatized. They were basically killing a man right in front of my eyes. Here in Cameroon, well actually in a lot of African countries, if they catch a thief they will beat him and sometimes kill him. In Douala, sometimes they stone them with huge cinder blocks and other times they will throw them in a huge stack of tires and light them on fire... It is so sad. Every time we talk to people about it they always say it's better that way. Basically, the thief learns his lesson... or dies. It is such a different world over here. It was so scary. It was right in front of the prison and the guards did absolutely nothing. I don't ever want to see that again... it is so different when you see violence like that in real life. I am fine though... nothing happened. It was just hard emotionally to swallow that.
Alright, so my email is working now let's see if there are any questions I can answer... alright so about the water and electricity question. We run out of water almost every week. When that does happen we have four bidos that we have our guardian fill up and we use that for showers and whatever else... but we try to avoid using it a lot because it is not filtered... straight from a well or something. And those are very dirty here. The power doesn't go out that often, but when it does it sucks. We have candles that we light... romantic. When the power is out, the water doesn't get pumped up to the apartment so it's a double blow. Usually it isn't out for that long. The longest has been about 4 hours, I think. It really doesn't bother me though. We can flush the toilets with the extra water that we have, but that's the thing... after showers we don't have any. We have had some pretty ripe situations... you all have it so nice at home.
Today was AWESOME!! We went to the golf course at the base of Mt. Fébé and hit up the driving range. It felt so good to hit a golf ball again. I was SMASHING these balls. I had no clue what was up with me. I had never hit that good in my life. I was using #3 driver and I was hitting it out of the driving range and into the bush/jungle at the end of the range. The guy had to take away some of my clubs because I was losing their balls... Over here they don't have a ball machine to go around and pick up the balls... well, take that back, they do... it is a man walking around with an orange shirt with absolutely no protection. CRAZY! He was at the very end of the range and I turned to Elder Pister and said, "Hey, I'm taking him out." and I swung and I had one of the most beautiful hits... it soared... directly towards the guy! I was scared because I actually thought I was going to nail him! Luckily I missed him by no more than 10 feet. It was nuts... he was probably a little over 300 yards away and I only missed him by 10 feet. Talk about luck... there is no way I could have been that accurate with next 100 shots. The best thing is that I got it on film... awww yeah! You will be able to check it out when I come home. I might send home my memory card again. After I copy everything over to another card just in case the one I send gets stolen. Speaking of stolen, I got a letter from the Kettenrings and I guess they put money in the letter but the money never got to me. So, for all those who would like to send money... just tell them to put it in my bank account or something... or not even send it and save their money. I would much rather get a letter. And as for packages... never send them in a box because they ALWAYS open up the boxed ones. None of my envelope packages have been opened so I think that would be the way to go to make sure nothing gets taken. And when you send back the memory cards hide them very well. Even if it is in an envelope package... I just don't want to take the chances. And get creative with how you hide them.
So, we had zone conference this week and it was incredible!! Elder Renlund from the 70 and his wife were here along with President and Sister Jameson. It was such a powerful conference and I could feel the spirit so strong throughout the whole thing. It was awesome being able to talk to Elder Renlund, one on one, about the gospel. That man is a genius! Him and his wife busted out iPads... it was weird seeing those. You should send me one :) I loved talking with President Jameson, as well. It's hard only seeing him only once every 2 months...and when we do, it is only for like 6 hours. I don't complain though...that man has a very time consuming and difficult job. I am so in awe over all that he accomplishes. I know that he cares for me and wants the best for me and that is all that matters. I was talking to Sister Renlund and she couldn't believe that I have only been a missionary for 6 months. I guess she thought my little insights and thoughts throughout the conference were very wise and profound... It really made me happy to hear that.
Hmmm... I don't know what else to tell you. I haven't read your email all the way through yet. I just searched the question marks so I could answer your questions. I am going to try to do better with that. I love you so much and I hope that all is well back home! Thank you for sending pictures of Bronson! That kid is cute! I wish I could hold him... I love being with children right after they are born... that way they can't leave you and fight you when you try to hold them. Until next week!!
Je t'aime,
Elder Schmid
So, myldsmail.net isn't working for me right now so I am on my gmail. I have no clue what's up... the past two weeks it has been acting up on me. So I haven't read your email yet. I am going to write out everything and try to check to see if the other email will open and read your email and answer questions... Allors je suis désolé! (Therefore, I'm sad)
This past week has been awesome! I love working with Elder Pister so much. This kid is so awesome! We are always laughing and having a good time... and working hard, of course. This past week though has been a bummer. It has been a week of ratévous ... Even with all the ratévous we were still able to pull off 21 lessons, so I am not too bummed.
So, here are some funny things that have happened in the last week. Elder Pister and I were with this family and they invited me to say the closing prayer and as I was praying, one of the women, who is about 30 years old, farted sooo loud! I almost busted up laughing in the middle of the prayer, so I had to pause for a couple of seconds to regain my composure and then continue. I am just super happy that we were able to finish and get out of there before the smell wreaked havoc. I was walking back from the Thompsons with Elder Pister and I started talking to these little kids that we were passing... just saying the 'good evenings' and what not and then I continued walking this older girl said hi to me and then said in her Cameroonian English, "I like your height." I didn't really know what to say, so I just said thank you and kept on walking. I guess it's nice to know someone likes my height over here. I feel like a giant sometimes.
Something terrible happened on Thursday... Elder Pister and I were waiting by the taxi trying to get across town and as I was standing there we heard all of this screaming and so we looked over and there was this HUGE mob and in the front was this man walking shirtless and he was all bloodied up. People were throwing huge rocks at his head and body and they were kicking him in the face... basically killing him. A taxi quickly pulled up and picked us up right as the group got to us... I was so traumatized. They were basically killing a man right in front of my eyes. Here in Cameroon, well actually in a lot of African countries, if they catch a thief they will beat him and sometimes kill him. In Douala, sometimes they stone them with huge cinder blocks and other times they will throw them in a huge stack of tires and light them on fire... It is so sad. Every time we talk to people about it they always say it's better that way. Basically, the thief learns his lesson... or dies. It is such a different world over here. It was so scary. It was right in front of the prison and the guards did absolutely nothing. I don't ever want to see that again... it is so different when you see violence like that in real life. I am fine though... nothing happened. It was just hard emotionally to swallow that.
Alright, so my email is working now let's see if there are any questions I can answer... alright so about the water and electricity question. We run out of water almost every week. When that does happen we have four bidos that we have our guardian fill up and we use that for showers and whatever else... but we try to avoid using it a lot because it is not filtered... straight from a well or something. And those are very dirty here. The power doesn't go out that often, but when it does it sucks. We have candles that we light... romantic. When the power is out, the water doesn't get pumped up to the apartment so it's a double blow. Usually it isn't out for that long. The longest has been about 4 hours, I think. It really doesn't bother me though. We can flush the toilets with the extra water that we have, but that's the thing... after showers we don't have any. We have had some pretty ripe situations... you all have it so nice at home.
Today was AWESOME!! We went to the golf course at the base of Mt. Fébé and hit up the driving range. It felt so good to hit a golf ball again. I was SMASHING these balls. I had no clue what was up with me. I had never hit that good in my life. I was using #3 driver and I was hitting it out of the driving range and into the bush/jungle at the end of the range. The guy had to take away some of my clubs because I was losing their balls... Over here they don't have a ball machine to go around and pick up the balls... well, take that back, they do... it is a man walking around with an orange shirt with absolutely no protection. CRAZY! He was at the very end of the range and I turned to Elder Pister and said, "Hey, I'm taking him out." and I swung and I had one of the most beautiful hits... it soared... directly towards the guy! I was scared because I actually thought I was going to nail him! Luckily I missed him by no more than 10 feet. It was nuts... he was probably a little over 300 yards away and I only missed him by 10 feet. Talk about luck... there is no way I could have been that accurate with next 100 shots. The best thing is that I got it on film... awww yeah! You will be able to check it out when I come home. I might send home my memory card again. After I copy everything over to another card just in case the one I send gets stolen. Speaking of stolen, I got a letter from the Kettenrings and I guess they put money in the letter but the money never got to me. So, for all those who would like to send money... just tell them to put it in my bank account or something... or not even send it and save their money. I would much rather get a letter. And as for packages... never send them in a box because they ALWAYS open up the boxed ones. None of my envelope packages have been opened so I think that would be the way to go to make sure nothing gets taken. And when you send back the memory cards hide them very well. Even if it is in an envelope package... I just don't want to take the chances. And get creative with how you hide them.
So, we had zone conference this week and it was incredible!! Elder Renlund from the 70 and his wife were here along with President and Sister Jameson. It was such a powerful conference and I could feel the spirit so strong throughout the whole thing. It was awesome being able to talk to Elder Renlund, one on one, about the gospel. That man is a genius! Him and his wife busted out iPads... it was weird seeing those. You should send me one :) I loved talking with President Jameson, as well. It's hard only seeing him only once every 2 months...and when we do, it is only for like 6 hours. I don't complain though...that man has a very time consuming and difficult job. I am so in awe over all that he accomplishes. I know that he cares for me and wants the best for me and that is all that matters. I was talking to Sister Renlund and she couldn't believe that I have only been a missionary for 6 months. I guess she thought my little insights and thoughts throughout the conference were very wise and profound... It really made me happy to hear that.
Hmmm... I don't know what else to tell you. I haven't read your email all the way through yet. I just searched the question marks so I could answer your questions. I am going to try to do better with that. I love you so much and I hope that all is well back home! Thank you for sending pictures of Bronson! That kid is cute! I wish I could hold him... I love being with children right after they are born... that way they can't leave you and fight you when you try to hold them. Until next week!!
Je t'aime,
Elder Schmid
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Hello Mom :)
Well, it sounds like everyone had a great new years! I can't believe that it is
already 2012! The world is going to end this year... weird. And did you
honestly believe that I would be in bed for the new year?? NO WAY!! Elder
Pister and I were out on our balcony banging the pots and pans!! I was so tired the next day though... but that's alright. It will only happen one more time on
my mission.
So, I know that you are all curious to know about Elder Pister. He is AWESOME! He is such a jolly man! Him and I just click. I know that the work will be great with this kid. He speaks really good french and he is a really good teacher. He is from Woodburn, Oregon. It was rough the first few days without Elder Lamb but after a day I was completely okay. I am always laughing with Elder Pister. He went to BYU before his mission and he knew a lot of kids from Mountain View. I busted out some school dance pictures and he knew a lot of people. Things will be awesome with him.
So, this past week was pretty good! It was kind of crazy because Elder Lamb was leaving so a lot of our 'teaching appointments' were really goodbyes. The people here love Elder Lamb. He has done so much good here in Ekounou 1. It sucked knowing that he would be leaving... I didn't want him to go. He was such an awesome companion. So, the day came that he left and the rest of the day I was with a branch missionary from my branch. His name is Jean Claude and he speaks super fast french... but I understood almost all of it! My french is really coming along and I know that my progression will jump with Elder Pister because his french is amazing. The people here think he is from France because his accent is so legit. Anywho, the night after working with Jean Claude I received a bunch a letters. I hate mail here... it takes so long for it to get here! But I am soooo grateful that you continue to send me letters. Those testimonies were awesome!! I loved reading that so much! Have you gotten my letters yet for all the family? I sent them back on the 15th or something like that. Aunt Lynne sent me a little package with a tiny christmas tree and tiny lights and tiny ornaments. I love it! I have it set up on our table in the living room. I have so many people I have to write back to... I have so little time here. I responded to Gunnar and Alisons letters and next I will be writing to the Kettenrings... and if the Kettenrings are reading this, I'm sorry! Your letters will be coming soon :) I felt so good after reading all my letters. So, the next day Elder Wagman and I spent a few hours trying to clean the apartment... It wasn't that much of a success. We hadn't had water for the past 4 days. All four of our toilets were full of goodness so it smelled pretty bad. Elder Pister showed up and I let him unpack and then we were out on the streets. Everyone wanted us to come by when he first got here so we had to make a few visits. I was just blown away with how awesome his french was. So anywho, I don't really know where I am going with this. I love Elder Pister. Things will be so awesome. He is very clean and I like that.
So, this past week I have really seen an improvement in my comprehension skills with french. I have been understanding a lot more lately. French has been kicking my butt since getting out here but I really feel I am getting a handle on this thing and pinning it down.
I can't believe that Dallin is 14!! Man, I remember when he was born and Grandma and Grandpa took Caelan and I out to breakfast and I kept on asking them what my little brothers name was because I couldn't remember it. I love that kid. How is he coming along in scouts? Back at the apartment before the transfers I was the only Eagle Scout... what the heck!
Well, I hope all is going well. I am glad that Bronson and you are doing fine. I love you so much. Thank you for the awesome emails. Talk to you next week!
Je t'aime,
Elder Schmid
Well, it sounds like everyone had a great new years! I can't believe that it is
already 2012! The world is going to end this year... weird. And did you
honestly believe that I would be in bed for the new year?? NO WAY!! Elder
Pister and I were out on our balcony banging the pots and pans!! I was so tired the next day though... but that's alright. It will only happen one more time on
my mission.
So, I know that you are all curious to know about Elder Pister. He is AWESOME! He is such a jolly man! Him and I just click. I know that the work will be great with this kid. He speaks really good french and he is a really good teacher. He is from Woodburn, Oregon. It was rough the first few days without Elder Lamb but after a day I was completely okay. I am always laughing with Elder Pister. He went to BYU before his mission and he knew a lot of kids from Mountain View. I busted out some school dance pictures and he knew a lot of people. Things will be awesome with him.
So, this past week was pretty good! It was kind of crazy because Elder Lamb was leaving so a lot of our 'teaching appointments' were really goodbyes. The people here love Elder Lamb. He has done so much good here in Ekounou 1. It sucked knowing that he would be leaving... I didn't want him to go. He was such an awesome companion. So, the day came that he left and the rest of the day I was with a branch missionary from my branch. His name is Jean Claude and he speaks super fast french... but I understood almost all of it! My french is really coming along and I know that my progression will jump with Elder Pister because his french is amazing. The people here think he is from France because his accent is so legit. Anywho, the night after working with Jean Claude I received a bunch a letters. I hate mail here... it takes so long for it to get here! But I am soooo grateful that you continue to send me letters. Those testimonies were awesome!! I loved reading that so much! Have you gotten my letters yet for all the family? I sent them back on the 15th or something like that. Aunt Lynne sent me a little package with a tiny christmas tree and tiny lights and tiny ornaments. I love it! I have it set up on our table in the living room. I have so many people I have to write back to... I have so little time here. I responded to Gunnar and Alisons letters and next I will be writing to the Kettenrings... and if the Kettenrings are reading this, I'm sorry! Your letters will be coming soon :) I felt so good after reading all my letters. So, the next day Elder Wagman and I spent a few hours trying to clean the apartment... It wasn't that much of a success. We hadn't had water for the past 4 days. All four of our toilets were full of goodness so it smelled pretty bad. Elder Pister showed up and I let him unpack and then we were out on the streets. Everyone wanted us to come by when he first got here so we had to make a few visits. I was just blown away with how awesome his french was. So anywho, I don't really know where I am going with this. I love Elder Pister. Things will be so awesome. He is very clean and I like that.
So, this past week I have really seen an improvement in my comprehension skills with french. I have been understanding a lot more lately. French has been kicking my butt since getting out here but I really feel I am getting a handle on this thing and pinning it down.
I can't believe that Dallin is 14!! Man, I remember when he was born and Grandma and Grandpa took Caelan and I out to breakfast and I kept on asking them what my little brothers name was because I couldn't remember it. I love that kid. How is he coming along in scouts? Back at the apartment before the transfers I was the only Eagle Scout... what the heck!
Well, I hope all is going well. I am glad that Bronson and you are doing fine. I love you so much. Thank you for the awesome emails. Talk to you next week!
Je t'aime,
Elder Schmid
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Bonjour,
So yesterday was incredible!!! I loved talking to you all so much! I honestly didn't even recognize Oma with her hair... and the camera was a little blurry. I was curious as to who that stranger was standing in the back. I can't believe that Bronson is already here! I am so stoked to have another little brother!! He looked so cute! It's weird to think that he will be 18 months old when I get back from the mission. That was the fastest 43 minutes of my life... I was so sad when it was over. I feel bad, I was telling everyone I loved them and I think I forgot to mention Ashlyn... So here is a little shout out to her: Ashlyn, I love you and everyone over here thinks you look like an angel :) I can't wait to see you again! I feel like I was barely able to say anything. I just couldn't believe that I was talking to you and seeing you! It was so awesome!
So, like I said last night, I went to the Gorilla Park today and it was AWESOME! We were like 5 feet away from these huge animals. We walked by the chimpanzees and they would run up and down a side of their huge cage and they would chuck their poop at you!! I got hit by a few chunks that was grated when it went through the chain link fence... it was so funny!! I got it on camera too!!! It was so fun running down the fence trying to get away from these stupid monkeys. This guy who helped drive us all there got nailed by some poop! NASTY! I got a picture in front of the HUGE tree. It was nuts... that thing is so ginormous.
So that was my day... right now I am sitting in a cyber burning up because the blinds here suck. Christmas was different not being with the family but I still loved it so much. Like I said yesterday, it has taken on a whole new meaning now being an official representative of Jesus Christ. What an incredible blessing. I am so grateful for this opportunity to be a missionary in Africa. I know the church is true!!
Je t'aime,
Elder Schmid
So yesterday was incredible!!! I loved talking to you all so much! I honestly didn't even recognize Oma with her hair... and the camera was a little blurry. I was curious as to who that stranger was standing in the back. I can't believe that Bronson is already here! I am so stoked to have another little brother!! He looked so cute! It's weird to think that he will be 18 months old when I get back from the mission. That was the fastest 43 minutes of my life... I was so sad when it was over. I feel bad, I was telling everyone I loved them and I think I forgot to mention Ashlyn... So here is a little shout out to her: Ashlyn, I love you and everyone over here thinks you look like an angel :) I can't wait to see you again! I feel like I was barely able to say anything. I just couldn't believe that I was talking to you and seeing you! It was so awesome!
So, like I said last night, I went to the Gorilla Park today and it was AWESOME! We were like 5 feet away from these huge animals. We walked by the chimpanzees and they would run up and down a side of their huge cage and they would chuck their poop at you!! I got hit by a few chunks that was grated when it went through the chain link fence... it was so funny!! I got it on camera too!!! It was so fun running down the fence trying to get away from these stupid monkeys. This guy who helped drive us all there got nailed by some poop! NASTY! I got a picture in front of the HUGE tree. It was nuts... that thing is so ginormous.
So that was my day... right now I am sitting in a cyber burning up because the blinds here suck. Christmas was different not being with the family but I still loved it so much. Like I said yesterday, it has taken on a whole new meaning now being an official representative of Jesus Christ. What an incredible blessing. I am so grateful for this opportunity to be a missionary in Africa. I know the church is true!!
Je t'aime,
Elder Schmid
Monday, December 19, 2011
Hey Mom :)
Wow, I can't believe that CHRISTmas is in only 6 days. In 10 days, I will have been out on my mission for 6 months!! Time is going by so fast! I love being on a mission so much. My testimony is growing and growing each and every day. This has been the most incredible experience I have ever had. Every night I listen to Christmas music and it makes me think of home and of my friends and family. Every single memory I had was being with family and spending time together and what not. That's what I love most about this time... Well, of course it's a beautiful time to really focus on Christ, but it is also a time where we spend so much time together. I'm going to miss that so much this year... not being with you, but I know that I will be blessed because I am out here. I was thinking about the feast that you are going to have at the Van De Graaffs... lucky. I could use some of your potatoes and steak.
So, this week went by soooo fast! I seriously can't believe that it is Monday already. I don't really have that many cool stories... I have CRAZY ones. So yesterday, our power was out the whole morning and we had no water... I have taken 7 bucket showers since December 3rd... no fun. Anywho, we were walking to church and we saw all these fallen power lines. I thought to myself, "hmmm... no wonder we don't have power" and right as I said that a mercedes drove right over the fallen lines and somehow they got caught on the underneath of the car and it started dragging them and pulling more lines down. It was crazy! There were power lines flying all around us! Luckily we weren't hit.
Now, that story is nothing compared to this next one. So that same day we were walking back down to our apartment and as I was walking I heard this little girl scream so I looked over at where I heard the noise and I looked at a gate to a drive way (if you could even call it a drive way) and through the little crack I saw a white car going backwards. I thought to myself, "No way..." and then BAM this white mercedes nails this fence open and comes rolling out. There was a little kid in the front seat with the door open. I guess he was playing with the car and he undid the emergency brake. Words can't describe the terror that was on this kids face. So anywho, this car just comes rolling no more than 10 feet in front of me and it was heading towards a 10 foot drop into a patio just in front of the doors of this church. There was absolutely nothing I could do... I just stood there and watched this kid roll off the edge and fall 10 feet. I quickly ran to the edge and jumped down to help him... I didn't realize how far the drop was until I had already jumped... and then I thought "ah crap." but all was well. I ran up to the kid and kept on asking "ça va? ça va?" The kid got out of the car and put on his sandal that had fallen off and was in complete shock. The first thing he said was a silent "merde" (google translate that one) and then he put his hands on his head and started screaming that word. Then he said "Quest-ce que j'ai fait?!" (What have I done?) Once I realized that he was completely alright I kind of chuckled because I knew that this kid was SCREWED!! He kept on saying that he was going to kill himself...that was a little scary but I think he was just overwhelmed with the thought of what kind of whippin was in store for him. Women love whipping their children here. No more than two minutes after the accident there was a crowd all around the car. Elder Lamb and I just walked back to our apartment and then I took a picture. You will see that soon. Crazy, right?! Its nuts because it happened RIGHT in front of us. I love my mission.
So, as far as skype and what not, I have no clue what the schedule is. When I find out I will let you know. Don't worry, you will know before Christmas Eve. I can't wait to see all of your faces and hear all of your voices! So when did you guys get skype? Do you have a new computer or did you by a web cam? I'm pretty sure I will have more than 30 minutes but I'm not exactly sure. I am so stoked!!
So, when the heck is that baby going to come? I have gotten my hopes up the last 3 times I have gone to email, but each time I read the same news. I hope all is going well with that. I pray for you and my little brother every day.
The work is going very well over here. Elder Lamb and I have been pushing 30 lessons a week the past couple of weeks! It's awesome! We are finding (I guess I should say 'being blessed) with so much success. I love Ekounou 1 so much. That branch is so solid. So on Sunday, this little girl went up to give a talk and gave a solid talk and she's not even a member! We are teaching her grandmother and she has been coming to church for the past month or two. How cool is that?! I'm not sure with how legal that is but I thought it was awesome.
Well, I have to go. I love you :) I pray for you and the family every day. Bon chance avec the baby! (Good luck with the baby)
Je t'aime,
Elder Schmid
Wow, I can't believe that CHRISTmas is in only 6 days. In 10 days, I will have been out on my mission for 6 months!! Time is going by so fast! I love being on a mission so much. My testimony is growing and growing each and every day. This has been the most incredible experience I have ever had. Every night I listen to Christmas music and it makes me think of home and of my friends and family. Every single memory I had was being with family and spending time together and what not. That's what I love most about this time... Well, of course it's a beautiful time to really focus on Christ, but it is also a time where we spend so much time together. I'm going to miss that so much this year... not being with you, but I know that I will be blessed because I am out here. I was thinking about the feast that you are going to have at the Van De Graaffs... lucky. I could use some of your potatoes and steak.
So, this week went by soooo fast! I seriously can't believe that it is Monday already. I don't really have that many cool stories... I have CRAZY ones. So yesterday, our power was out the whole morning and we had no water... I have taken 7 bucket showers since December 3rd... no fun. Anywho, we were walking to church and we saw all these fallen power lines. I thought to myself, "hmmm... no wonder we don't have power" and right as I said that a mercedes drove right over the fallen lines and somehow they got caught on the underneath of the car and it started dragging them and pulling more lines down. It was crazy! There were power lines flying all around us! Luckily we weren't hit.
Now, that story is nothing compared to this next one. So that same day we were walking back down to our apartment and as I was walking I heard this little girl scream so I looked over at where I heard the noise and I looked at a gate to a drive way (if you could even call it a drive way) and through the little crack I saw a white car going backwards. I thought to myself, "No way..." and then BAM this white mercedes nails this fence open and comes rolling out. There was a little kid in the front seat with the door open. I guess he was playing with the car and he undid the emergency brake. Words can't describe the terror that was on this kids face. So anywho, this car just comes rolling no more than 10 feet in front of me and it was heading towards a 10 foot drop into a patio just in front of the doors of this church. There was absolutely nothing I could do... I just stood there and watched this kid roll off the edge and fall 10 feet. I quickly ran to the edge and jumped down to help him... I didn't realize how far the drop was until I had already jumped... and then I thought "ah crap." but all was well. I ran up to the kid and kept on asking "ça va? ça va?" The kid got out of the car and put on his sandal that had fallen off and was in complete shock. The first thing he said was a silent "merde" (google translate that one) and then he put his hands on his head and started screaming that word. Then he said "Quest-ce que j'ai fait?!" (What have I done?) Once I realized that he was completely alright I kind of chuckled because I knew that this kid was SCREWED!! He kept on saying that he was going to kill himself...that was a little scary but I think he was just overwhelmed with the thought of what kind of whippin was in store for him. Women love whipping their children here. No more than two minutes after the accident there was a crowd all around the car. Elder Lamb and I just walked back to our apartment and then I took a picture. You will see that soon. Crazy, right?! Its nuts because it happened RIGHT in front of us. I love my mission.
So, as far as skype and what not, I have no clue what the schedule is. When I find out I will let you know. Don't worry, you will know before Christmas Eve. I can't wait to see all of your faces and hear all of your voices! So when did you guys get skype? Do you have a new computer or did you by a web cam? I'm pretty sure I will have more than 30 minutes but I'm not exactly sure. I am so stoked!!
So, when the heck is that baby going to come? I have gotten my hopes up the last 3 times I have gone to email, but each time I read the same news. I hope all is going well with that. I pray for you and my little brother every day.
The work is going very well over here. Elder Lamb and I have been pushing 30 lessons a week the past couple of weeks! It's awesome! We are finding (I guess I should say 'being blessed) with so much success. I love Ekounou 1 so much. That branch is so solid. So on Sunday, this little girl went up to give a talk and gave a solid talk and she's not even a member! We are teaching her grandmother and she has been coming to church for the past month or two. How cool is that?! I'm not sure with how legal that is but I thought it was awesome.
Well, I have to go. I love you :) I pray for you and the family every day. Bon chance avec the baby! (Good luck with the baby)
Je t'aime,
Elder Schmid
Monday, December 12, 2011
Hey hey hey!
Man, I can't believe that it has been another week. This week went by so fast and it was sooo awesome!! I love being a missionary so much! I have the privilege of seeing so many blessings and miracles every single day. This is the best job in the world.
So, something pretty funny happened last week. We went to go meet with one of our investigators but she wasn't there, and her husband wasn't either, so Elder Lamb and I just sat down on their front step and tried calling around for people that we could see. As we were sitting there, the grandmother walked up and started talking to us. I asked her how she was doing and she said that she wasn't doing too well. So, then I asked what was not going well. Haha, she told me that she has had diarrhea for the past two weeks and that she was throwing up and what not... I said, "wow, ça n'est pas bien!" (that's not good!) and she said "Oui! Je te dis!" (Yeah, I'm telling you!) haha it was pretty funny. Gross too.
Last Sunday, there was a man who came to church because a member in our branch introduced the church to him. So we set up a rendezvous with him this week and met him and his family and gave an awesome lesson. Well, he ended up telling us that he was Muslim and his kids were too... and as you all know, missionaries CAN NOT teach Muslims because of the problems that could come into their lives through converting to Christianity. We asked him if there would be any problems and he looked at us like we were stupid and basically said, "uh, no when you get old you can make your own decisions." So Elder Lamb and I are going to talk to President Jameson and see what we can do. His wife is catholic and was so excited that he was finally expressing interest in Jesus Christ and wanting to learn more. Their kids are pretty cool too! It was a little awkward at first. We had to wait at this huge catholic church for someone to come show us to their house and his 16 year old daughter came and she was dressed kind of sleazy... so it was weird walking in the dark with her. We got a lot of weird looks. I felt like such a creeper... and that wasn't the case at all!
We were teaching another one of our investigators with her granddaughter who is about 11 years old. Our investigator, Marthe, wasn't really understanding the stuff we were reading in 2 Nephi 31, and before we could explain it to her, her little granddaughter, who isn't even a member, started busting out the doctrine that is found in that chapter! It was so incredible. I felt like I was listening to a person who has been a member their whole life! A little later in the lesson she said something that opened my eyes a little... "Elle a dit," (You can't call anyone ugly). "We are created in the image of God and if you do you are insulting God." I felt like I was just slapped right across the face. I had never thought about this like that before. The day before that, I saw this french guy walking arm in arm with these 2 sleazy African women and I was telling Elder Lamb how he looked like a freak child predator and weird. And then this little girl said that little line and I was put in my place... figuratively speaking. It was a good chastisement.
So, on Sunday we went and met one of our investigators who was at church. We got there and started talking to her and she started talking about how she got back from work that morning at 6 in the morning and she didn't really want to go to church. But she had said to us that she would go. So she got down on her knees and started praying and said "Lord, if the Book of Mormon and this church are true, please give me the strength to get up and go to church." She said right at that moment she was overcome with joy and strength and she went to church! She told us how she knows now without a doubt in her mind that our message and that this church are true!! It was so awesome to hear that! And I understood all of it too! Elder Lamb didn't have to translate for me. I was so happy! Those are the kinds of things that I see every single day of my mission. I love this work so much!
As far as the skype, I can skype but I have no clue what the schedule will be. When I do find out I will email you first thing. I can't wait to see you and talk to you!
I love you all so much and I hope all is going well. And thank you so much for your emails... they are so awesome. I'm sorry my emails suck... anywho, I love you! I can't wait to find out that you popped and that I have another little bro layin around at chez-moi!!
Oh, and as for the blog, you are doing AWESOME!! Thank you so much. It looks so good! You're the best :)
Je t'aime,
Elder Schmid
Man, I can't believe that it has been another week. This week went by so fast and it was sooo awesome!! I love being a missionary so much! I have the privilege of seeing so many blessings and miracles every single day. This is the best job in the world.
So, something pretty funny happened last week. We went to go meet with one of our investigators but she wasn't there, and her husband wasn't either, so Elder Lamb and I just sat down on their front step and tried calling around for people that we could see. As we were sitting there, the grandmother walked up and started talking to us. I asked her how she was doing and she said that she wasn't doing too well. So, then I asked what was not going well. Haha, she told me that she has had diarrhea for the past two weeks and that she was throwing up and what not... I said, "wow, ça n'est pas bien!" (that's not good!) and she said "Oui! Je te dis!" (Yeah, I'm telling you!) haha it was pretty funny. Gross too.
Last Sunday, there was a man who came to church because a member in our branch introduced the church to him. So we set up a rendezvous with him this week and met him and his family and gave an awesome lesson. Well, he ended up telling us that he was Muslim and his kids were too... and as you all know, missionaries CAN NOT teach Muslims because of the problems that could come into their lives through converting to Christianity. We asked him if there would be any problems and he looked at us like we were stupid and basically said, "uh, no when you get old you can make your own decisions." So Elder Lamb and I are going to talk to President Jameson and see what we can do. His wife is catholic and was so excited that he was finally expressing interest in Jesus Christ and wanting to learn more. Their kids are pretty cool too! It was a little awkward at first. We had to wait at this huge catholic church for someone to come show us to their house and his 16 year old daughter came and she was dressed kind of sleazy... so it was weird walking in the dark with her. We got a lot of weird looks. I felt like such a creeper... and that wasn't the case at all!
We were teaching another one of our investigators with her granddaughter who is about 11 years old. Our investigator, Marthe, wasn't really understanding the stuff we were reading in 2 Nephi 31, and before we could explain it to her, her little granddaughter, who isn't even a member, started busting out the doctrine that is found in that chapter! It was so incredible. I felt like I was listening to a person who has been a member their whole life! A little later in the lesson she said something that opened my eyes a little... "Elle a dit," (You can't call anyone ugly). "We are created in the image of God and if you do you are insulting God." I felt like I was just slapped right across the face. I had never thought about this like that before. The day before that, I saw this french guy walking arm in arm with these 2 sleazy African women and I was telling Elder Lamb how he looked like a freak child predator and weird. And then this little girl said that little line and I was put in my place... figuratively speaking. It was a good chastisement.
So, on Sunday we went and met one of our investigators who was at church. We got there and started talking to her and she started talking about how she got back from work that morning at 6 in the morning and she didn't really want to go to church. But she had said to us that she would go. So she got down on her knees and started praying and said "Lord, if the Book of Mormon and this church are true, please give me the strength to get up and go to church." She said right at that moment she was overcome with joy and strength and she went to church! She told us how she knows now without a doubt in her mind that our message and that this church are true!! It was so awesome to hear that! And I understood all of it too! Elder Lamb didn't have to translate for me. I was so happy! Those are the kinds of things that I see every single day of my mission. I love this work so much!
As far as the skype, I can skype but I have no clue what the schedule will be. When I do find out I will email you first thing. I can't wait to see you and talk to you!
I love you all so much and I hope all is going well. And thank you so much for your emails... they are so awesome. I'm sorry my emails suck... anywho, I love you! I can't wait to find out that you popped and that I have another little bro layin around at chez-moi!!
Oh, and as for the blog, you are doing AWESOME!! Thank you so much. It looks so good! You're the best :)
Je t'aime,
Elder Schmid
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Hello Mom :)
I got your Thanksgiving card! Thank you so much for that! It was kinda weird getting that... because usually I sign that along with the family and we give it to someone, and now I am the recipient of it. I love it though :) I love the pictures, as well. Can you please send me some nice printed pictures that I can put in my photobook? I look at those all the time. Just like the ones you sent of our family pictures before we left. That would be awesome! It's good to hear that Caelan is doing well in choir. I am so bummed that I never did choir in high school. FORCE the kids to take it. Also I want to see some pictures of you being pregnant! I don't know why... I just do.
We had a lesson in Priesthood and it was about eternal marriage and then it somehow turned into a discussion about Heavenly Mother... It was very awkward... just the way they were talking about her and throwing out her title. Some of our members don't even believe in her and were debating... yikes! Elder Lamb had to basically bear testimony that yes, we do have Heavenly PARENTS and that there, in reality, is a Heavenly Mother. Elder Lamb is a stud.
We had three more baptisms this week! I am so blessed that the Lord is allowing me to experience all of this! We baptized an older lady named Paulette, and her two daughters, Laure and Isabelle. The two daughters are like 29 and 33. I was able to baptize Paulette and Isabelle. When I baptized Isabelle, before she was fully immersed she flew back out of the water... I don't know why. I always have the people who don't want to go down all the way. So we had to do it again and I shoved her down pretty far just in case she wanted to jump up again. After the baptism all of the missionaries in Yaoundé (10 including the Thompsons) went over to their house and we had a FEAST! There was sooo much food and it was so good! Well, some of it was. I ate chicken and cake bread :) I let the other missionaries eat the gumbo and fufu. That stuff is definitely not for me.
I finished writing in my first journal on December 2nd! It took me 157 days to complete it... and I wrote in it every single day. I am pretty proud of myself. It is so cool to look back and read about my life basically in the MTC and the first few months in Africa. You will have fun listening to some of my entries when I get back!
So, we got into a taxi one day to go over to an investigators house and we called "cent-cent" which is basically 40 cents. You can usually get a ride for that amount. Well because we are white the taxi men think they can get more money out of us. So we called our call and the taxi man hesitated for a little bit and then let us in and then he asked us "comment est-ce que vous connaissez 'cent-cent'?" (How is it that you know 'hundred-hundred'?) and I said "Par le pouvoir du Saint-Esprit vous pouvez connaitre la vérité de toutes choses!" ("By the power of the Holy Spirit you can know the truth of all things ! Moroni 10:5) It was pretty awesome. I felt pretty proud.
So we met this anglophone (able to speak english) lady the other day and her name is Désy (Daisy) and she is crazy! But she is so awesome! She was telling us that she used to visit with other missionaries, like a year ago, and she loved them so much. She said that they were best friends and that they would come over to her house and pray and talk about the gospel all the time. At one time, she said that the missionaries and her laid their hands on her sons head and she prayed and the next day he was speaking english! I couldn't believe that one... so we called the missionary who was with her that night and asked because we thought it was so funny and he was shocked that she said that... he said "WHAT?!?! No way! That didn't happen!" and then he said "yeah, we were spreading apostasy over there in Ekounou 1." haha it made for a good life. Well, anywho, Elder Lamb and I invited her to baptism at the end of the lesson and she thought about it and then she asked us if we were married and we said no, and then she asked us if we will ever get married, so then, I pulled out my picture book and showed her a picture of Alex and I and I told her that someday I hope that I will marry her. Well, she looked at Elder Lamb and I, and told us how happy she is that we will get married when we get back from our missions and she told me that she loves Alex so much because she is so pretty... then she accepted our invitation to baptism!! haha so, I need to thank Alex for helping one of our amis accept the commitment to be baptized :) She will probably be so embarassed when she reads this. I love you babe :)
So, that was my week. It was pretty good and I am very happy! I love this misson so much and I am so blessed that I am here right now. Everything is going so well. I hope all is well back at home. Enjoy the cold... it is so hot over here. I love you!
Avec amour,
Elder Schmid
I got your Thanksgiving card! Thank you so much for that! It was kinda weird getting that... because usually I sign that along with the family and we give it to someone, and now I am the recipient of it. I love it though :) I love the pictures, as well. Can you please send me some nice printed pictures that I can put in my photobook? I look at those all the time. Just like the ones you sent of our family pictures before we left. That would be awesome! It's good to hear that Caelan is doing well in choir. I am so bummed that I never did choir in high school. FORCE the kids to take it. Also I want to see some pictures of you being pregnant! I don't know why... I just do.
We had a lesson in Priesthood and it was about eternal marriage and then it somehow turned into a discussion about Heavenly Mother... It was very awkward... just the way they were talking about her and throwing out her title. Some of our members don't even believe in her and were debating... yikes! Elder Lamb had to basically bear testimony that yes, we do have Heavenly PARENTS and that there, in reality, is a Heavenly Mother. Elder Lamb is a stud.
We had three more baptisms this week! I am so blessed that the Lord is allowing me to experience all of this! We baptized an older lady named Paulette, and her two daughters, Laure and Isabelle. The two daughters are like 29 and 33. I was able to baptize Paulette and Isabelle. When I baptized Isabelle, before she was fully immersed she flew back out of the water... I don't know why. I always have the people who don't want to go down all the way. So we had to do it again and I shoved her down pretty far just in case she wanted to jump up again. After the baptism all of the missionaries in Yaoundé (10 including the Thompsons) went over to their house and we had a FEAST! There was sooo much food and it was so good! Well, some of it was. I ate chicken and cake bread :) I let the other missionaries eat the gumbo and fufu. That stuff is definitely not for me.
I finished writing in my first journal on December 2nd! It took me 157 days to complete it... and I wrote in it every single day. I am pretty proud of myself. It is so cool to look back and read about my life basically in the MTC and the first few months in Africa. You will have fun listening to some of my entries when I get back!
So, we got into a taxi one day to go over to an investigators house and we called "cent-cent" which is basically 40 cents. You can usually get a ride for that amount. Well because we are white the taxi men think they can get more money out of us. So we called our call and the taxi man hesitated for a little bit and then let us in and then he asked us "comment est-ce que vous connaissez 'cent-cent'?" (How is it that you know 'hundred-hundred'?) and I said "Par le pouvoir du Saint-Esprit vous pouvez connaitre la vérité de toutes choses!" ("By the power of the Holy Spirit you can know the truth of all things ! Moroni 10:5) It was pretty awesome. I felt pretty proud.
So we met this anglophone (able to speak english) lady the other day and her name is Désy (Daisy) and she is crazy! But she is so awesome! She was telling us that she used to visit with other missionaries, like a year ago, and she loved them so much. She said that they were best friends and that they would come over to her house and pray and talk about the gospel all the time. At one time, she said that the missionaries and her laid their hands on her sons head and she prayed and the next day he was speaking english! I couldn't believe that one... so we called the missionary who was with her that night and asked because we thought it was so funny and he was shocked that she said that... he said "WHAT?!?! No way! That didn't happen!" and then he said "yeah, we were spreading apostasy over there in Ekounou 1." haha it made for a good life. Well, anywho, Elder Lamb and I invited her to baptism at the end of the lesson and she thought about it and then she asked us if we were married and we said no, and then she asked us if we will ever get married, so then, I pulled out my picture book and showed her a picture of Alex and I and I told her that someday I hope that I will marry her. Well, she looked at Elder Lamb and I, and told us how happy she is that we will get married when we get back from our missions and she told me that she loves Alex so much because she is so pretty... then she accepted our invitation to baptism!! haha so, I need to thank Alex for helping one of our amis accept the commitment to be baptized :) She will probably be so embarassed when she reads this. I love you babe :)
So, that was my week. It was pretty good and I am very happy! I love this misson so much and I am so blessed that I am here right now. Everything is going so well. I hope all is well back at home. Enjoy the cold... it is so hot over here. I love you!
Avec amour,
Elder Schmid
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